"You have spoilt your hat trimming," said Miss Woodford, taking the article (which evidently received little respect) from the small owner. "I did that jumping under the trees to get at the waterloos. I _had_ a feast, but ever so many tumbled on to me." "Well, now are you ready for breakfast?" "I'm not very hungry. James--James," shrilled the child, "bring me some cake and milk--and be quick!" "Better have your egg, missy," answered the man. "No, I won't! Cake--cake--_cake_----" "But the master said you must have your proper meal, Miss Ellice." "Then, I won't! Get that cake--swish!" and she swung her skirts round, scattering her flowers in all directions. "Very well," answered the man hopelessly, turning to retire. "Stay," said Miss Woodford firmly, "did I understand Mr. Medhurst said Miss Ellice was to have an egg for breakfast?" "Yes, miss, but she won't eat it when she wants cake." "Then she isn't hungry, and had better wait until lunch," answered the new governess. James's eyes grew round with astonishment. Two governesses had been tried before, but they had both departed in a week, utterly defeated by the small person who now stood between them, her eyes blazing defiance. "I don't care what you say, I _will_ have cake; I'll go and ask Betsy." With this the small figure flew to the kitchen, demanding attention to her wants in a storm of passionate cries. "Yes, yes, missy, I'll get the tin down. Don't make such a fuss, dearie, you'll disturb your poor mamma," entreated cook persuasively. "Miss Ellice is not to have any cake, Betsy," said Miss Woodford's voice decidedly. The woman turned round to find the new governess standing by her side. She looked her amazement, and then dropped her hands from the cupboard: "Very well, miss." The colour rushed to Ellice's face, words seemed to fail her for a moment, then, with a stamp of her foot, the child turned and fled out of the kitchen and disappeared down the drive, and was lost in the adjacent woods. A sigh broke from the cook. "There you have it, miss. You'll never be able to manage her, I'm afraid; she's just too much for all the governesses what comes." "Anyway I must try, mustn't I, Betsy?" answered Margaret, adding, "It's my duty. Poor little thing, she does need someone to help her," finished Margaret, as she turned back into the hall. "Someone to help her!--umph. She's a bit different from the others. James, think she'll do?" asked his wife, amazement in her voice. "I--don't--know--I give it a week," answered the man grimly. "Saturday is the test."