CHAPTER V.
“THE SCREW-UP PENCIL.”
“Mother,” said Dotty, next morning, with eyes on the carpet, “I want to tell you something. Mayn’t Prudy do it?”
“Do what, dear?”
“Talk to Miss Parker.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for you to make your own confession, my daughter?”
Dotty twisted her front hair very rapidly.
“Why, mamma, I could talk to her, you know, if ’twas about Tate Penny, how bad she is; but this is about me.”
Mrs. Parlin reflected a moment.
“I think it would be better for you to go to Miss Parker yourself, and tell her you are sorry you have deceived her; still, if you are not brave enough to do it, and your sister is willing, I shall make no objection.”