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Annie Forest blew several kisses to her adorers, but did not attach herself to any of them.
The Temple requires me, she said, in her sauciest tones; my beloved friends, the Temple as usual is vouchsafing its sacred shelter to the stranger.
In an instant
Annie was kneeling inside the inclosure of Miss Temples rail and laughing immoderately.
You dear stranger! she exclaimed, turning round and gazing full into Hesters shy face, I do declare I have been punished for the intense ardour with which I longed to embrace you. Has she told you, Cecil darling, what I did in her behalf? How I ventured beyond the sacred precincts of the baize door and hid inside the porters room? Poor dear, she jumped when she heard my friendly voice, and as I spoke Miss Danesbury caught me in the very act. Poor old dear, she cried when she complained of me, but duty is Danesburys motto; she would go to the stake for it, and I respect her immensely. I have got my twenty lines of that horrible French poetry, to learn the very thought almost strangles me, and I foresee plainly that I shall do something terribly naughty within the next few hours; I must, my love I really must. I have just come here to shake hands with Miss Thornton, and then I must away to my penance. Ah, how little I shall learn, and how hard I shall think! Welcome to Lavender House, Miss Thornton; look upon me as your devoted ally, and if you have a spark of pity in your breast, feel for the girl whom you got into a scrape the very moment you entered these sacred walls.
I dont understand you, said Hester, who would not hold out her hand, and who was standing up in a very stiff, shy, and angular position. I think you were very rude to startle me, and make personal remarks the very moment I came into the house.
Oh, dear! I only said you were tall, and looked rather sulky, love you did, you know, really.
It was very rude of you, repeated Hester, turning crimson, and trying to keep back her tears.
Well, my dear, I meant no harm; shake hands, now, and let us make friends.
But Hester felt either too shy or too miserable to yield to this request she half turned her back, and leaned against Miss Temples panel.
Never mind her, whispered gentle Cecil Temple; but Annie Forests bright face had darkened ominously the school favourite was not accustomed to having her advances flung back in her face. She left the room singing a defiant, naughty song, and several of the girls who had overheard this scene whispered one to the other
She cant be at all nice she would not even shake hands with Annie. Fancy her turning against our Annie in that way!
Chapter Five The Head-Mistress
I have brought Hester Thornton to see you, Mrs Willis, according to your wish.
Miss Danesbury then withdrew, and Hester ventured to raise her eyes and to look timidly at the head-mistress.
A tall woman, with a beautiful face and silvery white hair, came instantly to meet her, laid her two hands on the girls shoulders, and then, raising her shy little face, imprinted a kiss on her forehead.
Your mother was one of my earliest pupils, Hester, she said, and you are no after a pause, you are not very like her. You are her child, however, my dear, and as such you have a warm welcome from me. Now, come and sit by the fire, and let us talk.
Hester did not feel nearly so constrained with this graceful and gracious lady as she had done with her school-mates. The atmosphere of the room recalled her beloved mothers boudoir at home. The rich, dove-coloured satin dress, the cap made of Mechlin lace which softened and shaded Mrs Williss silvery hair, appeared homelike to the little girl, who had grown up accustomed to all the luxuries of wealth. Above all, the head-mistresss mention of her mother drew her heart toward the beautiful face, and attracted her toward the rich, full tones of a voice which
could be powerful and commanding at will. Mrs Willis, notwithstanding her white hair, had a youthful face, and Hester made the comment which came first to her lips
I did not think you were old enough to have taught my mother.
I am sixty, dear, and I have kept this school for thirty years. Your mother was not the only pupil who sent her children to be taught by me when the time came. Now, you can sit on this stool by the fire and tell me about your home. Your mother ah, poor child, you would rather not talk about her just yet. Helens daughter must have strong feelings ah, yes; I see, I see. Another time, darling, when you know me better. Now tell me about your little sister, and your father. You do not know, perhaps, that I am Nans godmother?
After this the head-mistress and the new pupil had a long conversation. Hester forgot her shyness; her whole heart had gone out instantly to this beautiful woman who had known, and loved, and taught her mother.
I will try to be good at school, she said at last; but, oh, please, Mrs Willis, it does not seem to me to-night as if school-life could be happy.
It has its trials, Hester; but the brave and the noble girls often find this time of discipline one of the best in their lives good at the time, very good to look back on by-and-by. You will find a miniature world around you; you will be surrounded by temptations; and you will have rare chances of proving whether your character can be strong and great and true. I think, as a rule, my girls are happy, and as a rule they turn out well. The great motto of life here, Hester, is earnestness. We are earnest in our work, we are earnest in our play. A half-hearted girl has no chance at Lavender House. In play-time, laugh with the merriest, my child: in school-hours, study with the most studious. Do you understand me?