be no excuse for a girl's making use of
any text-book whatever at an examination. A failure is to be deplored,
but it is not a disgrace--and it is to be very much regretted that you
did not choose rather to run the risk of an honorable failure than to
attempt to steal a good mark, I have no choice in the matter. I am
very sorry that I had to speak of it before the school, but I had to
make a public example of the girl who could stoop to such an act. You
understand, of course, that it will be impossible for you to continue
as a pupil in this school."

For some reason Alma had grown quite calm, and when Miss Leland had
finished speaking, instead of appearing to be overcome by the grim
meaning in the last words, she rose quietly.

"Of course, if you cannot take my word for it that I never looked
inside that book or anything like it in my whole life, why there is no
use in my saying anything more," she said, with the utmost
self-possession. "I don't know how it came to be on my desk----"

"Alma, I am anxious to believe a girl is innocent until she is proved
guilty," said Miss Leland, impressed by Alma's coolness, "only--you
_have_ seen this volume before?" She looked at the girl with a still
doubtful and puzzled expression.

Alma hesitated a moment before she admitted slowly:

"Yes, I have seen it, Miss Leland. But I never knew what it was."

"You have seen it in the possession of some girl in this school?"

"That I can't answer," replied Alma, with a firmness that Nancy had
never seen in her before. "I--I don't think you have a right to ask me
any more questions, Miss Leland. If--if you just let the whole
business go, I'm perfectly willing to--to bear the blame. Please don't
ask me any more questions. Let it be as it is. Just as long as Nancy
is satisfied that I never did that hateful thing, why, I don't mind,
you know."

The two sisters looked at each other happily, each of them sincerely
indifferent as to whether anyone else in the school believed Alma
innocent or guilty.

"Come on, Nancy," said Alma, almost gaily. They had started to leave
the room, when Miss Leland called them back.

"I am very anxious to believe in you, Alma. If there has been a
mistake, be assured that it will be set right. I will tell the other
girls at luncheon that--well, I must see. I am in a difficult
position. You may both go now. I would advise you to go directly to
your classes."

Nancy was curiously absent-mind