"I can obtain the signatures of at least thirty girls who were of the same mind as myself at the try-out." It had come to a point where Dorothy refused longer to remain mute. Incensed by Selina's bold attempt to malign her friends and herself, she now turned to Miss Rutledge and said: "I wish you to know, Miss Rutledge, that the four sophomores chosen, besides Miss Seaton, to make the team fully intended to resign from it because of their loyalty to Miss Stearns. She begged them not to do so. She was very brave over the disappointment. I am positive that neither she nor her friends would be guilty of asking the girls of the freshman team to take up the matter. Certainly I would not." "I know you would not," quietly reassured the dean. "We will drop this discussion where it now stands. It is unbecoming, to say the least. I am greatly annoyed that it should have arisen among members of the senior class. It is ended. Let it be forgotten. The try-out to-morrow will decide the question. I would prefer you not to give up your position as referee, Miss Martin. Will you reconsider your resignation?" "I will, since you desire it." Dorothy bowed acquiescence. "Then the matter is settled," was the concluding announcement. "I shall expect all three of you to be present at the try-out to-morrow afternoon." This was virtually a command. Had Selina dared, she would have coldly declined to obey it. As it was she said nothing. Miss Rutledge's tones indicating that the interview was concluded, she rose, bade the dean a chilly "Good afternoon," and departed, accompanied by Laura. Dorothy also rose to go, but the dean detained her with a kindly: "Just a moment, Dorothy. I wish a private word with you. I know you too well to believe you to be at fault in this matter." "I am not at fault, Miss Rutledge," was the composed answer. "I thank you for believing in me." "There seems to be a great deal more behind this affair than appears on the surface," the dean said significantly. "That is true," Dorothy affirmed. "Since the beginning of last year a struggle has been going on here at Wellington between right and wrong. The girl who represents right is too noble to complain. She will fight things out unaided, and she will win." "You refer to Judith Stearns?" interrogated the dean. "No; not Judith." Dorothy shook her head. "Judith has merely been used as a scapegoat. I would prefer not to say more. The girl who is in the right would not wish it. She has been advised to come to you, but refuses to do so. She is very determined on that point." "And you approve of her stand?" The dean eyed Dorothy quizzically. "Yes." Dorothy's affirmative came unhesitatingly. "I should feel the same under similar circumstances." "Then you would advise me not to go too deeply into things?" There was a decided twinkle in the dean's eyes as she said this. She had known Dorothy too long not to feel the utmost confidence in her.