hat is, if Ruth will consent."

They were headstrong and big girls, most of them older than Kathleen,
but they submitted, for her ways were masterful and her tone full of
delicate sympathy.

"I will think it over and let you know," said Ruth. "Of course, I shall
not betray you; but you must please understand that I have friends
amongst the paying girls of the school. Cassandra Weldon is my friend,
and there are others. I will not join nor advocate any plan that annoys
or worries them."

The girls looked dubious, and one or two began to speak in discontented
voices.

"We must meet again in a couple of days," said Kathleen finally. "By
then I shall have drawn up the rules. We can't always meet at night, but
we will when it is possible, for this place is so romantic, and so
correct for a secret society. Those who are present to-night will be in
my Cabinet. I should like if possible to have all the foundation girls
on my side, but that must be decided at our next meeting. I am willing
to purchase a badge for each girl who joins me; it will be made of
silver, and can be worn beneath the dress in the form of a locket."

"Oh, lovely, delicious! There never was such a queen," cried Susy
Hopkins.

The little meeting broke up amidst universal applause.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE BOX FROM DUBLIN AND ITS TREASURES.

Kathleen returned quite safely to Myrtle Lodge. Ben was sitting up for
her; he opened the door. The hall was quite dark. He held out his hand
and drew her in.

"Am not I splendid?" he said. "I have been standing here for
half-an-hour, all drenched with perspiration. If mother came down" what
wouldn't she say? And as to Alice, she'd be even worse. But a sov.'s
worth doing something for. I say! I do feel happy! I never had all that
lot of bullion in the whole course of my life before. Are you right now,
Kathleen--can you slip upstairs without making any noise? Don't forget
that the step just before you reach the upper landing gives a great
creak like the report of a pistol; hop over it on to the landing itself,
and you are safe. Alice is in bed, snoring like anything; I listened
outside the keyhole."

"Thanks," said Kathleen. "I'm awfully obliged to you, Ben. See if I
don't do something for you. You are a broth of a boy. What do you say to
Carrigrohane in the summer, and a gun all to yourself? I'll teach you
how to shoot rabbits and to bring down a bird on the wing."

She brushed her lips against his chee