"Is that true, Susy?" asked her mamma in a grave, sad voice. For the mere thought that Susy could do such a thing, made her heart ache.
Before Susy had time to answer, the lady cried out:
"Of course, it is true. Don't you see the dreadful marks on his face?"
"Answer, Susy, is it true?" repeated her mamma.
Susy tried to tell the whole story, just as it happened, but seeing her mamma look so sad, and every body else believing Thomas, she could only cry still harder.
Then her mamma took her away to her own room, and wiped away her tears, and said:
"Now tell me, my dear Susy, all about it. I can not think my precious child has done this sinful thing. But don't be afraid to tell me the whole truth. Remember God hears every word you say. Remember, my darling! Think before you speak."
"Mamma, I telled the truth!" said Susy. "I telled the truth. Thomas said he would get some candy for me if I would hold up the cover. And I tried to hold it, and I couldn't. And won't you believe me? O mamma! won't you believe me?"
Then Susy's mamma said in her heart, to God:
"O God! teach me what to believe. Do not let me make a mistake. And oh! do not let my little Susy ever speak a word that is not true."