"I could see that there was a good deal of hurt feeling behind all that fine oration," responded Matilda, after a pause; "I expect she was very angry with her dear friend Molly Lavender for betraying her."
"Molly never betrayed her," replied Cecil, with firmness.
"Oh, my dear Cecil! how can you believe that story? Why, Molly even hinted two or three things to me."
"Did she? I was going to ask you about those two or three things," said Cecil.
Matilda fidgeted uneasily.
"I don't mean that she said much," she interrupted.
"Precisely; perhaps you will tell me what she did say."
"How can I recollect now?"
"You must recollect," said Cecil suddenly. "The fact is this: Molly declares that she never repeated a single word of Kate's confidence to you. You must tell what she really said, Matilda, and perhaps the best way—the very best way—is to tell me in Molly's own presence."