“I propose to explain myself very quickly, Madam,” said the school principal, quite as haughtily. “When you sent to inquire of me regarding Miss Baldwin last June, after she had gone home, why did you not explain your reason for so doing? Why leave me to find out this calumny against one of my pupils, Mrs. Severn, until now, and through such mean channels?”
“What do you mean, Miss Hammersly, by ‘mean channels,’ pray?” croaked Mrs. Severn.
“Pray! Pray, I say!” croaked the parrot, in a voice scarcely less harsh.
“Shut up, Mr. Montague!”
“Shut up yourself!” returned the parrot, who had now come out of the cage and was walking along the mopboard of the room, pecking at the carpet.
“I do not think I need explain,” said Miss Hammersly. “Through your servants the story has reached my serving people, and, of course, some of the more thoughtless of my girls. Miss Baldwin does not know now of what you accuse her.”
“She should be glad I did not send a policeman after her!” cried Mrs. Severn, in weak rage.
“You should be glad, Madam, that I do not institute suit for slander against you on Miss Baldwin’s behalf—and that I certainly will do if you continue to repeat your accusation.”
“Oh, Miss Hammersly!” begged Beth, in tears now. “Of what am I accused?”
“Of stealing a diamond sunburst. She says it is missing since the last Saturday you were here in June.”