But, as luck would have it, just at that instant Will Taylor came running
up, pursued by Laura, and threw himself upon Madeline's protection. It
appeared that he had confessed to the possession of a secret, and on
being requested by Laura to impart it had flatly refused to do so.

"I can't really interfere to protect any young man who refuses to tell a
secret to a young lady," said Madeline, gravely. "Neglect to tell her the
secret, without being particularly asked to do so, would be bad enough,
but to refuse after being requested is an offence which calls for the
sharpest correction."

"And that isn't all, either," said Laura, vindictively flirting the
switch with which she had pursued him. "He used offensive language."

"What did he say?" demanded Madeline, judicially.

"I asked him if he was sure it was a secret that I didn't know already,
and he said he was; and I asked him what made him sure, and he said
because if I knew it everybody else would. As much as to say I couldn't
keep a secret."

"This looks worse and worse, young man," said the judge, severely. "The
only course left for you is to make a clean breast of the affair, and
throw yourself on the mercy of the court. If the secret turns out to be a
good one, I'll let you off as easily as I can."

"It's about the new drug-clerk, the one who is going to take George
Bayley's place," said Will, laughing.

"Oh, do tell, quick!" exclaimed Laura.