"If you turn to the printed rules of this institution," she continued, "you will find under Section VII. the following paragraph—'Pupils are not allowed to disfigure the lawn by throwing from the windows any bits of paper, hair, apple-parings, peanut shells, or waste material of any kind. Scrap-baskets are provided for the reception of such matter, and any pupil throwing anything from her window upon the school grounds will be regarded as having committed a misdemeanor.'"
An impressive silence followed, in which Witch Winnie gave a sigh of relief, and whispered to Cynthia Vaughn, "We're all right; we didn't disfigure her precious lawn. The bouquets never touched the ground. I lowered them, with a string, in my scrap-basket (just where she says we ought to have put them), and the drum-major took them out and distributed them to the other boys."
"Young ladies," Madame continued, in tones of triumph, "those of you who have not broken this rule within the past week may sit down."
We all sat down—all but Emma Jane Anton, who remained in conspicuous discomfort. Adelaide pulled her by the basque, "Sit down!" she whispered; "Madame doesn't mean you."
Emma Jane stood like a martyr while Madame regarded her through her lorgnette with astonishment depicted on every feature.
"If you committed this infringement of the rules at any time other than last evening you may sit down."
Emma Jane remained standing.
"Then," said Madame, drawing herself up frigidly, "Miss Anton, you may explain: what was it you threw out?"
"Madame," replied Emma Jane, "the window was open—we were listening to the music—and a bat flew in; and, Madame, he would not stay in the waste-paper basket, and so, Madame, I threw him out."
Every one laughed; discipline was forgotten for the moment, until Madame rapped smartly on the desk and called for order. She complimented Emma Jane highly on her conscientiousness, but she looked provoked with her all the same, while Witch Winnie, who was stuffing her handkerchief into her mouth, nearly went into convulsions.