ngeon, and so--and
so--but I mustn't tell you. I did lose Primrose's money, and I was a
coward, but I haven't been so bad yet as to tell a lie. You mustn't
ask me to tell you what it all means, Mr. Prince, for I can't. I hope
very much you'll forgive me for being a cowardly little girl; God has,
long ago, for I asked Him, and I am not really afraid to die. I
shouldn't feel a bit afraid or unhappy about it if I thought Primrose
and Jasmine could have their money."

Here Daisy's voice quite failed her, and she looked so dreadfully
white and weak that Noel began to fear there was some truth in her
poor little words. He saw that their interview must not be prolonged,
and that he must give the child relief as soon as possible.

"Daisy, you have got to listen to me," he said. "You need say very
little yourself, but you can listen to my words. I know why you want
to see Mrs. Ellsworthy--yes, dear, you can hold my hand as tightly as
possible. No, don't tremble; you want Mrs. Ellsworthy to give you some
money. She is not here; I know she would help you, and feel sorry for
you, but there are others who do that. Daisy, suppose I give you back
your money instead of Mrs. Ellsworthy? Give me your little hand, dear,
and let me put the money into it. Here; it makes quite a small
parcel--a ten-pound note, a five-pound note, two sovereigns and a
half. Now, Daisy, shall we keep this as a little secret between
ourselves? Primrose will ask no questions if you beg of her not, and
when you have put that money into her hand will you not be able to
have her with you again?"

Daisy's little hot hand closed tightly over the money. She did not
speak, or even attempt to thank Noel, but her eyes, wider and wider
open each moment, were fixed intently on his face.

"That is settled, then, Daisy," continued Noel, "and we need not think
of Mrs. Ellsworthy just at present, for you do not now need her
services. Of course a Prince is the right person to deliver a little
girl from a dreadful ogre. I don't see that Mrs. Ellsworthy should
have anything to do with it. Now, my dear, I'm going to say one or two
other things to you--you need not feel the least frightened."

"May I really keep the money?" whispered Daisy at last.

"Of course, I said so. We will not say any more on this subject at
present. I have given you the money to-night, because I want you to
have Primrose sitting by your side and nursing you and comforting you.
When Primrose is with yo