id 'No.' We're just as well off without her. She has no more
diplomacy than a goose. She's been so grouchy all week, that I don't
trust her."

"Oh, she's harmless," frowned Marian. "Now listen to me, Maizie. If,
when we get into Weatherbee's room, things don't look favorable, we'd
better be ready to slide out of the whole business. We can withdraw the
charge, you know. That will end the whole thing."

Maizie made no reply, save by smiling in her slow, aggravating fashion.
She had her own ideas on the subject, but she was too indifferent of
results to express them. At least, so she believed.

Her indifference fell away a trifle, however, as she and Marian were
presently ushered into Mrs. Weatherbee's room by a most stony-faced
matron. Instead of finding there three girls, a disturbing fourth was
present. Decidedly disturbing to Marian's peace of mind.

At sight of Elsie Noble, who sat stolidly beside Norma on the davenport,
Marian's face darkened. Walking straight over to her cousin, she asked
furiously:

"Where were you this evening?"

"That will do, Miss Seaton." Mrs. Weatherbee now took command of the
situation. "Kindly sit down and allow me to manage this affair."

With a baleful glance at Elsie, Marian sullenly obeyed the stern voice.

"It is not necessary to go into the subject of why you are here," began
the matron, addressing the silent group of girls. "I will proceed at
once to business. I shall first read you a portion of a letter from
Edith Allison, formerly Edith Hammond."

Taking up an open letter from a pile of papers that lay on a small table
beside her, she read aloud:

DEAR MRS. WEATHERBEE:

"What a shame that such an unfortunate misunderstanding should have
arisen over that unlucky white lace gown of mine. It was really a
ridiculous mistake all around. Jane's explanation, of course,
convinced you of that. It would never have happened if Judy's gown
and mine had not been so nearly alike. We all had a good laugh over
it, when Jane finally straightened out the tangle.

"I can't understand Miss Seaton's not knowing about Judy's
absent-mindedness. It was the joke of the freshman class last year.
She figured prominently in the grind book. I am extremely indignant
to hear that her honesty has ever been doubted. She is one of the
finest, most honorable girls I have ever known. I am very glad you
wrote me about this."

"I shall not