Oh, Mrs.Barnes, you've been so kind.

I hate to leave you this way, I do, honest." "But WHY are you leavin' ?" asked Thankful once more.

For the first time Miss Timpson seemed to hesitate.

She looked about, as if to make sure that the two were alone; then she leaned forward and whispered in her companion's ear.
"Mrs.Barnes," she whispered, "I--I didn't mean to tell you.

I didn't mean to tell anybody.