Miss Eccleston raised her brows. The amused smile of sorrow round Miss Heath’s mouth became more marked. She came forward a few steps and stood near Miss Eccleston. “You must explain yourself, Miss Singleton,” repeated the latter lady. “Do tell everything,” said Maggie again. “Dad is about the only person I hate vexing,” began Polly once more. “He is awfully rich, but he hates me to get into debt, and— and— there was no other way to raise money. I couldn’t tell dad— I— _couldn’t_ keep out of debt, so I had to sell my things.” “You have made a very lame excuse, Miss Singleton,” said Miss Eccleston after a pause. “You did something which was extremely irregular and improper. Your reason for doing it was even worse than the thing itself. You were in debt. The students of St. Benet’s are not expected to be in debt.” “But there’s no rule against it,” suddenly interrupted Maggie. “Hush! your turn to speak will come presently. You know, Miss Singleton— all the right-minded girls in this college know— that we deal in principles, not rules. Now, please go on with your story.” Polly’s broken and confused narrative continued for the next five minutes. There were some titters from the girls behind her— even Miss Heath smiled faintly. Miss Eccleston alone remained grave and displeased. “That will do,” she said at last. “You are a silly and rash girl, and your only possible defense is your desire to keep the knowledge of your extravagance from your father. Your love for him, however, has never taught you true nobility. Had you that even in the most shadowy degree, you would abstain from the things which he detests. He gives you an ample allowance. Were you a schoolgirl and I your mistress, I should punish you severely for your conduct.” Miss Eccleston paused. Polly put her handkerchief up to her eyes and began to sob loudly. “Miss Oliphant,” said Miss Eccleston, “will you please account for the fact that you, who are looked up to in this college, you who are one of our senior students, and for whom Miss Heath has a high regard, took part in the disgraceful scenes which occurred in Miss Singleton’s room on Monday evening?” “I shall certainly tell you the truth,” retorted Maggie. She paused for a moment. Then, the color flooding her cheeks, and her eyes looking straight before her, she began: