Maps hung on the walls and books lay about everywhere.

Hetty instantly, and for the first time in her life, felt keenly that she was a dunce.
"Miss Davis, I have brought you another pupil," said Mrs.Enderby; "I am sure you will not mind the trouble of having one more than usual for a little while.

I think Hetty will be happier for having something to do." "I shall be very pleased if she will join us," said Miss Davis; and then Mrs.Enderby left the room, and Hetty was asked to take a seat at the foot of the table.
"What have you been learning, my dear ?" asked Miss Davis.
"Nothing," said Hetty; "I can read a little; but that is all." Phyllis and Nell had not spoken to her, and had looked at her only with sidelong glances.

This was because it was their study hour and speaking was not allowed; but Hetty thought it was because they were not glad to see her coming to join them, and she therefore felt all the more careless about trying to make the best of herself.

If nobody cared about her, what did it matter whether she was a dunce or not?
So she said boldly that she had been learning nothing; and then the two Enderby girls lifted up their heads and stared at her in sheer amazement.
Hetty's face grew crimson, and her pride arose within her.
"After all," she said, "it is much better fun to play and amuse yourself all day than to sit poring over books.