He was roused from his trance by the clear, shrill voice of Olwen arguing desperately with Mattie.

“I want to do what she says! Why can’t we do what she says? I’ll be bad if you don’t let us! I won’t go to sleep. I’ll be far worse than Gipsy or Antoinette. I’ll tear my hair out! I’ll bite my hand!”

“Hush, Olwen!” he heard Mattie reply. “ Mrs. Otter will be only too pleased I can’t accept her offer if you talk like that.”

The little girl gazed at her for a moment with a quaint, solemn scrutiny. Then she laughed, a merry reassured laugh, and, rushing to where Darnley was sitting, slid coaxingly upon his knee.