With downcast eyes the five girls responded to the command.
"I wish to know what you were doing at St. Peter's Church this afternoon?"
No one had the courage to venture a reply.
"Who gave you permission to leave the school?"
Still there was dead silence among the culprits.
"You know perfectly well the day boarders are not allowed to go out during the dinner hour."
Miss Tempest's voice, which had begun icily, was waxing more stern and wrathful. Addie Parker began to sob.
"How is it that among all the girls at the College you five had the presumption to attempt such a flagrant breach of the rules? I say you five, for I saw you and took your names; but I certainly noticed another Avondale hat among the crowd, and I intend to find out to whom it belonged. Was any other girl in this class present at St. Peter's this afternoon?"
Dorothy's conscience gave a great, uncomfortable prick. She had many faults, but concealment was not one of them, so she stood up.
"I was there, Miss Tempest," she said, rather defiantly.