158 MADGE’S MISTAKE.

I am so overwhelmed with this unusual
kindness that I am inspired suddenly to
lift up my face for a kiss, which Father
instantly gives; not the usual peck, but
actually a kiss on my forehead, and as he
gives it he says, “ There, never mind, little
girl, you've punished yourself enough this
time, I think!”

Away I rush out into the garden in search
of Jack, who by this time is tired of waiting
for me, I expect.

I find him before very long in the mena-
gerie, feeding the pups, so I rush in, and,
throwing myself down upon some hay ex-
claim: “O Jack! Father knows all about it,
and he hasn’t killed me!!!”

“Gracious me!” cries Jack, “you don’t
surely mean it?”

“ True,—true as I’m here,” I say, nodding
seriously. “That wretched old Mullins, the
gardener, you know, came this morning, and
wanted to go shares in the prize! Father
thought he was mad at first; then he came
and fell over me, for I was listening in a