"For a year, at least, among us."
"Then you caught the habit from girls gone higher up?"
"Certainly."
Bessy's trenchant brevity was not lost upon Miss Hill.
"We've always gotten along—you and I," said Miss Hill, feeling her way with this strange girl.
"It's because you're kind and square, and I like you."
Something told the teacher she had never been paid a higher compliment.
"Bessy, how much will you tell me?"
"Miss Hill, I'm in for it and I'll tell you everything, if only you won't punish Rose," replied the girl, impulsively. "Rose's my best friend. Her father's a mean, drunken brute. I'm afraid of what he'll do if he finds out. Rose has a hard time."
"You say Rose is no more guilty than the other girls?"