"Now, Ann Lizy," said Mrs. Baxter, "you'd better run right home and not
worry. I don't believe your grandma 'll scold you when you tell her just
how 't was."
Ann Lizy shook her head. "Yes, she will."
"Well, she'll be worrying about you if you ain't home before long, and I
guess you'd better go," said Mrs. Baxter.
Ann Lizy said not another word; she began to move dejectedly towards
home. Jane and her mother called many kindly words after her, but she
did not heed them. She kept straight on, walking slowly until she was
home. Her grandmother stood in the doorway watching for her. She had a
blue-yarn stocking in her hands, and she was knitting fast as she
watched.
"Ann Lizy, where have you been, late as this?" she called out, as Ann
Lizy came up the walk. "It's arter six o'clock."
Ann Lizy continued to drag herself slowly forward, but she made no
reply.
"Why don't you speak?"
Ann Lizy crooked her arm around her face and began to cry. Her
grandmother reached down, took her by the shoulder, and led her into the
house. "What on airth is the matter, child?" said she; "have you fell
down?"
"No, ma'am."
"What does ail you, then? Ann Lizy Jennings, how come that great
three-cornered tear in your best dress?"
Ann Lizy sobbed.
"Answer me."
"I--tore it gittin' over--the wall."
"What were you gettin' over walls for in your best dress? I'd like to
know what you s'pose you'll have to wear to meetin' now.
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