"She's hopping, isn't she?" said Ernest softly.
"Oh, dear," returned Faith dejectedly, "and it all began with the baby prince."
"What do you mean?"
"She wants him for her aquarium."
Ernest paused a minute to think over his cousin's words and actions; then he broke out indignantly; "Well, she won't get him."
"I have hunted for him so long!" mourned Faith, "and his shell is so red; but, Ernest, didn't you notice what it said on that bowl?"
"Yes, I did; but Gladys is a great baby and she isn't going to get everything. Tell her you'll exchange the prince for that baa-ing doll of hers, if you like it. I tell you what, Faith, I've had about enough of her after that boat business. If she's going to stay on here I shall go off with the fellows."
Meanwhile Gladys had seized the beautiful Vera and drawn Ellen off upstairs to their room. The maid saw the signs of storm in her face, and her own grew troubled, for it was one thing to vex Gladys and quite another to appease her.
"I'm not going to stay here," announced the little girl, as soon as the door was closed, her breath coming fast. "Faith and Ernest are the most selfish, impolite children I ever saw!"
Ellen sighed, and, sitting down, drew the child into her lap.