This will explain the prim little ladylike air of bashfulness and
constraint which Redbud exhibited, when her eyes fell on Verty, and
the coolness with which she gave him her hand. The old things had
passed away--Verty could be the boy-playmate no more, however much it
grieved her. Thus reflected Miss Redbud; and in accordance with this
train of reasoning, did she conduct herself upon the occasion of which
we speak.

So, to Strephon's request to be informed why she came thither, without
telling him, Chloe replied with a blush:

"Oh, I came to school--sir," she was about to add, but did not.

"To school? Is this a school for young ladies?"

Redbud, with a delicate little inclination of the head, said yes.

"Well," Verty went on, "I am glad I found you; for, Redbud, you can't
tell how I've been feeling, ever since you went away. It seemed to me
that there was a big weight resting on my breast."

Redbud colored, and laughed.

"Sometimes," said Verty, smiling, "I would try and get it away by
drawing in my breath, and ever so long; but I could'nt," he added,
shaking his head; "I don't know what it means."

Mr. Jinks, who was dusting his rosetted shoes with a white pocket
handkerchief, grimaced at this.