"Alice Jallow."

"The--the cat!"

Betty simply could not help saying it.

"Let--let me see it again," whispered Amy. "I didn't mean to read your
note, Betty, but I saw it before I realized it."

"My note? It isn't mine! I wouldn't own to receiving such a scrawl! Oh,
Amy, I'm so sorry!"

"Never mind, Betty. I--I've been expecting it."

"You have?"

"Yes. That--that is what has been bothering me of late. You may have
noticed--"

"I've noticed that you haven't quite been yourself, Amy, my dear, but I
never suspected--and you think Alice sent this?"

"I'm almost sure of it. It has to be known sooner or later. But don't say
anything to Alice."

"Why not? The idea! She ought to be exposed--and punished. I'll go to--"

"No, please don't, Betty. It--it is true, and--and there is no use
giving her the satisfaction of knowing that she has--has hurt me,"