her to confess the truth the moment she saw it.
However, Miss Jenny was so discreet as not to press her any farther that
night; but begged her to consider seriously on what she had said, and to
let her know her thoughts the next morning and then left her.

When Miss Sukey was alone she stood some time in great confusion. She
could not help seeing how much hitherto she had been in the wrong; and
that thought stung her to the heart. She cried, stamped, and was in as
great an agony as if some sad misfortune had befallen her. At last, when
she had somewhat vented her passion by tears, she burst forth into the
following speech:

'It is very true what Miss Jenny Peace says; for I am always uneasy. I
don't sleep in quiet because I am always thinking, either that I have
not my share of what is given us, or that I cannot be revenged on any of
the girls that offend me. And when I quarrel with them, I am scratched
and bruised; or reproached. And what do I get by all this? Why, I
scratch, bruise, and reproach them in my turn. Is not that gain enough?
I warrant I hurt them as much as they hurt me. But then indeed, as Miss
Jenny says, if I could make these girls my friends, and did not wish
to hurt them, I certainly might live a quieter, and perhaps a happier,
life. But what then, have I been always in the wrong all my lifetime?
for I always quarrelled and hated everyone who had offended me. Oh! I
cannot bear that thought! It is enough to make me mad! when I imagined
myself so wise and so sensible, to find out that I have been always a
fool. If I think a moment longer about it, I shall die with grief and
shame. I must think myself in the right; and I will too. But, as Miss
Jenny says, I really am unhappy; for I hate all my schoolfellows; and
yet I dare not do them any mischief; for my mistress will punish me
severely if I do. I should not so much mind that neither; but then those
I intend to hurt will triumph over me, to see me punished for their
sakes. In short, the more I reflect, the more I am afraid Miss Jenny is
in the right; and yet it breaks my heart to think so.'

Here the poor girl wept so bitterly, and was so heartily grieved, that
she could not utter one word more; but sat herself down, reclining her
head upon her hand, in the most melancholy posture that could be; nor
could she close her eyes all night, but lay tossing and raving with the
thought how she should act, and what she should say to Miss Jenny the
next day.