104 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

This reminds me,” adds Mother suddenly;
“JT have wanted to know several times how
you had managed about the roses; but I did
not like to ask you. Your aunt and Miss M.
said they fancied your plans had been suc-
cessful, but this is all I have heard, and I
thought, perhaps, you might like to tell me
all about it now.”

This announcement is wholly unexpected,
and I am puzzled as to what I shall say in
answer. Having carefully plaited and un-
plaited the fringe of the anti-macassar on
Mother’s sofa, however, I say:

“Td rather tell you when the show is over,
Mother dear; I shall be in such a state of
mind until I know whether Father has the
prize or not; but to-morrow I'll tell you all
about it.”

“Very well, dear,’

Py

replies Mother. “As
long as you can assure me that all you have
done is honourable and right, you have my
best wishes for your success, dear. Of course
you will tell your father afterwards?”

“Oh, yes! of course,” I answer briskly,