"But Miss Thomas declares, that standing at her bed-room window, she saw you walking up and down the garden with a gentleman," said Mrs. Pomeroy. "How was that?"
"Courage!" thought Delia. "If she came no nearer than the bed-room window, we are safe and she has cornered herself." Such was her thought, but she answered as modestly as before—
"If I might be permitted to ask Miss Thomas a few questions, without being considered disrespectful—"
"Certainly," said Mrs. Pomeroy, as she paused for a reply. "It is but just that you should have every opportunity of defending yourself."
"Will Miss Thomas please to tell me how many people she saw walking in the garden, from her bed-room window?"
"I saw two people," said Miss Thomas.
"That is to say, myself or Emily, and a gentleman in a cloak."
"Of course!" returned the teacher, evidently much irritated by Delia's questions, and her studiedly respectful manner. "A gentleman in a long cloak. Have you done?"
"Not quite," replied Delia, in the same even tone. "Will you have the goodness, Miss Thomas, to read, from where you are sitting the third row of figures upon that blackboard?" Pointing to one which had been used in a recitation, and left with the figures upon it.
"Nonsense!" said Miss Thomas, coloring deeply, and looking just ready to explode with anger. "I shall do no such thing."