"'Tabby Catt, Tabby Catt, where have you been?'
'I've been to London to see the queen.'
'Tabby Catt, Tabby Catt, what saw you there?'—"
"I saw a sneaking boy with a shock of red hair," finished the enraged Tabitha whirling toward him with the dripping dipper, and before he had a chance to divine her intentions or dodge to one side, she let its contents fly straight into his face.
"Tabitha Catt!"
An ominous hush had fallen over the room while this little scene was transpiring, but the angry child had not noticed the unusual silence, nor perceived that Miss Brooks had entered in time to see the deluge.
"Tabitha Catt!" repeated the astonished teacher. "I am surprised at you. Ask Jerome's pardon for being so rude."
Tabitha still stood beside the water bucket, quivering in every limb, eyes blazing, nostrils flaring, and clutching the empty dipper fiercely in her hand.
"I will not!"
The teacher was shocked; no one had ever defied her in this manner before, and the angry blood mounted to her forehead. She would have obedience at whatever cost.
"Tabitha, I insist that you beg Jerome's forgiveness."
"I was to blame some, too, Miss Brooks," interrupted the boy shamefacedly. "I'm sorry."