Our consciences smote us a little, but we kept still until she returned to the house; then, continuing our way, we soon came in sight of the mine, which Nellie determined to explore.
It was in vain that I tried to dissuade her from the attempt.

She was resolved, and stationing myself at a safe distance I waited while she scrambled over stones, sticks, logs, and bushes, until she finally disappeared in the cave.

Ere long, however, she returned with soiled pantalets, torn apron, and scratched face, saying that "the mine was nothing in the world but a hole in the ground, and a mighty little one at that." After this I didn't know but I would sometime venture in, but for fear of what might happen I concluded to choose a time when I hadn't run away from Liz! When I presented Nellie to Mrs.Hudson she took both her hands in hers, and, greatly to my surprise, kissed her on both cheeks.

Then she walked hastily into the next room, but not until I saw something fall from her eyes, which I am sure were tears.
"Funny, isn't it ?" said Nellie, looking wonderingly at me.

"I don't know whether to laugh or what." Mabel now came in, and though she manifested no particular emotion, she was exceedingly kind to Nellie, asking her many questions, and sometimes smoothing her brown curls.