Kitty ceased to cry; she raised her face and looked at Annie. Annie struggled to her feet.
She was about to reply to Nan when Hester came up and spoke to her.
"Oh, Annie," she said, "where have you been all day? We have been dreadfully anxious about you; and poor Nora has been hurt, and Kitty seems in trouble of some sort, and says that she won't tell her secret. What can it all mean?"
"Well, really!" said Annie. She paused a minute; the rich colour mantled her cheeks; her bright eyes seemed to flash fire.
"I'm awfully sorry about Nora," she said; "but I fail to see how I am to blame. From your manner, Nan, and yours, Hester, I seem to be accused of something. What is it, pray?"
"Oh, it's nothing, indeed," said Molly, who had come up now and joined Hester. "What does it matter, Hetty, when we are all so awfully wretched? Poor Annie did not mean anything. Do let her alone!"
"I did not mean anything?" echoed Annie. "I'm afraid I can't allow myself to be let alone. I must find out what I'm accused of. Kitty, you say you kept my secret safely. Speak now and tell everybody."
"I can't stay to listen," said Molly, turning away; "it's too—too trivial!"
Hester and Nan, however, still stood facing Annie, and the boys, Guy and Harry, also came and joined the group.
"Speak, Kitty," said Annie.