I was not sure that you would care to take my word, alone, for this"-- Grace couldn't resist this one tiny thrust--"so she very kindly gave me the assurance in writing, signed by herself." Grace then unfolded the paper and in a clear voice read Julia's statement.
There was not a sound in the room.

Grace stood waiting.

She had done her part, the rest lay with her classmates.
Nora and Jessica had their arms around Anne, who had begun to cry quietly.
The relief was so great that it had unnerved her.

Then Marian Barber sprang to Grace's side and seized her by the hand.
"Listen, girls," she cried, "I want to acknowledge for the second time that I am heartily ashamed of myself.

We have all been nasty and suspicious toward Anne.