16 MADGE’S MISTAKE.

were on the bunch I took Mother, and what
colour they are. Then I shall know what I
am about—for suddenly a wild idea has come
into my head.

I have some money—really a fair amount
for a girl of my age—for Aunt Lydia, my
godmother, sent me a pound on my birth-day,
the day before. There must also be five shil-
lings in my money-box, and I have a bright
half-crown which Mr. Featherstone, our vicar,
gave me for catching and driving home his
favourite cow, Moll, one day when she slipped
her cord and ran away; and also the five
shillings Father gave me yésterday for my
birth-day present.

I go through a mental calculation—five
and five are ten, and two and six are twelve
and six. One pound twelve and six in all!

I have not the least idea what flowers cost,
but I have a vague remembrance of some one
saying that they are most expensive things
to buy; but surely one pound twelve and six
is enough, and, if not—why, I suppose I

shall have to let Jack into my secret, and
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