hoy stage, Esmeralda
queening it in their midst, and Pixie dancing blissfully through every
puddle that came in her way.

"Doesn't it make you rejoice to see them all so well and happy?" she
cried fervently. "Last Christmas we were so sad that it seemed as if
the sun would never shine again; but mother said she wanted us to be
happy, and it would do her heart good to see them to-day. I was
thinking about her in church, and asked myself if I had done all I could
to keep my charge. She left them in my care, you know, for I had to
take her place, and on days like this I feel as if I had to answer to
her for all that is wrong. Pixie is happy at school, and it's lovely to
know you, and feel that you will be good to the darling; Jack is getting
on with his work, and the boys and Esmeralda quarrel less than they used
to do. She's the one I am most anxious about, for she is not satisfied
with this quiet life, and her head will be turned with flattery before
many years are over. Did you notice that young Englishman last night,
and the way he fixed his eyes upon her? If he comes over here flirting
with her, what will I do, Therese? He is here for a week or two only,
and after he has gone she will feel duller than ever, poor creature. I
wonder what I had better do?"

"Mees Esmeralda seems to me exceedingly able to take care of herself,"
remarked Mademoiselle quietly. "I don't think you need distress
yourself about her in this instance. Monsieur 'Illiard has had the
misfortune to make a bad impression, by placing her in an uncomfortable
position, and have you not observed the air with which she has bowed to
him to-day as he passed? It was not, to say the least of it,
encouraging."

Bridgie laughed,--a little, tender, indulgent laugh.

"But it was very pretty all the same, and sort of encouraging
discouraging, don't you think? If I were in his place I don't think I
should be exactly depressed. It was like a challenge thrown down before
him, and from his look I believe he means to accept it too! Ah dear,
it's a great responsibility to have a beauty for a sister! I am in
terror every time a young man comes to the house, in case he should fall
in love with her."

"There is more than one girl in the house, however, and I know vich of
the two would be my choice, if I were, as you say, a young man myself,"
returned Mademoiselle sturdily. Bridgie's utter unconsciousness of her
own claims to attention filled her at on