ected thief.

Patty placed her second roll in the wastebasket in company with the
turkey plate, and was just starting on the gingerbread, when a
scrambling sounded at the end window. A blue hat appeared momentarily
over the sill, its owner boosted from below, and an unidentified hand
sent an orange rolling down the center aisle. Patty hastily intercepted
its course and dropped it into the wastebasket. Luncheon would be over
momentarily, and a visit from Miss Lord was imminent. This influx of
supplies was growing embarrassing.

She heard the rising flood of talk as the girls poured from the
dining-room. She knew that sympathetic groups were viewing her from the
open doors behind. Judging from the ceaseless shuffle of footsteps, all
Saint Ursula's had errands that led past the schoolroom door. Patty did
not cast a glance behind, but with rigid shoulders stared into space.
Presently a rattling sounded above her head. She raised startled eyes to
a register set in the ceiling, and saw Irene McCullough's anxious face
peering through the opening.

"You can live for days on chocolates," came in a stage whisper. "I'm
awfully sorry there's only half a pound; I ate the rest last night."

The register was lifted out, and a box was swiftly lowered by a string.
Irene was chief of the scabs.

"Thank you, Irene," Patty returned in a haughty stage whisper. "I do not
care to accept any--"

Miss Lord's voice became audible in the hall.

"I thought, young ladies, that afternoon recreation was to be spent out
of doors?"

Patty just had time to snatch the box and drop it in her lap, with an
open essay book above, when Miss Lord advanced into the room. Patty's
face assumed an air of suffering stoicism, as she stared ahead, in the
profound hope that Irene would have sense enough to remove eight feet of
dangling string. Miss Lord was followed by Osaki, carrying a tray with
two slices of dry bread and a glass of water.

"Have you finished your Latin, Patty?"

"No, Miss Lord."

"Why not?"

"I am going to do to-morrow's lesson in afternoon study hour."

Patty's tone was respectful, but her meaning was clear. She emphasized
slightly the word "to-morrow."

"You will do the twenty lines immediately."

A speaking silence from Patty.

"Do you hear me?"

"Yes, Miss Lord."

"Well?" The monosyllable was sharp enough to cut.

"I stand by my principles," said Patty. "I am not a scab."

[Illustration: Patty just had time to snatch