0utside the chamber he caught Avice by the arm.

"Kick off your shoes," he exclaimed. "We'll sneak up to her chamber."

They crept up silently. The door of Cecilia's chamber was ajar.Peeping in, they saw her standing before her tiny looking-glass,pinning on her hat. A teeny parcel lay upon her bed, with hergloves and parasol. The kidren were somewhat silent--but somethingstruck upon the girl's tightly strung nerves. She turned swiftlyand saw them.

"What are you doing?" she demanded. "How dare you come into myroom?"

"Why, we thought you were lost," exclaimed Avice. "We finished ourFrench ages ago. Where are you going?"

"I am going out," exclaimed Cecilia. "I'll set you more work to dowhile I'm away."

"But where are you going?"

"That has nothing to do with you. Come down to the schoolroom."