s and their several pets. Life was certainly prim at the Rectory
compared to what it had been at the Manor; but children will be
children all the world over, and when there is a bright sun in the
heavens, and flowers grow at their feet, and a gentle breeze is
blowing, it is almost impossible to be all sulks and tears and misery.
Even Diana was interested in what was going on. She had never been
away from home before, and she found it pleasant to watch the Dolman
children. As she expressed it, in her sturdy fashion, she did not
think much of any of them, but still it amused her to hear them speak,
and to take Ann's hand and allow her to lead her round the garden.

Ann was extremely kind to her, but she only received a very qualified
measure of approval from the saucy little miss. Lucy and Mary she
could not bear, but as Ann showed her all her treasures, and as Ann
happened also to be very fond of animals, Diana began to chatter, and
presently became almost confidential. Suddenly, however, in the midst
of quite a merry game of play, the little girl was heard to utter a
shout.

"Where is my darlin's that I brought from home?" she cried; "my three
spiders and my four beetles? I have not given none of 'em their
bwekfus. I must wun and fetch 'em. Iris promised to see to 'em last
night, so I know they isn't deaded; but I must go this very instant
minute to feed 'em, 'cos, of course, they wants their bwekfus, poor
dears. If you like I'll show 'em to you, Ann; you can see 'em while
they is eating."

"Please, Diana, don't go!" called out Ann; but Diana did not hear her.
Putting wings to her sturdy little feet, she sped across the lawn, ran
helter-skelter into the house, and up to the room where she had slept.

The room was empty, the windows were wide open, the little bed was
neatly made; there was not a sign of the precious box to be discovered
anywhere.

"Where is that howid old nurse?" called Diana aloud. "She must know
where my pets is. Oh, they must be desp'te hungry, poor darlin's. I
say, nurse, where is 'oo? Nurse, come 'long, you howid old thing!"

Simpson, who happened to be in the day-nursery not far away, heard
Diana's imperious little cry. The under-nurse was also standing in the
room.

"Mrs. Simpson," she said, "I hear one of the strange little ladies
calling out for you."

"Well, and so do I hear her," answered Mrs. Simpson, with a toss of
her head; "but she must learn to speak respectful before I take any