"Or leave it on her desk or something? Can't you find out?"
"I certainly cannot search my Principal's correspondence," returned Miss Norton very stiffly. "It is one of the rules of Brackenfield that no pupil is allowed out without a special exeat, and in the circumstances I have no power to grant this."
"But—oh, I say! The girls will be so awfully disappointed!"
"I am sorry, but it cannot be helped."
"Well, I suppose I may see them here for half an hour?"
"That also is out of the question. Our rule is: 'No visitors except parents, unless by special permission'."
"But the permission is in my mother's letter."
"Neither letter nor permission was handed to me by Mrs. Morrison."
"Excuse me, when I've come all this way, surely I may see my sisters?"
"I have said already that it is impossible," replied Miss Norton, rising. "I am in charge of the school to-day, and must do my duty. Your sisters will be returning home next Tuesday, after which you can make your own arrangements for meeting them. While they are under my care I do not allow visitors."