"Why, Mr. Parsons--Tom!" exclaimed the girl in surprise. "What brings you here?" "Young man, what do you mean by disobeying my orders in this manner?" demanded Miss Philock, bristling with anger. "You didn't tell me not to speak to Miss Tyler," said Tom slyly. And he smiled mischievously. "Miss Tyler--do you know her?" "I am an old friend of hers," insisted Tom quickly, his confidence coming back. "Is this true, Miss Tyler?" asked the head instructress. Madge was a bright girl, and a quick thinker. She at once understood Tom's predicament, and resolved to help him out. Perhaps it was as much on her own account as Ruth's--who knows? At any rate, she said: "Why, Miss Philock, Tom Parsons and I have known each other ever since we were children. He is a sort of distant relation of mine. Aren't you, Tom?" "Ye--yes, Madge," he almost stammered. "His mother and my mother are second cousins," went on the girl, which was true enough, though Tom had forgotten it. He did not stop to figure out just what degree of kinship he bore to Madge. He was satisfied to have it as it was. Miss Philock turned to Tom. "If I had known this at first," she said, "I would have allowed you to send a message to Miss Tyler at once. However strongly young gentlemen may insist that they are related to my girls, I never believe them. But if the statement is made by one of my pupils, I never doubt her. In view of the fact that you have come some distance, you may step into the parlor, and speak with Miss Tyler for ten minutes--no longer." She opened the door wider. It was quite a different reception from what Tom had expected, but he was glad enough to see Madge for even that brief period. He followed her into the parlor, while Miss Philock passed down the corridor. "Oh, Tom, I'm so glad to see you!" exclaimed the girl, and she extended both hands, which Tom held just as long as he decently could. "And I'm glad to see you," he declared. "You're looking fine!" "What's this about Ruth's brother?" she asked. "It's true. He was hurt at football practice this afternoon, and he was afraid she'd worry. I told him I'd bring a message to her, and also this letter. It's from her father, about her mother. Will you give it to her?" "Of course. Isn't it too bad about her poor, dear mother? Ruth is such a sweet girl. Have you ever met her?" "I haven't had the pleasure." "I wonder if I'd better introduce you to her," said Madge musingly. "She is very fascinating, and--er--well----" She looked at Tom and laughed. "Can you doubt me?" asked Tom, also laughing, and he bowed low, with his hand on his heart. "Oh, no! Men--especially young men--are never faithless!" she exclaimed gaily. "But how can you present me to her, when the 'ogress,' as I have heard her called, bars the way?"