"Leave the room!"
Val's heart swelled up in gratitude. It was considerate of her judge not to hold the court of inquiry before Emmie.
"Well," said Val, plunging into the unhappy business the moment the door was closed, "you know how we hate and despise—I mean how we don't like Miss Beach."
"Humph! I dare say Miss Beach doesn't like all her pupils."
"I should think she didn't! She hates us!"
"I don't want to hear such strong expressions. I've nothing to do with the other girls; but it's a bad lookout for you if you haven't earned the respect of an estimable woman like Miss Beach."
"You wouldn't call her that if she gave you unfair marks, and said and looked spiteful things at you."
"Looked! What nonsense are you talking?"
"Well, she"—Val dropped her eyes and crimsoned—"she laughed at my new gymnastic dress." There was a pause. "It is unlike the others."
"Beyond a doubt. Far too good for the purpose. That broché came from Baltima'. Your aunt Valeria never wore it but once. It was as good as new."