The problem was too much for the Youngest Teacher. She led her charges home in time for chapel, and meditated deeply during the morning session. Late on that same afternoon Belinda was conferring with Miss Lucilla Ryder when the maid brought a card to the principal. "'Mr. Satterly'--I don't know the gentleman. What did he look like, Katy?" "Turribly prosperous, ma'am." "Ah! possibly some one with a daughter. Miss Carewe, will you go down with me? I am greatly pressed for time. Perhaps this is something you could attend to." Belinda followed the stately figure in softly flowing black. Miss Ryder always looked the part. No parent could fail to see her superiority and be impressed. The little old gentleman who rose to greet them in the reception-room was not, however, awed by Miss Lucilla's gracious elegance. He was a corpulent, red-faced little man with a bristling moustache and a nervous manner; his voice when he spoke was incisive and crisp. "Miss Ryder, I presume." Miss Ryder bowed. "This is Miss Carewe, one of our teachers," she said, waving both Belinda and the visitor toward seats. Mr. Satterly declined the seat. "I've come to ask you if you know how your pupils are scandalizing the neighborhood," he said abruptly. Belinda jumped perceptibly. Miss Ryder's lips straightened slightly, very slightly, but she showed no other sign of emotion. "I am not aware of any misconduct on the part of the young ladies." Her manner was the perfection of courteous dignity. Belinda mentally applauded. "It's scandalous, madam, scandalous," sputtered the old gentleman, growing more excited with every second. [Illustration: "'It's scandalous, madam'"] "So you observed before, I believe. Will you kindly tell me the nature of the offence?" "Clandestine love-making with the Astorbilt's coachman--for five nights, flirting out of windows, singing mawkish songs back and forth to each other till it's enough to make a man sick. My daughters hanging out of our back window to hear! Nice example for them! Nice performance for a school where girls are supposed to be taken care of!" A faint flush had crept into Miss Ryder's cheeks. A great awakening light had dawned in Belinda's brain. "Amelia," she murmured. Miss Ryder nodded comprehension. "She's so romantic, and she supposed it was Prince Charming." Again the principal nodded. She was not slow of comprehension. "One of our young ladies is excessively romantic," she explained to the irate Mr. Satterly. "I think I understand the situation, and I shall deal with it at once. I am grieved that the neighbors have been annoyed." The old gentleman relented slightly. "Well, of course, I thought you ought to know," he said. "You were quite right. I am deeply indebted to you, and shall be still more so if you will not mention the unfortunate incident to outsiders. Good-morning." The door closed behind him.