“But didn’t I give it to her just now? Didn’t I make her mad, though? Old Snakes! I reckon they heard me round the corner. If she comes here again, I’ll shoot her! Old rip! Old hag! Old Snakes!”
“George! Stop this instant!” said Mr. Dainty, in a stern voice.
“Was she here?” asked Madeline, her face growing suddenly pale.
Agnes took the boy’s hand and led him away.
“Come with me to the school-room,” said Florence, with sudden animation. “I want to see how it looks there.” And she drew Madeline toward the door. “We had some pleasant times there, hadn’t we, Maddy? Do you remember the stories I used to tell?”
They were already in the passage.
“Oh, yes, indeed!” was answered. “And they were such beautiful stories!”
“Would you like to hear another? I know a great many,” said Florence.
“If you please, Miss Harper. I always love to hear your stories; they make me feel better.”
“Oh, it looks as natural as can be!” said Florence, speaking with animation, as she entered the study-room. “Here is my arm-chair, just in the old place. There! I am in it again, feeling quite at home and comfortable.”