At this moment the little school clock struck out sharply the hour of noon.
"It is the children's recess," said the teacher. "Lay aside your books, dears, and leave the room quietly and in good order."
The children took their hoods and cloaks from the pegs on which they hung and went out one by one—each child turning to make her little courtesy before passing the door. Thus all went out but two little sisters, who living at a distance had brought their luncheon, which they now took to the open front door, where they sat on the steps in the pleasant winter sunshine to eat.
The teacher turned to her young visitor.
"Will you sit down? And ah! will you pardon me for the rude reception I gave you?"
"Pray do not think of it. It was so natural that I have not given it a thought," said Ishmael gently.
"It is not my disposition to do so; but I have suffered so much; I have been goaded nearly to desperation."
"I see that, madam; you are exceedingly nervous."
"Nervous! why, women have been driven to madness and death with less cause than I have had!"
"Do not think of your troubles in that manner, madam; do not excite yourself, compose yourself, rather. Believe me, it is of the utmost importance to your success that you should exhibit coolness and self-possession."