"Isn't that going a little too far? I fancy mother would say so if she heard you."
"But she doesn't deserve it; she isn't worthy to be my friend," sobbed Katie, vindictively.
"I don't want to be a prig and preach to you," and Robert blushed crimson, "but if I were you, I'd try to return good for evil. Don't put yourself in her way and court her friendship, as I'm afraid you have done. Let her know, if you like, you are quite aware why she lets you think you are one of her chums—I suppose you help her with her lessons and things, don't you?"
Katie confessed she had often made clean copies of exercises for Connie, and frequently acted as monitor in her place, staying behind the rest of the girls and seeing the schoolroom was left in order when her friend was anxious to get home early. She had, in fact, done more than she had honestly any right to do.
"H'm!" said Robert, musingly. "Well, take my advice," he continued, "and leave Miss Connie to look after her own work. But if the chance to do her a good turn should happen, show her you don't bear malice, and that you're still willing to do her a kindness. You know what I mean—heap coals of fire on her head."
Katie felt very solemn. All the anger faded from her face and some of the anger from her heart.
"But I should have to forgive her to do that," she said in a low voice.
"And can't you?"
"No."
"I think you'll have to, old girl. Mother forgave Jack, you know, for having led me into mischief. Not that I blame him," added Robert, hastily; "'twas a deal more my fault than his."