pupils.

"No, Miss Stearne."

"Then how dare you even suggest it?"

"I am not wanted here," returned the girl with calm assurance. "My
presence is annoying to the other girls, as well as to yourself, and so
disturbs the routine of the school. For my part, I--I am very unhappy
here, as you must realize, because everyone seems to think my dear
Gran'pa Jim is a wicked man--which I know he is not. I have no heart to
study, and--and so--it is better for us all that I go away."

This statement was so absolutely true and the implied reproach was so
justified, that Miss Stearne allowed herself to become angry as the best
means of opposing the girl's design.

"This is absurd!" she exclaimed. "You imagine these grievances, Mary
Louise, and I cannot permit you to attack the school and your fellow
boarders in so reckless a manner. You shall not stir one step from this
school! I forbid you, positively, to leave the grounds hereafter without
my express permission. You have been placed in my charge and I insist
that you obey me. Go to your room and study your lessons, which you have
been shamefully neglecting lately. If I hear any more of this rebellious
wish to leave the school, I shall be obliged to punish you by confining
you to your room."

The girl listened to this speech with evident surprise; yet the tirade
did not seem to impress her.