Part 51 (1/2)
”You are the matter. Oh, why-_why_ did you do it?”
”I do what?” said Evelyn, a little startled, and turning very pale.
”Oh! you know you did it, and-and-- There is Sylvia Leeson coming across the gra.s.s. Do let Sylvia speak to you. Oh, you know-you know you did it!”
”What is the matter?” said Sylvia, running up, panting and breathless.
”I have been asked to breakfast here. Such fun! I slipped off without father knowing. But are not you two going to school? Why was I asked?
Audrey, what are you crying about?”
”About Evelyn. I am awfully unhappy--”
”Have you told, Evelyn?” asked Sylvia breathlessly.
”No,” said Evelyn; ”and if you do, Sylvia--”
”Sylvia, do you know about this?” cried Audrey.
”About what?” asked Sylvia.
”About the book which got injured at Miss Henderson's school.”
Sylvia glanced at Evelyn; then her face flushed, her eyes brightened, and she said emphatically:
”I know; and dear little Evelyn will tell you herself.-Won't you, darling-won't you?”
Evelyn looked from one to the other.
”You are enough, both of you, to drive me mad,” she said. ”Do you think for a single moment that I am going to speak against myself? I hate you, Sylvia, as much as I ever loved you.”
Before either girl could prevent her she slipped away, and flying round the shrubberies, was lost to view.
”Then she did do it?” said Audrey. ”She told you?”
Sylvia shut her lips.
”I must not say any more,” she answered.
”But, Sylvia, it is no secret. Miss Henderson knows; there is circ.u.mstantial evidence. Mother told me last night. Evelyn will be exposed before the whole school.”
Now Jasper, for wise reasons, had said nothing to Sylvia of Evelyn's proposed flight to The Priory, and consequently she was unaware that the naughty girl had no intention of exposing herself to public disgrace.
”She must be brought to confess,” continued Audrey, ”and you must find her and talk to her. You must show her how hopeless and helpless she is.
Show her that if she tells, the disgrace will not be quite so awful. Oh, do please get her to tell!”
”I can but try,” said Sylvia; ”only, somehow,” she added, ”I have not yet quite fathomed Evelyn.”
”But I thought she was fond of you?”