"But I was told to come."
"Who sent you?" asked Lottie sharply.
"Your sister—and Beatrice Blair. They said it was the rule."
Lottie coloured with annoyance.
"I shall have to speak to Carrie," she remarked. "She has no right to rag new girls. It's a stupid custom, and must be stamped out of St. Cyprian's."
"We have no such rule, Rhoda," said Mildred gently. "It was too bad to send you on a false errand."
"Then I needn't come here again and report my failures?"
"Certainly not."
"Oh, thanks!" Rhoda's face had lightened with visible relief. "I'm afraid I interrupted you."
"I don't blame you. It wasn't your fault," returned Laura, closing the interview. "I advise you in future to be careful what you believe. Ask somebody whom you can trust, before you accept anyone's statements. You can go now, and please shut the door after you."