"Oh, it won't be half so hard now," said Cecily, with a long
breath of relief.
I fancy it was hard enough even then. The Story Girl did not care
a whit, but Cecily rather squirmed under the curious glances that
were cast at her. She afterwards told me that she really did not
think she could have endured it if she had been alone.
Mr. Campbell met us under the elms in the churchyard, with a
twinkle in his eye.
"Well, you did it, Miss," he said to Cecily, "but you should have
been alone. That was what I meant. I suppose you think you've
cheated me nicely."
"No, she doesn't," spoke up the Story Girl undauntedly. "She was
all dressed and ready to come before she knew I was going to dress
the same way. So she kept her bargain faithfully, Mr. Campbell,
and I think you were cruel to make her do it."
"You do, eh? Well, well, I hope you'll forgive me. I didn't
think she'd do it--I was sure feminine vanity would win the day
over missionary zeal. It seems it didn't--though how much was
pure missionary zeal and how much just plain King spunk I'm
doubtful. I'll keep my promise, Miss. You shall have your five
dollars, and mind you put my name in the round space. No five-
cent corners for me."
CHAPTER XXIV
A TANTALIZING REVELATION
"I shall have something to tell you in the orchard this evening,"
said the Story Girl at breakfast one morning.
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