CARROTS IN TROUBLE. 67

“You didn’t know nurse had lost a_half-
sovereign !’’ exclaimed Mott. “Carrots, how

dare you say so?”

“Yes,” said Carrots, looking so puzzled that

for a moment or two he forgot to sob; “I did
know: Floss told me.”

“Then, how caz you say you didn’t know this
was nurse’s?” said Mott.

“Oh, I don’t know —I didn’t know —I can’t
under’tand!” cried Carrots, relapsing into fresh
sobs.

“T wish your mamma was in, that I do,”
said nurse, looking ready to cry too; by this
time Floss’s tears were flowing freely.

“She isn’t in, so it’s no good wishing she
was,’ said Maurice; “but papa is,” he went
on importantly, “and I'll just take Carrots
to him and see what e’/ say to all this.”

“Oh, no, Master Mott! don’t do that, I beg
and pray of you,” said nurse, all but wringing
her hands in entreaty. “Your papa doesn’t
understand about the little ones: do wait till

your mamma comes in.”