The Getting of Wisdom

"Donkey! haven't I said they weren't there? If I say they weren't, then they weren't. She hadn't travelled at all." "Oh, parrakeets!" cried little Frank. Four pairs of eyes went up to the bright green flock that was passing over the garden. "Now you've all interrupted, and I shan't tell any more," said Laura in a proud voice. "Oh, yes, please do, Wondrous Fair! Tell what happened next," begged Pin and Leppie. "No, not another word. You can only think of sheets and parrakeets." "Please, Wondrous Fair," begged little Frank. "No, I can't now.-Another thing: I don't mind if you call me Laura to-day, as it's the last day." She lay back on the grass, her hands clasped under her head. A voice was heard, loud, imperative. "Laura, I want you. Come here." "That's mother calling," said Pin. Laura kicked her heels. The two little boys laughed approval. "Go on, Laura," coaxed Pin.