Lottie looked at her in horrified sympathy, but not a sigh of regret clouded the beaming face; the head was tilting to and fro in its usual complacent fashion, the shabby little flounce of a skirt was whisking to and fro. Such a depth of poverty seemed incomprehensible to the child of wealthy parents, and she was moved to an unusual desire to help. Never before had she been known to lend one of her possessions to another girl, but now she said quite eagerly-- "I have a lace collar, Pixie--a very pretty collar--I'll lend it to you, and a white ribbon for your hair! It would lighten your dress wonderfully; and there is a brooch too, and a little gold bangle." She paused, looking inquiringly to see the result of her offer, for one could never tell how it would be received. Some girls might be pleased, others might consider it almost an insult, and she would be sorry to offend the funny little thing. But Pixie was not offended. She had too much of the O'Shaughnessy blood in her veins to object to have things made easy for her at the expense of another, and she felt no embarrassment in taking the good things that came in her way. "Oh, ye darlin'!" she cried rapturously. "Will ye lend them to me, really? Think of me now with a bracelet on me arm, and a brooch at me neck! They wouldn't be knowing me at home. I wish to-day was Tuesday; and what shall we do with ourselves all the hours before it's time to dress up?" Lottie referred the question to Margaret, who, as head girl, had been busy thinking out plans for the enjoyment of her friends. "I thought of asking if we might go to see the Cinematograph at the Polytechnic," she replied. "Miss Phipps promised to take us some day, and if we could do some shopping first, and have tea afterwards, it would be a delightful way of spending the afternoon. There is one thing that we must buy while we have the chance, and that's a present for Fraulein. Her birthday is next week, and she is such a kind old dear that she deserves something nice. I want at least a shilling from everyone, and as much more as they can afford. I wonder what we had better get?" "I know what she would love! A scent-bottle for her dressing-table like the one Mademoiselle has. We could not afford one quite so good, but we could get a very nice size for about two pounds. One day when I was in Mademoiselle's room, Fraulein came in and took up the bottle, and began admiring it, and saying how nice it was to get presents which were good to look at, as well as to use. She has not many pretty things--poor Fraulein!--and I think she would really enjoy a taste of luxury. Mademoiselle has her initials engraven on the glass, but that would be too expensive for us. We can have them on the stopper instead." "And who gave Mademoiselle her bottle? Was it someone here?" asked Pixie curiously, whereupon Kate tossed her head with an air of exaggerated dismay.