dreamt you were awake. Dick is _much_ better; but he has been very bad,
and he must go to sleep."

"Mother, let me tell you! I am so _wicked_. _I felt sure_ they would not
be really naughty; I_ felt certain--_"

"Susie," said mother faintly, "_I_ must go to sleep too. Some other time
we will talk it over, but not now."

"But I can't sleep," said Susie, "unless I tell you first."

"Come, Susie, try. I am sure it would be a great comfort to make excuses;
but, just for once, choose the harder part, and say nothing. You and I,
Susie, must get our beauty-sleep."

She stroked the flaxen pigtail and gently unloosed Susie's clinging
hands.

"Come, let me tuck you in," she said.

"Nurse is going to stay with Dick. Susie, I am very, very tired."

Susie's sobs ceased suddenly, and she stood up straight. It was the
hardest battle she had ever fought, but she was never one for half
measures. In perfect silence she allowed her mother to lead her away and
tuck her comfortably into the little bed, where Amy patiently waited for
her, and then, still silently, she put her two arms round her mother and
hugged her.

"Oh, thank you, Susie," mother said gratefully.