did no good. She walked on unmollified. I
used to think that no eyes in the world could
grow so large or hold so many tears as Nina's.
Mrs. Harling and Antonia invariably took her
part. We were never given a chance to ex-
plain. The charge was simply: "You have
made Nina cry. Now, Jimmy can go home,
and Sally must get her arithmetic." I liked
Nina, too; she was so quaint and unexpected,
and her eyes were lovely; but I often wanted
to shake her.

We had jolly evenings at the Harlings' when
the father was away. If he was at home, the
children had to go to bed early, or they came
over to my house to play. Mr. Harling not
only demanded a quiet house, he demanded all
his wife's attention. He used to take her away
to their room in the west ell, and talk over his
business with her all evening. Though we did
not realize it then, Mrs. Harling was our audi-
ence when we played, and we always looked
to her for suggestions. Nothing flattered one
like her quick laugh.

Mr. Harling had a desk in his bedroom, and
his own easy-chair by the window, in which no
one else ever sat. On the nights when he was
at home, I could see his shadow on the blind,

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v?