Sophia clutched her chair very tightly. Kitty, who was sitting next to Sophia, gave her a nudge, and said at once in a very cheerful voice, “I don’t pretend for a minute to be perfect. Indeed, far from that, I’m afraid I’m rather a naughty little girl; I’ve such an eye for mischief; but at least I’m honest and aboveboard, and those are the main things, aren’t they, Mrs. Fleming?”
“They are the indispensable things, Katherine.”
“And,” continued Kitty, “I mean to have a tremendous try for the future. I can’t tell you how hard I shall work to overcome my faults—not to mimic, you know, or anything naughty of that sort, and to be very kind and generous to others. Don’t you think that’s what I ought to aim at most of all, Mrs. Fleming?”
“It is what you all ought to aim at. But now, Kitty, I need not listen to your resolutions for the future. You have but to follow the rules with a humble prayer to God to help you. But, my dear children, what I am coming to is this: You know that in the case of you four I have to demand more, far more than from any other girls in the school. I have to ask each of you once again to assure me, solemnly and before Almighty God, that you had nothing to do with that accident which so nearly cost the life of Peggy Desmond. The prize is great, no doubt, but it is less than the dust compared to the iniquity, the awful sin, of competing for it unworthily. Now, my dears, you know. I don’t want to press the matter any further home. God is your Judge whether you are speaking the truth to me to-day; whether I believe you or not, I shall have to act as though I believed you. You will, all four of you, have the same chance of winning this prize as any other girl in the school; but let me tell you, girls, that if unworthily you attempt to compete for it it will be a curse to you, not a blessing. Now, children, I have spoken. I have spoken with pain, for I am unhappy. There is a mystery, and I cannot get to the bottom of it. I lie awake night after night, thinking of it, wondering and wondering what serpent has come into my Eden. Oh my children, I love you so dearly; do not be tempted for a little worldly gain and honour to imperil your souls!”
There was a profound silence in the room. The four girls looked down. Sophia was shaking from head to foot, and but for Kitty’s restraining hand placed upon hers she would have fallen.
Mrs. Fleming now rose, and, taking a small Bible from where it lay by her side, she put it into the hand of Kitty Merrydew. “Kitty, can you tell me from the bottom of your heart that you know nothing whatever with regard to the mischief done to Peggy Desmond? Remember the book you are holding. Answer me, my child, truthfully.”
“I know nothing,” said Kitty; “nothing whatsoever.” She sprang to her feet as she spoke, and put the Bible on the table; she almost pushed it from her, as though it stung her. Her cheeks were crimson, her eyes unnaturally bright.
The two Dodds went through the same ceremony; and, following Kitty’s example, said that they knew nothing.
It now was Sophia’s turn. Sophia stood up, shaking. “I’d rather not compete,” she said. “I’ve nothing to say, nothing at all; but, please, I’d rather not compete. Hannah and I will stand out together.”
“You must have a reason for this, Sophy.”