This was virtually a command. Had Selina dared, she would have coldly declined to obey it. As it was she said nothing. Miss Rutledge's tones indicating that the interview was concluded, she rose, bade the dean a chilly "Good afternoon," and departed, accompanied by Laura.
Dorothy also rose to go, but the dean detained her with a kindly:
"Just a moment, Dorothy. I wish a private word with you. I know you too well to believe you to be at fault in this matter."
"I am not at fault, Miss Rutledge," was the composed answer. "I thank you for believing in me."
"There seems to be a great deal more behind this affair than appears on the surface," the dean said significantly.
"That is true," Dorothy affirmed. "Since the beginning of last year a struggle has been going on here at Wellington between right and wrong. The girl who represents right is too noble to complain. She will fight things out unaided, and she will win."
"You refer to Judith Stearns?" interrogated the dean.
"No; not Judith." Dorothy shook her head. "Judith has merely been used as a scapegoat. I would prefer not to say more. The girl who is in the right would not wish it. She has been advised to come to you, but refuses to do so. She is very determined on that point."
"And you approve of her stand?" The dean eyed Dorothy quizzically.
"Yes." Dorothy's affirmative came unhesitatingly. "I should feel the same under similar circumstances."