a liar! Only think, a thief and a liar! But I never said those words at
all, mother!"

"Very well, my dear; I am sure you did not. It is a great comfort to
me, Susy, that I can always rely on your word. You have done nothing
wrong, and need not be unhappy; but Mrs. Lovejoy sends for you to go
over and tell her just what you mean about the cake; are you willing to
go?"

Susy was not willing; indeed, she was very much frightened, and begged
her mother to excuse her in some way to Mrs. Lovejoy, or, if that would
not do, to go herself and explain the matter for her.

But, as it was Susy's own affair, Mrs. Parlin wished to have as little
to do with it as possible. Besides, she considered it a good opportunity
to teach Susy a lesson in moral courage.

Susy started very reluctantly.

"I'm afraid Mrs. Lovejoy will scold real sharp," said she. "What shall I
do? O, mother, I didn't see Annie eat _all_ the cake; I didn't watch.
How do I know but she gave some crumbs to the cat? Can't I--can't I say,
I _guess_ the cat ate it?"

"Susy!" said Mrs. Parlin, sternly, "are you more afraid of displeasing
Mrs. Lovejoy than you are of displeasing God? All that is required of
you is the simple truth. Merely say to Annie's mother just what you have
said to me; that you saw Annie eating cake several times, though there
was no harm in it, and you did _not_ call her either a thief or a liar.
Speak respectfully, but decidedly; and when you have said all that is