CHEISTENED

came very merry and made a good deal of noise. Chancing to pass through

the hall, I found Paulina sitting alone on the lowest step of the staircase, her

eyes fixed on the glossy panels of the dining-room door, where the reflec-

tion of the hall-lamp was shining; her little brow knit in anxious,

meditation.

"What are you thinking about, Polly?"

"Nothing particular; only I wish that door was clear glass— that I might

see through it. The boys seem very cheerful, and I want to go to them: I

want to be with Graham, and watch his friends."

"What hinders you from going?"

"I feel afraid: but may I try, do you think? May I knock at the door, and

ask to be let in?"

I thought perhaps they might not object to have her as a playmate, and

therefore encouraged the attempt.

She knocked— too faintly at first to be heard, but on a second essay the