"I'm always in hot water. What is it now?"
"How should I know, child! Brace up and sprint. The longer you are in going, the worse wigging you'll get."
"I'll wait for you outside the door if you like with a clean handkerchief," chirruped Ermie.
"Thumb-screws and the rack for one," piped Cissie.
But Lesbia was already on her way towards the Inquisitorial Chamber.
When she entered she realized, apart from their schoolgirl jokes, that the Principal was really angry.
"Lesbia," she began grimly. "I've had too much trouble with you lately, and you'll either have to behave yourself here or leave. I won't have the High School disgraced. Your conduct yesterday was simply abominable."
Lesbia's jaw dropped in astonishment at this outburst. She did not think her carelessness quite justified so severe a rebuke. Miss Ormerod was looking "worked up", her hands trembled, and her eyes flashed through her glasses as she continued:
"Three separate people have been in to complain that you dropped water upon them as they passed under the gatehouse. One lady told me that her velvet hat was practically ruined. I want to know what you mean by it? Such shameless behaviour is unworthy of any pupil of this school—much less a prefect."
"But, Miss Ormerod, I—I—I—didn't throw water on people's heads," stammered Lesbia. "I only——"