ristian. She and Bessie not
only got along well, but became warm friends and enjoyed sweet
fellowship in the Spirit. One day, however, something happened that
severely tested their love, but, in the end, only deepened it.

Bessie's seatmate, a girl named Nora, about Bessie's own age, was very
mischievous. She did so many things deserving punishment that the
teacher was often perplexed to know what course to take with her. Some
one has said that "misery likes company." This was certainly true of
Nora. She knew that the teacher and Bessie were good friends, and she
longed to see Bessie get into trouble and receive some punishment.
Knowing that Bessie tried hard to obey the rules of the school, Nora saw
that she should have to lay some cunning plan or she should not realize
her wish. She began to watch for an opportunity.

A streamlet ran past the schoolhouse. While Bessie and Nora were playing
near it one day, Bessie fell down in some mud. Just as she fell, the
school-bell rang and they had to hurry back to their lessons. Fearing
that some of the mud might have splattered on her face, Bessie asked if
her face was clean. Nora answered quickly, "Oh yes; do hurry up." Nora
felt that her chance had come, and she made up her mind to get her
seatmate into trouble, if possible. Hurrying into the schoolroom, she
whispered to one of the boys, telling him to ask Bessie as she passed
what was the matter with her face, but to say nothing more. When Bessie
came down the aisle, she saw this boy looking at her with an amused
expression, and gave him close attention. As she passed him, he
whispered, "Bessie, what is the matter with your face?" and then turned
quickly away. Fully convinced that her face was dirty, Bessie sat down
very much ashamed. Nora knew how her seatmate would feel and prepared
herself for the question that she was sure would be asked. As it was
time for the writing-lesson, she stuck her finger in inks of different
colors; and, when Bessie asked where her face was dirty, she quickly
pointed out the places, each time leaving a large spot of ink. Bessie,
wholly unconscious of the ink-spots on her face, thought what a dreadful
sight she must be, and asked permission of the teacher to wash. When the
teacher turned, she saw, not mud, but ugly ink-spots. Supposing that
Bessie had put them there, she shook her head. Her surprise was great.
She felt that she ought to do something about it; but, being undecided,
she turned aw