"What does?" asked Susie.
"That you love me so. I didn't think you would after I hit you this afternoon. I'm so sorry I did it."
"Oh, never mind; I know you didn't mean to hurt me," said Susie cheerfully. "I know you loved me all the time."
"Yes, I do love you, Susie; but somehow I wish you didn't love me now," said Elfie with a deep sigh.
"Why?" asked Susie, in a tone of surprise.
"Because it ain't no good loving me; I'm bad. I didn't know I was till to-day; but I am, and you'd better not love me any more. God don't, I know," said Elfie.
"Yes, he does," said Susie quickly. "He loves you, Elfie, more than I can. He is—"
"There, hold your tongue. I don't want to hear about him," interrupted Elfie.
Susie was puzzled, but remained silent for a minute or two, and then asked—"Where have you been to-day, Elfie?"
"Oh, lots of places," she answered shortly. "But don't ask about that; tell me what you've been doing."