Most of the girls gave vent to startled exclamations, but Miss Baylis was speechless with rage. Electra turned and twisted in her frantic endeavors to discover the origin of the upheaval, and Petty made a mad scramble for her history book which the sudden jerk had sent flying out of her hands, the sentimental missive fluttering from its hiding place to drop at Beverly's feet. Stooping hastily, Beverly caught it up unnoticed in the greater confusion, though she could not help seeing "Darling little sweetheart," in a large immature hand at the heading. With a scarcely repressed laugh she hid it in her book, and turned to face the storm center, Miss Baylis. "Who is responsible for this folly?" demanded the irate one. There was no reply. "I wish an answer," reiterated Miss Baylis, turning to Beverly who sat near Petty. "Is this your idea of a joke?" "Not exactly, Miss Baylis." "Are you guilty of this act?" "No, Miss Baylis." "Do you know who is?" "I could not tell if I did, Miss Baylis." "I shall force you to tell," was the unguarded retort. "It is rather hard to force an Ashby or a Seldon to do something they consider dishonorable, Miss Baylis," was the quiet reply. "You are insolent." "I did not intend to be." Of this Miss Baylis was quite well aware. She had begun to understand something of Beverly's character and to learn something of the importance of this Woodbine family and their standing in the community. Consequently she turned her attention to Sally and asked: "Is your sense of honor equally nice? Which of your classmates played this senseless trick?" Sally remained silent. "Did you hear my question?" "I did, Miss Baylis." "Then why do you not answer me. If you are aware which girl did this silly thing why do you keep silent when you know I am sure to discover sooner or later?" "Perhaps for the same reason Beverly has," answered Sally. "But why don't you ask me if _I_ did it Miss Baylis? I've often done far worse, haven't I?" "You are rarely vulgar in your pranks," was Miss Baylis' amazing retort, which caused the class to gasp. What was back of this extraordinary hedging? "Well I _did_ do it, Miss Baylis, and I am perfectly willing to stand the punishment. Shall I go to Miss Woodhull's office after class?" "No, I wish to talk with you myself."