Susan made no remark, but she shut her lips and looked full into the face of her mistress.
"I want to ask you a direct question," said Miss Peacock; "and I want to ask it now that we two are alone—not really alone, Susan, for there is One present, mighty, all-powerful, all-knowing. Here in His presence, therefore—the presence of our God, Susan—I ask you if you can throw any light on the very unhappy condition of my dear pupil, Christian Mitford?"
"I can thrown no light," answered Susan.
She spoke calmly enough, although her heart was beating almost to suffocation.
"Are you certain, Susan? If you could see the One who is always present, would you make such an answer?"
"I can throw no light on it," repeated Susan; but now her eyes sought the ground and her lips trembled.
Miss Peacock uttered a sigh.
"Star Lestrange says you can."
"That's just like Star Lestrange," replied Susan. "She does know something—of that I am certain—but she won't tell, and throws the thing on me. I hate her. She's the worst, most deceitful girl in the school. I hate her more than I hate Christian. But I hate them both."
"Susan," said Miss Peacock after a pause, "do you know the exact circumstances under which you came to this school?"