"How long, dearest? Until you ran away again?"
"Oh, don't!" said Christian. "How cruel you are! I have almost made up my mind——"
"What, Christian? To what have you made up your mind?"
"That I won't stand this. It would be much—much braver to me to tell. I'll consult Star; she will know how to advise me."
Now, this was the very last thing that Susan wished. Although she was quite certain that she herself could so manage matters as to send Christian to Coventry if she did tell, she also knew that if Star discovered the truth, she (Susan) would be the person reduced to that uncomfortable position.
"It would be madness for you to tell Star," she said, changing her tone to one of great sympathy. "She's a very upright, honorable sort of girl; she would be shocked—absolutely shocked."
"Are you sure? She always seems so kind; although of late somehow she has not taken much notice of me."
Susan laughed. "Take my advice," she said, "and keep your own counsel. Tell no one except your own Susy, who, of course, won't repeat anything. I have nearly done getting what money I want from you; and isn't it better to be a little short of funds than to be hated by everybody? Come, now; let's take a walk and have a cozy-pozy time together."
Susan's "cozy-pozy time" was scarcely enjoyed by Christian, who was learning to dislike her companion more and more day by day. The young girl often wondered at the intense feeling of hatred that was growing up in her heart for this disagreeable and wicked girl.
"How little I knew when I ran away what it would all mean!" thought the poor child. "Oh, dear! if only father and mother were in England I might consult them. But there is no one—no one to go to for help."