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Frodides heard the raised voices and paused in her work, a little frown flickering over her face. For some time she had been listening to the faint sound of talk and laughter, and this change was abrupt, and unpleasant. Though she had no doubt that Bethberry would handle the situation well, Frodides was thankful that the children were all out of doors, and not hanging about the Common Room. That is, all but Maercwen, who had returned to help her mother with the cleaning.
"Maercwen, m'dear," said Frodides, "set down your work and go see what is amiss in the Common Room. Perhaps Bethberry will want some assistance, even if it is merely to bring a plate of food for some new guest."
Maercwen dried her hands and left, pausing a moment at the kitchen door to survey the Common Room. There seemed nothing very wrong. There were several men and girls, and they showed no attitude of trouble, save that their faces were rather dark. Bethberry stood among them, with the attitude of firmness and courtesy that was so common in her. Maercwen could not help but reflect on the previous day, when the twins had been fighting. She had spoken sharply to them to make them stop. They had stopped, but, observing the little scene before her, Maercwen wondered if would not have been better to speak to them with firmness, yet also with kindness as well.
She approached Bethberry and murmured low in her ear: "Miss Bethberry, my mother heard the raised voices, and she wonders if there is anything we might to do assist you."
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