“Only part of it—no more than two volumes,” said Susy quickly, as though anxious to submit extenuating circumstances to the notice of her stepmother.
“Did you get it at Hill’s library, or where?” inquired Mrs. Burney.
“I did not get it at a library,” replied Susy slowly, as a reluctant witness might answer an incriminating question.
“What, did you buy it? Did you spend your money on it?” cried Mrs. Burney, with a note of amazement not free from anxiety.
“Oh, no; I did not buy it,” said Susy.
“How did it come into your hands, then—tell me that?”
“Cousin Edward brought it for Fanny.”
“And you read the first two volumes and are now reading the third?”
“Nay, mamma, ’tis I that was led by my curiosity,” said Lottie hastily.