I wanted to go to papa when he came down, but the door was locked, and he said, 'Not now, my little girl,' and then I sat here waiting to see what would happen, and Tom came home.

But when I ran to tell him, he said, 'Go away, and don't bother,' and just took me by the shoulders and put me out.

Oh, dear! everything is so queer and horrid, I don't know what to do." Maud began to cry, and Polly sat down on the stairs beside her, trying to comfort her, while her own thoughts were full of a vague fear.

All at once the dining-room door opened, and Tom's head appeared.

A single glance showed Polly that something was the matter, for the care and elegance which usually marked his appearance were entirely wanting.