"I sent for you three young women," began Miss Rutledge, "because of a rather peculiar story which has come to my ears concerning the recent basket-ball try-out. The freshman team is up in arms because you have given up referee's post, Miss Martin. They wish you to keep the position. They have requested me to take the matter up with you in their behalf."
Selina and Laura both looked amazement at this statement. It was certainly not what they had expected. Dorothy too showed marked surprise. An amused little smile hovered about her lips.
"It is nice in them to want me," she said gravely. "I appreciate their loyalty. That is all I can say."
"That is hardly enough to satisfy them or me," replied the dean. "I must ask you to tell me why you resigned your post."
"I would rather not answer that," Dorothy said with gentle firmness.
"Very well. I will ask you another question. Did you resign because you considered that Miss Stearns had been unfairly treated at the try-out?"
Dorothy hesitated, then answered with a low, "Yes."
"Please explain in what way she was unfairly treated," relentlessly pursued the dean.
"Miss Stearns made a better showing at the try-out than Miss Seaton. She was one of the five best players. Miss Seaton would have ranked eighth in my opinion. She was chosen instead of Miss Stearns."
"You were one of the judges, I believe?"