oss, and next time we're going to think first, and we're
never going to pay a bit of attention to the old Canon till we're grown
up. Then we shan't make any more mistakes, she says.'

'It's to be hoped not, for I think you've made a young silly of yourself
all the same,' remarked Christopher, frankly. 'Whatever made you do it,
Babe?'

Barbara looked a little crestfallen. It would be easier to explain
their escapade to twenty Canons than to one brother, even when it was
a favourite brother like Kit. Jill came hurriedly to the rescue.

'Never mind about that, Kit,' she said. 'Think how lucky it is that she
hasn't caught scarlet fever, after all.'

Barbara cheered up. 'Even Angela doesn't think she's going to have it
now,' she observed; 'and she's been thinking she's got it, ever since
we went into quarantine; so we shall be able to come out again the day
after to-morrow. Of course it means sums and flannel petticoats and all
those horrible things as well; but still, we shall be able to practise
up for the gym display, and that's much more important. You're all coming
to the gym display, aren't you?'

'Rather!' said Kit. 'It's the day after the others break up; and even
Egbert says he doesn't mind coming, though it's only a girls' school,
and he says he doesn't expect much. Of course, Will is awfully keen on
coming, and so is Peter; but that's only for the grub, so don't you make
any mistake about it.'

'I don't know why Egbert is so mighty grand,' objected Barbara. 'Our gym
is really _serious_, I can tell you. You should see Angela on the rings;
and as for Jean Murray--why, I forgot! You don't know them yet!'

She disappeared abruptly from the window, while Auntie Anna said something
about leaving the young people to themselves, and strolled off towards
the house. Kit was attacked with a sudden fit of shyness at the prospect
of being presented to two perfectly strange schoolgirls; and he shouted
at Barbara to 'come back and chuck it!' But Barbara did not hear him, and
he edged behind Jill for protection.

Upstairs, in the 'quorranteen,' Barbara was trying with some difficulty
to persuade Jean and Angela to show themselves.

'Oh no!' they both said, getting as far away as possible from the window,
and contriving to look neglected. 'Never mind us, Babe; _please_ go on
talking to your people.'

'But it's _Kit_!' represented Babs, as if that settled the matter at once.
'He's my favourite brother, and he's a genius,