CHAPTER II.
AFTER school, as the afternoon was wet
there were games, and Edith entered into
them with such spirit as to be almost trouble-
somIe.
 Really, children," said a studiously in-
clined young lady, "I think a school-room
hardly a fit place for such childish amuse-
ments; you don't work yourselves, and won't
let others do so either; if you go on in such a
ridiculous manner I shall certainly complain
to Miss Campbell."
 "Now, Kate dear, do let us have this
one frolic." Edith sprang across the room
into her arms almost before Kate was aware
what she was about.
 "You are a darling, Edith," replied Kate,
returning her warm embraces; "but you three
ought to be more staid. I never saw such a
girl in my life; even grave old Grace grows
almost as bad when she is with you."
 "Yes," said Clara Lee, "that's the effect
of our cheerful society."
 As soon as they left the school-room, Kate
observed to her companion, Annie Hore, that
 B