"She's a genius, and she knows it, the darling young thing."
The look on Florry's face and the expression of mischief in Star's bright dancing eyes brought Christian back to the fact that attainments alone and a strong wish for study did not necessarily secure happiness in a school like Penwerne Manor. She could not get over her nervous fears.
"I deserve it," she said to herself. "I should not be one scrap—no, not one scrap—afraid if I hadn't done wrong; but it is just the terror of their finding out that keeps my heart beating so hard. Oh, dear! oh, dear! There's no way out, for I can't run way again, and father and mother are nearly in India now. As to Miss Neil, she saw no sympathy with anyone; and poor dear nurse and Miss Thompson can't help me even if they wish to. Oh, dear! I am an unhappy girl."
Christian was standing by herself in one corner of the great playground as these thoughts visited her. Presently a hand was laid on her shoulder, and beautiful little Star stood by her side.
"Let's be friends, Christian," she said in a hearty voice.
"Will you?" answered Christian, her eyes brightening.
"I'd like to," said Star. "I took a fancy to you the moment I saw your face, even though you did look so alarmed and so startled."
"You'd have been startled too," said Christian stoutly, "if you had heard an awful voice on the ceiling above your head talking about you."
Star laughed; then she looked grave.
"I can't help it," she said. "I really can't break myself of it. Darling Miss Peacock is sometimes angry; but who could resist the fun who had the power? Oh! the fright on your face a couple of hours ago was killing. You looked as though anyone could knock you down."