She burst open the door of Miss Peacock's room. She did not even wait to knock. Miss Peacock was sitting at her desk. She turned in some amazement when Star, her eyes shining with excitement, came towards her.
"Miss Peacock," said the little girl, "you know, don't you, why Christian didn't come to school with the rest of us? I mean, why she came a whole fortnight later."
"I don't understand you, Star."
"Oh, please don't be angry! You know the whole truth, don't you?"
"Certainly."
"And you resolved that it should not be told to the school?"
"I thought it best. I do not understand you."
"It wasn't best," said Star. "It is wrong of me to say so to you, but I must say it. It was not best. Do you know the little girl who has come with Christian's nurse to stay here?"
"A child of the name of Rose Latimer. She is a great friend of Christian's; I sent for her on purpose. Why?"
"Miss Peacock, you gave us leave to have little Rose to play with us. She is in the midst of a group of girls now in the great hall, and she began of her own accord to tell that story that you didn't wish Christian to tell. May she go on with it, and will you come and listen?"