reat iron gates, and walked up the stately
avenue toward the beautiful mansion, where her own sisters were
traitorously and wickedly enjoying themselves.

'But let them wait until lessons begin,' thought Hollyhock; 'let them
wait until that woman puts the birch on to them; then perhaps they 'll
see who's right--I, the faithful, noble girl, who would not desert her
father, or they, who have just gone off to Ardshiel for a bit of
excitement.'

Ardshiel really looked remarkably pretty as Hollyhock drew near. It
was illuminated by electric light from attic to cellar, and there was
such a buzz of young voices, such an eager amount of talk, such peals
of happy, childish laughter, that Hollyhock was led thereby in the
right direction, and could peep into a very large room which was
arranged as a vast playroom on the ground floor, and where all the
children at present at Ardshiel were clustered together.

Hollyhock, wearing her dark cloak, looked in. The blinds had not yet
been pulled down, and one window was partly open. She therefore saw a
sight which caused her heart to ache with furious jealousy. Her own
sister Jasmine was talking to a girl whom she addressed as Barbara.
Her own sister Rose of the Garden was chatting bravely with a girl whom
she addressed as Augusta. Hollyhock could not help observing that both
Barbara and Augusta were particularly nice-looking girls, with fair
English faces and refined English voices. All the children were
dressed for the evening.

'So _affected_ at a school,' thought Hollyhock; 'but the birch-rod
woman will be on them soon, if I 'm not mistaken.'

There was, however, a boy present who specially drew her attention and
even forced her admiration. He was a remarkably handsome boy, and his
name was Ivor. What his surname was Hollyhock could not guess. She
only knew that she had never seen such beautiful blue eyes before; and
such a manner, too, he had--almost like a man. Why, Jasper, Garnet,
Sapphire, Opal, and Emerald could not touch him even for a moment--that
is, as far as appearance and ways went.

While she gazed in at the window, who should come up to this boy but
her own sister Gentian! She took the boy by the arm and said, 'Now
let's sit in a circle and think out our charade for Monday night.'

Ivor gave a smile. He looked with admiration at Gentian, whom
Hollyhock always considered very plain. Instantly chairs were drawn
into a circle, and an excited conversation