But Elinor would have to apologize for the way she had treated Sylvia.
Just at this moment of hesitation a round woolly head appeared at one of
the open windows. Two small black hands rested on the window-sill, and a
moment later Estralla, in her faded blue dress, was standing directly in
front of Miss Patten and Sylvia.
"I begs pardon, Missy Teacher. But I knows my missy ain't done nuffin'
to be kept shut up for. An' I knows why she runned off yesterd'y. Yas'm.
I heered dat tall dark girl an' nuther girl sayin' as how Missy Sylvia
was a Yankee. Yas'm; and as how they was glad they called her names.
Yas'm, I sho' heered 'em say those very words," and Estralla bobbed her
head, and stood trembling in every limb before "Missy Teacher," not
knowing what would happen to her, but determined that the little white
girl, who had protected her, and given her the fine pink dress, should
not he punished.
"Oh, Estralla!" whispered Sylvia, her face brightening.
Miss Rosalie stood up, and rested her hand on Sylvia's shoulder.
"And so you would not tell, or complain about your schoolmates?" Then
without waiting for a reply, she leaned over and kissed Sylvia. "That is
right, dear child. I am proud to have you as a pupil. Now," and she
turned to Estralla, "you run home as fast as you can go. Your young
mistress is not being punished, and will not be. But you did just right
in coming to tell me. But the next time you come remember to come in at
the door!" and Miss Rosalie smiled pleasantly at the little darky, whose
face now was radiant with delight.
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