MARGERY. 75

» Margery gave an account of her afternoon’s misfortunes,
and her father put the ring in his pocket, saying he would
take it to be repaired.

“Where is Punch?” he asked.

“He came in here,” replied Margery. “I have no doubt
but that he is somewhere about. Oh, mamma, where do you
suppose that book can be? I couldn’t have dropped it on the
street, for I am positive I saw it on the chair in the hall with
my other books.”

Just then a noise under the sofa drew their attention to
Punch.

“Do see what he has there,” said Mrs. Douglas. “ He is
always pulling something to pieces.”

Margery went down on her hands and knees and pulled
Punch out, with the lost exercise book, badly torn, in his
mouth.

“Qh, look!” she cried. “It is the book, and it is all torn.
Oh, if only the right part is there I shall not care!” And she
hurriedly turned over the pages. “Yes, itis all right. Papa,
please go with me to Minnie’s; perhaps she can finish the
work, after all. I shall be so glad if she gets the medal.”

Her father willingly put on his hat, and in a few minutes
they were at Minnie’s door.

“Oh, Minnie, see! you will believe me now,” cried
Margery, when Minnie made her appearance.

Minnie was too glad to regain her book to say much, and