Elizabeth

Then Sarah was guilty of an injustice.

Just at that moment, her torn heart swelled within her, and she felt that if anyone was as stupid as that, one had better get away from her.

What do you think?

she said.

And she marched past her without another word.

In course of time, she realized that if her wretchedness had not made her forget things, she would have known that poor, dull Ermengarde was not to be blamed for her unready, awkward ways.

She was always awkward, and the more she felt, the more stupid she was given to being.

But the sudden thought which had flashed upon her had made her oversensitive.

She's like the others, she had thought.

She does not really want to talk to me.

She knows no one does.

So for several weeks, a barrier stood between them.

When they met by chance, Sarah looked the other way, and Ermengarde felt too stiff and embarrassed to speak.

Sometimes they nodded to each other in passing, but there were times when they did not even exchange a greeting.

Miss Minchin made it so easy that at last they scarcely saw each other at all.

At that time it was noticed that Ermengarde was more stupid than ever, and that she looked listless and unhappy.

She used to sit in the window seat, huddled in a heap, and stare out of the window without speaking.

Once, Jessie, who was passing, stopped to look at her curiously.

What are you crying for, Ermengarde?

she asked.