"Now, Mrs. Stacey," she said, "I must buy lots of things, and I wonder if you can help me. I have telegraphed to father to come here; but until he does I have only this much;" here she opened her purse and tumbled the contents on to the landlady's palm. Mrs. Stacey started back in some astonishment. Really this was a very fascinating young lady; but she had never met anybody quite so--so out of the common. "You can reckon it up if you like," said Kitty; "you will see that it does not come to two pounds. Now, do you know of a shop that would trust me--give me credit, I mean--for some things?" "What sort of things, miss?" "Oh, clothes, and a couple of trunks. You see, we are not respectable without trunks, are we?" "Oh, yes, Miss Malone, you are." "But do you know of such a shop? Please think very hard, Mrs. Stacey." "Williamson's round the corner will oblige you to any extent, miss, if you mention my name." "Then I'll go there immediately. Thank you; how very nice you are!" said Kitty. "Of course I ought not to be nice to you, miss, for it ain't right--no, that it ain't--to encourage runaways." "When you know our story you will be quite glad you encouraged us," laughed Kitty. "Then perhaps you'll confide in me, miss." Kitty colored and thought for a moment. "I think father must know it first," she said. "And now I must rush away to get the things that poor Elma requires." During the course of that day it could scarcely be said that Kitty Malone was without luggage; for two new trunks presently made their appearance, full to the brim with all sorts of dainty clothing both for Elma and herself. "Elma," she cried, dancing into the sick-room, "I have got two of the most charming hats you ever laid eyes on. Mine is sweetly becoming to me, and I am sure yours will suit you equally well; they are both big white leghorns, with great bunches of black feathers in front. Won't they look sweet with our new muslin dresses? Mine is pink, but I thought blue would suit you best. I expect dad to-morrow evening at the latest; and I am going to meet him at the station in my new hat and dress. There will be no doubt about his forgiving me when he sees me in them." Just then there was a tap at the door, and Kitty, rushing to open it, found a telegram awaiting her. She tore it open and read the following words: "Starting from Dublin by the night-boat, with you to-morrow.--DENNIS MALONE." "There, didn't I say he was a darling--the best, best darling in the world?" cried the excited girl. "Oh, won't he have a _caed mille afaltha;_ won't he? Elma, I am almost beside myself." "I don't know what you are talking about," said Elma. "What do you mean by those queer words?"