I imagined how I should feel if my little sister Flossie ever fell in with such a girl, and began to flirt and make herself conspicuous, and I wondered would you mind if I spoke to you about it.
Are you very angry with me, Miss Meg ?" But Meg leaned her head against the rough fence and began to sob--little, dry, heartbroken sobs that went to the boy's warm heart.
"I oughtn't to have spoken as I did at first--I was a perfect brute," he said remorsefully; "forgive me, won't you?
Please, little Miss Meg--I would rather cut my hand off than really hurt you." This last was a little consoling, at any rate, and Meg lifted her face half a second, white and pathetic in the moonlight, and all wet with grievous tears.
"I--I--oh! indeed I have not been quite so horrid as you think," she said brokenly; "I didn't want to come this walk--and oh! indeed, indeed, indeed I wouldn't allow ANYONE to kiss me.

Oh, PLEASE do believe me!" "I do, I do indeed," he said eagerly; "I only said it because--well, because I am a great rough brute, and don't know how to talk to a little, tender girl.

Dear Miss Meg, do shake hands and tell me you forgive my boorishness." Meg extended a small white hand, and he shook it warmly.

Then they walked up the paddocks together, and parted at a broken gate leading into the garden.
"I'll never flirt again while I live," she said with great earnestness, as he bade her good-bye; and he answered encouragingly, "No, I am quite sure you won't--leave it to girls like Aldith, won't you?
you only wanted to be set straight.

Good-bye, little Miss Meg.".