Christopher was slightly puzzled at this time
by receiving more signs of appreciation from



FAUSTULA 139

his brother's little friend than she had ever
shown him before. Fabian noticed it and was
glad, for he had been annoyed that Faustula
seemed rather bhnd to Christopher's kindness
and good-will.
That Faustula was not quite so good as she
had been, Melania and Acilia observed too, but
they did not attach any special significance to
it; little girls will be cross sometimes, and
heathen little girls can no more be expected to
be always at their best than Christian little
girls. Nor was Faustula cross with them, or
with Christopher; it was merely that she now
never went near Fabian, and excused herself
coldly if he happened to propose himself as her
playmate, and was slightly more odd and old
in her ways.
Csecilia was rather kind to the little girl, or
tried to be ; but very httle girls were not much
in her hne; she had no children and frankly
declared that she would not have known what to
do with thenjj, if she had. Faustula would
have none of her patronage and showed it al-
most venomously. Csecilia did not mind and
assured herself there was so much trouble
saved.
