She knew that she was to read her valedictory, she knew that she must raise that white-ribboned roll and read, or else be disgraced forever, and yet she was powerless.
But suddenly some compelling glance seemed to arouse her from this lock of nerve and muscle; she raised her eyes, and Cynthia Lennox, on the farther side of the hall, was gazing full at her with an indescribable gaze of passion and help and command.

Her own mother's look could not have influenced her.

Ellen raised her valedictory, bowed, and began to read.

Andrew looked so pale that people nudged one another to look at him.

Mrs.Zelotes settled back, relaxing stiffly from her fierce attitude.