"Why, I did, I s’pose," spoke Melinda roughly; “and what of it?”
"I guess I want my knife, myself, that’s all," was Lucy’s reply. “I don’t think I could conclude to lend it to-day,” and she laughed again.
Nelly involuntarily put her hand in her pocket, where lay a little penknife Nancy had given her, as a keepsake, a few weeks before. The thought flashed through her mind, “Shall I, or shall I not?” and the next moment she reached over, and the little knife was glittering on Melinda’s blotted copy. She did not speak; she only blushed, and smiled, and nodded pleasantly, to show her good-will. Melinda looked at her with a frowning brow. Then a better impulse seemed to prevail; she glanced gratefully back at Nelly, and taking up the penknife began to give some doleful scratches over the blot.
Presently, however, Miss Milly’s command was heard from the desk:
“All arms to be folded!” Melinda, with a sigh, folded hers, and sat like a picture of despair. The books were then collected, and examined carefully, while the scholars began to prepare to go home. Nelly was quite ready, when she was startled by hearing Miss Milly pronounce her name to the school as the winner of the prize.
“I find,” said Miss Harrow, “that almost every child has taken unusual pains to-day, in writing; and I am pleased to see it, I can assure you. Where all have been so careful, it is very difficult to find one who stands highest; Nelly Box, however, I think deserves the reward. Never, before, has she evinced such diligence and patience; hoping that she will always do as well in future, I give her permission to go up to Miss Elinor’s room to begin the wreath, at once. Elinor will give you instructions, Nelly, and perhaps tell you some little story while you are busy with your task.”
At first Nelly’s face shone with delighted triumph, at the news of her success. But in a little while she began to realize that many of the pupils were sorely disappointed at this award not falling on themselves, and the thought dampened her ardor. She had reached the door to leave the room, when Miss Milly added:
“Melinda, I am glad to see that you, too, have been attentive and anxious to do well. If it were not for this huge blot, I should have given the palm to you.”
"I couldn’t help it," said Melinda, eagerly. “I was just folding it up, when it happened. I am as sorry as can be.”
“Are you?” said Miss Milly, kindly.