Meade L. T. - A World of Girls: The Story of a School стр 15.

Hester alone, of all the girls who for a long time had come to Lavender House, failed to see any charm in Annie. She began by considering her ill-bred, and when she found she was the school favourite, she tossed her proud little head and determined that she for one would never be subjugated by such a naughty girl. Hester could read character with tolerable clearness; she was an observant child very observant, and very thoughtful for her twelve years; and as the little witch Annie had failed to throw any spell over her, she saw her faults far more clearly than did her companions. There is no doubt that this brilliant, charming, and naughty Annie had heaps of faults; she had no perseverance; she was all passion and impulse; she could be the kindest of the kind, but from sheer thoughtlessness and wildness she often inflicted severe pain, even on those she loved best. Annie very nearly worshipped Mrs Willis, she had the most intense adoration for her, she respected her beyond any other human being. There were moments when the impulsive and hot-headed child felt that she could gladly lay down her life for her school-mistress. Once the mistress was ill, and Annie curled herself up all night outside her door, thereby breaking rules, and giving herself a severe cold; but her passion and agony were so great that she could only be soothed by at last stealing into the darkened room and kissing the face she loved.

Prove your love to me, Annie, by going downstairs and keeping the school rules as perfectly as possible, whispered the teacher.

I will I will never break a rule again as long as I live, if you get better, Mrs Willis, responded the child.

She ran downstairs with her resolves strong within her, and yet in half an hour she was reprimanded for wilful and desperate disobedience.

One day Cecil Temple had invited a select number of friends to afternoon tea in her little drawing-room. It was the Wednesday half-holiday, and Cecils tea, poured into the tiniest cups and accompanied by thin wafer biscuits, was of the most recherché quality. Cecil had invited Hester Thornton, and a tall girl who belonged to the first-class and whose name was Dora Russell, to partake of this dainty beverage. They were sitting round the tiny tea-table, on little red stools with groups of flowers artistically painted on them, and were all three conducting themselves in a most ladylike and refined manner, when Annie Forests curly head and saucy face popped over the inclosure, and her voice said eagerly

Oh, may I be permitted to enter the shrine?

Certainly, Annie, said Cecil, in her most cordial tones. I have got another cup and saucer, and there is a little tea left in the tea-pot.

Annie came in, and ensconced herself cosily on the floor. It did not matter in the least to her that Hester Thorntons brow grew dark, and that Miss Russell suddenly froze into complete indifference to all her surroundings. Annie was full of a subject which excited her very much; she had suddenly discovered that she wanted to give Mrs Willis a present, and she wished to know if any of the girls would like to join her.

I will give her the present this day week, said excitable Annie. I have quite made up my mind. Will any one join me?

But there is nothing special about this day week, Annie, said Miss Temple. It will neither be Mrs Williss birthday, nor Christmas Day, nor New Years Day, nor Easter Day. Next Wednesday will be just like any other Wednesday. Why should we make Mrs Willis a present?

Oh, because she looks as if she wanted one, poor dear. I thought she looked sad this morning; her eyes drooped and her mouth was down at the corners. I am sure shes wanting something from us all by now, just to show that we love her, you know.

Pshaw! here burst from Hesters lips.

Why do you say that? said Annie, turning round with her bright eyes flashing. Youve no right to be so contemptuous when I speak about our our head-mistress. Oh, Cecil, she continued, do let us give her a little surprise some spring flowers, or something just to show her that we love her.

But you dont love her, said Hester, stoutly.

Here was throwing down the gauntlet with a vengeance! Annie sprang to

her feet and confronted Hester with a whole torrent of angry words. Hester firmly maintained her position. She said over and over again that love proved itself by deeds, not by words; that if Annie learned her lessons, and obeyed the school rules, she would prove her affection for Mrs Willis far more than by empty protestations. Hesters words were true, but they were uttered in an unkind spirit, and the very flavour of truth which they possessed caused them to enter Annies heart and to wound her deeply. She turned, not red, but very white, and her large and lovely eyes grew misty with unshed tears.

You are cruel, she gasped, rather than spoke, and then she pushed aside the curtains of Cecils compartment and walked out of the play-room.

There was a dead silence among the three girls when she left them. Hesters heart was still hot, and she was still inclined to maintain her own position, and to believe she had done right in speaking in so severe a tone to Annie. But even she had been made a little uneasy by the look of deep suffering which had suddenly transformed Annies charming childish face into that of a troubled and pained woman. She sat down meekly on her little three-legged stool and, taking up her tiny cup and saucer, sipped some of the cold tea.