"If course I can!" she answered, a little indignant at the question. "I guess I was thinking of—something else," she ended.
"David" had been on her tongue, but she kept the name back.
"Don't you know that you should always have your mind on what you do? It is a mercy that you did not get hold of anything worse."
"I could n't," Polly protested. "The poisons and all such things are up in the medicine closet, and that's always locked."
"You have been allowed too much liberty," Miss Price went on. "hereafter remember that you are not to touch a bottle of any description. But, then," she added, half to herself, but which came plainly to Polly's ear, "there is no need of such an order while I am in charge. I shall see that none are left within reach."
The child's eyes flashed. This clear implication of the one she adored set loose her temper, and she burst out passionately:—
"Miss Lucy always does everything just right, and I think it's mean of you to hint that she does n't!"
Miss \Price looked steadily at Polly, the color wavering on her cheeks; then she said, with more than her usual gentleness:—
"Polly, I am sorry, but I think I shall have to punish you. You may go and sit in that wooden chair over there, with your back to the window. Do not stir or speak until I give you permission."
Polly walked straight to the seat designated, but there was no meekness in her obedience. She carried her head defiantly, and her face was hot with anger. To think that "High Price" should dare to find fault with Miss Lucy! That rankled in her loyal little heart.