“Because if you are, I’ll take a bus; if you are not, I’d like to walk with you, and tell you something very interesting.”

“I won’t preach any more, and I’d like to hear the news immensely.”

“Very well, then; come on. It’s a secret, and if I tell you, you must tell me yours.”

“I haven’t got any,” began Jo, but stopped suddenly, remembering that she had.

“You know you have⁠—you can’t hide anything; so up and ’fess, or I won’t tell,” cried Laurie.

“Is your secret a nice one?”

“Oh, isn’t it! all about people you know, and such fun! You ought to hear it, and I’ve been aching to tell it this long time. Come, you begin.”

“You’ll not say anything about it at home, will you?”