ld anywhere else in a
lifetime," she complained to Dawkins, who had come to arrange another
cot for her to use and to bring the needed articles from her own
little cubicle.

"Ah, lassie! When you've lived as long as me you'll learn 't a
'lifetime' is a goodish long spell: and if so be you can't mix with
your mates for a little few days, more's the blessing that's yours,
alongside as you'll be of the Lady Principal. Now, say your prayers
and hop into this fine bed I've fixed for you, and off to Noddle
Island quick as wink. Good night and sleep well."

Surely our Dorothy had the gift of winning hearts, and other Oak Knowe
girls with whom Dawkins exchanged scant speech would have been
astonished by the kindly gossip with this newcomer. Also, the maid's
belief that Dorothy's intercourse with the Lady Principal would be
delightful was well founded. Miss Muriel was grateful to her pupil for
her patience with troublesome Grace, and regretful that her isolation
from her mates had come about in just this wise.

However, Dr. Winston had been right. Millikins-Pillikins had been
allowed the run of the house and, like most children, found its
kitchen its most attractive place. There her sharp tongue and amusing
capers furnished amusement for the servants, who rewarded her with all
sorts of "treats" and sweetmeats. The result was natural, but what was
not so natural was her persistent declaration that she had been
visited by an evil spirit.

"I did so see him, Auntie Princie! He had big whitey eyes, and his
head was all red--"

"No more, darling. Say no more. Just play with your blocks. See what
sort of house you can build, or--"

"Auntie Prin, I do _hate_ blocks! And you don't believe me. Did
Millikins ever tell you a wrong story in her whole life?"

"No, darling, not to my knowledge. I'm proud to know you are a very
truthful little girl. But even such can _dream_ queer things. Ask
Dorothy to play for you and me. You know this is the last day she'll
be shut up here and I'd like to hear some music."

Dorothy laid down her book and went to fetch her violin, but the
self-willed Grace would have none of that. Stamping her foot, she
imperiously cried:

"No, no, no! She shall come with me and seek that old debbil. She
shall so. He had hornses and his face--"

"Grace Adelaide Tross-Kingdon! if you disobey me again by mentioning
that subject, I shall send for the Bishop and brother Hugh and see
what they can do with you. Do yo