as always to be
seen at Edith's heels.

"Well her taste isn't to be imitated. I think she's horrid."

"Why Edith Whalen, how can you say a thing like that? We all think Kit
is so pretty and sweet. And she's very clever!" exclaimed Shirley
Williams, coming to the defense of her chum.

"But who is she? The daughter of a cowboy or a miner! She's just
common white trash!"

Bet was coming toward Edith, her eyes blazing. "Why Edith Whalen you
are nothing but a horrid snob. I hate you!"

This was what Miss Elder heard as she came quietly into the class room.

"Bet!" Miss Elder's voice was stern. "I'll see you after school
tonight. I'm surprised to hear you talk like that to anyone."

Bet was overcome with shame and anger. She went to her place at once
and bent over her books, knowing that Edith was preening herself over
her success in getting others into trouble. It seemed as if Edith
could always do something mean and get away with it.

"And if I so much as,--well lose my temper a wee little bit like I did
this morning--I get punished." Bet was receiving the sympathy of her
chums at noon.

From a distance Bet heard Edith talking to a group of girls about her,
"Miss Elder will make her apologize to me, and I hope it will be before
the whole school. Bet thinks she can say anything, just because
Colonel Baxter is rich and popular."

Bet had started toward the corner of the room where Edith was standing,
but Shirley laid her hand on her shoulder.

"Come on, Bet," coaxed Shirley. "Don't listen to her. You'll only get
into more trouble."

"I don't care, I'm going to tell her what I think of her."

"Aw forget it, Bet!" exclaimed Joy. "What's the matter with you today,
anyway? Usually you can laugh at anything mean Edith has a mind to say
to you."

"If it were about me, I could stand it. But I'll fight to the death
for Kit!"

Luckily the bell rang at that moment and Bet was restrained from
further quarreling.

Bet was not asked to make a public apology, as Edith had hoped. Miss
Elder in her kindly way talked to the girl and made her see that to
lose her temper and say unkind things was not living up to the best
that was in her.

"And why did you get angry? What did Edith do?"

"Miss Elder, don't ask me to tell on her. I've never told on anyone in
my life. I'll take all the punishment."

"I'm not going to punish you, Bet. I think by the looks of your
unhappy face this afternoon that you