“Oh, Carrie, you wouldn’t do it!” exclaimed Florence, eagerly.
“It’s your only course,” persisted Susan, not heeding this remark. “It is the very best thing you can do.”
“And what’s to become of me?” interrupted Florence. “A pretty position I shall be in! Proved guilty, and a liar into the bargain! Carrie, you couldn’t be so cruel! What would Mr. Worcester do to me? I should be expelled at the very least. You won’t bring me out, just to save yourself? You couldn’t be so mean, Carrie!”
“What shall I do?” was the poor girl’s only reply.
“Tell the truth,” persisted her cousin.
“But—Florence——”
“If she had not lied herself,” began Susan.
“But I have lied,” interrupted Florence. “It’s done and can’t be helped. Carrie, you will not expose me! I hear some one coming for you now. Promise me that you won’t tell.”
Caroline said not a word. She trembled from head to foot. There was a rap at the door. She did not move. Florence looked at her an instant, then sprang to her and shook her fiercely by the shoulder.
“Don’t tremble so, you little fool!” she said. “Your very looks will betray you!”