The Pearl of Peace — Madeline Leslie

SHE'S the meanest girl I ever saw If she is my cousin, I'll say so. I wont speak to her again this term; see if I do " Sallie Munson was greatly excited, and walked in quick jerks by the side of her companion. Matilda had been repeating to her, with some exaggeration, the remarks of Cynthia Manning, concerning her dress; but Matilda did not expect or intend to excite so much anger, and was almost frightened at Sallie's warmth. "What are you talking about?" called a cheerful voice from behind. "I've been running my breath all away, trying to catch you; but I couldn't make you hear my call; I could only see Sallie gesturing away, as if she were practising her exhibition piece." Matilda had only time to whisper hurriedly, "Don't tell her a word of what I said," when Harriet Maynard joined them.