the time. I am thankful you have not known it, my dears.' There was a
strange rush of tears nearly choking her voice, and she shook them away
with a sort of laugh. 'That I should cry for that at this time of
day!'

Gillian raised her face for a kiss, and even Harry did the same. Their
hearts were very full, as the perception swept over them in one flash
what their lives would have been without mamma. It seemed like the
solid earth giving way under their feet!

'I am very sorry for poor Dolores,' said Gillian presently. 'It seems
as if we could never be kind enough to her.'

'Yes. Indeed I hope we may do something towards supplying her with a
real home, wandering sprites as we have been,' said Lady Merrifield.

'What a name it is! Dolores! It is as bad as Peter Grievous! How did
she get it?' grumbled Harry.

'That I cannot tell, but I think we must call her Dora or Dolly, as I
fancy your Aunt Jane told me she was called at home. I hope Wilfred
will not get hold of it and tease her about it. You must defend her
from that.'

'If we can,' said Gillian; 'but Wilfred is rather an imp.'

'Yes,' said Harry. 'I found Primrose reduced to the verge of
distraction yesterday because 'Willie would call her Leg of Mutton.''

'I hope you boxed his ears!' cried Gillian.