And Sis said: “Jane Raleigh is crazy. That’s all.” Then they looked at me, and mother burst into tears. But Sis said:

“You little imp! Don’t tell me you’ve been in that bed all night. I know better.

I closed my eyes. They were not of the understanding sort, and never would be.

“If that’s the way you feel I shall tell you nothing,” I said wearily.

Where have you been?” mother said, in a slow and dreadful voice.

Well, I saw then that a part of the Truth must be disclosed, especialy since she has for some time considered sending me to a convent, although without cause, and has not done so for fear of my taking the veil. So I told her this. I said:

“I spent the night shut in a clothes closet, but where is not my secret. I cannot tell you.”

“Barbara! You must tell me.”

“It is not my secret alone, mother.”

She caught at the foot of the bed.