nervous lest Miss Ormerod should meet her
somewhere in the school and allude to the scene at the window. She was
very much relieved to go home at four o'clock having successfully
avoided such a catastrophe. She congratulated herself too soon, however.
On the following day, after morning classes, she received a summons to
the Principal's study.

"Miss Ormerod wants you, and you'd better be jolly quick, because the
barometer's at Stormy," burbled Aldora, who brought the message.

Lesbia heaved what is commonly known as a gusty sigh.

"I'm always in hot water. What is it now?"

"How should I know, child! Brace up and sprint. The longer you are in
going, the worse wigging you'll get."

"I'll wait for you outside the door if you like with a clean
handkerchief," chirruped Ermie.

"Thumb-screws and the rack for one," piped Cissie.

But Lesbia was already on her way towards the Inquisitorial Chamber.

When she entered she realized, apart from their schoolgirl jokes, that
the Principal was really angry.

"Lesbia," she began grimly. "I've had too much trouble with you lately,
and you'll either have to behave yourself here or leave. I won't have
the High School disgraced. Your conduct yesterday was simply
abominable."

Lesbia's jaw dropped in astonishment at this outburst. She did not think
her carelessness quite justified so severe a rebuke. Miss Ormerod was
looking "worked up", her hands trembled, and her eyes flashed through
her glasses as she continued:

"Three separate people have been in to complain that you dropped water
upon them as they passed under the gatehouse. One lady told me that her
velvet hat was practically ruined. I want to know what you mean by it?
Such shameless behaviour is unworthy of any pupil of this school--much
less a prefect."

"But, Miss Ormerod, I--I--I--didn't throw water on people's heads,"
stammered Lesbia. "I only----"

"Don't tell me any lies," interrupted the Principal shortly; "I saw you
myself. You were on the very point of throwing water from the window
when you caught my eye and drew back. There can be no mistake about the
matter."

"But I didn't--I didn't."

"Be quiet," blazed Miss Ormerod. "What's the use of denying what I
_know_ to be true? _You_, Lesbia, who owe so much to the school, to
bring it into such disrepute. I'm thoroughly disappointed and disgusted
with you. You're a girl who ought to know better. To show you that I
don't intend to allow such things I've st