"I want my property,—the paper I gave you to keep for me."
Will had risen to his feet, and answered very coolly, "I can't give it to you."
"What do you mean? Have you lost it?"
"No, but I can't give it to you."
"Have you read it?"
"Yes, and that's the reason I don't give it to you. I know if I should you would—"
"Probably give it to Miss Smithson," cried Agnes, shrilly. "Miss Smithson," going toward Peggy, "I—"
"Oh, Peggy, Peggy, come with me. We're all your friends,—grandmother and I and Will and Tom; and we know how sweet and innocent you are. Oh, Peggy, come, come, and don't listen to her!" burst forth Tilly, in an agony of pity and horror, as she put an arm around Peggy to draw her away.
But Peggy was not to be drawn away.
"What in the world is the matter? What is it all about? What do you mean, Tilly, dear, by 'innocent'? What has she," glancing at Agnes disdainfully "been getting up against me?"