Then the sobbing of Dorothy—Alice could not stand it to see her crying that way; better brave dismissal than sit by and listen to that.
With one glance towards Alice—a glance full of gratitude and love.
Dorothy arose and asked to be excused.
"I must go home—" she stammered "I have such a sick headache."
"Very well," replied the teacher. "You may go."
"May I also be excused?" asked Alice, not boldly but with politeness restored to her voice.
"By no means," declared Miss Ellis. "I will not brook such insolence."
"I thought I might help Dorothy home," Alice explained, taking her seat again.
Meanwhile Dorothy was looking for her hat in the cloak room. It was a small stuffy place, and the day was unusually sultry, so that Dorothy felt dizzy there, trying to find her hat—and trying to find—Oh! what was the matter? She could not see! Oh, if some one would only come!
Then, with her hands before her, she stumbled and fell,—and all became a terrible blank.