She was as helpless before her as before a lover.
She was wild to catch her up and caress her instead of pestering her with questions.

"Ellen, you must answer me," she said, but Ellen sat still.
Half the scholars were on their feet, reaching and craning their necks.

The teacher turned on them, and there was no lack of sharpness in her tone.

"Sit down this moment, every one of you," she called.

"Abby Atkins, if there is any more disturbance, I shall know what is at the root of the matter.