"But I can't help it sometimes.

You see, I'm not very strong--just now." She hesitated and glanced at Avery with a guilty air.

"I--I haven't told him yet," she said in a lower whisper still.

"Of course I shall have to soon; but--I'm afraid you will think me very deceitful--I like to choose a favourable time, when the children are not worrying him quite so much.

I don't want to--to vex him more than I need." "My dear!" Avery said compassionately.