Susan was rather elated at escaping housework, and at being allowed to go out so early in the morning. She was especially fond of Judy, and would do anything in the world for her. Now, therefore, principally on Judy's account, but also in the hope that the baker might happen to see her as she passed his shop, she put on her very smartest hat and her very best jacket, and patiently waited in the front hall for Judy's appearance. Hilda came out of the drawing room to see the two as they went off. "You had better take an omnibus, and get out at Kensington Gardens," she said to the maid. "I shall expect you back in time to get lunch ready, Susan. Judy pet, give me a kiss before you go." Judy had lost her roses now, her face was pale, and there were dark shadows under her big eyes. Her little voice, however, had a very stout, determined tone about it. "Good-by, Hilda," she said; "one kiss--two, three kisses, Hilda; it is good of you to let us out,--and we are going to be so jolly. Good-by, darling Hilda." "Good-by, Judy," said Hilda. She kissed the child, but in a pre-occupied manner--the cloud which weighed on her heart was oppressing her, and dulling her usually keen perceptions where Judy was concerned. "It's all the better," thought the little girl, "it's easier to say good-by when she's not extra loving." Hilda went back to her accounts, and Judy and Susan walked down the terrace, and turning the corner were lost to view. They had gone on a little way, and Susan was about to hail a passing omnibus, when Judy suddenly put her hand on the servant's arm. "Susan," she said, "I am going to tell you the secret now. You'll be _sure_ to keep it?" "Well, of course, miss, I'll do my best--I hope I aint one of the blabbing sort." "I don't think you are, Susan--you look as if a person could trust you. I'm going to trust you with a most important thing." "Very well, miss--I'll be proud I'm sure; but hadn't we better stop that 'bus--there's the conductor looking at us." "Does that 'bus go in the direction of Waterloo Station?" asked Judy. "Waterloo--bless you, Miss Judy--I don't know whether it do or not. I don't s'pose so for a quarter of a minute. Waterloo is miles from here--that I do know. But it's nothing to us where Waterloo is, miss, it's to Kensington Gardens we're going, and the 'bus has gone on now, so there's no good our worrying ourselves about it. Another will pass us in a minute. There are plenty half empty at this hour of the day." "I wish you would stop talking, Susan, and let me explain what I mean," said Judy, almost fretfully. "It's to Waterloo I want to go, not to Kensington Gardens. Do you hear me--do you understand what I'm saying?" "I suppose you're joking me, Miss Judy. My missis said we were to go to Kensington Gardens."