~ TO CARIBOO AND BACK }--

yellow blooms. Dandelions are like happy
children, smiling in the face of disapproval.

“There’s not a soul anywhere in sight,” said
Betty when they reached the fence of orna-
mental pickets, from which the paint was
peeling off. “Don’t you think we might go
in and just walk around the dear old house,
Papa? The lions will never tell on us!”

“Why, to be sure; let’s goin.” Fred Wilfer
was pleased with the suggestion, for this was
just what he had been planning to do.

They walked up the gravel path, now full
of weeds, and Betty patted the stone lions
guarding the steps. Then she went to look at
herself in the great silver ball that was still
standing intact on its pedestal in the center
of the lawn.

“T look just as funny as ever,” she laughed
at the grotesque reflection she saw. “Haven't
improved a bit in all these years! I can remem-
ber how Jim used to lift me up to look at myself
in the big ball. It always made me laugh
even if I’d been crying the minute before.”

“Suppose we take a peep at the conserva-
tory?’ her father hinted.

“My favorite place!’’ cried Betty.

[233]