"You did want to go, didn't you?" snapped out the old woman.
"Yes, mother, I did want to go," replied Rita.
"There, you hear for yourself, Mr. Little. She lied to me, and now is brazen enough to own up to it."
Tom thought the scene very funny and laughed boisterously. Had Tom been scolded, Rita would have wept.
"Go it, mother," said Tom. "This is better than a jury trial."
"Oh, Tom, be still, son!" said Mrs. Bays, and then turning to Rita: "Now you've got to tell me what happened at Scott's social. Out with it!"
Rita and Dic were sitting near each other on the edge of the porch. Mr. Bays and Tom occupied rocking-chairs, and Billy Little was standing on the ground, hat in hand.
"Tell me this instant," cried Mrs. Bays, rising from her chair and going over to the girl, who shrank from her in fear. "Tell me, or I'll—I'll—"
"I can't, mother," the girl answered tremblingly. "I can't tell you before all these—these folks. I'll tell you in the house."
"You went into the kissing game. That's what you did," cried Mrs. Bays, "and your punishment shall be to confess it before Mr. Little." Rita began to weep, and answered gently:—