Monica, who occupied a corner seat and had been gazing out of the window, turned round with a start as she heard her name mentioned. "What do you mean?" she demanded. "What does Irene say about me?"
"She read one of your letters by mistake, the letter this Fairhurst girl sent you. Irene kept the letter. In fact, she showed it to us."
Great commotion amongst the listeners!
Prue pretended to fan herself vigorously, overcome with horror. "Tell it me again," she exclaimed, "my poor wits won't grasp it."
Lorna, with a glance of contempt at Monica, repeated Irene's story. Prue listened attentively and Meggie cried indignantly:
"What a mean trick! Fancy having a real, live traitor in the school."
"It seems," said Prue with equal indignation, "that we have been nourishing a viper in our bosoms. What have you to say for yourself, miss?" addressing the culprit.
Monica seemed to shrink back in her seat.
"Nothing," she replied sullenly. "I haven't anything to say. I didn't send the telegram, though."
"We don't suppose you did," retorted Lorna with sarcasm, "seeing that it was sent from London. No doubt you got someone to send it for you."