Dotty gave a little start of disgust, but had the presence of mind not to scream at sight of the ugly creature, because she had heard Horace say girls always did scream at eels.
"He will know now I am as bright as anybody; as bright as a boy."
They started for home, well pleased with their evening's work.
"Did you notice," asked Dotty, "how I acted? I never screamed at that eel once."
"You're a lady, Dotty. I don't know but you might be trusted to go trouting. I never dared take Prudy, she is troubled so with palpitation of the tongue."
A proud moment this for Dotty. More discreet than Sister Prudy. Praise could no farther go!
An agreeable surprise awaited her at Aunt Maria's.
"Please accept with my love," said Grace, giving her a tiny box.
Dotty opened the box, and found, enveloped in rose-colored cotton, a beautiful gold ring, dotted with a pearl.
"I was the thief, Cousin Dotty. I hope you will excuse the liberty I took in going to your trunk."