Carmella Commands
dad and your mother tell you they got to use you, what are you going to do?”
“When they tell you to do a thing, do it,” said the principal. “But I wish you would tell them that your main job is to come to school. They can keep you out now and then, but not as much as this record shows. Will you tell them?”
“Yes, Mr. Carroll,” said Carmella.
“And will you be at school every day except when they need you, instead of going to the movies as you did yesterday afternoon with Nicolo Pieri?”
Carmella’s jaw dropped, and she stared at the principal, trying to think who could have been the traitor.
“What do you mean, Mr. Carroll?” she asked.
“I mean, will you come to school instead of going to the movies?” he replied.
“Yes, Mr. Carroll,” said Carmella.
She walked back to her room, thinking furiously who could have told on her.
“Mr. Carroll sent me back,” she told Miss Kelly.
“And are you coming to school every day?” asked Miss Kelly.
“Every day that Mr. Carroll won’t take an excuse for.”
“But you’ll try to come regularly?”
“Yes, Miss Kelly,” said Carmella.
[120]
