Her pocket was stuffed quite full, and one end of a slice of cake peeped out, though she tried her best to press it down. But Abby had a hope that no one would notice it through her white apron. As Dotty's hair was now in fine order, the two children set out on their walk. They had gone but a few steps when Zip came trotting along, with all speed, looking up in their faces as if to say, "What have I done, that I can't go too?" "Queer what made _him_ want to come," said Abby, tartly. "He loves his little sister," said Dotty, stroking his nose. "He shall go, he shall; he's a darling." The dog kept beside the children, and every now and then Abby secretly punched him with a stick, while Dotty was patting his head, and chatting with him. It was a long way to aunt Martha's, and Abby, besides feeling guilty, and ashamed of herself, was also very anxious to eat the goodies which made such a bunch in her pocket. Zip seemed to know there was cake somewhere, and sniffed about in a way which made her rather nervous. "Here, let's creep under this fence," said she; "what's the use to go 'round by the road? It's a great deal nearer to your aunt's house through the field." "There, child," cried she, when they were on the other side of the fence, "now I want to go behind this clump of trees, to--to find a book I left here yesterday: but you mustn't come, Dotty." "What for can't I? Yes, I shall, Abby Grant; you shame yourself! I'm goin' every single where you go; so, now, you'll have to give up!" "Dot Parling, you go right along with your doggie! I'll come in a minute." Dotty thought a girl of Abby's age had no right to command her. She stamped her little foot, but it made no sound in the soft grass. "I isn't a-goin' to go long with my doggie, Abby Grant; 'cause--so there!" "But you must. You know, Dot Parling," said Abby, more gently, "your grandma expects you to do just what I tell you. I'm afraid, dear, you won't get any of that bubbled cream if you don't mind, nor any tarts." The child queen began to think it was wisest to obey; but she did so with a very ill grace. "Well, Abby Grant, I will go long with my doggie; but it's cause I'm tired, and don't want to help you find your old book--so, there!" "That's right. Dotty. Start quick--can't you?" Dotty took "high ground" at once. She looked Abby full in the face. "Do you like _yourself_, Abby Grant?" "I don' know. Yes: why?" "'Cause I shouldn't think you would! I 'spise you!" Having freed her mind, Dotty walked on with Zip, only turning back once, to exclaim,-- "There, Abby, now you'll have to give up!" Abby, naughty girl, ate her cake in secret, staining her white apron with the jelly, while little Miss Dimple trudged on, thinking it very strange Abby should be so long finding that book. Perhaps for the reason that she was rather out of sorts, and thinking about Abby rather than about the road, she missed her way, and soon found herself in a narrow lane she had never seen before.