'I think it's nature;
ad if she does not always take notice at the time, she will have it out
sooner or later.' Then resuming the thread of her discourse: 'So you
see, Dolly, we have made up our minds that we will forgive you this
time, because you are an only child and don't know what's what, and
that's some excuse. Only you mustn't go on telling tales whenever an
evident happens.'
Dolores thought it was she who ought to forgive, but the force against
her was overpowering, though still she hesitated. 'But if I promise
not to tell,' she said, 'how do I know what may be done to me?'
'You might trust us,' cried Mysie, with flashing eyes.
'And I can tell you,' added Wilfred, 'that if you do tell, it will be
ever so much the worse for you--girl that you are.'
'War to the knife! Cried Valetta, and everybody except Mysie joined in
the outcry. 'War to the knife with traitors in the camp.'
Mysie managed to produce a pause, and again acted orator. 'You see,
Dolores, if you did tell, it would not be possible for mamma or Gill to
be always looking after you, and I couldn't do you much good--and if
all these three are set against you, and are horrid to you, and I
couldn't do you much good--horrid to you, you'll have no peace in your
life; and, after all, we only ask of you to give and take in a good-
natured sort of way, and not to be always making a fuss about
everything you don't like. It is the only way, I assure you.'
Dolores saw the fates were against her, and said--
'Very well.
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