“Finish and hand me the papers before you leave the room. That has always been the rule at Exeter.”
“I do not intend to finish, or to hand in my papers.” Although she spoke quietly, her voice was heard over the class-room. Each student paused with uplifted pencil in her hand. For the most part, Dr. Kitchell was feared. Few would have dared oppose him.
“And why not, may I ask?”
“Because I will not stay and take an examination where we are treated as though we were criminals. Having a watch set upon us is an insult to every honest student in the class. Until I have proved myself to be either a liar or a thief, I insist upon being treated with respect. That is why I will not stay to take an examination under police supervision.”
Dr. Kitchell was a big man. Elizabeth looked so childish and little as she stood before him that he could not suppress a smile. He rather admired the spunky little lady who dared to express her opinion so freely. Yet discipline must be maintained. “You will report to Dr. Morgan,” he replied.
“I certainly shall,” was the rejoinder, as she quitted the room.
In this whirl of indignation and hurt pride, she entered her room and found Mary there.
“I was coming for you, Elizabeth,” she said. “Here’s a telegram for you.” She held out the yellow envelope. “I hope there is nothing serious the matter.”
Elizabeth tore it open before Mary finished speaking, and read it quickly.
“It’s from father,” she said. “I do not understand it.” She handed the paper to Mary. “You know I was to start for home Saturday morning.”