delinquencies There was absolute silence in the great room. Then the
principal spoke:

"I must ask the undivided attention of every girl in this room, as what I
am about to say relates in a measure to all of you.

"There are four classes, representing four divisions of high school work,
assembled here this morning. Each one must be passed through before the
desired goal--graduation--is reached.

"The standard of each class from freshmen to seniors, should be honor. I
have been very proud of my girls because I believed that they would be
able to live up to that standard. However it seems that some of them have
yet to learn the meaning of the word."

Miss Thompson paused. Nora cast a significant look toward Jessica, who sat
directly opposite her, while Julia Crosby fidgeted nervously in her seat,
and felt suddenly ill at ease.

"Good-natured rivalry between classes," continued Miss Thompson, "has
always been encouraged, but ill-natured trickery is to be deplored. A
matter has come to my ears which makes it necessary for me to put down
with an iron hand anything resembling such an evil.

"You are all aware that I have been very willing to grant the use of the
gymnasium to the various teams for basketball practice, and have tried to
divide up the time as evenly as possible. Two days ago I gave the members
of the sophomore team permission to use the gymnasium for practice. No
other team had any right whatever to disturb them, yet I understand that
another team did commit that breach of class etiquette, drove the rightful
possessors from the room and occupied it for the remainder of the
afternoon. The report brought to me says that the young women of the
sophomore team conducted themselves with dignity during a most trying
situation."

Miss Thompson turned suddenly toward the junior section.

"The members of the junior basketball team will please rise," she said
sternly.

There was a subdued murmur throughout the section, then one after another,
with the exception of Julia Crosby, the girls rose.

"Miss Crosby," said the principal in a tone that brooked no delay, "rise
at once! I expect instant obedience from every pupil in this school."

Julia sulkily rose to her feet.

"Miss Crosby," continued Miss Thompson, "are you not the captain of the
junior team?"

"Yes," answered Julia defiantly.

"Did you go to Professor Cole for permission to use the gymnasium last
Thursday?"

"Yes."

"Why did you not come to m