Harebell's friend

by Amy Le Feuvre

"You needn't think your aunt gave you leave to go and see Tom, for she didn't. You'd better keep quiet about it, and not let her know you went."

"Oh, Peter, what do you mean?"

"Don't shout, you stupid! I did go to ask her; but she was out, so I couldn't!"

"But you told a lie! You said she had given me leave."

"I didn't!" said Peter, a little sullenly. "You asked me if you could go, and I said, 'Yes.' I didn't say anything about your aunt!"

Harebell stopped still in the road. He dragged her on by the arm.

"There's nothing to make a fuss about! I didn't tell a lie. You needn't say a word about going to Tom. Tell her you went to the woods, if she asks you."

"But I met Uncle Herbert, and told him I was going to Tom, and I told him aunt had given me leave to go!"

"You were a little fool."

Then he changed his tone.