human
And what a fearful blaze of light you have! continued Fanny, looking round fretfully.
gpt
Don't you know, Sibyl, that, unless we are occupied over our studies, we are not allowed to turn on such a lot of light? Here, let me put the room in shadow.
human
Let's have firelight only, laughed Sibyl, who was not quick at guessing things, and felt absolute confidence in Fanny's powers. The next instant she had switched off the light and was kneeling by Fanny's side.
gpt
Now, Fanny--now, do put me out of suspense!
human
I will, said Fanny.
gpt
I have come here for the purpose. I did what I could for you, Sib. You must bear your disappointment as best you can. I am truly sorry for you, but things can't be helped.
human
You are truly sorry for me--and--and--things can't be helped! exclaimed Sibyl, amazement in her voice.
gpt
What do you mean?
human
Well, they won't have you at any price as a member of the Specialities; and the person who spoke most strongly against you was your dear and special friend, Martha West. I am not at liberty to quote a single word of what she did say; but you are not to be a Speciality--at least, not for a year. If at the end of a year you have done something wonderful--the sort of thing which you, poor Sibyl, could never possibly do--the matter may be brought up again for reconsideration. As things stand, you are not to be elected; so the sooner you put the matter out of your head the better.
gpt
Well, she said,
human
I thought I'd tell you at once. You must put it out of your head. I think I will go to bed now. Good-night, Sibyl. Sorry I couldn't do more for you.
gpt
Don't go! said Sibyl.
human
What do you mean?
gpt
I am much too tired, Fanny said,
human
Oh no, there isn't an end of it!
gpt
What do you mean, Sibyl?
human
I mean, said Sibyl,
gpt
You odious little creature! what do you mean? My dirty work! Sibyl, I perceive that I was mistaken in you. I also perceive that Martha West and the others were right. You are indeed unworthy to be a Speciality.
human
If all were known, said Sibyl,
gpt
I don't think I am half as unworthy as you are, Fanny Crawford. Anyhow, if I am not to be made a Speciality, and if every one is going to despise me and look down on me, why, I have nothing to lose, and I may as well make an example of you.
human
You odious child! what _do_ you mean?
gpt
Why, I can tell Mrs. Haddo as well as anybody else. Every one in the school knows that Betty is ill to-night. Something seems to have gone wrong with her head, and she is crying out about a packet--a lost packet. Now, _you_ know how the packet was lost. You and I both know how it was found--and lost again. You have it, Fanny. You are the one who can cure Betty Vivian--Betty, who never was unkind to any one; Betty, who did not mean me to be a figure of fun, as you suggested, on the night of the entertainment; Betty, who has been kind to me, as she has been kind to every one else since she came to the school. _You_ have done nothing for me, Fanny; so I--I can take care of myself in future, and perhaps Betty too.