At last she recovered herself and cried reproachfully, Oh Sigismund, why do you persist in coming here, when the Duke forbids it ?' Oh, do you know, Debby, father said the other day I oughtn't to come here ?" "Oh no, you must," cried Debby impulsively.

"I couldn't part with you now." "Father says people say you are not good," said Esther candidly.
Debby breathed painfully.

"Well!" she whispered.
"But I said people were liars.

You _are_ good!" "Oh, Esther, Esther!" sobbed Debby, kissing the earnest little face with a vehemence that surprised the child.
"I think father only said that," Esther went on, "because he fancies I neglect Sarah and Isaac when he's at _Shool_ and they quarrel so about their birthdays when they're together.

But they don't slap one another hard.