American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-02-08

"A thief-just yeti l said we must get
used 10 the idea OF It first. She is
henrtbrOken. butt must make her
see III"
That was the end Of supper. No
one attempted TO eat another bite.
After the older girls had gone into the
sitting room, Carol and Lark went
about their work with stricken faces.
They asked II they might speak to
Constance, but Prudence went In with
them TO say good night to her. The
twins broke down and cried as they
saw the pitiful little figure with the
wan and t%ear-stained face. They threw
their arms around her passionately
aud kissed her many times. But they
went to bed without saying anything.
IL was a sorry night for the twins.
The next morning they set of to
school, with no chance for anything
but IA brief good morning with Coanle
given In the presence Of Prudence.
Halfway down the parsonage walk,
Carol said:
"Oh, wait IA minute. Lark. l left my
notebook ON the table" And Lark
walked slowly while Carol went rush
Ing back. She found Prudence in the
kitchen, and whispered:
"Here-here's a note. Prudence.
Don't read 1t until after I've gone to
school-at ten o'clock you may read it.
WIN you promise2'
Prudence laughed "a little, hut she
promised, and laid the Ote carefully
away 10 wait the appointed hour for
It's perusal. As the clock struck ten
she went TO the mantle and tool il
down. This is what Carol had writ
ten
oh. Prudence, do please forgive me. and
don't punish Connie any more. Yoa can
punish me any way you like. and IN be
glad OF Il. Il was all my fault. I made
her 10 and get the apples for me, and l
ate them. Connie didn't eat one Of them.
She said stolen apples would not taste
very good. 1t was all my fault. and I'm
30 sorry.
As Prudence read this her face grew
very stern. Carols FAULT At that
moment Prudence heard someone run
ming through the hall. and thrust the
note hastily into her dress. 1t was
Lark, aud she flung herself wildly up
on Prudence. sobbing bitterly.
what Is the matter. LarkT' she
cried, really frightened. Are you
sick 2"
"Heartsick, that's ALL" walled Lark.
Il told the teacher | was sick SO l
could come home. hut I'm not. Oh.
Prudence. | know you1l despise and
abominate me all the rest Of your life.
aud everybody will, aud | deserve 1t.
For | stole those apples myself"
Prudence was surprised and puzzled.
she drew the note from her pocket
and gave Il To Lark. Carol gave me
that before she went to school" she
explained. Read IL. aud tell me what
YOU are driving at. l think you are
both crazy. or maybe YOU are just
trying 60 shieid poor Connie"
Lark read Carols note. and gaspcd.
and-burst PAT laughing The shame.
the bitter weeping. and nervousness.
had rendered her hysterical. and now
she laughed and cried until Prudence
was alarmed again.
In time. however. Lark was able to
explain. we both did H." she gasped.
"the Skull aud Crossbo .es. Aud we
both told tho truth about IT,"
Prudence laughed. But when she
Thought Of loyal little Connie. sobbing
all through the long night, the tears
came 10 her eyes again. She went
quickly Ca the telephone and called IN
the school building next door 70 the
parsonage.
MAY speak to Constance starr.
Mr.. hneSf she asked. IT is very I'm
portant. This Is Prudence. her sis
ter" And when Connie came to the
telephone. she cried ION. you blessed
little child why didn't YOU tell me?
Win you forgive the. CONNER You're
"A dc1r. sweet, good little darling.
that's What sou are