"I want to speak to the boys," she said to Ann.
"Why?" asked Ann.
"Please ask them to come to me, Ann; I have something most particular to say to them."
"I know what you mean," answered Ann, turning crimson; "it was Philip and Conrad who got poor little Orion into mischief. Oh, Iris! it was brave of you, and it was brave of Orion not to tell. I wondered how you had the courage to defy mamma."
"I did not defy her," answered Iris. "But please, Ann, I must speak to the boys. Send them to me at once."
"They are frightened, and are going to hide," said Ann; "but I'll soon get them," she answered. "I know their ways."
After a minute or two she returned, leading Philip and Conrad by the hands.
"Iris wants to talk to you," she said to them.
"Yes," said Iris, "I want to say something to you by yourselves."
Ann disappeared.