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downstairs, and the children got ready to go out. George was scowling. The very idea of leaving Tim behind made her angry.
    'You nearly gave our secret away, you silly,' said Dick to Anne.
    'I didn't think,' said the little girl, looking ashamed of herself. 'Anyway, Mr. Roland seems very nice. I think we might ask him if he could help us to understand those funny words.'
    'You leave that to me to decide,' said Julian, crossly. 'Now don't you dare to say a word.'
    They all set out, Timothy too. Mr. Roland need not have worried about the dog, for Timothy would not go near him. It was very queer, really. He kept away from the tutor, and took not the slightest notice of him even when Mr. Roland spoke to him.
    'He's not usually like that,' said Dick. 'He's a most friendly dog, really.'
    'Well, as I've got to live in the same house with him, I must try and make him friends with me,' said the tutor. 'Hie, Timothy! Come here! I've got a biscuit in my pocket.'
    Timothy pricked up his ears at the word 'biscuit' but did not even look towards Mr.
    Roland. He put his tail down and went to George. She patted him.
    'If he doesn't like anyone, not even a biscuit or a bone will make him go to them when he is called,' she said.
    Mr. Roland gave it up. He put the biscuit back into his pocket. 'He's a queer-looking dog, isn't he ?' he said. 'A terrible mongrel! I must say I prefer well-bred dogs.'
    George went purple in the face. 'He's not queer-looking!' she spluttered. 'He's not nearly so queer-looking as you! He's not a terrible mongrel. He's the best dog in the world!'
    'I think you are being a little rude,' said Mr. Roland, stiffly. CI don't allow my pupils to be cheeky, Georgina.'
    Galling her Georgina made George still more furious. She lagged behind with Tim, looking as black as a thundercloud. The others felt uncomfortable. They knew what tempers George got into, and how difficult she could be. She had been so much better and happier since the summer, when they had come to stay for the first time.
    They did hope she wasn't going to be silly and get into rows. It would spoil the Christmas holidays.
    Mr. Roland took no more notice of George. He did not speak to her, but strode on ahead with the others, doing his best to be jolly. He could really be very funny, and the boys began to laugh at him. He took Anne's hand, and the little girl jumped along beside him, enjoying the walk.

    Julian felt sorry for George. It wasn't nice to be left out of things, and he knew how George hated anything
    like that. He wondered if he dared to put in a good word for her. It might make things easier.
    'Mr. Roland, sir,' he began. 'Could you call my cousin by the name she likes - George -
    she simply hates Georgina. And she's very fond of Tim. She can't bear anyone to say horrid things about him.'
    Mr. Roland looked suiprised. 'My dear boy, I am sure you mean well,' he said, in rather a dry sort of voice, 'but I hardly think I want your advice about any of my pupils. I shall follow my own wishes in my treatment of Georgina, not yours. I want to be friends with you all, and I am sure we shall be - but Georgina has got to be sensible, as you three are.'
    Julian felt rather squashed. He went red and looked at Dick. Dick gave him a squeeze on his arm. The boys knew George could be silly and difficult, especially if anyone didn't like her beloved dog - but they thought Mr. Roland might try to be a bit more understanding too. Dick slipped behind and walked with George.
    'You needn't walk with me,' said George at once, her blue eyes glinting. 'Walk with your friend Mr. Roland.'
    'He isn't my friend,' said Dick. 'Don't be silly.'
    'I'm not silly,' said George, in a tight sort of voice. 'I heard you all laughing and joking with him. You go on and have a good laugh again. I've got Timothy.'
    'George, it's Christmas holidays,' said Dick. 'Do let's all be friends. Do. Don't let's spoil Christmas.'
    T can't like anyone who doesn't like Tim,' said George,