whatever the circumstances, you will
always be true to us, who have been true to you and yours for
generations. For, miss, the history of the Dales is almost bound up with
the history of the Kings. And if the Dales were gentlefolks and lords of
the manor, the Kings were their humble retainers. So, miss, the Dales and
Kings were always good to each other; the Kings over and over again
laying down their lives for the Dales in the Civil Wars, and the Dales on
their part protecting the Kings. So, after all, miss, there's no earthly
reason, because a grand aunt of yours has come to live at The Dales, why
the traditions of your house should be neglected and forgotten. I am
proud to feel that this will never happen, and that your family and mine
will be one. We do not consider ourselves your equals, but we do consider
ourselves your friends. And if I can ever help you, Miss Pauline, you
have only to come to me and I will do it. That's all I've got to say. I
don't want thanks. I'm proud that you and your little sisters have
trusted yourselves to us to-night, and I leave the matter of whether it
was right or wrong to your own consciences. But whatever happens, what
you did to-night is the sort of thing that Farmer King will never
forget."

CHAPTER XVIII.

VINEGAR.

It was certainly not at all remarkable that the entire party should be
drowsy and languid on the following day. Pauline had dark shadows under
her eyes, and there was a fretful note in her voice. Nurse declared that
Briar and Patty had caught cold, and could not imagine how they had
managed to do so; but Miss Tredgold said that colds were common in hot
weather, and that the children had played too long in the open air on the
previous night. In short, those who were out of the mischief suspected
nothing, and Pauline began to hope that her wild escapade would never be
known. Certainly Briar and Patty would not betray her.

They had all managed to climb up the tree and get in at her window
without a soul knowing. Pauline therefore hoped that she was quite safe;
and the hope that this was the case revived her spirits, so that in the
afternoon she was looking and feeling much as usual. As she was dressing
that morning she had made a sort of vow. It was not a bit the right thing
to do, but then poor little Pauline was not doing anything very right
just then. This was her vow. She had said in her prayer to God:

"If You will keep Aunt Sophy from finding out how