10 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

sors), without thinking of their probable des-
tiny.

“Your father will be nicely upset when he
hears of it,” continues my aunt, as she gives
an angry little shake to her work and takes
up her needle again; “however, you'd better
tell him yourself when he comes in, for I’m
tired of begging you off, as I am constantly
doing, and perhaps it will be a lesson for
you.” Two great tears which have been
blinding me for the last minute or so now
fall flop on the carpet, and after shining
there for an instant sink into the soft
pile.

“Come here, Madge, dear!” says Mother,
as she holds out her poor, thin hand to-
wards me; “did you not know that your
father had been rearing these particular
flowers for the great rose-show at M
week 2”

“No!” I say abruptly. “I knew he was
bothering and fussing about them; but I
thought they were for you, of course, and I
know you like to have them before they are

next