he crisp change in
the woman's voice. The story gained much in her telling--of Nancy's
impertinence in forcing the Hopworth young 'uns among her "little
dears," then how she had, though fully aware of her, Mrs. Eaton's,
explicit orders, flaunted Eric Hopworth's brood in the face of every
respectable man, woman and child of Freedom--actually desecrating the
very flags she had--_taken_--out of the Sunday-school room.

The story was interrupted by many sighs and sniffs.

"Of course _everybody_ on this Island that knows me and my Archie,
Cyrus says, will _feel_ for me. I might as well as _not_ of been
slapped in the face. And I said to Cyrus, "_I_ think Miss Leavitt
ought to _know_--she's taken that girl there!" And Cyrus and I _both_
said that of _course_ no one would be surprised, seeing she's _that_
branch of your family where I suppose--you'll _forgive_ me for speaking
right out _plain_, you can expect almost _any_ kind of actions!"

Nancy swung her feet down out of the hammock. "The cat," she breathed,
straightening. She could see that stinging shaft plunge straight into
poor Aunt Sabrina's heart and turn! She held her breath for Aunt
Sabrina's answer.

Miss Sabrina's voice was cold and her words measured. "I am very sorry
this has happened, Mrs. Eaton. But I am sure my niece did not dream of
impertinence. She has not been here long enough to know of our
prejudices!"

"_Bully!_" Nancy, said, almost aloud. "_That's_ a time when breeding
shows!"

Mrs. Eaton was plainly annoyed at Miss Sabrina's defence. Her voice
took on a crisper edge. "She's been here long _enough_ to pick up with
Judson's hired _man_! _Your_ notions may be different from _mine_,
Miss Leavitt, but _I_ wouldn't 'low any girl of _mine_ to go swimming
at Cove's Hole with the Hopworth young 'uns! Dick Snead told his
mother and his mother told my Cousin 'Manthy. Ain't there any _better_
folks she can take up with on this Island than a hired man _and_ the
Hopworths?" Her shrill inflection seemed to say, "There--I have you
_now_!"

Nancy's feet beat a war-dance. She wanted to rush in to her own
defence--had Dick Snead told his mother and his mother told Cousin
'Manthy that she had swam forty strokes under water? Discretion,
however, bade her use caution.

A rustling indicated that the caller, her errand accomplished, had
risen to go. She shot her last tiny, poisoned arrow. "Of _course_ I
said to Cyrus _all_ of us on the Island