The task completed, it was her custom to bend over the little head and snatch an inverted kiss, always a moment of laughter.

This morning she omitted that; she was moving sadly away, when she noticed that the face turned a little, a very little.
'Isn't it right ?' she asked, keeping her eyes down.
'I think so--it doesn't matter.' She drew near again, as if to inspect her work.

Perhaps there was a slight lack of smoothness over the temple; she touched the spot with her fingers.
'Why are you so unkind to me, Thyrza ?' The words had come involuntarily; the voice shook as they were spoken.
'I don't mean to be, Lyddy--you know I don't.' 'But you do things that you know 'll make me angry.

I'm quick-tempered, and I couldn't bear to think of you going to that place; I ought to have spoke in a different way.' 'Who told you I'd been singing ?' 'Mrs.Jarmey.

I'm very glad she did; it doesn't seem any harm to you, Thyrza, but it does to me.