This version of the momentous event was probable enough, and the girl's eager, honest manner gave internal confirmatory evidence pretty strong.
"I am sure she is telling the truth." said Hilary.

"And remember what her mother said about her word being always reliable." This reference was too much for Elizabeth.

She burst out, not into actual crying, but into a smothered choke.
"If you donnot believe me, missus, I'd rather go home to mother." "I do believe you," said Miss Leaf, kindly then waited till the pinafore, used as a pocket handkerchief, had dried up grief and restored composure.
"I can quite well understand the accident now; and I am sure if you had put it as plainly at first, my sister would have understood it too.

She was very much annoyed, and no wonder.

She will be equally glad to find she was mistaken." Here Miss Leaf paused, somewhat puzzled how to express what she felt it her duty to say, so as to be comprehended by the servant, and yet not let down the dignity of the family Hilary came to her aid.
"Miss Selina is sometimes hasty; but she means kindly always.