Ernest Pérochon

“ The teacher said calmly:
"I know. I had her mother in my class. She was a good pupil, too."
"I'm sure she was," replied Madeleine, "and this child will be just as clever—and make you proud of her. Oh, Mademoiselle, I wish you'd take good care of her!"
The principal had finished her writing and looked up, rather surprised.
"We take good care of all our pupils," she said.
Madeleine blushed.
"I know you do," she stammered. "I have heard your school praised on all sides, I assure you, Mademoiselle! It's only—just—that this little girl is not quite like the others." ”

“ When Bouju went on his way, the school bell rang for recess. Madeleine ran to the gate, but the young teacher, having seen her, came quickly toward her:
"Don't let her see you," she whispered. "You would have been wiser to go away.—Everything is going along nicely. I think she'll soon feel quite at home with us. Besides, she's already a big girl, and sensible.—See, there she is, dancing in the round with the others.—But hide yourself, please!"
Madeleine returned to the road; the teacher hurried back to the children and joined in their round dance right beside Lalie. ”

“ Then she, too, had her say, in a very few words; and there was neither harshness nor gentleness in her voice:
"You've come too soon or too late. There are only three school openings: the first in October, the second in January, and the third at Easter. However, as this child is past the age, we will take her—although in doing so I am going beyond the rules."
Then she rose and led Madeleine and Lalie to the door, saying:
"You'll excuse me, I have some work to do—let the little girl go and play with the other children." ”