Barbara Lee's demure voice halted John Westley in a headlong rush through the school corridor.
"Oh—good-morning, Miss Lee." If a stray sunbeam had not slanted at just that moment across Miss Lee's upturned face, turning the curly ends of her fair hair to threads of sheen, John Westley might have passed right on. Instead, he stopped abruptly and stared at Miss Lee.
"I declare—it's hard to believe you're grown-up! And a teacher! Why, I could almost chuck you under the chin—the way I used to do. I suppose I'd get into no end of trouble if I ever tried it——"
"Well," her face dimpled roguishly, "I don't think it's ever been done to anyone in the faculty. I don't know what the punishment is. Anyway, I'm trying so hard to always remember that I am very much grown-up that it is unkind of you to even hint that I am failing at it—dismally."
"I think—from what my girls say—that you're succeeding rather tremendously, here at Highacres."
"That is nice in you—and them! I wonder if I can live up to what they think I am." Miss Lee's face was very serious; she was really grown-up now.
"Miss Lee, can you give me half an hour? I was on my way to Dr. Caton's office when——"
"You nearly knocked me over!"
"Yes—thinking you were one of the school children——"
"We can go into my library or—down in my office."