It all came about in quite the most unforeseen manner. Roy had promised to play tennis with her the afternoon of Doctor Emery's announcement. They had had quite a few contests already and Harry had proved herself more than a match for Roy. To-day they met outside the cottage, Harry bringing her own racquet and one for Roy, since tennis had scarcely been included in his education and he possessed no racquet of his own. Unfortunately Roy started the conversation by accusing Harry of having broken her promise. That was an awful accusation to bring against her, since she had an almost quixotic regard for the given word. Stung, she made no effort to set herself right, only declared sullenly that she had done no such thing. Roy had not greatly cared, but her curt denials aroused his impatience.
"'My, what a temper!'"
"But, Harry," he protested, "you must have! He said so!"
"I didn't! I didn't! I didn't!"
"But, Harry, that's nonsense, you know."
"I didn't break my promise," she answered angrily.
"Well, then I'd just like to know how he found out. Of course I don't care much if you did tell him, only—"
"You've just as good as said I've told a lie!" cried Harry, turning suddenly with reddening cheeks.