Miss Jones and Miss Smith laughed shrilly , and the despised little Freshman completed her mortification , by a feeble joke about Kitty Heath 's new man-trap . It was only an instant , but it seemed an hour before Fletcher freed her , and snatching up the dusty beaver , left her with a flushed countenance and an abrupt bow . If it had n't been for Jack , Kitty would have burst into tears then and there , so terrible was the sense of humiliation which oppressed her . For his sake she controlled herself , and , bundling up her torn train , set her teeth , stared straight before her , and let him lead her in dead silence to a friend 's room near by . There he locked the door , and began to comfort her by making light of the little mishap . But Kitty cried so tragically , that he was at his wit 's end , till the ludicrous side of the affair struck her , and she began to laugh hysterically . With a vague idea that vigorous treatment was best for that feminine ailment , Jack was about to empty the contents of an ice-pitcher over her , when she arrested him , by exclaiming , incoherently , -- `` Oh , do n't ! -- it was so funny ! -- how can you laugh , you cruel boy ? -- I 'm disgraced , forever -- take me home to Pris , oh , take me home to Pris ! '' `` I will , my dear , I will ; but first let me right you up a bit ; you look as if you had been hazed , upon my life you do ; '' and Jack laughed in spite of himself at the wretched little object before him , for dust , dancing , and the downfall produced a ruinous spectacle . That broke Kitty 's heart ; and , spreading her hands before her face , she was about to cry again , when the sad sight which met her eyes dispelled the gathering tears . The new gloves were both split up the middle and very dirty with clutching at the steps as she went down . `` Never mind , you can wash them , '' said Jack , soothingly . `` I paid a dollar and a half for them , and they ca n't be washed , '' groaned Kitty . `` Oh , hang the gloves ! I meant your hands , '' cried Jack , trying to keep sober . `` No matter for my hands , I mourn my gloves . But I wo n't cry any more , for my head aches now so I can hardly see . '' And Kitty threw off her bonnet , as if even that airy trifle hurt her .
Seeing how pale she looked , XXXXX tenderly suggested a rest on the old sofa , and a wet handkerchief on her hot forehead , while he got the good landlady to send her up a cup of tea .
Fletcher Freshman Heath Jack Jones Kitty Smith ice-pitcher left right