returned, followed by Ellen
Seymour, whose pale, defiant face meant battle. Again the door of the
inner office closed with a portending click. Marcia Arnold did not
return to the outer office.

Marjorie waited apprehensively, wondering if Ellen were holding her
own. Then to her utter amazement, the secretary appeared with a sulky,
"Miss Archer wants you," and returned to her desk.

"Good morning, Miss Dean," was the principal's grave salutation. "I did
not know until I asked Miss Arnold to go for you that you were in the
outer office."

"I have been waiting to give you the magazine that mother promised you.
She asked me to say to you that she had marked the article she wished
you to read."

"Please thank your mother for me," returned Miss Archer, her face
relaxing, "and thank you for bringing it. To return to why I sent for
you, you understand the game of basketball, do you not?"

"Yes," answered Marjorie, simply.

"You have played on a team?" inquired the principal.

"Yes."

"Did I not see you at practice with the freshmen shortly before the
game?"

Marjorie colored hotly. "I made the team, but afterward was asked to
resign because I did not play well enough."

"Who asked you to resign?"

"The note was signed by the manager of the team."

"And is that the reason you stopped playing?" broke in Ellen Seymour,
with impulsive disregard for her surroundings. "I might have known it."

Then she whirled upon Mignon in a burst of indignation as scathing as it
was unexpected.

"How contemptible you are! I haven't the least doubt that you are to
blame for Miss Dean's leaving the team. You knew her to be a skilful
player and you were afraid she would outplay you. You know, too, that
when we jumped for the ball Saturday you purposely pushed me away from
it, almost throwing me down. It didn't do you the least bit of good, and
because you are spiteful you have set out to disgrace me and put a stain
on the sophomores' victory."

"How dare you? You are not telling the truth! Prove your charge against
me, if you can," challenged Mignon, with blazing eyes.

"It will be easier to prove than yours against me," flung back Ellen.

"Girls, this is disgraceful! Not another word." Miss Archer's tone of
stern command had an immediate effect on the belligerents.

"Please pardon me, Miss Archer." There was real contrition in Ellen's
voice. "I didn't mean to be so rude. I lost control of my temper."

Mignon, however, made