But her good spirits were not of long duration. Outside the church Star stepped back and spoke to her.
"Why did you do that?" she asked.
"Do what?" asked Maud, considerably startled.
"Of course, I saw you knock down that prayer-book on purpose. Why did you give that girl—Miss Dixie, I think you call her—a note?"
"I didn't," said Maud at once.
"You did. I shall tell Jane Price."
"Oh, what a horror you are!—a tell-tale and all the rest. Besides, it isn't true."
"It is true," said Star; "I saw you do it. What is the matter, Maud? There is a sort of conspiracy going on in our school. We are all fearfully unhappy, and I can't conceal things any longer. I can't and I won't."
"Oh, please—please don't tell Jane. Indeed—indeed I didn't do anything."
"Maud, if you deny it again I will tell Jane, and this instant."