Elma hastily refastened her dress; put up her hands to her hair to smooth it, and tripped downstairs, full of expectation and hope. Maggie had relit the gas in the dining-room. Elma bounded into the room. "Well, Sam," she exclaimed. Then she stepped back a couple of paces; she was confronted not by Sam, but by Kitty Malone herself. "Kitty!" cried Elma. There was a faintness in her voice, which Kitty had no time to remark. "Yes, Elma, I have come. I have broken my word of honor; but after all, I never really gave it. I dare say I shall get into a worse scrape than ever; but I can't help it. I came to you, Elma, because I _must_ have that money. Will you let me have it now at once please--my eight sovereigns--will you give them to me now? If I had seen you last night I should not have been so miserable. I was coming to you when Fred and I passed the 'Spotted Leopard.' Oh, please, Elma, give me my money at once!" Elma's face could scarcely turn whiter. She looked piteously at Kitty. "I wish I could give it to you," she began; "but----" "What do you mean; can't you let me have my own money? You have not spent it, not all of it, have you?" "Yes, I--I spent it." "You spent all that money! all those eight sovereigns? Oh, Elma, you must be joking. Can't you let me have some of it back? Please, Elma, don't say no. It is for Laurie; he is in the most awful trouble. I must have the money, and at once." "I can't give it to you," said Elma. "I am awfully sorry. Sit down, please, Kitty. Oh, Kitty, you won't tell on me?" "I don't know what I'll do," said Kitty. "I am nearly distracted." "But you promised you would not tell. You don't know what an awful scrape I shall get into if you do. And you--oh, yes--you shall have the money soon." "What do you mean by soon; to-morrow? Shall I have it to-morrow?" "Not quite so soon as that. Give me a week, Kitty." "I can't," answered Kitty. "It is a case of life or death to Laurie. Your mother must give it to me if you cannot; but have it I must." "But you are rich; surely you can manage without it for one week." "It is not that, and I am unable to explain. Laurie must have the money. He wants me to help him about something, and I must send it to him to-morrow." "I wish I could give it to you," said Elma. "I would do anything in all the world to let you have it back; but it isn't my fault." "What did you spend it on? Dress?" "Oh, in different ways." Elma had made up her mind not to tell about Carrie and Sam Raynes. "I'll let her think that I spent the money on finery," she said to herself. "She is sympathizing about dress. I'll let her think that." Kitty's hands had dropped to her sides; a look of despair filled her face. "What is to be done?" she said. "I never thought for a moment you could not let me have it back." "You shall have it in a week; that I promise you faithfully."