The girls turned, to find Miss Ashton there.
“Tell Miss Ashton what?” she asked again pleasantly; “I always like to hear good news. What is this about?”
Now, nothing had really been farther from Julia’s 126 intention than to tell on Myra. She was one of those who had gone up to the desk when Miss Ashton showed the piece of cloth, and had recognized it as like a dress she had seen Myra wear. That there was anything of more importance attached to it than the ability to mend the dress neatly, she did not think, so she answered readily,—
“Why, Miss Ashton, that piece of cloth you showed us was exactly like Myra’s dress. I’ve seen it a hundred times; but she declares she never had a dress like it, and we were quarrelling about it. I wish you would show it to her close up, and see if she don’t have to give in.”
“I will; come to my room, Myra!” and she led the way there, Myra following with a frightened, sullen face.
Then she found the piece, and laid it on the table.
“Myra,” she said, after looking at the girl kindly for a moment, “is this like your dress? Tell me truly; it is much the best thing for you to do.”
Myra gazed at the cloth for a moment, then burst into a flood of tears.
“So you were one of the sleighing-party?” said Miss Ashton quietly. “Will you tell me who were with you?”
If Myra had not been taken so entirely by surprise, she might, probably would, have refused to answer, for honor is as dear to girls as to boys; but she sobbed out one name after another, until the six stood confessed. 127