Lora bit her lip, but said nothing, and Miss Day went on hearing
the lessons without further remark.

In the meantime the little Elsie sat at her desk, striving to
conquer the feelings of anger and indignation that were swelling
in her breast; for Elsie, though she possessed much of "the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," was not yet perfect, and
often had a fierce contest with her naturally quick temper. Yet it
was seldom, very seldom that word or tone or look betrayed the
existence of such feelings; and it was a common remark in the
family that Elsie had no spirit.

The recitations were scarcely finished when the door opened and a
lady entered dressed for a ride.

"Not through yet, Miss Day?" she asked.

"Yes, madam, we are just done," replied the teacher, closing the
French grammar and handing it to Louise.

"Well, I hope your pupils have all done their duty this morning,
and are ready to accompany us to the fair," said Mrs. Dinsmore.
"But what is the matter with Elsie?"

"She has failed in all her exercises, and therefore has been told
that she must remain at home," replied Miss Day with heightened
color and in a tone of anger; "and as Miss Lora tells me that
Master Arthur was partly the cause, I have forbidden him also to
accompany us."