What could he have on his mind ? '' said Miss Salome . But she said it a little anxiously . She , too , had noticed Chester 's absent ways and abstracted face . `` Goodness me , I do n't know ! I do n't suppose he has robbed a bank or murdered anybody . But he is worrying over something , as plain as plain . '' `` He is getting on very well at school , '' said Miss Salome . `` His teacher says so , and he is very eager to learn . I do n't know what can be troubling him . '' She was fated not to know for a fortnight longer . During that time Chester fought out his struggle with himself , and conquered . He must tell Miss Salome , he decided , with a long sigh . He knew that it would mean going back to Upton and Aunt Harriet and the old , hard life , but he would not sail under false colours any longer . * * * * * Chester went into the kitchen one afternoon when he came home from school , with his lips set and his jaws even squarer than usual . Miss Salome was making some of her famous taffy , and Clemantiny was spinning yarn on the big wheel . `` Miss Salome , '' said Chester desperately , `` if you 're not too busy , there is something I 'd like to tell you . '' `` What is it ? '' asked Miss Salome good-humouredly , turning to him with her spoon poised in midair over her granite saucepan . `` It 's about myself .
I -- I -- oh , Miss Salome , I did n't tell you the truth XXXXX myself .
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