`` Oh , I could n't , '' cried Kitty , with a shudder at the bare idea of meeting any one . `` I ca n't be seen again to-night ; let me stay here till my train goes . '' `` I thought it had gone , already , '' said Jack , with an irrepressible twinkle of the eye that glanced at the draggled dress sweeping the floor . `` How can you joke about it ! '' and the girl 's reproachful eyes filled with tears of shame . `` I know I 've been very silly , Jack , but I 've had my punishment , and I do n't need any more . To feel that you despise me is worse than all the rest . '' She ended with a little sob , and turned her face away to hide the trembling of her lips . At that , Jack flushed up , his eyes shone , and he stooped suddenly as if to make some impetuous reply . But , remembering the old lady -LRB- who , by the by , was discreetly looking out of the window -RRB- , he put his hands in his pockets and strolled out of the room . `` I 've lost them both by this day 's folly , '' thought Kitty , as Mrs. Brown departed with the teacup . `` I do n't care for Fletcher , for I dare say he did n't mean half he said , and I was only flattered because he is rich and handsome and the girls glorify him . But I shall miss Jack , for I 've known and loved him all my life . How good he 's been to me to-day ! so patient , careful , and kind , though he must have been ashamed of me . I know he did n't like my dress ; but he never said a word and stood by me through everything . Oh , I wish I 'd minded Pris ! then he would have respected me , at least ; I wonder if he ever will , again ? '' Following a sudden impulse , Kitty sprang up , locked the door , and then proceeded to destroy all her little vanities as far as possible . She smoothed out her crimps with a wet and ruthless hand ; fastened up her pretty hair in the simple way Jack liked ; gave her once cherished bonnet a spiteful shake , as she put it on , and utterly extinguished it with a big blue veil .
She looped up her dress , leaving no vestige of the now hateful train , and did herself up uncompromisingly in the Quakerish gray shawl XXXXX had insisted on her taking for the evening .
Brown Fletcher Jack Kitty Pris crimps door hair shake teacup