"No," Elsie faintly admitted. She could hold out no longer against the questioning, but was feeling very much like you all do when you are playing at "old soldier," and, try as you will, at last the "Yes" or "No" pops out unawares. She, too, was very frightened and confused, which you would not be.
"Come, we are getting on now," the old gentleman said, kindly. "Do not be frightened. Did this lady tell you to call her mamma?"
"Yes, sir, but—I must not tell you anything."
"she was placed in a cab" ([p. 259]).
"And she is not your mamma, then, after all?"
"No."
"Are you frightened of her?"
"Yes," Elsie exclaimed, with a quick, fearful glance round.
"Now, I promise you that she shall do you no harm, if you tell me the truth. How did you come to be with her? Just tell me how it was."