44 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

confide in Simmons, as without doing so, I
feel sure he will never consent to my having
the pony carriage.

I begin at once by saying,—“ I’m afraid
I’ve got into a scrape with Father to-day.”

“No! have you, Miss?” says Simmons
with much interest.

“Yes,” I continue, “and I want you to
help me out of it.”

“Me help you, Miss Madge!” cries Sim-
mons, with astonishment.

“Yes,” I say calmly; “and if you'll really
promise to do what I want Pll tell you all
about it.”

Here I glance round to sce if there is any-
thing in shape of a seat, and seeing a wheel-
barrow handy, I perch myself thereon and
resume: .

“Yes, Simmons, do promise, and [ll tell
you.”

Simmons evidently thinks I am mad, for,
after staring at me for a few seconds, he
says:

“Surely you are joking now, Miss.”