The girl sat motionless, her chin still resting in her palm, until a tremulous voice behind her spoke her name.
"Essie."
She turned to see Mrs. Terriberry, buttoned into her steel-colored bodice and obviously flustered.
"Yes?" There was a trace of wonder in her voice.
At the sight of the pale face the girl upturned to her, Mrs. Terriberry's courage nearly failed her in the task to which she had nerved herself.
"Essie," she faltered, twisting her rings nervously, finally blurting out, "I'm afraid you'll have to go, Essie."
The girl started violently.
"Go?" she gasped. "Go?"
Mrs. Terriberry nodded, relieved that it was out.
"But why? Why?" It seemed too incredible to believe. This was the very last thing she had expected, or thought of.