She had told the truth about herself, but she was under no obligations to bring Joy into trouble.

Joy might do as she liked.
"Gypsy Breynton will lose her recesses for a week and stay an hour after school tonight," said Miss Cardrew.

"Joy, did you put the kitten in my desk ?" "No, ma'am," said Joy, boldly.
"Nor have anything to do with it ?" "No, ma'am," said Joy, without the slightest change of color.
"Next!--Sarah Rowe." Of course Sarah had not, nor anybody else.

Miss Cardrew let the matter drop there and went on with her reading.
Gypsy sat silent and sorry, her eyes on her Testament.

Joy tried to whisper something to her once, but Gypsy turned away with a gesture of impatience and disgust.