pillow. But before she undressed for the night she stealthily made a
chink and took in the slice of cake Pin had left on the door-mat. Her
natural buoyancy of spirit was beginning to reassert itself. By brushing
her hair well to one side she could cover up the gap, she found; and
after all, there was something rather pleasant in knowing that you were
misunderstood. It made you feel different from everyone else.

Mother--sewing hard after even the busy Sarah had retired--
Mother smiled a stern little smile of amusement to herself; and before
locking up for the night put the dark curl safely away.




II.



Laura, sleeping flat on her stomach, was roused next morning by Pin who
said:

"Wake up, Wondrous Fair, mother wants to speak to you. She says you can
get into bed in my place, before you dress." Pin slept warm and cosy at
Mother's side.

Laura rose on her elbow and looked at her sister: Pin was standing in
the doorway holding her nightgown to her, in such a way as to expose all
of her thin little legs.

"Come on," urged Pin. "Sarah's going to give me my bath while you're with