Then, as she noted that the young teacher seemed to be greatly interested in the manuscripts found in Kathryn’s trunk, the principal inquired, “What are they, Miss Torrence?”
“Stories, poems and other compositions written by a cousin of Kathryn’s, it would seem, who is attending a girls’ school in Boston. They are the same in subject matter which Kathryn has been handing in week after week, writing upon them, as is our custom, ‘original stories written by Kathryn Von Wellering.’”
“That decides the matter, for, whether or not she or Anne Petersen entered your cabin last night, Kathryn can no longer remain as a pupil in this school. I shall write her mother today asking her to send for her daughter.”
Miss Torrence looked thoughtful, then said, “The blame for the package stolen from my den has, of course, been placed upon Anne Petersen. Mother told me that the girl who visited the cabin was most tender to her, quieting her fear and heating broth to warm her when she was chilled from having attempted to arise. That never could have been Kathryn, nor, am I sure that it could have been Anne. Although I have sometimes thought that Anne assumed an indifference and heartlessness that might not be real. What shall we do?”
“If it were Anne who was so kind to your mother, then there is something in her nature that we can work upon. It might do more harm to her character to dismiss her, than to keep her for a time. I wish, Miss Torrence, that, at the close of your class, you would bring those two girls to my office.”
The pupils of the 9-to-10 class of rhetoric had been puzzled by the frequency with which Miss King had relieved their teacher during the one short hour. Only Kathryn and Anne were suspicious of the real nature of the interruptions. The former tried to leave at once, when the gong in the corridor announced a 15-minute free period, but Miss Torrence was watchful. “Kathryn Von Wellering and Anne Petersen will remain in their seats while the others pass out, if you please.”
Kathryn was inclined to make a break and run for her room when Miss Torrence asked them to accompany her to the office of the principal.
The young teacher noticed the difference in the behavior of the two girls. Anne seemed composed and there was a new determination in her face.
Kathryn, with an attempt at bravado, was nevertheless the one whose manner betrayed guilt.
The girls were closely watched when the packages were pointed out to them, no explanation being given. It was plain that Anne was not in the least troubled until she was informed where the stolen manuscript had been found. “In my room?” she repeated with such genuine surprise and amazement that Mrs. Martin heard herself saying with conviction, “Yes, Anne; but they were thrown there just after you left, by Kathryn, without doubt; as she wished to place the entire blame upon you.”