And as Katharina, at this threat, released her she went on vehemently.
"Oh! I know you now--since yesterday! And I tell you, once for all, I say thank you for nothing for such friends.

You ought to sink into the earth for shame of the sin you have committed.

I am only ten years old, but rather than have done such a thing I would have let myself be shut up in that hot hole with poor, innocent Perpetua, or I would have let myself be killed, as you want poor, honest Hiram to be! Oh, shame!" Katharina's crimson cheeks bad turned pale at this address and, as she had no answer ready, she could only toss her head and say, with as much pride and dignity as she could assume: "What can a child like you know about things that puzzle the heads of grown-up people ?" "Grown-up people!" laughed Mary, who was not three inches shorter than her antagonist.

"You must be a great deal taller before I call you grown up! In two years time, you will scarcely be up to my eyes." At this the irascible Egyptian fired up; she gave the child a slap in the face with the palm of her hand.

Mary only stood still as if petrified, and after gazing at the ground for a minute or two without a cry, she turned her back on her companion and silently went back into the shaded walk.
Katharina watched her with tears in her eyes.