And this time Sophia Jane seemed to have made up her mind to go straight on and get well, for she improved every day; and though it was only a little way at a time there were no drawbacks. The morning arrived which Susan had long been waiting for, when Aunt Hannah said, "You may see Sophia Jane." Susan thought that Mary Queen of Scots could not have felt worse when they told her that the block was ready; but she did not flinch. The moment she was alone with Sophia Jane she faltered out her story, and stood before her with burning cheeks and downcast eyes. The little invalid peered curiously out of the frilled white cap she wore. It was one of Aunt Hannah's adapted to her size, because she complained that her head felt cold, and it gave her such a strangely old witch-like air that it greatly increased Susan's fear and distress. "But I thought you said Mademoiselle understood I sent it?" "So I did," murmured Susan. "But that was a story?" No answer. "But I thought you were always good?" with a gleam of gratification in her eyes. "I'm very sorry," said the culprit. Sophia Jane paused a moment, then she asked: "Does Mademoiselle know now?" "No," said Susan. "I haven't seen her." "Well!" exclaimed Sophia Jane scornfully, "I should think you might write." "So I will," said Susan earnestly; "and then will you forgive me?" "Oh, I don't know about that!" said Sophia Jane, shaking her head till the frill of her cap trembled. "You see it was so very bad of you." "I know," said Susan humbly. Then venturing to glance at Sophia Jane's face she was surprised to see a sudden little smile appear, and to hear her exclaim: "At any rate there's _one_ thing! They'll never be able to say again, `try to be as good as Susan,' because you've been much naughtier now than I've ever been!" She chuckled softly to herself, and then said--suddenly and sharply: "Why don't you write the letter?" It was not the least part of Susan's punishment to be treated as a child who could not be trusted. But she bore it patiently, fetched her desk, and wrote the words sternly dictated by Sophia Jane. The latter then requested that she might read the letter, and having done so watched while Susan directed the envelope and put a stamp on it. Then she said: "Give it me," and immediately pushed it under her pillow. "Sha'n't I post it?" asked Susan humbly. "Certainly not!" said Sophia Jane decidedly. "That would be a pretty thing indeed!"