Ermengarde felt her woes all the more keenly as she related them. Susy's blue eyes grew bright with pity.
"Ain't it cruel?" she said. "I call it base to punish a lady like you, Miss Ermengarde, and you one of the best of created mortals."
"It's Miss Nelson," said Ermengarde. "She's dreadfully prejudiced; I find it almost impossible to endure her."
"I never did think nothing of that governess," said Susan with vigor. "It ain't for me to say it, but she don't seem fit company for the like of you, Miss Ermengarde. If I was you, I'd pay her out, that I would."
"Oh, I have more than her to pay out," said Ermengarde. "I have been very unkindly treated."
"That you have, miss, I'm sure."
Susy's sympathy was very sweet to Ermengarde. She leaned farther out of the window, and looked down at the pretty little girl.
"I'm glad you were passing, Susy," she said.
"I'll stay for a bit, if you like, miss. I'm in no sort of a hurry."
"I wish you could come and sit with me, Susy; I can't shout to you from the window. People who are passing may hear us."