ad often shut her eyes when such a performance was
going on.

The lions and tigers came in and took their places, and Kitty and King
watched with interest as they obeyed the trainer's word, and did as he
bade them.

But after a little time, Marjorie felt she could stand it no longer.
"Pomp," she said, "I can't bear to look at those animals another minute!
This is the last number, and I'm going out. I'll wait for you right by
the door, just where we came into the tent."

Pompton looked at the child, kindly. Her face was white, and he saw that
it really distressed her to watch the wild animals.

"Very well, Miss Marjorie," he said; "it's but a few steps, so go on, if
you like, and stay just outside the door until we come. Don't wander
away now."

"No, Pompton, I won't wander away, but I must get away from here."

Marjorie left the box, and went quietly out of the door of the tent. It
was only a few steps, as their box was very near the entrance.

There was a bench just outside the door, and the little girl sat down
upon it, delighted to be away from the sights she did not care for. The
fresh air and bright sunshine brought the color back to her cheeks, and
she looked around her with interest. There was little to see, for the
audience were all inside the great tent, and the performers were either
on the stage or in their own dressing rooms. A pleasant-faced attendant
spoke to her, and asked where her people were.

"They're inside," answered Marjorie, "they're coming out in a few
moments, but I didn't like this act, and I'm going to wait for them
here."

"All right, little one; sit there as long as you like. I'll be about here
all the time, and if you want anything, you call me. My name's Bill."

"Thank you," said Marjorie, and Bill went off whistling. He was a big,
burly young man, with a kind voice and manner, and he seemed to be a
hard-working circus hand. He was clearing up the place, and once in a
while he glanced at Marjorie, as if to make sure she was all right.

Marjorie sat still on the bench, her thoughts all on the performances she
had seen. She wondered if the circus people were like other people, for
they seemed to her to be of a different race.

As she was thinking, a young girl came out of a small tent nearby. She
had a long cloak wrapped round her, but her gaily-dressed hair with
silver stars pinned in it, made Marjorie feel sure she was one of the
performers. She had a very pretty face, and sh