"That dear child!" sighed the schoolmistress in her tenderest tone.
"I am afraid she will tire you. And, then, your time is so
precious!"

I begged Mademoiselle Prefere to dismiss that illusion, and,
rising to take my leave, I took from my pocket some chocolate-cakes
and sweets which I had brought with me.

"That is so nice!" said Jeanne; "there will be enough to go round
the whole school."

The lady of the pelerine intervened.

"Mademoiselle Alexandre," she said, "thank Monsieur for his
generosity."

Jeanne looked at her for an instant in a sullen way; then, turning
to me, said with remarkable firmness,

"Monsieur, I thank you for your kindness in coming to see me."

"Jeanne," I said, pressing both her hands, "remain always a good,
truthful, brave girl. Good-bye."

As she left the room with her packages of chocolate and
confectionery, she happened to strike the handles of her skipping-
rope against the back of a chair. Mademoiselle Prefere, full of
indignation, pressed both hands over her heart, under her pelerine;
and I almost expected to see her give up her scholastic ghost.