"Look me in the face, Diana. Do you know where it is? Or anything at all about it?"
Diana's eyes raised themselves to the level of the Principal's knee, and then fell to the floor. She did not answer.
"Geraldine tells me that she saw you at Hilary's desk yesterday evening."
No answer.
"You are known to have threatened to play a trick on Hilary!"
Still no answer.
"Very well, Diana. Until you condescend to explain, I can't allow you to mix with the rest of the school. We have rules here, and I intend they shall be obeyed. I make no exception for any pupil. You're inclined to think you have licence to do as you like, and play any pranks you choose here. I'm going to teach you a lesson for once. You'll stay in the attic until you choose to answer my question. I've dealt with obstinate girls before. Come along with me!"
Miss Todd rose, and, taking a key from her desk, led the way to the attic at the top of the little narrow staircase. The room was very simply furnished, and was always kept in readiness as a hospital in case any girl should be suddenly taken ill. It was not a particularly cheerful apartment; it had a skylight window, there were no pictures on the walls, and the floor was of scrubbed boards. It looked, as it was intended to be, arranged with the main object of being easily disinfected if necessary. Miss Todd ushered in Diana, and pointed to a chair.
"You may sit there and think it over," she remarked. Then she shut the door, and locked it on the outside.
Left alone, Diana took a seat on one of the small iron bedsteads. Her face was a mixture of bewilderment and consternation.