Molly's eyes grew full of tears. The voices of several girls were heard approaching.
"Listen," said Kate, going quickly to Molly's side. "I spoke to Miss Leicester this morning. She said that, after all, mine was a sort of false humility last night. She was sorry that I told my story to the school. I am not sorry; I am glad that everyone knows. I hate deception, and there is no deception now. I would give all the world not to believe that you broke my confidence, Molly; but I told no one else."
"I never broke it," said Molly. "I had not the faintest idea why you were cold and distant to me until last night. Now, I wish to tell you emphatically that I am innocent—innocent as a baby."
Kate looked full at her; the girls were entering the hall. Molly laid her hand on Kate's arm.
"You do believe me—you must!" said Molly.
"No!" replied Kate.
Molly rushed away.