Phil Selden opened the outer door and the mouse found its way to freedom. In a few minutes the school settled down again to peace and quiet, but Elizabeth felt most uncomfortable. She thought of what she might have said and what she did not. She knew that Miss Jewett had a right to feel annoyed and to blame her for what had happened, but she did not see how she, herself, could explain matters now that the mischief was done. There was no explanation, she realized, and so she must suffer.
As no one had been blamed, Bert congratulated himself that both he and his sister would be let off scot-free; and at the close of the session he went out with the rest, saying to himself that it had been good fun and he was glad it came out as it did. Elizabeth had no such easy mind. She did not want to discuss the subject with the rest of the girls so she lingered behind and let them all depart ahead of her.
Miss Jewett stood at the door watching the children leave. As Elizabeth and Betsy came along she said, “Wait a moment, Elizabeth; I want to speak to you.” She spoke pleasantly, but she looked grave when Elizabeth came to her. Betsy went on ahead, saying that she would wait outside.
Miss Jewett sat down at her desk and pulled up a chair for Elizabeth. For a moment neither spoke. Miss Jewett settled some papers, then, leaning on her elbows with her chin in her hands, she looked at the child before her. “Elizabeth,” she said, “will you tell me what made you behave so badly this morning? It isn’t like you to try to make mischief in school and all that. I have always counted upon you and Betsy. What spirit of evil possessed you?”
“I don’t know, Miss Jewett,” replied Elizabeth in a subdued voice.
“Did you know that mouse was in your desk?”
“Yes, Miss Jewett.”
“And that was why you didn’t open it when I told you? I must confess it was a pretty good reason, but I can’t see why you didn’t tell me it was there.”
Elizabeth couldn’t see, either, except that the mouse had not entered of its own accord.
“You couldn’t have put it there, of course. You couldn’t have done that,” continued Miss Jewett, half questioningly; but Elizabeth made no reply. Miss Jewett looked distressed. “I can scarcely believe you would wilfully do that,” she went on. “Did you, Elizabeth?” she said, after a pause long enough to permit Elizabeth to reply. Still no answer came. “Did you?” repeated Miss Jewett a little more decidedly.