"I have, Cassandra," said Ruth.
Kathleen, who was standing not far away, suddenly darted forward and stood within a foot of the two girls.
"Have you really decided, Ruth?" she said. Her tone was imperious. Ruth felt her gentle heart beat high. She turned and looked with dignity first at Kathleen and then at Cassandra.
"I will join you, Cassandra," she said.—"Kathleen, I told you this morning what my decision was."
"And I hate you!" said Kathleen. She tossed her head and walked away.
Cassandra waited until she was out of hearing.
"You look very pale, dear Ruth," she said. "Come home with me, won't you?"
Ruth did not speak. Cassandra laid her hand on her arm.
"Why, you are trembling," she said. "What has that horrid girl done to you?"
"Nothing—nothing."