I have respected him more than any man I ever knew.
This child in appearance is one of Nature's ladies, but we must get her
to see things in the right light, and if necessary she must be made an
example of. It will be very painful, but it must be done."
"I will do what I can," said Miss Ravenscroft; "but from the little I
have seen of Ruth, I imagine she would go to the stake before she would
betray those who are kind to her. I will, however, confide in Cassandra;
she is extremely fond of Ruth, and she may influence her where others
fail. I can't help saying, Miss Mackenzie, that it would be a very
terrible thing, and would, I believe much injure the school, if a girl
like Ruth were expelled. The other foundationers would feel it; there
would be a sense of martyrdom. Sides would be taken for and against her.
I trust that this extreme step will not be necessary."
"If she does not tell us what she knows, it will be not only necessary,
but it will be carried into effect, and in my presence," said Miss
Mackenzie. "But now to return to the more immediate business. You say
these girls meet in a quarry?"
"I have heard rumors to that effect."
"Do you think they meet there every night? Are their scandalous
proceedings a nightly occurrence?"
"Oh, no; I do not think they meet oftener than once a week."
"Have you any idea what night they choose?"
"I am rather under the impression that this is the night.
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