"I will tell you what I think about her," said Matilda slowly. She avoided Molly's eyes as she spoke. "She is so completely out of the common that she must have had quite an uncommon life. I should not be a bit surprised if she were one of those brave girls who have known poverty, and have risen above it. I should call her, if I were asked, one of nature's ladies. After all, nature does make noble, queen-like sort of women now and then, whatever their position in life. Is that not true, Molly Lavender?"
"Yes, it is perfectly true," answered Molly, wondering at Matilda's discernment. "There is no one in the school I respect like Kate."
"Do you think I have gauged her character correctly?" asked Matilda, in her softest tones.
"You have, Matilda, quite wonderfully."
"She is one of nature's ladies, is she not?"
"Indeed she is."
"She has known poverty, and has risen above it?"
"Yes, she has had a noble life," answered Molly. "I am so glad you appreciate her."
"I long for her friendship," said Matilda, with a sigh; "but alas! it is not for me; she would despise a girl of my sort."
"Not if you lived up to her," said Molly, turning round and gazing full at Matilda's low-class face.