"But they are not in the same category! Any schoolgirl could have played Constance as What's-her-name played it, given the training she has had." Miss Hamilton nodded pleasantly to the rocking-chair. She appreciated Clare's capacities. "But Arthur----"
"Well, I thought Agatha was splendid," repeated a junior mistress stubbornly.
"She was. An excellent piece of work! 'But the hands were the hands of Esau.'"
"They always are," said the little gym mistress fervently.
Clare gave her a quick, brilliant smile. She blushed scarlet.
The music mistress laughed; she enjoyed her weekly glimpse of school interdependencies.
"Why did you single out _King John_, Miss Hartill?" she inquired politely.
"The decision lay with Miss Marsham," she murmured.
"Of course. But having a Cinderella on the premises--eh?"
"You fit it on! Exactly! Where did you discover her?"
"Starving--literally starving, in the Lower Third." Clare thawed to the congenial listener. "It was an amazing performance, wasn't it? Of course, there was nothing of the actual Arthur in it----"
"That struck me. It was a child in trouble--not a boy. Not a girl either--but, of course, only a girl would be precocious enough to conceive and carry out the idea. If she did, that is!"
"Oh, it was original," Clare disclaimed prettily. "It had little to do with me. I had to let her go her own way."
"You're wise. It's all very well to trim the household lamps, but a burning bush is best left alone. I don't altogether envy you. Genius must be a disturbing factor in a school."
"It was more than precocity to-day--or talent. The Constance had talent."
"And was third in the scholarship papers. Louise failed completely. Isn't it inexplicable? What is one to do? Of course, it was disgraceful: she should have been first. I expected it. I coached her myself. I know her possibilities. Frankly, I am deeply disappointed."
Miss Hamilton pulled her chair nearer. She was interested; Clare was not usually so communicative. But their further conversation was interrupted by the opening of the door, and old Miss Marsham appeared on a visit of congratulation, accepting tea and dispensing compliments with equal stateliness.
"An excellent performance! We must felicitate each other--and Miss Hartill. But we are accustomed to great things from Miss Hartill. There can be no uneasiness to-morrow. The child in the green coat, in that scene--ah, you remember? I thought her a trifle indistinct. Perhaps a hint----? Altogether it was excellent. Especially the Constance--most dramatic. If I may criticise--acting is not my department--but the Prince Arthur? Now, were you satisfied? Louise is a dear child, but hardly suitable, eh?"