“Well, I for one shall try some method of cure, before I put up with much more of her impudence and assumption,” chimed in the amiable Miss Carlton; “pay attentions now, girls,” continued she, “while I take my place in the class like Emma Ashton;” and separating herself from her companions, she crossed the room to one of the class-seats, with such a ludicrous air of meekness and decorum, that the girls were almost convulsed with laughter.  Starting up and tossing her book from her hand she exclaimed, “It is so disgusting to see a girl in her position put on such airs.”  Miss Lebaron had not before spoken, but, when at length there was silence, she addressed her companions, saying, “if no other young lady present has any further remarks to make, I will myself say a few words if you will listen to me.  I must say, I am surprised at the unkindness, even rudeness, which many of you have exhibited towards Miss Ashton.  If she is poor it is death, and other misfortunes which have caused her to become so; and this circumstance should excite your sympathy, but surely not your contempt and ridicule.  Poor as she is, she is my friend, and I am proud to claim her as such.  As to her being companionable that is a matter of taste; I shall continue to follow mine, and each young lady present is at liberty to do the same; but be assured that unless you can furnish some more satisfactory reason for your disparaging remarks than you have yet done, they will bear no weight with me.”  With much irony in her voice Miss Carlton replied, “Really, Miss Lebaron, I am unable to reply to your very able defence of your charming friend, and will only say that I shall avail myself of the liberty you have kindly granted us, for each to follow her own taste in the choice of associates, and avoid Miss Ashton as much as possible.”  “As you please,” replied Miss Lebaron, “it is a matter of perfect indifference to me;” and just then the school bell put an end to further conversation.  As may be easily supposed, the delicate and sensitive spirit of Emma was deeply wounded by the above conversation; and it was with much difficulty that she maintained her composure for the remaining portion of the day.  For once her lessons were imperfect; and with a heavy heart she returned to her home.  That evening she, for the first time, mentioned to her mother the daily annoyances she suffered from her companions at school; and concluded by relating the conversation she had that day chanced to overhear.  Mrs. Ashton could not feel otherwise than grieved; but as much as possible she concealed the feeling from her daughter.  “My dear Emma,” she replied, “their unkind words can do you no real harm, although they may render you unhappy for the time being.  But keep the even tenor of your way; and they will, probably, after a time become ashamed of their folly.  Should they make any further remarks regarding my laboring to give you an education, you may tell them that I esteem it as one of my chief blessings that I have health granted me so to do.”