Good old Sarah!" At this terrific exposure the spirit leaked out of me.

My tell-tale blushes confirmed what was true in the story, and my silence lent countenance to what was untrue.

The delight of my tormentors was beyond words.

They danced the "mulberry bush" round me, overwhelmed me with endearing expressions, offered me fans and smelling salts and cushions and hairpins, simulated hysterics and spasms, trod on my skirts, and conversed to me in shrill treble till I was sick of the business.

Only one course was open to me.