"I never spoke
one untrue word to you; and I have not now--nor ever. I never
deceived."
"I do not say that you have TOLD untruths. It is deceiving to betray
the confidence placed in you."
Kate knew it was; yet she had never so felt that her aunt trusted her
as to have the sense of being on honour; and she felt terribly
wounded and grieved, but not so touched as to make her cry or ask
pardon. She knew she had been audaciously disobedient; but it was
hard to be accused of betraying trust when she had never felt that it
was placed in her; and yet the conviction of deceit took from her the
last ground she had of peace with herself.
Drooping and angry, she stood without a word; and her aunt presently
said, "I do not punish you. The consequences of your actions are
punishment enough in themselves, and I hope they may warn you, or I
cannot tell what is to become of you in your future life, and of all
that will depend on you. You must soon be under more strict and
watchful care than mine, and I hope the effect may be good.
Meantime, I desire that your Aunt Jane may be spared hearing of this
affair, little as you seem to care for her peace of mind."
And away went Lady Barbara; while Kate, flinging herself upon the
sofa, sobbed out, "I do care for Aunt Jane! I love Aunt Jane! I
love her ten hundred times more than you! you horrid cross old Diana!
But I have deceived! Oh, I am getting to be a wicked little girl! I
never did such things at home.
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