"Not this cold day, I'm sure," said Sister Angelica, smiling at the request; "for no monkey could be out in this weather unless he had an extra fur coat and a hot water bottle for his toes. Yes, you may go but don't stay too long in the cold." But what if the Marchioness were to fail to make her appearance! They could not bear to think of this, and amused themselves for a little while by blowing upon the cold panes and writing their names and the Marchioness' in the vapor. But, at last--oh, at last, there she was! The fingers began to talk almost before they knew it. In some respects it proved to be a remarkable conversation, for it touched upon many and various topics, all of which proved of equal interest to the parties concerned. They lost no time in setting about the exchange of their views. "I'm going to a party," the Marchioness announced, smoothing her gown. "What time?" "Five o'clock, but I'm all ready. I am going to dance a minuet." This was a poser; but Flibbertigibbet did not wish to be outdone, although there was no party for her in prospect. "I can dance too," she signalled. "I know you can--lovely; that's why I told you." "I wish I could see you dance the minute." The Marchioness did not answer at once. Finally she spelled "Wait a minute," jumped down from the broad sill and disappeared. In a short time she was back again. "I'm going to dance for you. Look downstairs--when it is dark--and you'll see the drawing-room lighted--I'll dance near the windows." The two girls clapped their hands and Flibbertigibbet jumped up and down on the window sill to express her delight. "When do you have to go to bed?" was the next pointed question from Alice Maud Mary. "A quarter to eight." "Who puts you in?" This was another poser for even Flibbertigibbet's quick wits. "Wot does she mane?" Freckles demanded anxiously. "I dunno; anyhow, I'll tell her the sisters." "The sisters," was the word that went across the street. "Oh, how nice! Do you say your prayers to them too?" Freckles groaned. "Wot yer goin' to tell her now?" "Shut up now till yer hear me, an' cross yerself, for I mane it." Such was the warning from her mate. "No; I say them to another lady--Our Lady." "Oh gracious!" Freckles cried out under her breath and began to snicker. "What lady?" The Marchioness looked astonished but intensely interested. "The Holy Virgin. I'll bet she don't know nothin' 'bout Her," said Flibbertigibbet in a triumphant aside to Freckles. The Marchioness' eyes opened wider upon the two children across the way. "That is the mother of Our Lord, isn't it?" she said in her dumb way. The two children nodded; no words seemed to come readily just then, for Alice Maud Mary had given them a surprise. They crossed themselves. "I never thought of saying my prayers to His mother before, but I shall now. He always had a mother, hadn't he?"