"What would most aggravate Pat if he were here,"
thought the girl, "or dear old Michael? Ah, well! Michael—" The girl's face slightly changed. "I was never very naughty with Michael," she said to herself. "He is different from the others. I wouldn't like to see that sort of sorry look in his dear dark-blue eyes. Oh, I mustn't think of Michael now. When I was going away he said, 'Bedad, you'll come back a princess, and I'll be proud to see you.' No, I mustn't think of Michael. Pat, the imp, would help me, and so would Rory, and so would Ted. But what shall it be?"
She thought excitedly. There came a rattle at the handle of the door.
"Let me in, please, Kathleen; let me in," called Alice's voice.
"Presently, darling," replied Kathleen in her most nonchalant tone.
"But I am in a hurry. I must be back at school by half-past two. Let me in immediately."
"What a nuisance it all is!" thought Kathleen. "But, after all, my naughtiness needn't make that stupid old Alice late for her darling lessons."
She scrambled off the bed, drew back the bolt, and returned to her old position. Alice came quickly in. She glanced at Kathleen with disgust.
"I wish you wouldn't lie on the bed in your muddy boots."
No answer.