“No, papa⁠—not Lucy.”

“Who then? Perhaps Mrs. Bretton?”

“No, papa⁠—not Mrs. Bretton.”

“Who, then, my little daughter? Tell papa the truth.”

“Oh, papa!” she cried with earnestness, “I will⁠—I will tell you the truth⁠—all the truth; I am glad to tell you⁠—glad, though I tremble.”

She did tremble: growing excitement, kindling feeling, and also gathering courage, shook her.