They followed her, clinging to her skirt and one of them trying to grasp her hand. Harriet’s face grew black. Frederica said:
“Well, Harriet, you don’t look too well pleased; but for my part, I think Robina was quite right; you ought not to have taken poor little Annie’s place.”
“Do you mind telling me,” answered Harriet, “what right those children have to interfere with us? They belong to the first form; let them stay in their nursery.”
“Oh, as to that,” said Rose Amberley, “they have as good a right to the lawn as we have. They are always allowed to play here every afternoon; and Robina invited them to tea; she bought a lot of sweeties, chocolates and cakes for them. They are Robina’s guests; they just worship her.”
“Worship her, indeed!” said Harriet. “Well—I don’t worship her.”
“Anyone can see that, Harriet, and it is a great pity,” said Rose Amberley. “Robina is a very nice girl, and as good as gold.”
“Oh, is she!” said Harriet. “Jane, what do you think?”
“I know what I know,” said Jane, nodding her little head with great firmness.
Frederica looked very hard at Jane; then she glanced at her own sister.
“Look here,” she said suddenly; “we have all been very happy at school, haven’t we?”