"Oh, yours, of course. Oh, I mustn't say a word, but I think every teacher in the place would agree with me."
"Have you talked this matter over with the teachers?"
"No, indeed; not a soul knows at present except myself. Poor Christian! she often looks so pale and distressed. She is practically an orphan; her parents are so far off."
"I will deal with her, Jessie; but when a girl has common sense and also a brave and noble thought, I will not have it crushed because of any possible tyranny on the part of the schoolgirls. Send Christian to me now, and believe that I will act for the best."
Miss Jessie went out of the room. She walked very slowly; she felt thoroughly unhappy. She certainly did not agree with Miss Peacock. Christian's manner, the expression on her face, her want of appetite, and her lack of interest in her daily life had been remarked on with great fear and distress by Miss Jessie. She could not guess at the truth, however, for she little suspected that Susan Marsh knew poor Christian's story.
Christian was sitting by herself in the boudoir belonging to the fourth class. She was sitting by a table, a book open before her. Whether she was reading it or not Miss Jessie could not guess. But when she said, "Christian, you are wanted," the young girl jumped up, and then Miss Jessie saw, with a start, that the story-book was upside down.
Christian must indeed be in trouble.
"Oh, my darling!" said Miss Jessie.
Before the girl could prevent her, she ran up to Christian, flung her arms round her neck, and kissed her impulsively several times.
"Christian, I am with you in everything. Be brave, dear; keep up your courage."