mebody
made a protest."

The four occupants of dormitory 3 went to bed as usual that night, but
as soon as the lights were out Lorna and Irene put on their
dressing-gowns and stockings, and slipped into the bathroom. Here they
hastily completed the details of their costumes in company with the rest
of the Camellia Buds, who had rallied for the occasion. Three minutes
afterwards a strange procession entered dormitory 3. Ten dressing-gowned
figures, each wearing a black mask and holding a piece of lighted candle
in her hand, startled the astonished eyes of Mabel Hughes, who sat up in
bed to stare at them.

"What's all this about?" she asked.

"We've come here to hold an inquisition on your conduct," replied a
solemn voice from behind one of the black masks. "Will you kindly get
out of bed and seat yourself upon this chair. We should be sorry to use
force, but I warn you you'll have to obey us."

Looking a little scared Mabel apparently thought discretion the better
part of valor. She rose, put on her dressing-gown, and took the seat
indicated. Her inquisitors grouped themselves opposite, placing their
candles in a row upon the mantelpiece. Their spokeswoman, unfolding a
large sheet of paper, proceeded to read the indictment.

_This is to tell all whom it may concern
that Mabel Hughes, having broken every
rule of decent and orderly behavior, and
being no longer worthy of the name of
gentlewoman, is here arraigned on the
following charges:_

_1. That she habitually takes advantage
of and ill-treats the juniors when
opportunity occurs._

_2. That she cheats abominably at her
work._

_3. That she endeavors to persuade
others to cheat._

_4. That she degrades the name of the
Villa Camellia by receiving letters
which are thrown to her over the wall,
and by handing answers to them on her
way to church._

Mabel, who had smiled scornfully at the first three charges, changed
color at the fourth.

"What do you know about letters?" she challenged sharply.

"We know all," ventured the solemn voice. "You had better confess at
once, or the affair with Emanuele will be exposed to the prefects."

"It's my own business," said Mabel sulkily.

"No, it isn't. It's ours as well, and the whole school's. We don't want
the Villa Camellia to be d