But Rose told the truth so far as she went.

And she wouldn't tell all because she wanted to shield me." "Why did she want to shield you ?" "Because I wrote the verses." "You mean you copied them ?" "I composed them," Bessy replied coolly.

Her blue eyes fearlessly met Miss Hill's gaze.
"Bessy Bell!" ejaculated the teacher.
The girl stood before her desk and from the tip of her dainty boot to the crown of her golden hair breathed forth a strange, wilful and rebellious fire.
Miss Hill's lips framed to ask a certain question of Bessy, but she refrained and substituted another.
"Bessy, how old are you ?" "Fifteen last April." "Have you any intelligent idea of--do you know--Bessy, _how_ did you write those verses ?" asked Miss Hill, in bewilderment.
"I know a good deal and I've imagination," replied Bessy, candidly.
"That's evident," returned the teacher.

"How long has this note-and verse-writing been going on ?" "For a year, at least, among us." "Then you caught the habit from girls gone higher up ?" "Certainly." Bessy's trenchant brevity was not lost upon Miss Hill.
"We've always gotten along--you and I," said Miss Hill, feeling her way with this strange girl.
"It's because you're kind and square, and I like you." Something told the teacher she had never been paid a higher compliment.
"Bessy, how much will you tell me ?" "Miss Hill, I'm in for it and I'll tell you everything, if only you won't punish Rose," replied the girl, impulsively.

"Rose's my best friend.