ophia Jane, and could not
be induced to say more on the subject.

Certainly she would win that half-crown easily, for her behaviour to
Monsieur La Roche was worthy of all praise. Susan even began to think
that she was overdoing it a little, for she was now beyond all the
others in the class. Earnest effort, and a naturally quick intelligence
joined to it, produced such good results that Monsieur had now a habit
of turning to Sophia Jane when he asked an unusually difficult question.
Could it be entirely for the sake of the half-crown that she made these
extraordinary exertions? Susan began to feel jealous of her companion's
progress and a little ill-used; for although she tried hard to please
Monsieur, it was quite evident that the pupil he was most proud of was
Sophia Jane. "If he knew," thought Susan to herself, "why she does it,
perhaps he wouldn't be so pleased. And I don't suppose she'll take so
much trouble when once she's got the money."

It was a very new thing for Sophia Jane to be more praised than herself;
and though Susan would not perhaps have acknowledged that she was sorry
to see her good behaviour, it yet made her feel uncomfortable when
Monsieur looked so very pleased with her. She had fully intended to be
his model pupil herself, an example to all the others, and it was
disappointing to give up that place to one whom she had considered so
far beneath her. Besides this, it was a little difficult when the time
came to part with the half-crown. It would only leave sixpence in her
purse--Maria's lucky sixpence with a hole in it--and that she did not
want to spend. It was comforting, however, to remember that her
birthday was near, when her mother would certainly send her some money
as a present. And she was really anxious for Sophia Jane to have a doll
to play with, and it would be nice to go and see Mademoiselle Delphine
again about the bonnet; and finally, a bargain was a bargain, and
decidedly the half-crown had been fairly earned. So, all these things
considered, she cheerfully counted out one shilling, two sixpences, and
six pennies, and went to look for Sophia Jane.

She was in the sitting-room alone, seated in Aunt Hannah's large
arm-chair with an open book in her lap which she was intently studying.

"Here's your money," said Susan, plunging at once into the business on
hand.

Sophia Jane neither answered or took the least notice; but as this was
often a tiresome way of hers Susan w