me down for it afterwards. The fair Cornelia has a tongue of her
own and no mistake. But she was pleased underneath for all,
'cause she hates old Kitty Alec and she's real fond of you. _I_
can see through folks."

Mary sailed off, excellently well pleased with herself, leaving a
rather depressed little group behind her.

"Mary Vance always says something that makes us feel bad when she
comes up," said Una resentfully.

"I wish we'd left her to starve in the old barn," said Jerry
vindictively.

"Oh, that's wicked, Jerry," rebuked Una.

"May as well have the game as the name," retorted unrepentant
Jerry. "If people say we're so bad let's BE bad."

"But not if it hurts father," pleaded Faith.

Jerry squirmed uncomfortably. He adored his father. Through the
unshaded study window they could see Mr. Meredith at his desk.
He did not seem to be either reading or writing. His head was in
his hands and there was something in his whole attitude that
spoke of weariness and dejection. The children suddenly felt it.

"I dare say somebody's been worrying him about us to-day," said
Faith. "I wish we COULD get along without making people talk.
Oh--Jem Blythe! How you scared me!"