When questioned every pupil denied having done or helped to do it . Alfred and Bob Cropper looked her squarely in the eyes and declared their innocence in their usual gentlemanly fashion , yet Esther felt sure that they were the guilty ones . She also knew what exaggerated accounts of the affair would be taken home to Maitland tea tables , and she felt like sitting down to cry . But she did not . Instead she set her mouth firmly , helped the children restore the room to order , and after school went up to Isaac Cropper 's house . That gentleman himself came in from the harvest field looking as courtly as usual , even in his rough working clothes . He shook hands heartily , told her he was glad to see her , and began talking about the weather . Esther was not to be turned from her object thus , although she felt her courage ebbing away from her as it always did in the presence of the Cropper imperviousness . `` I have come up to see you about Alfred and Robert , Mr. Cropper , '' she said . `` They are not behaving well in school . '' `` Indeed ! '' Mr. Cropper 's voice expressed bland surprise . `` That is strange . As a rule I do not think Alfred and Robert have been troublesome to their teachers . What have they been doing now ? '' `` They refuse to obey my orders , '' said Esther faintly . `` Ah , well , Miss Maxwell , perhaps you will pardon my saying that a teacher should be able to enforce her orders . My boys are high-spirited fellows and need a strong , firm hand to restrain them . I have always said I considered it advisable to employ a male teacher in Maitland school . We should have better order .
Not that I disapprove of you personally -- far XXXXX it .
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