he took no notice. He calmly left the room.

CHAPTER VIII.

HOLLYHOCK LEFT IN THE COLD.

The fire burned brightly in the ingle-nook, and the dogs, Tocsin and
Curfew, slept in perfect peace in close proximity to its grateful heat;
but Hollyhock was alone--utterly alone. She felt more miserable than
she had ever believed it possible to be in her hitherto joyous life.
She drew up a chair near the hearth, and the dogs came and sniffed at
her; but what were they, compared to Jasmine, Delphinium, and the
Precious Stones? As to Dumpy Dad, she could never have believed that
he would treat his little girl in such a heartless manner. Had she not
given up all for him, and was this her reward?

She felt a great lump in her throat, and a very fierce anger burned
within her breast. What right had Dumpy Dad and Aunt Cecilia to
forsake the only child who was true to them? The others were off and
away at their learning and their fun, perchance; but she, Hollyhock,
the faithful and the true, had remained at home when the others had
deserted it. She had been firm and decided, and here was her
reward--the reward of utter desolation.

'Get away, Curfew,' she said, as the faithful greyhound pushed his long
nose into her hand.

Curfew raised gentle, pleading brown eyes to her face; but being of the
sort that never retorts, he lay down again, with a sigh of
disappointment, close to Tocsin. He, too, was feeling the change, for
he was a very human dog, and missed the Flower Girls and the Precious
Stones, and the dear, dear master and Mrs Constable, just as Hollyhock
did.

But what was the use of making a fuss? According to Curfew's creed, it
was wrong to grumble. Hollyhock did not want him. He lay down with
his long tail on Hollyhock's frock, and his beautiful head pressed
against Tocsin's neck. Tocsin was a magnificent bloodhound, and he was
the greatest support and comfort to Curfew at the present crisis.

By-and-by Mr Lennox passed hurriedly through the hall. He was going
into his special library to get some books. He saw the melancholy
figure of Hollyhock seated not far from the great fire, and the
faithful dogs lying at her feet. He said in his most cheerful tone,
'Hallo, my little girl! you and the dogs do make a pretty picture; but
why don't you play the organ or sing something at the piano?'

'You know, daddy, I have no real love for music,' said Hollyhock in a
cross voice.

'Well, well, then, take a boo