Ella felt a tremendous throb of relief—relief in being cleared in the eyes of her school-fellows, and also in knowing that Gertie had not injured her in malice. Miss Merton was silent for a while, grieved to the heart for having so misjudged one of her little pupils.
"Speak to me, Miss Merton," at last cried poor Gertie; "say you forgive me."
"I think," replied the lady gravely, "it is for Ella to say that."
Then Ella, who had remained by Gertie's side, notwithstanding Miss Merton's command, put her arms around the little girl's neck, and kissed her before the whole class. At this spontaneous action more than one pair of eyes grew moist and dim.
"Ella, are you sure you forgive me?" said Gertie, now utterly repentant. "I've been so horrid to you, and now—"
"Now," interrupted Ella, tears standing in her own eyes, "you're as brave as a lion."
Little else was said, but of this one thing Gertie Snowden was assured, namely, Ella's full and complete forgiveness.
So touched was Dorothy Grey by the whole scene, that her slumbering conscience awoke at last.
Rising to her feet, she said, her cheeks crimson with shame—
"Miss Merton, may I speak a minute?"