“You need not be afraid,” said Sir John. His voice shook with delight and gratitude. “You will never regret this generous act; and, believe me, my dear friend, there is no rule, however firm, which is not sometimes better broken than kept.”
Alas, poor Sir John! he little knew what he was saying.
CHAPTER II
WAS FANNY ELATED?
Mrs. Haddo slept very little that night. Miss Symes, who adored the head mistress, could not help noticing that something was the matter with her; but she knew Mrs. Haddo’s nature far too well to make any inquiries. The next day, however, Miss Symes was called into the head mistress’s presence.
“I want to speak to you all alone,” said Mrs. Haddo. “You realize, of course, Emma, how fully I trust you?”
“You have always done so, dear Mrs. Haddo,” replied the young teacher, her beautiful face flushing with pleasure.
“Well, now, I am going to trust you more fully still. You noticed, or perhaps you did not, that Sir John Crawford, Fanny’s father, called to see me yesterday?”
“Fanny herself told me,” replied Miss Symes. “I found the poor, dear child in floods of tears. Sir John Crawford is going to India immediately, and Fanny says she is not likely to see him again for a year.”