a curtsy.

"Mum's the word, ma'am," she said, and then she glanced round at her
numerous companions.

The girls had all been watching her. Their faces broke into smiles, the
smiles became titters, and the titters roars. The mistress had again to
come forward and ask what was wrong.

"It's only me, miss," said Kathleen, "so don't blame any of the other
innocent lambs. I'm fresh from old Ireland. Oh, miss, it's a beautiful
country! Were you never there? If you could only behold her purple
mountains, and let yourself go on the bosom of her rushing streams! Were
you ever in the old country, miss, if I might venture to ask a civil
question?"

"No," said Miss Atherton in a very suppressing tone. "I don't understand
impertinent questions, and I expect the schoolgirls to be orderly.--Ah,
Ruth Craven! Will you take this young lady under your wing?"

"Didn't I say we were to be mates, dear?" said Kathleen O'Hara; and as
they passed from the great hall, Kathleen's hand was still fondly linked
on Ruth's arm.




CHAPTER III.

THE WILD IRISH GIRL.