"I tell you what I will do," she said, "I will go with you into mother's room, and see you comfortably settled, and perhaps--I am not promising-- but perhaps I'll have tea with you in mother's room presently; but you must do the work, Molly; until mother is in bed to-night she is in your charge. Now, come along." Marcia took her sister to her own room. "Let me brush your hair," she said. "But you'll disarrange it." "Now, Molly, did not I always improve your style of hair dressing? Your hair looks a show now, and I could make it look quite pretty." In another moment Molly found herself under Marcia's controlling fingers. Her soft, abundant hair was arranged in a new style which suited her, so that she was quite delighted, and began to laugh and show her pretty white teeth. "Here is some blue ribbon which I have brought you as a little present," said Marcia.--"You might tie it in a knot round the neck of your white blouse. There, you look quite sweet; now put some smiles on your face and come along, dear, for mother must be tired of waiting." Mrs Aldworth was amazed when she saw the two girls enter the room hand in hand. "Oh, Molly," she said. "Good-morning, dear, you haven't been to see your old mother yet to-day, but I'll excuse you, my love. How very nice you look, quite pretty. I must say, Marcia dear, that my children are the beauties of the family." Marcia smiled. She went straight up to the open window. Molly fidgeted about near her mother. "Sit down, Molly, won't you?" said Marcia. "But why should she?" said Mrs Aldworth. "The poor child is longing to go out for a bit of fun, and I'm sure I don't wonder. Run along, Molly, my love. Marcia and I are going to have such a busy afternoon." "No," said Marcia suddenly. She turned round and faced Mrs Aldworth. "I must tell you," she continued, "I am really sorry for you and the girls, but they must take their share in looking after you. I will come to you at this time to-morrow, and spend the rest of the day with you. Molly, you can explain the rest of the situation. Do your duty, love, and, dear mother, believe that I love you. But there are four of us in the house and it must be our pleasure, and our duty, and it ought to be our high privilege, to devote part of our time to nursing you." CHAPTER FOUR. A REFRESHING TEA. The door closed behind Marcia. Mrs Aldworth was so astonished that she had not time to find her breath before the daring culprit had disappeared. She looked now at Molly. Molly, who had quite forgotten her role, turned to her mother for sympathy. "Oh, mother, could you have believed it of her? She is just the meanest old cat in existence." "But what is it, Molly? Do you mean to say that Marcia--Marcia--won't be with me, her mother, this afternoon?"