CHAPTER XI.
For some time neither of the Bruces ventured even to make a wry face at her in school; but their behaviour to her at home was only so much the worse.
Two days after the events recorded, as Annie was leaving the kitchen, after worship, to go up to bed, Mr Bruce called her.
"Annie Anderson," he said, "I want to speak to ye." Annie turned, trembling.
"I see ye ken what it's aboot," he went on, staring her full in the pale face, which grew paler as he stared.

"Ye canna luik me i' the face.

Whaur's the candy-sugar an' the prunes?
I ken weel eneuch whaur they are, and sae do ye." "I ken naething aboot them," answered Annie, with a sudden revival of energy.
"Dinna lee, Annie.

It's ill eneuch to steal, without leein'." "I'm no leein'," answered she, bursting into tears of indignation.

"Wha said 'at I took them ?" "That's naething to the pint.