Miss Adams shook her fist at Maggie, and then gave a longer and harder pull at Bessie's hair.
"When I tell you to don't, why don't you don't?" said Bessie, furiously, stamping her foot, and turning to Miss Adams, her face crimson with anger.
Miss Adams and the gentlemen set up a shout of laughter, and Mr. Lovatt, who was standing just behind Bessie, caught her up in his arms and held her high in the air.
Now Bessie disliked Mr. Lovatt almost as much as she did Miss Adams. He was a great tease, and was always running after her and trying to kiss her. He had never done it yet, for she had always managed to run away from him, or some of her friends had interfered to save her from being annoyed.
"Put me down!" she said.
"Not until you have given me three kisses," said Mr. Lovatt. "I have you now, and you cannot help yourself."
"Put me down!" screamed Bessie, furious with passion.
"For shame, Lovatt!" said Mr. Thorn, and Mr. Lovatt looked for a moment as if he was going to put Bessie down; but Miss Adams laughed and said,—
"You are not going to let that little mite get the better of you? Make her kiss you. Such airs!"
Mr. Lovatt lowered the struggling child a little, but still held her fast in his arms, while Maggie ran off to call her grandmamma.