ink will go with you?"

"You." There was a laugh in Judy's eyes, as she made the impertinent
answer.

"I won't."

"Not if I ask you?"

"Not under any circumstances. It isn't the place for you, Judy."

Then he sat down beside her. "Look here," he said, in a wheedling
tone, "if I were really your big brother, I wouldn't let you go. Can't
you let me order you around a little, just as if I were--?"

Judy caught her breath. Why would he use that tone? It always made
her feel as if she wanted to give in--but she wouldn't.

"I am going," she said, slowly, although she did not look at him, "if I
have to go alone."

"Then I shall tell the Judge."

"Oh," Judy's tone was cutting, "I always did hate boys."

For a moment Launcelot's face flamed, then most unexpectedly he laughed.

"You don't hate me, Judy," he said, "you know you don't."

"I do."

"No, you don't," he went on, and there was no anger in his voice, only
good-natured tolerance that made Judy's temper seem very childish.
"You are angry now. But you are not that kind of girl--"

"What kind of girl?"

"Changeable."

"Oh, I don't know."

But Launcelot insisted. "You are not changeable, Judy, and you know
it."

And finally Judy gave in. "No, I'm not, and I don't hate you, but I
hate to be told I can't do things."

"You will have to get used to it--" daringly.

"Oh--you needn't think _you_ can order me around, Launcelot, in that
lordly way--"

She faced him defiantly. Her eyes were glowing with excited feeling.
She looked like a young duchess in her anger. After the pictures, she
had twisted her hair on top of her head in shining coils, and the dress
she wore was a quaint mull that had been her grandmother's, a thing of
creamy folds and laces that swept the floor. Launcelot felt suddenly
very crude and impertinent to be dictating to this very stately young
lady. But her next remark made her a child again, and brought him
confidence.

"I have always had my own way--and I shall do as I please."

Launcelot got up lazily. "All right," he said, and held out his hand,
"good-bye. I promised mother that I wouldn't be late."

But Judy did not seem to see the hand. She leaned against one of the
big pillars indifferently, and looked out over the garden, Launcelot
waited a moment, and then his hand dropped.

"Oh, I suppose you and I will have to quarrel now and then," he said,
"we are both so obstinate," and he smiled to himself as Judy fr