at make?" was the reply.

Not to be allowed one word in self-defence was hard. Charlotte locked
herself in her room and shed bitter tears of anger and mortification.
That she was sorry and had tried to confess seemed to her to be very
much to her credit, and Aunt Caroline was unreasonable as well as
cruel. She refused to go down to supper, saying her head ached; and it
would have been in harmony with her state of mind if she had been
compelled to go without any, but it was sent up to her without
comment.

The worst was to come, however. To a high-spirited girl, used to the
greatest freedom, the constant surveillance was unbearable. She was
not locked up, but in all other respects she felt herself a captive.

She was certain Aunt Virginia was sorry for her,--in an aloof and
timid fashion she showed her friendliness; but Charlotte longed for
some one to whom she could pour out all her unhappiness; and for this
Aunt Virginia allowed her no opportunity.

How long was it to last? Aunt Caroline gave no word. As the days
passed, Charlotte began to wear a sullen, dogged look. The sight of
Alexina brought a thrill of hope. Surely, Miss Alex would listen to
her, and be sorry.

"Charlotte, what is this I hear about you?" Alexina demanded, seating
herself on the piano-stool.

"Oh, Miss Alex, I am so unhappy." Charlotte, who was kneeling to put
away some music in the cabinet, sank in a forlorn little heap at her
feet. "She won't let me go anywhere by myself,--not even to school;
and she wouldn't listen when I said I was sorry." Charlotte's tone was
guarded, but none the less appealing.

But Alex hardened her heart. "I suppose it is because you were
disobedient. I must say I am disappointed in you, for it seems to me
you were deceitful as well as disobedient."

Charlotte sat up. Her last hope of a confidante was gone. "You have no
right to say that. I had to go: I had promised. I was willing to be
punished, but she has no right to treat me like a baby. I wish I had
never come."

"Probably your aunts wish so too," Alex observed coolly. "You are not
reasonable, Charlotte. You have acted like a silly child and made
yourself talked about, and you are just worrying Miss Virginia to
death. But don't look at me in that way. I am sorry for you, and if
you will be patient and accept your punishment, it will come out all
right." Alex laid her hand on Charlotte's shoulder, but the girl
twitched it away. Rising, she stood stony and s