the particular reason for screening
Dermot at such an enormous cost, she appreciated the fact that Honor
was prepared to brave anything sooner than allow enquiries to be made
at Orley Grange.

"It's that that looks so bad," thought Janie. "Of course, Miss Maitland
thinks she made up the tale about her own sovereign, as she seems so
afraid of having to produce the proof. Oh, dear, what a terrible tangle
it all is! I wish that Honor had trusted me more at the very beginning,
when she first received the letter. She didn't even want to let me know
she was stealing out to meet her brother, only I happened to wake. I
was so taken by surprise I didn't say half what I should have liked! If
I could have persuaded her last night to go and tell Miss Maitland, she
couldn't have been suspected. It's too late now, unfortunately, and I
can't imagine how the affair will end."

Vain regrets were futile, so Janie with an effort concentrated her mind
upon her lessons, and the two hours of study dragged slowly to a close.
The evening was wet, and it was impossible to go into the garden,
therefore all filed into the recreation room, with the sole exception
of Honor, who lingered behind, putting away her books. Ill tidings fly
apace, and within two minutes of the close of preparation every girl in
the house had heard that Honor Fitzgerald had taken a sovereign from
Miss Maitland's room, and refused to "own up". The news made the
greatest sensation. Such a thing had not occurred before in the annals
of the College. It seemed a stain on St. Chad's that could never be
wiped out, and for which no amount of tennis shields, champion cups, or
other triumphs would ever compensate. How could the Chaddites hold up
their heads again? They, who had ranked in reputation next to the
School House, would now sink to a lower level than St. Bride's! A hush
fell over the whole community, as if some dreadful calamity had taken
place. The girls stood in little groups, whispering excitedly;
consternation and dismay were on all faces, for the honour of the house
appeared a personal question to each. Maisie Talbot suddenly voiced the
universal verdict.

"Anyone who's capable of bringing this disgrace upon us deserves to be
sent to Coventry, and cut dead!" she announced, loudly enough to be
heard by everybody.

There was a common murmur of assent, which stopped instantly, however,
for the object of their opprobrium walked into the room. As she entered
the door,