erena began
telling anecdotes of the past, and Pauline joined her; and the children
laughed, and nearly cried with delight. That drive was the happiest they
had ever enjoyed.

But it was somewhat late in the afternoon when the birthday treat came to
its culmination. They were having tea on the lawn, a most fascinating
tea, with a frosted cake in the middle of the table, on which Pauline's
name was inscribed in golden letters, and round which were lighted
fourteen little wax candles, denoting that she had now come to that
mature age. The candles were protected by tiny glass shades, so that the
soft summer air could not blow them about, and all the girls thought they
had never seen such a wonderful sight. Mr. Dale was abducted from his
study--there was really no other word to describe the way in which he was
carried off bodily--and requested to light the candles. He did so looking
very confused, and as though he did not in the least comprehend what he
was doing. Nevertheless he was there, and he was obliged to seat himself
in the centre of the group; and then garlands and garlands of flowers
suddenly made their appearance, and Pauline was conducted to her throne,
and a crown of tiny roses was placed on her dark head, and wreaths of
flowers were laid at her feet.

"Now you are queen, Pauline," said Miss Tredgold. "Your father and I and
your sisters are bound to obey you from now until ten o'clock to-night.
This is your reign. It is short, but full of possibilities. What are we
to do for you, fair queen? In what way do you wish to employ us?"

"May I wish for anything?" asked Pauline eagerly.

She had a flashing thought as she uttered the words--a quick, terrible,
agonized thought. Oh, if only she might claim her birthright! If only she
might put into use her grand privilege and ask for the one thing she
really wanted--a free, absolute pardon! If she might confess her sin
without confessing it, and get her aunt and father to say that, whatever
she had done in the past, she was forgiven now! Just for an instant her
black eyes looked almost wild; then they fixed themselves on Miss
Tredgold, who was looking at her attentively. She glanced beyond her, and
met the great black eyes of Penelope. Penelope seemed to be reading
Pauline. Pauline felt a sudden revulsion of feeling.

"That would never do," she said to herself.

"Why don't you speak?" said Verena in her gentle voice.

"I was considering what to ask," replied Pauli