12 MADGE’S MISTAKE.

know the cause of the disappearance of a
certain riding-whip.

An awful idea strikes me! Can he have
started on his ride (I know he was going to
M about some meeting or other), and can
he have seen me in the hot-house from over
the hedge, and can he have come back
with—?

The door is thrown open; but before the
person behind it can step into the room I
have rushed across to the door of the con-
servatory, which stands invitingly open, Ar-
rived there, I look round to see if I have
escaped observation, and am just in time to
see Father stalk up to Mother’s sofa, evi-
dently with the intention of asking where I
am. So I wisely stop to see no more, and
without turning my head rush blindly on re-
gardless of all obstacles. Unfortunately a
large watering-can stands in my way, and
before I have time to pull up, my dress
has caught the long spout and toppled it

 

over.
A stream of water along the stone floor is