Joy shouted at the puppy, and then rushed after him as he careered around the garden. Finally she caught him, and having ascertained he had done no real harm, returned to Miss Pring, who was laughing heartily. "I don't think he has done much mischief," Joy said, apologetically, "so please forgive him, and don't say I mayn't bring him here again, for he makes such a to-do if I leave him at home. He's a poor, lonely, little puppy with only me to play with when Eric's away. Eric's so fond of him."
"Where is your brother to-night?" Miss Pring inquired.
"Gone to the cricket field. He and Putty get on capitally with the other boys now. Eric wanted me to go with him this evening, but I thought I'd rather come here, and have a talk with you. I hope I don't come too often?"
"No," laughed Miss Pring; "when you come too often, I will give you a hint to stay away. Ah, here comes Mary, laden with spoil from the hedges!"
Miss Mary Pring, who had been for a stroll, joined them in the porch a minute later. Governess and pupil met with much friendliness. The former, whose hands were laden with ferns, explained where she had been, patted Wag, and then inquired for Celia.
"She is coming home to-morrow," Joy returned, "and mother and I are going to drive in to T— in the evening to fetch her."
"I've been telling Joy about her sister's grand brooch," Miss Pring remarked; "she has never seen it, so evidently it is a new possession of Celia's."
"It is very handsome," Miss Mary said; "indeed, rather too handsome for a young girl to wear. It is in the shape of a butterfly, set with diamonds. Lulu Tillotson is fond of jewellery, but I never saw her with such a beautiful ornament as that diamond brooch of Celia's!"
"Why, surely you don't imagine the stones were real diamonds, Mary?" Miss Pring exclaimed, glancing at her niece in surprise.
"They looked real," Miss Mary answered, dubiously; "if they were not, they were very good imitations. Are you really going, Joy? Then I will walk part way home with you."