For a moment they looked at each other; then from the boy, in a trembling voice, clear and high pitched, came the words:
"Please, teacher!"
The tremble in his voice went straight to Pearl's heart.
"Yes, dear," she said, "come right in—I want you—I'm lonesome—and I like little boys like you."
His eyes seemed to grow more luminous and wistful.
"I can't come in," he said. "I can't come into the school at all—not the least little bit—I have an ungovernable temper."
"I'm not afraid," said Pearl gravely, "I am very brave that way, and don't mind at all. Who says you have?"
"The trustees," he said and his voice began to quiver. "They sent mother a letter about me."
"O, I know you now, James," said Pearl, "come in—I want to talk to you. I was going to see you just as soon as I got settled."
Cautiously he entered; the out-door wildness was in his graceful movements. He stooped a few feet away from her and said again: