"Don't you think," said Harriet, drawing him close to her and fondling his chubby hand, "that you could manage to love me best? I want your love more than Robina does." "Sorry," said Ralph again. "Then you do love her best?" "'Course," said Ralph, "much best." Harriet pushed him away. "Then I don't want to sit with you," she said, "nor talk to you. Go to Robina altogether. I--I suppose I am jealous; it is a horrid thing to be, but I suppose I am. You needn't have stayed at home for me this morning. I don't hate you; I was in a passion when I said I did; I love you very much but--I can't stand a love like yours, the greater part of which is given to Robina." "Shall I tell you why I love her?" said Ralph. "'Cause she is strong and good and brave, and she teaches I lots of things; and she lets I look into her face; and she tells stories--wonderful stories!" "Yes," said Harriet. She was gazing intently at the child. "Now you doesn't," said Ralph. "You did one day when I was with you, one day when you gave me picnic breakfast and we went to town and bought things for a picnic tea. But Robina does it every day; and I feel that she is strong, and--and--I can't help it--I have to love her best." "I will tell you what I am," said Harriet; "you had best know me for what I really am. I don't like Robina just for the simple reason that she is stronger than me, and she can tell better stories, and she has got Bo-peep and I have not; and she is cleverer than me and has taken my place in the form. I was happy enough before she came to school, but I am not happy now." "I am _so_ sorry," said Ralph. "It seems an awfu' pity, 'cause she can't help being clever. My father's clever: he can't help it. Does you hate him 'cause of his big, big brains?" "Oh, no, no--it's quite different. You don't understand what friendship means, Ralph." "Yes, I do: Robina tells me. When your friend isn't happy, you're not happy; that's one thing 'bout friendship. And you would do anything for your friend--anything: that's another. I heard father once speak of that. He did a wonderful big thing for a friend of his. I am always wanting to do a big thing for Robina, and a big thing for you. I know it isn't much, but I did stay home for you this morning." "So you did; and you are a dear little boy; and I wish I wasn't such a horror myself," said Harriet suddenly. "Leave me, now. Ralph: after all, there is nothing you can do for me. I am cross, I suppose, but I'll be better by-and-by." Ralph went away very sadly. He could not understand Harriet. His beautiful morning was wasted. Suddenly, he found himself back again by the round pond. The lilies were looking more lovely than ever in the sun. A dragon fly had just got out of his chrysalis, and Ralph watched him for a moment as he poised for flight.