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~ Nineteen ~

MONDAY BROUGHT WITH it dis rain Lessons seemed drawn out and endless to Sassy Her mind was elsewhere, and she found she had to force herself to stay focused

During lunch she braced herself and went in search of Mistress Sallstone, whom she found in the school library

She read pure hatred in the woman’s eyes, and her intuition told her that the doctor had definitely betrayed her confidence She was surprised and hurt, but she had to admit to herself that a part of her had always held back her trust from James Bankes She had sensed that James Bankes was not what he wanted her to think he was She really needed to rely on her ic more than she had in the past She was alone noithout parents to shield her from the world, but she did have an ability to do so for herself She had to listen to her instincts more, much more

“Mistress Sallstone, last week I put in an order for paper and have not yet received it,” she said softly but without s

“That is because it has not yet arrived from London,” Miss Sallstone replied coldly

“From London,” Sassy repeated in surprise “Why from London when Bristol is so near?”

“Because, my dear, not that it is any of your nosey business, this school is supported by Lady Devine, who presently resides in London She ements for supplies However, if you are in desperate need, we do have some credit with a local tradesman in Bristol”

“Desperate need? Ma’ah paper hich to continue to She felt evil well up in the wo dark and twisted hovered in Bianca Sallstone’s inner being Why had she not allowed her ic to tell her that before?

“Obtain what you can from the other teachers” The headmistress waved her off

“I have tried, but they have not enough themselves,” Sassy answered

“Very well Take the wagon and go get what you need Mind now, our credit at Jah for the week We should have all our supplies from London by that time”

“Yes, ma’am,” Sassy said as she turned to leave

“And, Miss Winthrop, don’t dally in town!”

“’Tis why I a session in case I am not back just on time,” Sassy answered as she left Bianca Sallstone at her back