CHAPTER XV.
EVIL TONGUES.
“I will not go in with you, Isa dear,” said Edith, as the carriage approached the little country town. “Lottie will speak to you more freely if no one is by. I hope that we shall be able to carry back with us to Wildwaste your runaway little gipsy maid.”
“I am sure that we shall,” replied Isa. “Lottie is an affectionate girl, and loves me. I must chide her a little, but gently; she is one with whom a short reproof will go a long way.”
“And all your scourges are made of feathers, like those in the fairy-tale,” said Edith with a smile, as the carriage rolled up to the door of Mrs. Green’s shop.
Courteously declining the guidance of the cobbler’s stout wife, Isa lightly ascended the stair to the lodging above. She entertained not the slightest doubt of succeeding in bringing back her truant; her only subject of consideration was how far reproof should be blended with kindness. Lottie’s strange conduct had given her mistress just cause of offence; it must not be overlooked, though in Isa’s heart it was already forgiven.
The lady tapped at the door, and entered the room where Lottie stood trembling. Her face was buried in her hands; but Isa could see the red burning flush on her neck. The girl’s attitude was so expressive of humiliation and grief, that her gentle mistress forgot at once all her intended rebuke.
“My poor Lottie, what has happened?” There was nothing but kindness and sympathy in the voice which uttered the question.
The tears trickled through Lottie’s brown fingers; but she did not remove her hands or raise her head.