mended; we women don't work so, but save people's feelings, and are
called hypocrites for our pains. I never meant to tell you, but I
will now, to show you how I've been serving you, while you've been
harming me: every one of those notes from Fan which you admire so
much, answer so carefully, and wear out in your pocket, though
copied by her, were written by me."

"The devil they were!" Up flew Dick, and clapping his hand on the
left breast-pocket, out came a dozen pink notes tied up with a blue
ribbon, and much the worse for wear. He hastily turned them over as
Dolly went on.

"Yes, I did it, for she didn't know how to answer your notes, and
came to me. I didn't laugh at them, or make fun of her, but helped
her silly little wits, and made you a happy boy for three months,
though you teased me day and night, for I loved you, and hadn't the
heart to spoil your pleasure."

"You've done it now with a vengeance, and you're a pair of deceitful
minxes. I've _paid_ you off. I'll give Fan one more note that will
keep her eyes red for a month; and I'll never love or trust a girl
again as long as I live,--never! never!"

Red with wrath, Dick flung the treasured packet into the fire,
punched it well down among the coals, flung away the poker, and
turned about with a look and gesture which would have been comically
tragic if they had not been decidedly pathetic, for, in spite of his
years, a very tender heart beat under the blue jacket, and it was
grievously wounded at the perfidy of the gentle little divinity whom
he worshipped with daily increasing ardor. His eyes filled, but he