lly, but the strong wish sprang in her
thought, and with a careless movement she pulled off the silver cover.

Her mouth fell open and her eyes grew as big as possible; for she had
wished for the prince, and there he was, creeping about in the bowl and
lifting his little head in wonder at his surroundings.

"Why, Faith!" was all she could say. "Where did it come from?"

"The brook, of course," returned Faith, clapping her hands in delight at
her cousin's amazement. "Take him out and let's see whether he's red or
plain ivory underneath."

"Will he scrabble?" asked Gladys doubtfully.

"No-o," laughed Faith.

So the little city girl took up the turtle and lo, he was as beautiful a
red as the one of the afternoon.

"Isn't he lovely!" she exclaimed, not quite liking to look her cousin in
the eyes. "Where shall I put him for to-night?"

"We'll put a little water in your wash-bowl, not much, for they are so
smart about climbing out."

Ellen, also, was gazing at the royal infant. "He is a pretty little thing,"
she said, "but for pity's sake, Faith, fix it so he won't get on to my bare
feet!"

Later, when they were alone and Ellen kissed Gladys good-night, she looked
closely into her eyes "Now you're happier, I suppose," she said.

"Of course. Won't he be cunning in my aquarium?" asked Gladys, returning
her look triumphantly.

"Yes." Vera was in bed, also, and to please the child, Ellen stooped and
kissed the doll's forehead, too. "God be good," she said gently, "to the
poor little girl who gets everything she wants!"

A few minutes after the light was out and Ellen had gone, Gladys pulled
Vera nearer to her. "Wasn't that a silly sort of thing for Ellen to say?"
she asked.

"I don't think so," returned Vera.

Gladys drew back. "Did you answer me?" she said.

"Certainly I did."

"Then you really can talk!" exclaimed Gladys joyfully.

"At night I can," said Vera.

"Oh, I'm so glad. I'm so glad!" and Gladys hugged her.

"I'm not so sure that you will be," returned Vera coolly.

"Why not?"

"Because I have to speak the truth. You know my name is Vera."

"Well, I should hope so. Did you suppose I wouldn't want you to speak the
truth?" Gladys laughed.

"Yes. You don't hear it very often, and you may not like it."

"Why, what a thing to say!"

"Ellen tries, sometimes, but you won't listen."

Gladys kept still and her companion proceeded:

"She knows all the toys and books and clothes and pets that yo