“If I made anywhere near as much trouble as you do about this gymnasium, Hessie, I’d talk soft.”
“Now, Bobby,” cautioned Nellie Agnew, laying a quick hand upon the smaller girl’s arm and drawing her away.
But Hester, quite beside herself, lifted her palm and struck at Bobby. Perhaps the agile girl dodged; or maybe Nellie deliberately stepped forward. Anyhow, the stroke intended for Bobby landed full upon Nellie’s cheek. Hester was strong and her hand heavy. The print of her palm left a white patch for a moment upon the plump cheek of the doctor’s daughter.
“Now you’ve done it, Hessie!” cried Bobby, angrily. “See what you’ve done!”
“I didn’t——” began Hester, rather startled by the result of her blow; but the tears of anger and pain had sprung to Nellie’s eyes and for once the peacemaker showed some spirit.
“It served you just right! You’re always interfering,” flashed out Hester.
“You are a bad and cruel girl,” said Nellie, sobbing, but more in anger than pain.
“Bah! you run and tell Mrs. Case now. That will be about your style.”
“I shall tell my father,” said Nellie, firmly, and turned away that her enemy might not exult longer in her tears.
“And he’s our physician and I guess he’ll have something to say about your actions, Hessie!” cried Bobby Hargrew. “You’re not fit to play with nice girls, anyway.”