"I am glad," she said to herself, "the right side of the ledger means giving up all, and the best of life is to be able to lose it if necessary. I will cling to these two thoughts, and I don't believe if the worst comes that anything can really hurt me."
When she got near the school she was met by Mrs. Hopkins. She was amazed to see that good woman, as at that hour she was usually busily engaged in her shop. But Mrs. Hopkins took the bull by the horns and said quietly:
"I came out on purpose to see you, Ruth Craven."
"Well, and what do you want?" asked Ruth.
"My dear, you are not looking too well."
"Please do not mind my looks."
"It is just this, dear. There will be no end of a fuss in the school to-day."
Ruth did not reply.
"And they will press you hard."
Still Ruth made no answer.