“I shall pay her the respect due her standing, of course,” said another, “I was always polite to her in the classes.
“And, Louie Howe, you know you persuaded that Nevins’ girl to write that hateful letter to her, when she had been so good and taken so much pains with her.”
“I didn’t persuade,” rejoined Louie, angrily.
“You said you were sure Mrs. Nevins wouldn’t approve of the friendship—yes I think you did suggest the letter and Miss Nevins slipped back woefully. How many of us would have taken her into grace again? And I know Mrs. Barrington held Miss Boyd in high esteem.”
“She thought she would make a fine teacher; so, of course, she pushed her along.”
“Oh, Louie!” in deprecating tones.
“Well, you may all go down to her. I shan’t object. She can’t hold a candle to Zaidee.”
“Oh, Zay is a darling!”
“I wonder how she takes it. She has always been a little Queen and her aunt thinks the sun rises and sets in her and sweeps the very stars out of sight; and Zay isn’t a bit puffed up or arrogant, but she does want people to love and admire her. And now that her mother has recovered sufficiently to go into society again I am afraid Zay won’t like to share her.”
“Miss Marguerite isn’t handsome and Zay is a beauty, and the least vain of any pretty girl that I ever met.”