That doctor's children? How exceedingly rude!
They must be very badly brought up. And you were sitting with your eyes
shut pretending to go on reading. You curious child! Why?"

"It was their joke; they enjoyed it. It would have been mean to cut it
short. Besides," added Cynthia, with a twinkle, "it was my joke too!
They must have been so puzzled when I seemed to go on reading, for they
couldn't see that my eyes were shut, and I went on turning over the
pages at regular intervals, as if I were perfectly comfortable and
happy. Oh no, I don't think they are rude, mother; only frisky, and I
love frisky people! There are such a lot of them, and they do have such
a good time. Schoolroom tea all together, and the big girl pours out.
I could see them quite well when they first came, and the afternoons
were light. They go in pairs--a big boy and a big girl, a middling boy
and a middling girl, and then a dear little girl with a face like a
kitten. I like them all so much, but--" and her voice died away in a
plaintive cadence, "they don't like me!"

"And how have you found that out, may I ask?"

"I--I feel they don't," sighed Cynthia sadly. "They watch me out of the
windows, and talk and laugh, and make remarks among themselves. The
window seemed full of faces the other day..."

Mrs Alliot's delicate face flushed resentfully.

"Abominably rude! Really, dear, I don't think you need worry yourself
what such people think. There can be no possible excuse for such
behaviour!"

"Oh yes, dear, there is, for they don't intend me to see! It was quite
extraordinary how they all vanished into space the very instant I raised
my eyes. You might just as well say it is rude of me to stare into
their windows, and I do, for I can't help it. It's a sort of magnet to
me every time I pass. I do so wish I knew them, mother dear!"

Mrs Alliot smiled and stroked her daughter's head once more. She was
thinking that for Cynthia's sake she must really manage to cultivate
some friends with large families; but she had not the least intention of
introducing her daughter to the strange doctor's mischievous,
unconventional children.

In many cases, however, there is something stronger than the will of
parents and guardians. Some people call it fate, some by a higher name.
In later years Cynthia Alliot considered her friendship with the Trevor
family as one of the greatest providences of her life.

CHAPTER FIVE.

AN OLD TRI