"P'ease take care, sister," she lisped. "Don't step on our b'ocks, 'cause Larry an' me is buildin' a big castle." "Baby, baby, 'Larry an' me is buildin'?'" Gladys shook her fluffy head impatiently. "I haven't got any time to bovver. I'm velly busy." Helen laughed, and dropping down upon the floor, began to lend a helping hand. Gladys sank back on her heels with a complacent sigh. "Build a booful one, sister, big as this," raising her arms high over her head. Helen nodded, but paused from her task, block in hand, to give a glance at Willie. "Put down your book, dearie," she said to him. "This is the worst possible light to read in. You will ruin your eyes." Willie heaved a sigh as he closed the precious book and, stretching himself after his cramped position, rose slowly to his feet, and joined the group before the fire. Flinging himself down near Helen, he laid his head in her lap. She patted his little round face affectionately, and went on with her castle-building. The setting sun had broken through the clouds, and a flood of yellow light streamed through the western windows. From the huge logs in the fireplace an increasing volume of flames roared up the chimney, its ruddy glow illuminating the eager faces of the children, intent on every movement of their sister's deft hands. The truly wonderful house of blocks was nearing completion when Jean came quietly into the room. For a moment she stood silent in the shadowy doorway contemplating the pretty scene with wistful eyes. As she approached more nearly she unconsciously echoed Helen's words of a few moments past. "Well, you look very happy, all of you." Helen laughed softly. "This is an exciting moment, Jeanie, so you must not marvel if we are not very talkative." Jean leaned against one side of the old-fashioned chimneyplace, and absently watched the placing of the last few blocks. "Gladys," she whispered, after a moment, "what do you think I saw just now?" "What, Jeanie?" lifting her flushed face to her sister's. "Mary on her way upstairs with your supper, and oh, what cookies!" "Goody!" cried Larry, springing to his feet with a bound which brought the beautiful castle tumbling to the ground. "You naughty boy!" scolded Gladys crossly. "See what you done!" Jean took the angry, pouting little face between her hands, and smiled tenderly down into the tearful eyes: "It is hard luck, baby, but you might as well get used to having your castles demolished." "It's a shame," grumbled Willie, who was almost as disappointed as his little sister. "Larry's always rough." "Never mind, dear," interrupted Helen, rising from the floor. "I am sure Larry didn't mean to upset the house, and in any case we could not leave it in Mary's way." "Bother Mary." "Hush, Willie, you must not speak so. Now run away and dress for dinner. Larry and Gladys must have their supper." Jean followed her sister out into the hall, and laid a detaining hand on her arm.