little girl became terribly nervous. She felt a
sense of irritation when one of her sisters looked at her, whispered to
her companion, and then turned away. She would almost have preferred Miss
Tredgold to be as stern as she was before. Her whole mind was in a state
of tumult. She felt the net closing tighter and tighter around her. Even
the birthday was scarcely interesting while such a weight rested on her
heart. Miss Tredgold had said during the afternoon as they were all
sitting together on the lawn:

"This is to be a great birthday. This is the very first birthday I have
spent under your roof. You must all remember it as long as you live."

"Oh, can I ever forget it?" thought poor Pauline. "But Aunt Sophy little
knows that I shall not remember it for its kindness and its sunshine and
its presents; I shall remember it always because I am such a wicked
girl."

Now as evening approached she could not help whispering to herself:

"The net is closing--closing round me. It is gathering me up into a heap.
My legs and arms are tied. Soon the wicked, dreadful thing will press my
head down, and I shall be powerless and lost."

She thought out this metaphor, and it seemed to haunt her footsteps.

"It is right that a girl who told a black lie should be cramped up in
it," thought Pauline. "Oh, why hadn't I courage to tell Aunt Sophy the
truth? She might have been angry, but in the end she would have forgiven
me. I would far rather have no notice whatever taken of my birthday than
be as miserable as I am now."

"That child isn't well," said Miss Tredgold to Verena, as Pauline was
seen slowly creeping in a subdued sort of way in the direction of the
lower shrubbery. "Why is she always stealing off by herself? I have a
good mind to call her back and take her for a drive. It is a lovely
evening, and a drive would do her good."

"So it would, Aunt Sophy. You know how busy all the rest of us are
finishing her presents. I am sure she would love to drive with you, for I
think she is getting very fond of you."

"Perhaps, my dear; but I have made up my mind not to have favorites. As
long as you are all good I shall love you all.--Pauline--yes, Verena, I
shall offer her a drive--Pauline, come here."

Pauline hated to be called back, but she could not do otherwise than
obey. She approached lingeringly.

"Yes, Aunt Sophy," she said.

"Would you like to take a drive with me? We might go and find out how
soon Peas-blossom and L