"Madge is a genius of the first order. Charlie and the boys all
swear by her, and say she would beat the fellow that invented the
carnivals."

"Fred, do be moderate," cried Marguerite; who at the same moment
could not repress a feeling of pride in the boy's earnestness and
filial affection.

But Fred, was not to be gainsaid, and edged in his witticisms with
an air of infinite satisfaction. Trinity chimed out the hour of
twelve, and served as a reminder for the withdrawal of the guests.
Josie had succeeded in getting up a first-class encounter with the
indomitable Fred, and then beat a hasty retreat, utterly regardless
of the least approach to etiquette.

"I will see you again before you go away, Helen?"

"Yes, my dear Madge," cried the other putting her arms around
Marguerite in a sweet caressing manner, "and I shall have one more
chat that will last until I see your dear old face again."

Marguerite Verne stood in the outer doorway waving adieu and
throwing tokens of affection to the two young girls until they had
crossed Queen Square and were lost to view.

On returning to her room a formidable array of letters lay awaiting
their owner.

A glance at the address of each was sufficient. Marguerite rapidly
seized a large square and heavy one from among the number and very