Loulou began to be scared, and, as usual, as I grew angry, she began to cool down.
"Well, I think you ought to have told, but to be sure you are only a little girl," she added condescendingly. "As father says, when you are older you will know better."
This put the climax. Nobody likes to be called "only a little girl."
I did not say a word, but I fumed and walked away from her. I had had a glimpse of a figure coming up the hollow lane, and I was determined to meet David before his sister did.
"Vevette, where are you going?" called Loulou. "Come back; you will be wet through."
I paid no attention to her, but, quickening my steps, I passed a turn in the lane, and as I did so, David caught me in his arms.
"Vevette! What are you doing here, and what makes you so pale? Is your heart beating again?" For I was subject to palpitations which, though probably not dangerous, were alarming. "Here, sit down a moment. What frightened you?"
"You—you did," I gasped, as soon as I could speak. "I thought they would carry you off—that we should never see you again."
"Was that all? There was no danger," said David, with an odd little smile. "I did not go near them."
"Did not go near them!" repeated Lucille, who had now come up with us. "Why not?"