All of a sudden the poor child's composure gave way, she covered her face with her trembling hands, and burst into a great flood of weeping.
A look of relief crossed Mrs. Clavering's face.
"Now she will be better," she said to herself; "she will understand what I have to say to her better. Shall I say it to her now or shall I wait until the morning? It is very hard; perhaps she had better know all at once."
So Mrs. Clavering led the weeping girl to the nearest sofa, and presently she stole her arm round her waist, and coaxed her to lay her head on her shoulder, and by and by she kissed the tired, flushed little face.
Kitty, who had the most loving heart in the world, returned her embrace, and nestled close to her, and felt in spite of herself a little better than she had done before.
"I know it is very bad, dear," said Mrs. Clavering, "but we can talk about it now if you like."
"I don't know that there is anything to say," said Kitty; "he would not have gone but for——"
"But for what, my child!"
"But for that dreadful money. He was very anxious when he sent me here. Oh, perhaps, I ought not to say anything about it."
"I think you may, Kitty, for I know, dear. I had a long letter from your father this morning. He told me then news which I considered very sad. You know, my love, that this is an expensive school. All the girls who come here pay well; most of the girls who are here have rich fathers and mothers."