t them; they look lonely."

"Let's go to see them," Frances suggested.

"They were here before we came; they may not wish to know us."

"I should think they would," Frances exclaimed, so earnestly her mother
laughed.

"So should I, Winkie, but we don't know. Perhaps something will happen
to make us acquainted."

Something did happen, and it was the General who brought it to pass.

Mrs. Bond often remarked that Emma's head never saved her heels, and it
was quite true; for, although she went about her tasks willingly
enough, her thoughts had a way of travelling off into a world of their
own. She had long ago discovered this way of escape from the rather dull
routine of her daily life, but her mother declared since the Morrisons
came she had been worse than ever. And, indeed, the life upstairs in
those bright rooms seemed very strange and delightful to Emma, so much
so that in thinking about it she would forget the sugar bowl, or the
tea-cups when she set the table, and do all sorts of absent-minded
things.

One afternoon, soon after Frances and her mother had the conversation
about their neighbors overhead, the former went down to see Emma.

She found her in the kitchen that was as usual tidy to the last degree;
the General, however, true to the influence of his environment, was busy
with a tiny broom and dustpan. Emma sat in the window reading, and on
the stove something simmered and bubbled gently.

"This is a very nice kitchen," Frances remarked, as she walked in.

Emma closed her book. "Do you think so? I don't like kitchens, but your
sitting room is beautiful. It reminds me of a house where I go sometimes
for mother; oh, such a lovely place!"

"Don't get down; let me sit beside you," Frances begged, and quickly
established herself in the other corner of the window-sill.

"Mother doesn't care for pretty things; she says she is thankful if she
can be clean," Emma continued, with a sigh.

"I think you are very clean," said the visitor, looking around her; "but
tell me about that beautiful house, won't you?"

Emma obediently began an animated description of it. It was just like a
palace, she said, with a beautiful garden and conservatory, and rooms
and rooms full of lovely things. "Mother sews sometimes for the lady who
lives there, and I take the work home. I wonder, Frances, if you
couldn't go with me next time."

"Look at the General!" cried Frances, suddenly, jumping down.

All unnoticed by the gir