mine had time to
put away the cloak of the Camerons, the peaked hat, the wet wig, into a
certain cupboard where they were usually kept in one of the attics.
She then went downstairs, had a hot bath, put on her prettiest Sunday
frock, and joined the others at breakfast. Of course, there were
innumerable questions asked her with regard to her sudden departure the
night before, and also with regard to the distracted-looking girl who
had burst into their midst in the great hall in The Garden. But
Jasmine, having made up her mind, made it up thoroughly.

'I did not expect it of a Scots girl,' she remarked, 'but I 'm thinking
that all is right now, and we can enjoy our Sabbath rest without let or
hindrance.'

Sunday was a day when Cecilia Constable and her brother brought up
their children with a strictness unknown in England. Games and fairy
tales were forbidden; but when kirk was over, they were all allowed to
enjoy themselves in pleasant and friendly intercourse.

Meanwhile matters were not going well at the Palace of the Kings; for
Leucha, never strong mentally, had got so serious a fright that she was
now highly feverish, and neither the doctor nor Mrs Macintyre could
make out what was the matter with her. The girls were requested to
walk softly and whisper low. The house, by Dr Maguire's order, was
kept very still, and Hollyhock took possession of the sickroom. There
she nursed Leucha as only she could, soothing her, petting her, holding
her hand, and acting, according to Dr Maguire, in the most marvellous
manner.

'Never did I see such a lassie,' was his remark. 'She has the gift of
the real nurse in her.--But, Miss Hollyhock,' he continued, 'you must
not be tied to this sickroom all day. I must 'phone to Edinburgh and
get a nurse to attend to the young lady.'

'I 'll have no one but Hollyhock,' almost shrieked the distracted
Leucha.

'Yes, doctor dear, I think you had best leave her to me. I 'm not a
bit tired, and we understand one another.'

'I do believe this poor child has been up with her all night,' said Mrs
Macintyre.

'And what if I have?' cried Holly. 'Is a friend worth anything it she
can't give up her night's rest? I 'll stay with my friend. We
understand one another.'

So Hollyhock had her way; and although the girls whispered mysteriously
downstairs, and Meg Drummond looked ghastly and miserable, neither Mrs
Macintyre nor any of the teachers had the slightest suspicion of what
had