“But I made the resolution because I thought it was right,” said Jessie, solemnly.
“Oh! did you? Well, that alters the case, I suppose. But please break it for once; only this once, just to please me, you know. Come, there’s a dear, good Jessie; do come over to my house this afternoon.”
Oh! how Jessie did long to drop her sewing, and go with her friend. There was a mighty struggle in her heart for a few moments; but her purpose triumphed at last, and in a calm, firm voice, she replied:
“No, dear Carrie, not until nearly dark. I must finish my quilt to-morrow morning. You go and get my cousins and take them with you. I will come over just as soon as it is too dark to see to sew without a light; and that won’t be a great while, you know, this short afternoon.”
Carrie saw that her friend’s mind was made up. So turning to leave the room she said:
“Well, I suppose you are right; but mind you come as early as you can.”
“That I will,” rejoined Jessie.
Carrie left the room. The next moment she pushed the door open again, and peeping in, said,
“Jessie?”
“Well, dear, what is it?”