That smile acted as salt upon a wound. Miss Sturgis' temper rose.
"Please bear in mind that it does not devolve upon you to decide that question."
"I did not try to settle that question, Miss Sturgis. If you wish to know why I carried Helen out of the room I did it because she was running—"
"Doing what? I don't think I understand your boyish slang."
"Well, teasing Peggy, and I won't have Peggy teased by anybody if I can stop it. She doesn't understand girls' ways as well as I do because she hasn't been thrown with them. So when Helen teased her I picked her up and carried her down to our room and I don't reckon she will tease her any more."
"So you have come into the school to set its standards and correct its shortcomings, have you? Are you so very superior to your companions—you and your protégée?"
Polly looked straight into the narrow eyes looking at her, but made no reply.
"Answer me, instantly."
"I have never considered myself superior to anyone, but I do consider Peggy Stewart superior to any girl I have ever known, and I think you will agree with me when you know her better," asserted Polly loyally.
"You are insolent."