Part 27 (1/2)

”Tell me what is the matter with you,” said Ann.

A glint of steel shown in the gray eyes. Flea's lips opened to speak, and for one moment Ann's happiness was threatened with destruction. The girl was on the point of telling her about Everett--then Brimbecomb's voice rang out from the reception-room.

”Ann, dear! Aren't you ever coming?”

Fledra noticed Miss Sh.e.l.lington's face change as if by magic, and saw a lovelight grow in her eyes.

In silence, she received Ann's sorrowful kiss.

”Little sister, I really wasn't scolding you. I was only thinking of how careful we have to be of Floyd. I--I wish you would be kind to me!”

During the painful constraint that followed, Fledra allowed Ann to leave the room; but before she had more than closed the door the girl rose and bounded after her. Impulsively she grasped Miss Sh.e.l.lington's arm and thrust herself in front.

”Sister Ann,” she whispered, ”I lied to ye! I was mad at Floyd, as mad as--”

Ann placed her finger on the trembling lips.

”Don't say what you were going to, Dear--and remember it is as great a sin to get into such a temper as it is to tell a story.”

”Ye won't tell anyone that I fibbed, will ye--Flukey or yer brother, either?”

Everett's voice called Ann again, and she replied that she was coming.

Softly kissing the girl, she said:

”If I loved you less, Fledra dear, I should not be so anxious about you.

But I'm so fond of you, child! Now, then, smile and kiss me!”

Fledra flung her arms about the other.

”I keep forgettin'. I'll try not to be bad any more.” Flea turned back into the room, as Ann hurried away at another call from Everett, and muttered:

”If I loved ye less, Sister Ann, I wouldn't have lied to ye.”

Floyd's eyes questioned her as she pa.s.sed him.

”Fluke,” said she, coming to a halt, ”I told Sister Ann I was mad at you, and I wasn't. You won't tell her, will ye?”

”No,” replied Flukey wonderingly, ”I won't tell her nothin'.”

Flea said no more in explanation, and sat again at the study table. She was still bent over her book when Sh.e.l.lington opened the door and glanced in. The boy's eyes were closed as if in sleep, and Horace beckoned to Flea. She rose languidly and walked to him.

”As your brother is sleeping, Fledra,” he murmured, ”come into the library and talk to me awhile.”

There were traces of tears on Fledra's face when Horace ushered her into the study.

”Now, little girl, sit down and tell me about your lessons. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to show you my interest.... You've been crying, Fledra!”

”Yes, I got mad, and Sister Ann talked to me.”