want to know your friends, Malcolm; it seems to bring you nearer,"
and Anna's eyes grew wistful.

"Are you sure my mother will approve of your programme?"

Then Anna smiled and nodded assent.

"She will call me a silly, fanciful child," she replied laughing.
"Mother does not understand sentimentality; but I am a privileged
person on my birthday. Now, Malcolm, please do not throw cold water
on my little scheme."

"Certainly not; we will go to the Seven Dials if you like. Only I
wish I had known beforehand. Verity is occasionally like the
renowned Mother Hubbard, her cupboard is bare. You will have to put
up with plain bread and butter, I expect."

"What does that matter!" returned Anna scornfully. "Thank you,
Malcolm dear. Then we will have a real good time."

"I think we shall be able to carry out your modest programme,"
replied Malcolm. "Wait a moment, I have an idea. Suppose 'we beard
the lion in his den;' in other words, look up Caleb Martin and my
umbrella in Todmorden's Lane?" And then he gave Anna a graphic
account of the little adventure, and, as he expected, received her
warm approval.

"Oh yes, you shall take me there too," she observed. "I must see
that poor little Kit; it was so like you to think of her comfort;"
and here Anna laid a soft little hand on his coat-sleeve. "Malcolm,