As Nelly got out of the car, at the corner nearest her own home, she ran against Kitty Brown, who was walking slowly in the same direction.
"Oh, Kitty," she exclaimed, joyfully, "I am so glad to see you! Come to our house and see all my nice presents,—and something else," she added, mysteriously. "I know something—But oh, Kitty, what is the matter?" she exclaimed, catching sight of Kitty's tear-stained face, by a gas-light. "What has happened?"
Kitty burst into tears.
"I have lost my place, Nelly," she sobbed. "Mrs. Powers has sent me away, and I dare not tell mother. Oh, I don't know what she will do."
"Oh, I am so sorry!" exclaimed Nelly, with real sympathy. "I thought you liked it there so much."
"She sent me away," repeated Kitty, sobbing afresh. "Oh, Nelly, if I had only done as you did about the doll,—only told her the truth! I was unlucky, and broke several things; and, finally, I broke a beautiful glass bowl with a foot to it. I ought not to have taken it in my hand; but I wanted to look at it, and one day, when she was gone, I took it down and dropped it. I dared not tell her: so I put the pieces together and set them back as they were before, and she never found out till to-day. Oh, how angry she was! She said she would not care so much if I had only told her the truth at the time, though the bowl was worth twelve dollars. And then she began to look, and she found all the others,—the plate and all—and she said she would not have me any longer, and sent me away. I have been walking in the street ever since three o'clock this afternoon, because I dared not go home."
"Why, Kitty Brown!" exclaimed Nelly, very much shocked. "And without your supper?"
Kitty nodded.
"Come right in and have some with me," said Nelly, with authority. "Yes; you must, too. Granny will have mine all ready; and when you are warm and have eaten, you will have more courage. I know just how you feel. I remember how I felt when I thought I should lose my place."
"And that was my fault, too," murmured Kitty. "I have heard about heaping coals of fire on people's heads; and I guess you mean to try it, Nelly."