Prudence laughed a little, but she promised, and laid the note
carefully away to wait the appointed hour for its perusal. As the
clock struck ten she went to the mantle, and took it down. This is
what Carol had written:

"Oh, Prudence, do please forgive me, and don't punish Connie any more.
You can punish me any way you like, and I'll be glad of it. It was all
my fault. I made her go and get the apples for me, and I ate them.
Connie didn't eat one of them. She said stolen apples would not taste
very good. It was all my fault, and I'm so sorry. I was such a coward
I didn't dare tell you last night. Will you forgive me? But you must
punish me as hard as ever you can. But please, Prudence, won't you
punish me some way without letting Lark know about it? Please, please,
Prudence, don't let Larkie know. You can tell Papa and Fairy so they
will despise me, but keep it from my twin. If you love me, Prudence,
don't let Larkie know."


As Prudence read this her face grew very stern. Carol's fault! And
she was ashamed to have her much-loved twin know of her disgrace. At
that moment, Prudence heard some one running through the hall, and
thrust the note hastily into her dress. It was Lark, and she flung
herself wildly upon Prudence, sobbing bitterly.

"What is the matter, Lark?" she tried, really frightened. "Are you
sick?"

"Heartsick, that's all," wailed Lark. "I told the teacher I was sick
so I could come home, but I'm not. Oh, Prudence, I know you'll despise