wrong, when a check from friends without authority to scold, does not
suffice to bring soberness instead of rattling giddiness. Lady de la
Poer was absolutely glad to break up the dinner, so as to work off
the folly and excitement by moving about, before it should make the
little girl expose herself, or infect Adelaide.

They intended to have gone into the gardens till four o'clock, when
the fountains were to play; but as they moved towards the great door,
they perceived a dark heavy cloud was hiding the sun that had
hitherto shone so dazzlingly through the crystal walls.

"That is nice," said Lady Fanny; "it will be cool and pleasant now
before the rain."

"If the rain is not imminent," began her father.

"Oh! is it going to be a thunder-storm?" cried Kate. "Oh dear! I do
so hate thunder! What shall I do?" cried she; all her excitement
turning into terror.

Before anyone could answer her, there was a flash of bright white
light before all their eyes, and a little scream.

"She's struck! she's struck!" cried Adelaide, her hands before her
eyes.

For Kate had disappeared. No, she was in the great pond, beside
which they had been standing, and Mary was kneeling on the edge,
holding fast by her frock. But before the deep voice of the thunder
was roaring and reverberating through the vaults, Lord de la Poer had