"I like the idea, you know, and I think it will touch and gratify Miss Easter and her brother very much indeed. Only these schemes are always the better for tactful handling, don't you agree with me? We don't want any little awkwardnesses. And I'm not quite sure that I think the suggestion of having the presentation made by poor Miss Marchrose was a very wise one. Now, Mr. Fuller, I know I can speak to you in confidence, and I'm going to say something that I should never dream of saying to any other member of the staff. I am sorry to tell you that there are reasons—I needn't go into them, they are very painful ones—why Miss Marchrose should not be selected to offer this little present to a young and innocent girl on behalf of the staff. I know I need not go into details."
Fuller stared at Lady Rossiter with dark, smouldering eyes.
"I'm perfectly satisfied with Miss Marchrose's behaviour since she's been here," he growled at last.
Up went Edna's eyebrows, all too expressively. "That's as it may be, Mr. Fuller. A woman is sometimes a good deal more clear-sighted than a man, in certain matters. But I happen to have heard a good deal about Miss Marchrose before she came here at all, and as a member of the General Committee, and also of Mr. Cooper's little committee for the presentation, I may tell you that I very decidedly veto any suggestion of letting her represent the staff of this College."
The Supervisor looked her full in the eyes.
"Are you telling me, Lady Rossiter, that that girl isn't straight?"
Edna's opaque white skin, that seldom registered alteration, coloured faintly.
"Mr. Fuller, God forbid that I should condemn any woman unheard. I won't pretend not to know what you mean."
"I can put it plainer if you like," Fuller retorted. "But I want yes or no, Lady Rossiter."
"Then," said Edna with dignity, "as far as I can tell, no."