tioned no names at the time, suspicion
attached itself strongly to one girl, who has since borne the blame of
the occurrence. I am glad to be able to assure you that this girl was
perfectly innocent. The real offender has confessed her fault, and now
wishes to tell you how sorry she is for the unworthy part which she has
played. Yes, it is on Muriel's behalf I am speaking," she continued, as
the latter quietly left her seat and came, with a pale face, to stand by
the teacher's side. "I think you will all appreciate the attempt she is
making to atone for the wrong which she has done, and that instead of
reproaching her you will allow the subject to drop, and will unite in
keeping up such a high standard for the future, that the reputation of
the Fourth Class may equal that of any other at The Priory. You may
return to your place, Muriel, and I will trust to your school-fellows'
honour to treat your confession with the consideration it deserves."

Miss Harper did not appeal to the class in vain. Though several girls
congratulated Patty privately, none mentioned the matter in Muriel's
hearing, or made any alteration in their behaviour to her. It was
evident that the cousins were now on very different terms with one
another, and Patty had so won all hearts that, with the exception of
Vera, everybody was delighted at the change.

"I always knew Muriel would be nice to you in the end," said Avis. "All
the girls who were nasty have come round, even Kitty Harrison and Maud
Greening. Ella Johnson told me how you stopped her and Doris and May
from reading in bed, and how thankful they were afterwards to you, when
Beatrice Wynne was found out at the same thing, and got into such
terrible trouble. The only one who holds back is Vera, and that's
because she's so jealous of Muriel; but I don't believe Muriel will ever
be really friends with her again: she can't forgive her for what
happened on the shore at Moorcliffe. She says Vera ran away and left her
to be drowned, and you stayed and saved her life. I hardly expect
they'll have a bedroom together next term."

"I don't want them to quarrel on my account," said Patty. "I've nothing
against Vera."

"Well, whether she likes you or not doesn't matter," said Enid. "I think
you're the sweetest girl I've ever met, and I don't mind telling anybody
so if they ask for my opinion. No, you needn't blush, because it's quite
true, and everyone else in the school would say the same."

It was