Frederica was often in the garret. Miss Robina, whose pet, as Tessie had said, she was, seldom refused her permission when she wished to escape from the other girls, few of whose lessons she shared, either for work or amusement. But taking tea there was another matter; and Frederica, rather tired of being dismal, entered eagerly into the preparations. Miss Robina did not object; on the contrary, she was very glad to let her have the pleasure, heartily wishing that she might share it. She did share it for a little while, and added to it. For she came upstairs, carrying in her own hands a tray, on which were some fresh "scones" and a bit of "paddie," each wrapped up in a snowy napkin, as was absolutely necessary to their perfection. She could not stay long-- only long enough to be thanked and petted, and called "bonny bird" and "good bairn" by Mistress Campbell. She had a beautiful and good face, though it was rather pale and tired-looking, Frederica thought, as she sat for a moment smiling in the flickering firelight; and the first thing she said, when she and Eppie were left alone, was,-- "How pretty and nice Miss Robina is! What a pity it is that she has to keep a school?" To this no reply was given. "It must be so tiresome to do the same thing over and over again every day of the year," added she. "There are worse things than that in Miss Robina's life, I'm thinking," said Eppie gravely. "Are there? Tell me about them," said Frederica, eager for a story. "I doubt you are no speaking with your usual discretion," said Mistress Campbell gravely. "We'll take our tea, and not meddle with what doesna concern us. There are few lives in which there are no troubles. Let us be thankful for our mercies." It was a very nice tea. Scones and fresh butter and honey, to say nothing of "paddies" and other nice things. And such delicious tea made in a funny little black teapot with a broken spout. Everything was charming, Frederica thought and declared. The novelty would have made it charming to her, though there had been nothing else to do so. They did not fall out of talk. Eppie asked questions about the holidays they had enjoyed; and entered with great interest into all the details Frederica gave her about her mother and Selina, and the drives they had had, and all they had enjoyed together. She grew grave as she went on to tell that her mother was not strong, but easily tired and troubled, and to wish that she could leave school, and stay at home with her always. Eppie was grave too, and occupied with her own thoughts for a little while; and as Frederica sat looking into the fire in silence, the unhappy feeling that had passed away in the interest of tea-drinking in such pleasant circumstances came back again. "Are you no going to wash the cups?" asked Eppie in a little.