She shook her head indignantly.
“Grant Stowe?”
284“Nobody, thank you, I guess I have a mind of my own.”
“New teacher start in by giving you a lecture on deportment?”
Chicken Little stamped her foot. “You’re perfectful hateful–and I sha’n’t walk another step with you!”
They were near the gate leading from the lane into the orchard and she suited the action to the word, by darting through it and running off under the trees.
Sherm looked after her a moment, undecided whether to stand on his dignity or to pursue. He had considered Jane a little girl–most of the time. Some way she was alluringly different to-day. He suddenly resolved that he would not be flouted in any such fashion. It took him about two minutes to catch up with Chicken Little and slip his arm through hers.
“No, you don’t, Miss. You are going to sit down here under this tree and tell me exactly what’s the matter!”
Chicken Little struggled rebelliously, but Sherm held her firmly.
“I can’t–Mother told me to come straight home from school; she wanted me.”