"Don't be a goose, Florry. You know that Miss Peacock would not give the charge of a new girl to a little mite like you."
"Little mite indeed!" laughed Florry, tossing her head. "Well, I suppose, whatever happens, I may talk to the sacred being."
"Don't!" said Christian suddenly, and speaking with irritation.
"She hates to be laughed at; can't you see that?" said Louisa, speaking angrily.
She had scarcely said the words before a mocking voice, which seemed to come from over their heads, cried in a high staccato:
"She hates to be laughed at; can't you see that?"
Christian looked round. She was startled and alarmed.
"That's only Star; she is incorrigible," said Louisa. "You will have to get accustomed to her. But come now; you would like to see the schoolroom. You will have your own desk, but its exact position I can't tell you; your teachers will first have to find out what you know."
Now, Christian knew a great deal. From her earliest days she had been well educated, and with regard to her attainments she was decidedly above the average girl. As she remembered this fact a sense of satisfaction stole over her. Nevertheless she felt exceedingly depressed and considerably alarmed.
Louisa and Christian walked quickly to the farther end of the hall, and Florence returned to her companions. Louisa now spoke quickly.