"I think thee is right in saying that this is a very serious matter. I agree with Isabelle, that she should be punished, if only to remind her that such misuse of a talent is a very ugly thing."
"I have been punished by the way the girls have treated me! I am punished when Mr. Benjamin says I have told a lie! But I want you to do something to hurt me! I wish Mr. Benjamin would beat me, or put me on bread and water. I hate myself. I'm just a common, mean liar! Whatever you decide to do to me is all right, and I deserve it!"
As she denounced herself, she fairly glowed with indignation; she was radiant with humility. The girls were hypnotized by her!
"I think Isabelle should miss the recreation hour for a month," said Mr. Benjamin.
The girls gasped, for this was the extreme penalty, but Isabelle never flinched.
"I will, Mr. Benjamin. I'll go to bed alone, in the dark, for a month and pray the Lord not to let me be a liar."
"I think thee must not rely too much upon divine power, Isabelle. Set a watch upon thy tongue thyself," he said--very severely for the gentle Adam. "Thee may go to bed now."
Condemned, abased, like a prisoner en route to the gallows, Isabelle walked from among them. She was disgraced, but, Isabelle-like, she wore her shame like a rose in her hair!
Isabelle was not forced to abrogate her reign, after all. Somehow her cleverness and her oddity always kept the spotlight focussed upon her. Needless to state Wally did not repeat his visit, and the spring term came to its end.
With its expiration came a letter from Mrs. Bryce asking whether the Benjamins would keep Isabelle at Hill Top until the end of August, as the Bryces were going to Europe and did not wish to take her with them. It never occurred to Mrs. Bryce to consult the girl's pleasure in the matter, but Mrs. Benjamin carried the letter to her at once.
"Like it? I'd adore it!" cried that young person, with the explosive over-emphasis of youth.
Mrs. Benjamin smiled and patted her hand.
"We would like it, too. I will write thy mother."
So it was arranged, and Isabelle stayed on. Two other girls were to remain also. By special petition to Wally Isabelle was permitted to have the Peruvian horse to spend the summer with her.