"No, I'll be there right after breakfast."

Games were started at this juncture, and then came refreshments. Soon
afterwards, the guests took their departure. The "Cherub" said in
parting:

"We'll have a jolly time with the stilts, Beth. I've been wanting to
teach somebody for a long time."

Laura and Beth had a merry time together until tea-time. Then, after
tea, Laura's older sister, Florrie, told them stories. Beth was simply
fascinated. She could listen forever, she thought, and not grow weary.
Florrie made her characters live by the magic of her voice and words.

Just before it was time for the children to retire, Florrie took down
the Bible and read a chapter to them.

Then the children went up-stairs to bed. They had a pillow fight after
they were in their night-dresses. Sad to relate, in the scuffle, their
clothes were strewn around the room, and Beth carelessly failed to
gather hers together again.

They talked in bed until Mrs. Corner called to them to stop. Laura
soon fell asleep, but Beth's heart, again, grew heavy. She missed the
good-night kiss from her mamma, and tears rose to her eyes. She tried
not to sob for fear of awakening Laura. Minutes seemed hours to her.
She realized more than ever the depth of her love for her mother, and
she resolved in future to be the best girl alive. That resolve somehow
quieted her so that she fell asleep and forgot her heartache in