"Don't say such a thing again!" commanded Ruth, warmly. "You have no right."
"Huh!" said Nita, eyeing her strangely. "It's your own business, I suppose. But I am not blind."
"I hope not," sad Ruth, calmly. "But I hope, too, you will not repeat what you just said—to anyone."
"Why—if you really don't want me to," said Nita, slowly.
"Truly, I don't wish you to," said Ruth, earnestly. "I don't even admit that you are right, mind"
"Oh, it's your secret," said Nita, shortly, and turned away.
And Ruth had a word to say to Tom, too, as they hurried side by side to the boat, he carrying the fish. "Now, Tommy—remember!" she said.
"I won't be easy in my mind, just the same, while that girl is here," growled Master Tom.
"That's foolish. She never meant to do it."
"Huh! She was scared, of course. But she's mean enough"
"Stop! somebody will hear you. And, anyway," Ruth added, remembering what Nita had said, "it's my secret."
"True enough; it is."
"Then don't tell it, Tommy," she added, with a laugh.
