the matter, Gerty?" said he, "are you tired?"

"No, oh no! but I can't go any further."

"Why not?"

"Oh, because--because--" and here Gerty putting her mouth close to
Willie's ear, whispered, "there is Nan Grant's; I see the house! I had
forgot Uncle True went there; and I am afraid!"

"Oho!" said Willie, drawing himself up with dignity, "I should like to
know what you're afraid of, when I'm with you! Let her touch you if she
dares! And Uncle True, too!--I _should_ laugh."

Very kindly did Willie plead with the child, telling her that Nan would
not be likely to see _them_, but they might see _her_; and that was just
what he wanted--nothing he should like better. Gerty's fears were soon
allayed. When they stood in front of the house, Gerty was rather hoping
than otherwise to catch sight of Nan. Nan was standing opposite the
window, engaged in an animated dispute with one of her neighbours. Her
countenance expressed great anger, and her face was now so sufficient an
index to her character, that no one could see her thus and afterwards
question her right to the title of vixen, virago, or scold.

"Which is she?" said Willie; "the tall one, swinging the coffee-pot in
her hand? I guess she'll break the handle off, if she don't look out."

"Yes," said Gerty, "that's Nan."

"What's she doing?"

"Oh, she's fighting with Mrs. Birch; she does always with somebody. She
don't see us, does she?"

"No, she's too busy. Come, don't let's stop; she's an ugly-looking
woman, just as I knew she was. I've seen enough of her, and I'm sure you
have--come."

Gerty lingered. Courageous in the knowledge that she was safe and
unseen, she was gazing at Nan, and her eyes glistened, not with the
innocent excitement of a cheerful heart, but with the fire of kindled
passion--a fire that Nan had kindled long ago, which had not yet gone
out, and which the sight of Nan had now revived in full force. Willie,
thinking it was time to be at home, and perceiving Mr. Flint and his
torch far down the street, left Gerty, and started himself, to draw her
on, saying, "Come, Gerty, I can't wait."

Gerty turned, saw that he was going, then, quick as lightning, stooped,
and picking up a stone, flung it at the window. There was a crash of
broken glass, and an exclamation in Nan's well-known voice; but Gerty
was not there to see the result. The instant she heard the crash her
fears returned, and flying past Willie, she paused not until she was
safe by t