"We'll promise, solemnly, we won't say a word only grammar," said Isa, earnestly. "Can't you trust us?"
The teacher hesitated, looked at timid little Lucy, and said, "Yes. But if you break your word, girls, remember, 'tis the last time you'll ever go in there to study."
Isa had no intention of keeping her word. She wanted to have Lucy to herself for the purpose of "managing" her.
For a while the girls studied in silence, their heads close together, and covered by a shawl.
"O, Lucy," said Isa, suddenly, "I've a compliment for you."
Lucy put her finger on her lip.
"Dear me, Lucy, didn't I speak good grammar? That's all the promise I made—that I wouldn't say anything but grammar, and I won't, unless I make a mistake. A certain person said you had lovely hair. Got a compliment for me?"
"Why, yes," said Lucy, innocently; "I heard a lady say you might be a right good little girl perhaps, but you're rather homely."
Isa bit her lip.
"It was Cassy Hallock that told yours, Lucy. By the way, did you ever hear her say Gracie's hair is fire-red?"