I made no resistance. Having let him take his own way so far, he had matters in his hands, and I had only to obey.
He would not walk homeward with me, lest he should be seen; but we settled that I was to take the watch out into the garden after dark. And all the time I tried to hold myself from seeing how very very wrongly I was acting.
It didn't take me long to reach the station. Mother met me indoors with a smile, and I could see she was better for her quiet time. She told me I looked better too, and there's no doubt I was flushed, and not so tired.
"I didn't expect you to be so long, Kitty," said she. "But no matter, if it's done you good."
Another half-hour brought darkness, and the puzzle then was how to get away. I had slipped the watch and chain into my dress, all ready; and I was in a tremble of nervousness. Mother wanted me to settle down to some mending, and she seemed uncommon disposed for talk.
"Why, Kitty, you're all in a fidget," says she. "What's the matter?"
"I don't feel like sitting still," I said.
"No more did I, but it don't do to give in to that sort of thing," said she. "It's Mary's going: nought else. Saying good-bye does unsettle folks. But you've had your walk, and now you'd best be busy."
Mother got out her work, and took a chair opposite: so I knew she meant to keep me at it.
"I wonder what Mary is doing now," says she.