“Would that I could here complete what I have to say of the sojourn of little Aline Ducorroy under this roof.... But that I cannot do.
“That I cannot do.
“It has been the experience of this pure and gentle soul to come, under this roof, in contact with things not pure.”
Fräulein’s voice had become breathless and shaking. Both her hands sought the support of the table.
“This poor child has had unwillingly to suffer the fact of associating with those not pure.”
“Ach, Fräulein! What you say!” ejaculated Clara.
In the silence the leaves of the chestnut tree tapped one against the other. Miriam listened to them ... there must be a little breeze blowing across the garden. Why had she not noticed it before? Were they all hearing it?
“With—those—not pure.”
“Here, in this my school.”
Miriam’s heart began to beat angrily.