“I regret very much, Miss Huntington,” she said, speaking in slow impressive tones, “that an unfortunate condition has arisen which makes it quite impossible for you to continue as a student of Longwell Seminary. Indeed, it distresses me greatly to have to make this fact known to you. Your conduct has been most exemplary in the short time you have been here, and as to your application and progress in the several lines of study you have taken up, you have exceeded our fullest expectations. But——”
“What is this condition you just mentioned, Miss Longwell?” broke in Dot.
“Why—er—it concerns your father. Now, while I have not the slightest doubt that the—er—thing is simply a newspaper canard, still the long-standing reputation of Longwell’s Seminary as an institution of high ideals cannot be placed in jeopardy under any circumstances. Why, your father, Miss Huntington, I am very grieved to state is accused of possible complicity in a—in a theft.”
Dot flushed angrily. The manner of the speaker as she pronounced the word was insulting, she thought.
“But you have met my father, Miss Longwell. Do you absolutely think he’s that kind of man?” she asked quietly.
“To be frank with you, I don’t. Still, as you must certainly realize, that does not alter the case. The mere accusation is so serious as to cause unfavorable comment, if not cast discredit on this institution, did we allow you to remain a member of our student body. This was the unanimous verdict of our board of trustees at a meeting which just now adjourned. Acting under its instruction, I am wiring your father. You will get your effects together, preparatory to leaving. I would add that I am extremely sorry, Miss Huntington——”
“I’m not!” interrupted Dot suddenly. She drew her slim figure up with queenly defiance, her eyes glittering dangerously. “And what is more, Miss Longwell, I do not want your sympathy. I am glad that I have at least found out just how really elevating a school of this kind is. You pride yourselves on building up character. You help ruin reputations as readily, I notice. By sending me home, you advertise to the world that Lemuel Huntington is a thief, that I, his daughter, am the child of a thief—a person too low to attend so pure and undefiled an institution as——”
“Oh, deary, you mustn’t say such awful things!” burst out Mrs. Liggs nervously.
“Miss Huntington, the interview is over,” snapped the preceptress, a flush mantling her prominent high cheek bones. “You will retire to your room, where you will await my orders.”
“Your orders?” cried Dot. “Madam, I’m serving notice on you that I’m leaving your spotless institution just as soon as I can pack my belongings! And you will please return me the balance of my tuition fee before I go.”