She went
straight on to the arbor. Elinor Mayhew stood on the steps.
"You are just as much a Yankee as I am. And you ought to be proud of
it," declared Sylvia, facing the older girl.
"Hear that, girls!" called Elinor to the group about her. There was a
little angry murmur from the others.
"Don't you dare say that again, Miss Boston," called May Bailey, who
stood next to Elinor.
Sylvia was now thoroughly angry. She knew of no reason why these girls
should treat her in so unkind a fashion. She felt very desolate and
unhappy, but she faced them bravely.
"Yankees! Yankees! It's what all Americans are," she declared defiantly.
In an instant the little girls were all about her. Elinor Mayhew was
holding her hands, and the others were pushing her along the path to the
shore. The thick growing shrubs hid them from the house. Sylvia did not
cry out or speak. She was not at all afraid, nor did she resist.
"We ought to make her take it back," said May Bailey, as Elinor stopped,
and they all stood in a close group about Sylvia.
"Of course she's got to take it back, and apologize on her knees,"
declared Elinor. "She might as well learn that South Carolinians will
not be insulted," and Elinor lifted her head proudly.
"I won't take it back!" retorted Sylvia, "and you are the ones who will
have to apologize. Yes, every one of you, before I will ever speak to
you again."
"Hear that, girls! Wouldn't it be dreadful if she never spoke to us
again!" sneered Elinor.
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