“Did you go up before me, Bessie?” asked Miss Fosbrook; “for I went up directly after dinner to speak to Henry.” “Yes, I did,” said she. “I thought if you got in first, you would be scolding him ever so long, and would let nobody in, so I would get my pencil first; and I slipped up before you had left the table.” Just then the two boys were heard stumping up the stairs, and ran in, panting with haste and excitement, David with a fiery red ear. “No, no; Hal didn’t hide it!” “But he boxed Davie’s ear for thinking he did,” added John; “and said he’d do the same for spiteful Bet!” “Then he never played tricks,” said Susan. “I told you not,” said Sam. “No,” reiterated David; “and he said I’d no business to ask; and if Bet went prying about everywhere, I’d better ask her. Have you got it, Betty?” “I!” cried Elizabeth. “How can you, Davie?” “You have got a secret,” exclaimed David; “and you always were cross about Hannah Higgins’s pig. You have got it to tease me! Miss Fosbrook, make her give it back.” “Nonsense, David,” said Miss Fosbrook; “Bessie is quite to be trusted; and it is wrong to make unfounded accusations.” “Never mind, Betty,” added Sam kindly; “if Davie wasn’t a little donkey, he wouldn’t say such things.” “Where is Henry?” asked the governess. “Why did he not come himself? Call him; I want to know if he observed this door being open.” “He is gone down to Mr. Carey’s,” said John. “And it is high time you were there too, Sam,” said Miss Fosbrook, starting. “If you are late, beg Mr. Carey’s pardon from me, and tell him that I kept you.” Sam was obliged to run off at full speed; and the other children stood about, still aghast and excited. Miss Fosbrook, however, told them to take out their books. She would not do anything more till she had had time to think, and had composed their minds and her own; for she was exceedingly shocked, and felt herself partly in fault, for having left the hoard in an unlocked cupboard. She feared to do anything hastily, lest she should bring suspicion on the innocent; and she thought all would do better if time were given for settling down. All were disappointed at thus losing the excitement, fancying perhaps that instant search and inquiry would hunt up the money; and David put himself quite into a sullen fit. No, he would not turn round, nor read, nor do anything, unless Miss Fosbrook would make stingy Bet give up the pence.