Little Jessie bustled away. Susan and Maud began slowly to put on their things.
"There is one thing at least, Maud, that must be done," said Susan as she proceeded with her dressing. "That letter which I spoke of must be sent to Florence Dixie. Someone must go to church. You must do it, Maudie; you must do it for me."
"But I have a cold myself," said Maud.
"You must do it whether you have a cold or not. You will manage better than I, or I would do it. You must go to church. No one will notice you. You must say you want specially to go this morning. You will do this for me, won't you, Maud?"
"I don't know. I don't see why I should do it for you."
"Why, think—think for yourself what would happen if they were to come now. Really, girls like Florence Dixie and the Manners girls might easily know nothing about poor Christian's illness. This is Sunday; Wednesday will be here in no time. Think of their coming at present. Oh, Maud! you would be expelled as well as I."
"Do you think so?" said Maud, turning pale.
"I am sure—certain of it. We should all be made examples of—we three at least; Janet isn't quite so much in it."
"If that is the case I will make an effort," said Maud.