“Why? Because it makes your mother unhappy. That’s enough why.”
But there was something more. Mamma had been frightened. Something to do with the frightening man in the lane.
“Why does it make her?”
She knew; she knew; but she wanted to see what he would say.
“I said that was enough.... Do you know what you’ve been guilty of?”
“Disobedience.”
“More than that. Breaking trust. Meanness. It was mean and dishonorable of you when you knew you wouldn’t be punished.”
“Isn’t there to be a punishment?”
“No. People are punished to make them remember. We want you to forget.” His arm tightened, drawing her closer. And the kind, secret voice went on. “Forget ugly things. Understand, Hatty, nothing is forbidden. We don’t forbid, because we trust you to do what we wish. To behave beautifully.... There, there.”
She hid her face on his breast against his tickly coat, and cried.