Miss Thompson looked with interest at the algebra papers.

If this had not come up, she thought, Miss Leece would certainly have managed to find a flaw somewhere, even if she had had to invent one.

But under the circumstances, it was more to that wily woman's purpose to give Anne her due.

For Miss Leece knew that a perfect examination paper would tell more against the young girl than for her.
It was after this that Miss Thompson had her talk with Anne, a very kindly, interested talk, in which the young girl's prospects, her work and health had all come under consideration.

And then in the gentlest possible way Miss Thompson had produced the letter.
"Is this yours, Anne ?" she asked.
Anne started violently.
"O Miss Thompson," she cried, making a great effort to keep back her tears, "where did you find it?
I spent one entire afternoon here looking for it.