Precisely," said Miss Mergle. "There is no such thing as conduct in the

absolute." "If once this most unfortunate business gets about," said the

clergyman, "it will do you infinite harm."

But I'VE done nothing wrong. Why should I be responsible for other

people's--"

The world has no charity," said Mrs. Milton.

For a girl," said Jessie. "No."

Now do let us stop arguing, my dear young lady, and let us listen

to reason. Never mind how or why, this conduct of yours will do you

infinite harm, if once it is generally known. And not only that, it will

cause infinite pain to those who care for you. But if you will return at

once to your home, causing it to be understood that you have been with

friends for these last few days--"

Tell lies," said Jessie. "Certainly not. Most certainly not. But I

understand that is how your absence is understood at present, and there

is no reason--"

Jessie's grip tightened on her handkerchief. "I won't go back," she

said, "to have it as I did before. I want a room of my own, what books I

need to read, to be free to go out by myself alone, Teaching--"

250

The Wheels of Chance