"I want to believe that you are telling the truth. Miss Ashe, but—I am sorry to say that I have known girls, who thought they were truthful, to dissemble—to—"
"I am not one of those girls, Miss North. I give you my word of honor that I never saw that book, or one like it, in my life, until this minute. That is all I can say—you may believe me or not."
She started to leave the room, her head held a trifle higher than usual, her eyes bright and snapping.
"One moment, Miss Ashe. There is no need for anger. This, as I stated before, is a serious matter. It is possible that the girl who brought this book into the school did not realize its full import; its true significance. No girl could read it without taking away much of the bloom that it is our privilege to guard and preserve. Even I, at middle age, should find this book—obnoxious."
"And you think that I would secrete a book of that kind in my drawer? That I would touch it any more than you would?"
Blue Bonnet's eyes were appealing now, almost pathetic in their mute inquiry.
"Do you know of any one who would be likely to put the book in your drawer, Miss Ashe?"
Miss North had ignored Blue Bonnet's question for a moment.
"No, Miss North, I do not. I don't believe any of the girls I know would have done it."
"Very well. You may go now. The matter will be thoroughly investigated."