Mrs. Chichester happened to look around just in time to catch her.
Peg reddened and stood trapped.
Jerry went out.
The old lady looked at her for several moments without speaking.
Finally she asked:
"What did you mean by dancing in that disgraceful way? And what did
you mean by those signs you were making?"
Peg said nothing.
"Are you always going to be a disgrace to us? Are you ever going to
learn how to behave?"
"Yes, aunt," said Peg, and the words came out in a torrent. "I'm
never goin' to do anythin' agen to annoy ye--AFTHER TONIGHT. I'm
goin' to wurrk hard too--AFTHER TONIGHT. Don't ye see what a
disadvantage I'd be at with girls without half me intelligence if I
don't? Don't ye see it? _I_ do. I'd be ashamed--that's what I'd be.
Well--I'm goin' afther them tooth and nail an' I'm goin' to catch
them up an' pass them an' then he'll--YE'LL--YE'LL--be proud of me--
that ye will."
"What is all this?" asked the amazed old lady.
"It's what I'm goin' to do--AFTHER TO-NIGHT."
"I'm very glad to hear it."
"I knew ye would be. An' I'll never be any more throuble to ye--
afther to-night."
"I hope you will be of the same mind in the morning."
"So do I, aunt. D'ye mind if I stay up for another hour? I'd like to
begin now.
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