Gladys stared at him in utter amazement that any one could speak to her so.  Why had she ever come to the farm!

However, she quickly put on a little air of indifference and only said:—­

“How silly to be so afraid!”

All she cared for now was to get to Ellen and pour out her troubles, and she was quite silent while she jumped ashore, although the wavering boat made her clutch Faith’s hand hard.

Tender-hearted Faith felt very sorry for her cousin, so she began talking about Vera as they went up the hill saying how anxious she was to hear her speak again.

“I’ll never let you!” exclaimed that strong error that had taken possession of Gladys, but her lips set tight and she was glad to see Ellen come out on the piazza.

As the children approached they saw that the maid had something bright in her hand, and that she was smiling.

“Well, Gladys,” she said, “your mother’s sent a trunk, and this was with your clothes.  What do you think of that?  I expect your mother thought you might like to have it.”

Gladys recognized the silver bowl with satisfaction.  She was glad to have Faith and Ernest see the sort of things she was used to.

“Oh, it looks like a wishing bowl,” cried Faith in admiration.

“It is a solid silver bowl that my grandmother sent me for my birthday,” remarked Gladys coolly, and she took it from Ellen.

“Let’s see what it says on it,” said Faith, and she read the inscription aloud.  Then she added:  “It does look just like the wishing bowl in our story.”

“What was that?” asked Gladys.

“Why, it was a bright, beautiful silver bowl with a cover, and all you had to do if you wanted something was to say:—­

    Pretty little silver dish,
    Give me, pray, my dearest wish;

and then, when you took off the cover, whatever you had asked for was in the bowl!”

Gladys shrugged her shoulders.  Then she took hold of Ellen’s hand and drew her into the house and closed the door after them.

Faith and Ernest did not attempt to follow.  They sat down on the steps and looked at one another.

“She’s hopping, isn’t she?” said Ernest softly.

“Oh, dear,” returned Faith dejectedly, “and it all began with the baby prince.”

“What do you mean?”

“She wants him for her aquarium.”

Ernest paused a minute to think over his cousin’s words and actions; then he broke out indignantly; “Well, she won’t get him.”

“I have hunted for him so long!” mourned Faith, “and his shell is so red; but, Ernest, didn’t you notice what it said on that bowl?”

“Yes, I did; but Gladys is a great baby and she isn’t going to get everything.  Tell her you’ll exchange the prince for that baa-ing doll of hers, if you like it.  I tell you what, Faith, I’ve had about enough of her after that boat business.  If she’s going to stay on here I shall go off with the fellows.”