n they hit the curtain at the other
end, their builders running after them as eagerly as boys sailing kites.
One of the models fluttered and settled down before it reached the other
side, and David's machine, which had commanded most attention because it
was different, started out bravely enough, its little propeller making a
busy humming as it skimmed along. But it had gone hardly ten yards
before it collapsed and ignominiously crashed to the floor.

"I'm glad of it," said Miriam above the din, for everyone had gathered
about the young man to offer sympathy and congratulations at the same
time.

"It's very, very clever, my boy," said Professor Blitz, "and you'll
succeed yet, if you keep at it."

"She wouldn't go far, David," said Grace, stroking the little model, as
if it had been a pet dog, "but she's the prettiest of all, just the
same."

"Did it hurt it when it fell?" Anne asked him.

"I think it broke one of its little fins," laughed David. "It hurt me
much more than itself, because it wouldn't be good and fly all the way."

"Anne," called Grace, "here is some one looking for you. It's a boy with
a note."

Anne looked frightened as she opened a soiled looking envelope the boy
handed her.

"Is anything the matter?" asked Jessica, seeing the expression of fear
on her face.

"No--yes----," answered poor little Anne, undecidedly. "I must go home,
or rather I mustn't go the way I came. Don't you think I could leave at
a side entrance? I don't want to see the person who is waiting for me in
front."

"Of course, child," spoke up Grace. "We'll see you home ourselves. Won't
we, girls!"

"Wait until I lock up my motor cycle and I'll go along," called David.
"We'll all protect Miss Anne."

"Tell him," said Anne to the boy, putting the note back in the envelope
and giving it to him, "that what he asks is impossible."

"Couldn't you squeeze us into the carriage, mother?" asked David,
returning presently with his hat.

"I have invited Miss Leece to drive home with us, mother," interrupted
Miriam, giving her brother a blighting glance. "There is room for only
one more person. Perhaps Jessica will take it."

"You are very kind," said Jessica coldly, "but I prefer to walk with the
girls."

"_You'd_ better walk, too, cross-patch, and learn a few manners from
your friends," was David's parting advice to his sister.

"Children, children!" exclaimed Mrs. Nesbit, "don't, I beg of you,
quarrel in public."

Prese