"I will stake my word upon it, there is a mystery," said Signora Vallaria, fixing her dark eyes upon Meg.
"Miss Beecham," resumed Miss Reeves, "did you take this diamond?"
Meg remained silent.
"I repeat the question," said Miss Reeves. "Did you take this diamond?"
"I restore it, and I am ready to submit to any punishment you may decree. Is that not sufficient answer?"
Again there was a murmur round the room.
"I am afraid it is a sufficient answer," said Miss Reeves gravely. "The punishment is expulsion from school. I give you till to-morrow morning, Miss Beecham, to explain your strange conduct. You cannot attend the party. You have turned an occasion of festivity into one of humiliation and unhappiness for us all. Go upstairs. You can no longer occupy the dormitory with your fellow-pupils. You will be taken to a room on the other side of the corridor where you will sleep alone. Miss Grantley will show you the way."
Meg turned to follow her guide in silence. The stern girl seemed turned to stone.