She felt grieved at having her efforts discovered in this way.

She wished now that she had told Miss Davis all about it.

Phyllis opened the piano and began to practise without having said one word of praise of Hetty's work; and the poor little artist felt her heart sink like lead.

Perhaps the beauty that she saw in her designs existed only in her own foolish eyes.
She worked on silently for about half an hour, and then put away her drawing materials and her flowers, and began to study her lessons for the day.
"Of course you do not expect me to keep your secret from Miss Davis," said Phyllis, looking over her shoulder.

"I have been always taught to hate secrets, and my conscience will not allow me to encourage you in this." "Do exactly as you please," said Hetty; "I shall be quite satisfied to let Miss Davis know what I have been doing." "Then why did you not tell her before ?" asked Phyllis.
"I am not bound to explain that to you," said Hetty; but finding her temper was rising she added more gently, "I am willing to give an account of my conduct to any one who may be scandalized by it"; and then, fearing to trust herself further, she went out of the room.
On the stairs she met Miss Davis, and stopped her, saying: "Phyllis has a complaint to make of me.