Phrony Jane came back on Tuesday evening, her wages being important enough in her family to lead them to try to get along without her. She inquired anxiously about the lawn party, but Mrs. Dent, who went to a different Sunday-school, and had not seen Miss Lawton, knew nothing further concerning it. Phrony Jane worked hard, every spare minute at the lawn dress, sitting up late on Thursday night, too busy to run and ask Phylly Jackman about the party. Still no word came from Miss Lawton, and on Friday afternoon Phrony Jane stood astounded in the back porch as two spring-wagons passed carrying Miss Lawton's class out for their country frolic.
"I never 'd 'a thought she'd 'a used me so dretful cruel." Poor Phrony Jane went to her room and cried.
"You here, Phrony Jane?" asked Miss Lawton, in surprise, as she took her place in class next Sunday.
"Yes, 'm. Didn't you spect me to come no more?" she asked, wondering what could have come over her teacher.
"Why, certainly, always when you're in the neighborhood, but I heard you had gone home."
"I did, 'm, but I come back a-Tuesday."
Miss Lawton called on Phylly Jackman next morning, and after some talk, took her with her down to Mrs. Dent's. Johnny was still kept in by his sprain, which, much to his mother's surprise, had been worse since she had left him at home on Sunday to keep it quiet. Many a rueful glance had he since cast at his saw, reflecting on the amount of enjoyment he had lost for such a poor bit of fun, and wishing he had courage to tell mamma.
"Now, Phyllis," said Miss Lawton, after courtesies were exchanged, "I want you to tell Mrs. Dent exactly what you told the girls about Phrony Jane."
"Well, 'm, I come here Sunday mornin' was a week, right after Sunday-school, to see why Phrony Jane wasn't dar, 'n' when I come to de door I hearn a noise, 'n' dar was dat sinful gal a-workin' away on de sewin'-machine on de holy Sabba' day!" Phylly's head shook virtuously.