"I can't manage her," replied Miss Pinchin. "I will own it to you, dearest friend. Daisy Mostyn and her sister are the first two occupants of this happy school whom I have failed to train. Henrietta is a trifle easier to manage than her sister, but Daisy will not eat nor speak. I have tried severity; I have tried everything."
"Have you tried kindness?" asked Mrs. Faithful.
"Kindness!" said Miss Pinchin. "Kindness in the Hall of Discipline?"
"Ah," said Jane Faithful, "even there. It's an ennobling influence. You have indeed failed, Joan Pinchin. Henrietta, get dressed at once and come with me."
"No; I don't intend to leave my sister," said Henrietta.
"Well, stay where you are and I will have your breakfast sent up to you, but I must see immediately about getting a doctor for this poor little girl. I trusted her to you, Joan Pinchin. I never saw such a change in any face."
"She's dying, if you want to know," said Henrietta. "She's going pop, like poor mumsie did. You won't catch me leaving her; only I would like to see you, old Faithful, whipping that horrid Pinchin."
"Don't talk in such an intemperate way, Henrietta. Joan, come with me. Dawson, I will send Annie Anderson to look after these children, and you will have the goodness to put on your bonnet and cloak without a moment's delay and fetch Dr. Halsted."
"Oh my word!" gasped Dawson; but Mrs. Faithful was one to be obeyed.