"John," she continued, "I touched the peach, and that was why it fell down."
He looked too amazed to answer.
"I am very, very sorry—will you forgive me for telling a falsehood?" murmured Amy, beseechingly.
John looked still very surprised and angry.
"Miss Amy," he began, "I could not have thought you—"
"But forgive her this time," interposed Mabel, "she is very sorry, and it has been a hard struggle to come and tell you how very wrong she has been."
"Bless you, miss," answered the old gardener, quickly, "you are your own father's child, and I know how much you must have suffered when you found any kindred of your'n a telling lies. But I forgive you, Miss Amy, and never you do wrong like that again. Bless you, Miss Mabel, for you be leading the dear young lady in the right path, as well as walking in it yourself."