"Yes, madam."
"And you have been admitted here as a foundationer?"
"Yes, madam."
"In what class is Ruth Craven, Miss Ravenscroft?"
"Ruth is a very diligent pupil. She is in the third remove," replied Miss Ravenscroft, looking with kindly eyes at the child.
Ruth just glanced at her teacher, and then lowered her eyes. Her beautiful little face was beginning to have its usual effect upon most of the ladies present. Some of the stony despair had left it; the color came and went in her cheeks. She ceased to fiddle with her apron, and clasped her two little white hands tightly together.
"My child," said Mrs. Naylor, "your object in coming to school is doubtless the best object of all."
Ruth raised inquiring eyes.
"I mean," said the little old lady, "that you want to learn all you can—to gain knowledge and wisdom, to learn goodness and forbearance and long-suffering and charity."