"Yes, mamma; don't you remember we were obliged to send to Harris for them? as the parcel with the stationery did not come from Exeter as soon as we expected. And we noticed how much thinner they were, though they were the same sized books."
"And did I not hear you say something about their having the same number of leaves, and therefore it must have been only the quality of the paper which made the difference?"
"What a memory you have, mamma," answered Caroline, smiling. "I did not think you were taking the least notice of us, but I do remember saying so now, and, indeed, I very often wish the quality had been the same, for our writing looks horrid."
"Do you happen to remember the number of leaves they contained, and if they were both alike?"
"I know they had both the same number, and I think it was two-and-twenty, but I can tell you in a moment." And with her usual quickness of movement, Caroline unlocked her desk, drew forth her book, and ran over the leaves.
"I am right—two-and-twenty."
"And you are quite sure they had both the same number?"
"Perfectly certain, mamma."
"Then, by some incomprehensible means, two leaves have disappeared from Ellen's—here are only twenty. Have you ever torn a leaf out, Ellen?"
"No, aunt, indeed I have not."