Phyllis' eyes filled with tears; and flushing with shame, she pressed her hot cheek against the back of the chair she was sitting in, and felt herself the most miserable, disgraced, unworthy little creature in the whole world.
Mr. Ladd's voice deepened, as it always did when he was moved.
"My darling," he said, "don't feel badly about it, because it is only a trifle. But it is not kind to your companions to dress better than they do, and I am sure you do not wish them to feel envious or resentful. I just ask you to bear it in mind, that's all, and be somewhat on your guard."
"I will, Papa."
"Now come and kiss your daddy, and tell him you're not cross with him for being such an old fuss-cat."
"Y-y-ou are n-not an old fu-u-uss-cat, but the dearest, darlingest, bestest--"
"Do you think it's right to bite a railroad president's ear?"
"Yes, if you love him!"
"Or muss up the only hair he has, which isn't very much?"
"Yes, if it helps you to think."