Both children laughed. "You've got grit, Lucy," added Frank, jumping up and coming to help her. "Most girls would have boo-hooed over that."
"Oh, I wouldn't," returned the little girl, springing to her feet. "I'm too excited."
"Well, what _is_ up?" persisted Frank. "I skipped out of the side door to try to meet you."
"Well, you did," laughed Lucy. "Oh, Frank, I don't know how I can laugh," she pursued, sobering. "I don't deserve to, ever again."
"What is it? Something about that Driscoll kid? She was crying. I was back there and I didn't hear what Miss Joslyn said; but I saw her leave, and then you, and I thought _I_'d go to the fire, too, if there was one."
"Oh, there is," returned Lucy, "right in here." She grasped the waist of her dress over where her heart was beating hard.
Frank Morse was older than herself and Ada, and she knew that he was one of the few of their friends whose good opinion Ada cared for. To enlist him on Alma's side would mean something.
"Yes, she took charge of the valentine box after Miss Joslyn left."
"Oh, Frank, do you suppose she could have sent Alma the 'comic'?" Genuine grief made Lucy's voice unsteady.
"Supposing she did," returned Frank stoutly. "Is that what Big-Eyes was crying about? I hate people to be touchy and blubber over a thing like that."
"You don't know. Her mother works in the factory, and this was a horrid picture making fun of it. Think of your own mother earning your living and being made fun of."
"Ada wouldn't do that," replied Frank shortly. "What made you think of such a thing?"
"It was error for me to say it," returned Lucy, with a meek groan. "I've been doing error things ever since Alma came to school. Oh, Frank, you're a Christian Scientist, too. You must help me to get things straight."
"You don't need to be a Christian Scientist to see that it wasn't a square deal to send the kid that picture."
"No, I know it; but when Alma first came, Ada said her mother didn't allow her to go with girls from the factory, and so I stopped trying to be kind to Alma, because Ada wouldn't like me if I did; and it's been such mesmerism, Frank."
The boy smiled. "Do you remember the stories your mother used to tell us about the work of the error-fairies?"