“I intend to do so,” announced Gee Gee.
“Then there is nobody to gainsay you, I am certain,” declared the lawyer, rising. “I congratulate the child upon falling in with so good a guardian, Miss Carrington. And—perhaps—you are to be congratulated, too,” he added to himself as he left her sitting grimly by the table.
For more than Lawyer MacCullough noted the change that was gradually coming over the martinet teacher of Central High. Whether it was the influence of Margit’s presence, or not, it was true that Miss Carrington was not half so harsh as she used to be.
“Change of heart—she’s sure to die, I’m afraid,” announced Bobby Hargrew, one day, when Gee Gee had failed to seize the opportunity to berate that young lady for a certain fault.
But later, Miss Carrington put herself out to speak to Bobby on the street, and upon matters not connected with the school work.
“Clara, I never properly thanked you for taking my ward’s part the other morning when that dreadful man attacked her,” said Miss Carrington, quietly. “But I am grateful, nevertheless.”
“Your ward!” gasped Bobby, her curiosity and wonder passing all bounds of politeness. “Oh, Miss Carrington! is she really related to you?”
“Margit? Not in the least—at least, no relation that the law would allow. For that reason I propose to adopt her. She will be known as Margaret Carrington—and I hope, Miss Clara, that you and the other girls of Central High will be kind to her.”
Bobby smiled. “I think Margit will take care of herself, Miss Carrington, if we don’t treat her right. But I know all the girls will be glad to have her join.”
“Thank you. She is foreign to your ways, as yet,” pursued the teacher, a little doubtfully. “From what she says, she is much interested in Mrs. Case’s classes—in the physical culture classes, and the like. I—I expect you will introduce her at the gymnasium, Miss Clara?”