But it did seem mean of her not to tell me.
So Alice went out by the side door while Eliza was setting tea, and she was a long time gone; she was not in to tea.

When Eliza asked Oswald where she was he said he did not know, but perhaps she was tidying her corner drawer.

Girls often do this, and it takes a long time.

Noel coughed a good bit after tea, and asked for Alice.
Oswald told him she was doing something and it was a secret.

Oswald did not tell any lies even to save his sister.