She buried her face in the pillows, and her whole frame was convulsed with emotion.
“This is all Susan’s doings. From saints like her, good Lord, deliver me!” said Florence, bitterly. “I hate her! I hate her!” And she set her teeth firmly, and clenched her hands, as she paced up and down the room like some wild animal furious with rage.
The penalty which they had incurred was indeed a severe one. Nothing could have been more humiliating than such an apology and confession as they were to make before the whole school. Carrie was quite unnerved by the prospect of it, and by the still greater punishment,—the writing home to her mother.
Several days had passed, and the first part of their sentence had been performed. Caroline (how she hardly knew) had repeated her confession; but she was as yet utterly unable to write a word.
Meanwhile, Susan’s position was no enviable one. The tide of popular feeling was altogether on the side of the culprits, whose penalty was universally declared to be too severe; and, as Florence did not hesitate to accuse Susan of having been the informant, repeating her own declaration that if questioned she should not lie, it was the conviction of most of the girls that she had been the traitor.
An informer is always despised at school; and poor Susan soon experienced the whole force of this prejudice. No one accused her of having told; but every one avoided her as if she were beneath contempt.
Carrie’s state of health (for she spent most of her time lying on the bed, crying and sobbing) only added fuel to the fire of anger kindled against Susan. Carrie made no charges against her cousin; but she shrank from seeing her and would tremble like an aspen if she came into the room. This, too, told against poor Susan.
At last she could bear it no longer. She went into the room where her cousin was lying, surrounded by sympathizing friends.
Florence looked up and demanded what she wanted, in a tone that proved she felt her to be an intruder.
Susan did not heed her, or the glances of contempt cast upon her. She walked straight to the bed.