ouldn't save both of you, and I'd be likely to try to save Faith; so you'd
better go ashore now and think it over."

Gladys stared at him in utter amazement that any one could speak to her so.
Why had she ever come to the farm!

However, she quickly put on a little air of indifference and only said:--

"How silly to be so afraid!"

All she cared for now was to get to Ellen and pour out her troubles, and
she was quite silent while she jumped ashore, although the wavering boat
made her clutch Faith's hand hard.

Tender-hearted Faith felt very sorry for her cousin, so she began talking
about Vera as they went up the hill saying how anxious she was to hear her
speak again.

"I'll never let you!" exclaimed that strong error that had taken possession
of Gladys, but her lips set tight and she was glad to see Ellen come out on
the piazza.

As the children approached they saw that the maid had something bright in
her hand, and that she was smiling.

"Well, Gladys," she said, "your mother's sent a trunk, and this was with
your clothes. What do you think of that? I expect your mother thought you
might like to have it."

Gladys recognized the silver bowl with satisfaction. She was glad to have
Faith and Ernest see the sort of things she was used to.

"Oh, it looks like a wishing bowl," cried Faith in admiration.

"It is a solid silver bowl that my grandmother sent me for my birthday,"
remarked Gladys coolly, and she took it from Ellen.

"Let's see what it says on it," said Faith, and she read the inscription
aloud. Then she added: "It does look just like the wishing bowl in our
story."

"What was that?" asked Gladys.

"Why, it was a bright, beautiful silver bowl with a cover, and all you had
to do if you wanted something was to say:--

Pretty little silver dish,
Give me, pray, my dearest wish;

and then, when you took off the cover, whatever you had asked for was in
the bowl!"

Gladys shrugged her shoulders. Then she took hold of Ellen's hand and drew
her into the house and closed the door after them.

Faith and Ernest did not attempt to follow. They sat down on the steps and
looked at one another.

"She's hopping, isn't she?" said Ernest softly.

"Oh, dear," returned Faith dejectedly, "and it all began with the baby
prince."

"What do you mean?"

"She wants him for her aquarium."

Ernest paused a minute to think over his cousin's words and actions; then
he broke out indignantly; "Well, she wo