"I don't like any of them," I frankly replied.

"Mar-ga-ret! three syllables! I could not afford the time; Katherine has come down to Kate.—you must be Meg."

I sat at the table taking my tea. I laid down the cup with dismay.

"I don't like Meg," I said.

"Well then, Peg."

"I don't like Peg, either."

"Well then, Peggy."

"I hate Peggy!" I indignantly exclaimed.

"Let the child alone!" said Miss O'Reilly.

"Meg, my dear, a little more milk, if you please," calmly observed Cornelius. Though ready to cry with mortification, I acknowledged the name by complying with his request.