It did not enter her mind for one moment that she was causing real suffering to that timid little child in the other room by her teasing looks and signs and grimaces. It amused Kate to see how, against her own will, Maggie's eyes seemed drawn to hers, and how, after every new glance, her blushes grew deeper and deeper, and she fidgeted more and more uneasily on her seat. Katie Maynard would have been shocked at the thought of giving a blow or a pinch to the child, but Maggie would have readily taken the blow to be free from those tantalising eyes. It was "fun" to Katie, and she "did not think" what it cost the little girl.
On this first day at school, Miss Ashton asked Bessie how she would amuse herself while Maggie took her lesson; and the child, who did not yet feel quite at home, begged that she might go down to the parlour with her sister. Miss Ashton consented, but said she feared she would find it rather dull; and her words proved true. Bessie stood by in loving admiration while Maggie played over one of the simple airs her mother had taught her; but when it came to exercises, and "one, two, three—one, two, three," she found it pretty tiresome. She wandered around the room a few moments, and then, hearing the sound of laughing and talking in the hall, opened the door and looked out to see what was going on. Several of the older girls were there, and as soon as Bessie's little head appeared they saw and called to her.
"There's Bessie Bradford," said one.
"Oh, you dear little thing!" cried another; "come out here and talk to us."
Bessie hesitated a moment; and then, thinking it might be more amusing to talk to the young ladies than to stay quiet and hear Maggie practising, went slowly towards them. In an instant Katie Maynard snatched her up in her arms, and, after waltzing gaily through the hall with her, brought her back to the stairs, where she seated herself with her prize upon her knee, and four or five other girls gathered about them.
"How old are you, Bessie?" asked one.
"Six years and a half," answered Bessie; "and when I have another birthday, I'll be seven."
"Here's a doughnut for you, Bessie," said another.
"No, thank you," said Bessie. "Mamma never gives me doughnuts."
"You'd better have it," said the young lady. "It is very nice, and there's a big raisin in the middle."