She turned away from her mother with a little sigh. She did not blame her for her want of feeling, she only winced as at a new revelation of her own unlovableness. Poppy, who all this while had been standing mute and considering, was at that moment struck by an inspiriting idea. "But, mother," she said gravely, "if we don't know how to behave properly Aunt Julia won't want us either, and then what shall we do! You will _have_ to take us with you," with rising hope in her voice, "and I am _sure_ daddy would be glad, and I _do_ want to go in the big ship and see daddy," with a deep sigh. "Oh, I _do,_" pathetically, "want to see daddy, so badly." "Don't talk nonsense, child. You can't remember your father. Why should you want to see him?" "I do. I want to see what he is like. Esther remembers him, and she wants to see him too. _Do_ take us with you, mother. We'll be--oh, ever so good. I _don't_ like Aunt Julia; she is _always_ cross, and I don't like cross people." Poppy had no fear or awe of any one. Every one but Aunt Julia had loved her always, and done their best to make her happy, even cross Lydia, and she in return rewarded them by a placid, sweet acceptance of their efforts, and allowing them to love her. "Mother," burst out Penelope eagerly, "couldn't we all go to boarding-school while you are away? It would be jolly, and ever so much nicer than living with Aunt Julia. I know we shall always be getting into scrapes if we go to her, and no one _could_ please her, Lydia said so." "Nonsense," said Mrs. Carroll warmly, "Lydia is a very rude girl to speak so of a lady, and my sister, and if I were remaining here I should not allow you all to go into the kitchen so much. It will be very good for you to try to please your aunt. Children don't know what is best for them, and--and they should learn to consider others before themselves." A grown-up observer might have smiled satirically at Mrs. Carroll's theories, so easily preached, so neglected in practice. "Now run away. I have so much to think of, my poor head is quite bewildered. I think I must have a cup of tea at once--will you tell Esther or Lydia to make it for me--or I shall have a dreadful headache, and I _must_ think out what outfit I shall require, or it will never be ready in time, and I must try to let the house, or we shall have to pay another quarter's rent, and there is the furniture to get rid of and--oh dear, oh dear, my poor head feels quite bewildered already; however _shall_ I manage it all, and by myself too! It is really too much to face alone--now, children, don't make a noise or you will drive me distracted."