“How do you know?” he asked, quickly.
“I know it,” said Laura, calmly, “because she tells me so. Bobby—I mean, Clara—could not tell a lie. It is not in her to be false or deceitful. That—that is why she is not liked in some quarters.”
“You mean, that is why she is doubted?” said the principal, gravely. “Her careless course in school could not fail to gain her a bad character with the instructors.”
“I presume that is so, sir,” admitted Laura, slowly.
“It is so. You cannot blame the teachers if they are harsh with her. She has made herself a nuisance,” said the principal, yet smiling.
“She has never done a really mean thing——”
“It is mean to trouble the teachers,” said the principal, quickly. “You must admit that, Miss Belding. They are here to instruct and help you students. They should not be made the butt of foolish jokes.”
“I suppose that is true, sir. Bobby has been guilty there. But she would never tell an untruth.”
“You seem very sure of your school friend, Miss Belding?” he questioned, thoughtfully.
“As sure of her truthfulness as I am of my own, sir,” declared Laura, firmly.