"There is a school not far from Miss Dartmoor's; of course, not a school like this, but a school where you can be taught some things, my poor child."
"I won't go to Helen Dartmoor—I won't!" said Kitty, in a passionate voice.
"I fear there is no help for it, my love; but when you see your father he will tell you all about it. I wish with all my heart, I could keep you here, but I greatly fear there is no help for it."
"And is that all you have to say?" said Kitty, rising slowly as she spoke.
"Yes, dear, all for the present."
"Then I am a very miserable girl. I'll go away to my room for a little. I may, may I not?"
"On this occasion you may, although you know it is the rule that none of the girls go to their dormitories during the daytime."
Kitty left the room, walking very slowly. She had scarcely done so before a loud ring, followed by a rat-tat on the knocker of the front door, was heard through the house.
A moment later the door of Mrs. Clavering's oak parlor was flung open, and Sir John Wallis entered the room.
Sir John Wallis was the great man in the neighborhood.