She already stood rebuked for having proposed a plan so ungracious, so unnecessary, and so unwise.
"I think I ought to be with mamma at present," said Grace.
"Your mother has your sister with her." "Yes, Miss Prettyman; Jane is there." "If there be no other reason, I cannot think that that can be held to be a reason now.

Of course your mother would like to have you always; unless you should be married,--but then there are reasons why this should not be so." "Of course there are." "I do not think,--that is, if I know all that there is to be known,--I do not think, I say, that there can be any good ground for your leaving us now,--just now." Then Grace sat silent for a moment, gathering her courage, and collecting her words; and after that she spoke.

"It is because of papa, and because of this charge--" "But, Grace--" "I know what you are going to say, Miss Prettyman;--that is, I think I know." "If you will hear me, you may be sure that you know." "But I want you to hear me for one moment first.

I beg your pardon, Miss Prettyman; I do indeed, but I want to say this before you go on.
I must go home, and I know I ought.

We are all disgraced, and I won't stop here to disgrace the school.