Valetta came home much more grieved when she had found she was the only one left out, and declared it was unjust.
No,’ said Gillian, ‘for you began it all. None of the others would have got into the scrape but for you.’
‘It was all your fault for not minding me!’
‘As if I made you do sly things.’
‘You made me. You were so cross if I only asked a question,’ and Val prepared to cry.
‘I thought people had to do their own work and not other folks’! Don’t be so foolish.’
‘Oh dear! oh dear! how unkind you are! I wish—I wish Mysie was here; every one is grown cross! Oh, if mamma would but come home!’
‘Now, Val, don’t be such a baby! Stop that!’
And Valetta went into one of her old agonies of crying and sobbing, which brought Aunt Jane in to see what was the matter. She instantly stopped the scolding with which Gillian was trying to check the outburst, and which only added to its violence.
‘It is the only thing to stop those fits,’ said Gillian. ‘She can if she will! It is all temper.’