"You are going to make a present? Will you not tell me about it?"
"Will you promise not to tell any one except uncle?" Stella asked cautiously.
"Yes, I will promise that!"
"Well, I want some money for Dora," and Stella repeated the conversation she had had with her cousin that morning.
Mrs. Knight listened in silence, but when Stella had finished her tale she drew the child towards her, and kissed her affectionately.
"How kind of you!" she exclaimed. "But, my dear little girl, you must not give any of your money to Dora. Indeed, my husband would not allow it; you must put such a thought out of your mind altogether. Your uncle is your guardian and the guardian of your money; only a certain amount will be spent for you every year, and the rest will accumulate till you are of age. When you are twenty-one you will be able to do as you like."
"When I am twenty-one! Not for eleven years!"
"Not for eleven years," Mrs. Knight answered, smiling.
"Dora would so like some money. There are so many things she wants to buy."
"What things?—Never mind if you would rather not say. I daresay it is a secret."