You need not fear that I will be severe with you, for I love you very dearly, little Gracie." "Perhaps it was the cat knocked it off the bureau, mamma," said the child, speaking low and hesitatingly.

"I've seen her jump up there several times." "Yes; so have I, and she must not be left alone in here any more." Betty had finished her work and was sent away.

Agnes, too, had left the room, so that Violet and Gracie were quite alone.
"Come, dear, I am quite ready to try this on." Violet said, holding up the collar.

"There, it fits very nicely," as she put it on the child and gently smoothed it down over her shoulders.

"But what is the matter, my darling ?" for tears were trembling on the long silken lashes that swept Gracie's flushed cheeks.
At the question they began to fall in streams, while the little bosom heaved with sobs.