"Just as the good father did his prodigal son," said the humbled girl, smiling through her tears; "but do you know I took your paper too. You never can imagine how it pained me to tell you that lie. As soon as you spoke, I remembered seeing something written on the sheet; but I dared not say so; I was afraid. You see I didn't know then how much easier it would be to tell the truth right out."
"But you'll know after this," interrupted Frank. "The only way is if you've done wrong to get it off your mind at once."
Ellen laughed. "I haven't felt so well for a month," she said.
"You'll be lucky though, if father doesn't give you a dose of jalap, or castor oil to cure you of too much candy," added the boy, merrily.
"That wouldn't be half so bad as bearing this pain all alone;" and Ellen put her hand to her heart.
"Come with me, child," said her aunt, leading the way to her own chamber.
[CHAPTER VI.]
FASHIONABLE LIES.
"IT is not very late," said Mrs. Collins, "and I want to talk with you a little more before you go to bed."
Ellen took her aunt's hand and pressed it against her own cheek.