“Don’t you think, pet, that you are a little too young to belong to secret societies?” asked Mrs. Emery smilingly.
“Not this kind, mama; this is—is a benevolent society.”
“Oh!”
“Yes, it’s for a worthy purpose.”
“Indeed? And what is the purpose, Harry?”
“Why, it’s to—now, there, mama, you almost made me tell you!” Harry turned and pushed her mother away. “I’m not going to answer any more questions!” She set her lips tightly and determinedly together.
“But, Harry,” said her mother teasingly, “you know you never can keep a secret! You needn’t even try. You might as well tell me now as later.”
Harry shook her head violently, but refused to speak.
“Very well, then,” said Mrs. Emery sadly, “if you can’t trust me, Harry, I suppose—”
Harry was not proof against this. She jumped up and threw her arms about Mrs. Emery’s comfortable waist, and hugged tight.