During the painful constraint that followed, Fledra allowed Ann to leave the room; but before she had more than closed the door the girl rose and bounded after her. Impulsively she grasped Miss Shellington's arm and thrust herself in front.
"Sister Ann," she whispered, "I lied to ye! I was mad at Floyd, as mad as—"
Ann placed her finger on the trembling lips.
"Don't say what you were going to, Dear—and remember it is as great a sin to get into such a temper as it is to tell a story."
"Ye won't tell anyone that I fibbed, will ye—Flukey or yer brother, either?"
Everett's voice called Ann again, and she replied that she was coming.
Softly kissing the girl, she said:
"If I loved you less, Fledra dear, I should not be so anxious about you. But I'm so fond of you, child! Now, then, smile and kiss me!"
Fledra flung her arms about the other.
"I keep forgettin'. I'll try not to be bad any more." Flea turned back into the room, as Ann hurried away at another call from Everett, and muttered: