"So you observed before, I believe. Will you kindly tell me the nature of the offence?"
"Clandestine love-making with the Astorbilt's coachman—for five nights, flirting out of windows, singing mawkish songs back and forth to each other till it's enough to make a man sick. My daughters hanging out of our back window to hear! Nice example for them! Nice performance for a school where girls are supposed to be taken care of!"
A faint flush had crept into Miss Ryder's cheeks. A great awakening light had dawned in Belinda's brain.
"Amelia," she murmured.
Miss Ryder nodded comprehension.
"She's so romantic, and she supposed it was Prince Charming."
Again the principal nodded. She was not slow of comprehension.
"One of our young ladies is excessively romantic," she explained to the irate Mr. Satterly. "I think I understand the situation, and I shall deal with it at once. I am grieved that the neighbors have been annoyed."
The old gentleman relented slightly. "Well, of course, I thought you ought to know," he said.
"You were quite right. I am deeply indebted to you, and shall be still more so if you will not mention the unfortunate incident to outsiders. Good-morning."