80 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

on the south wall, and didn’t Icave the hot-
house more nor two minutes, leastways five
at the most, and when I came back, there
was the door, sir, as tight as wax, sir, and
the key nowheres as I could see.”

I here pull Jack’s sleeve, and whisper,
“Come along, don’t let us stay any longer; ”
and as we creep quietly out of the front door
we hear Father say, “More confounded care-
lessness; it will ruin the tree for this year.”

“Oh, Jack!” I say, when we are out of
sight and hearing, “I’m afraid we have got
poor Williams into an awful scrape. I wish
I hadn’t done it.

“Oh, well, never mind, cheer up,” says
Jack consolingly; “it will be all right in the
end.”

“Vm not so sure of that,” I say dejectedly.
“Oh dear! I wonder if I shall ever be like
other girls, and not always getting into
scrapes, as I am.”

“T sincerely hope you won't;” and as
Jack speaks he tucks my arm under his,
adding, “Come, cheer up, old girl; PI take