8 THE CINDERELLA FROCK.

Rovina came forward from the rock with an
expression almost of good-nature. It was
such a rare thing too, to see a great dignified
man, a stranger, standing there in their
midst, the rows of boys and girls were cowed
to good behavior by his presence in an in-
stant, and fell back leaving a wide space upon
either side of him.

Rovina, however, who had more assurance
than the rest, stepped forward after a mo-
ment’s hesitation and said, with peculiar
courtesy—

‘‘Qur teacher has not come yet, sir, she’ll
be here presently, I’m sure, though ; shall I
take charge of the little girl?”

Little Louise was surprised to see how
Rovina’s face softened as she stood there be-
side the stranger child. She looked absolute-
ly beautiful. The little girl, however, seemed
to shrink from her, though her face was full