"Please don't call us that," said Diana; "that is our name for the worms. Worms can't see, you know, and they are not to blame for being only worms, and sometimes they get trodden on; and Iris thought we might call them innocents, and we have always done so since she gave us leave; but we would rather not be called by quite the same name."
Miss Stevenson hastily dried her eyes.
"You certainly are the most extraordinary little creatures," she said. "Don't you feel anything?"
"It would be horrid selfish to be sorry," said Diana "Iris says that mother is awfully happy now."
Miss Stevenson stared at the children as if they were bewitched.
"And we are not to have lessons, Stevie," said Orion; "that's settled, isn't it?"
"Oh, my dear little child! I was not thinking of your lessons. It is your terrible—your terrible loss that fills my mind; that and your want of understanding. Iris, you are ten years old; I am surprised at you."
Iris stood, looking very grave and silent, a step or two away.
"Please, Miss Stevenson," she said, after a long pause, "don't try to understand us, for I am afraid it would be of no use. Mother talked to me yesterday, and I know quite what to do. Mother asked me to be a mother to the others, so I have no time to cry, nor to think of myself at all. If you will give us a holiday to-day, will you please go away and let us stay together, for I think I can manage the others if I am all alone with them?"
Miss Stevenson rose hastily.