But hope was suddenly and finally quenched very shortly after the opening of school. Again, the three offenders were summoned to the bench before the desk that was like the prisoner’s cage—a refinement of cruelty which even Tommy admitted to be “piling it on.” But for Betty the walking the length of the room with everyone staring at her and sitting in that conspicuous place was so terrible that it acted rather as an anæsthetic rendering her less sensitive to the trial and verdict. Perhaps, however, it would be nearer fact to liken it to suffering with a severe tooth-ache the while a broken arm is being set. For certainly her sensibility wasn’t deadened.
Meadowcroft’s manner was different to-day. He was quiet, seemed rather sad than indignant, and his voice was weary—almost discouraged. He asked whether anyone had any explanation to offer or any extenuating circumstances to submit. But nothing was forthcoming.
“I confess that I hardly know how to deal with such flagrant insubordination,” he admitted, “nor understand how young people can be so unmoved after sufficient time to meditate upon deliberate wrong-doing. It makes me regret for the first time that another than I did not take Mr. Appleton’s place during his absence, one who would have been more skilful to handle such an affair—or better yet, one whom pupils would have liked and respected too well to defy in such fashion.”
Rose caught her breath quickly as if in protest. Tommy flushed so deeply that his freckles were swallowed up, and Betty, whose face couldn’t have been whiter, unconsciously wrung her hands.
“Of course all that is beside the point,” Meadowcroft was going on. “Here I am in the master’s chair, with the duty before me of dealing with the case as best I can. I can’t help doubting whether the two of you who offended a second time, who having been held up for breaking a rule and warned deliberately, broke it again—I rather doubt whether such rebels against duly-constituted authority belong in the school or ought to be allowed to remain longer in this law-abiding body.”
The silence was appalling. Glancing at Betty, Tommy wished with all his heart, he had followed her sooner so that he could share the worst with her. Meadowcroft glanced at the girl, too, and made a final appeal.
“Perhaps, Miss Pogany, even though you acted deliberately, you wouldn’t do it again? Perhaps you regret it now?” he asked very kindly.
Betty looked at him almost wildly. If only he knew! And she strove to cling to the remembrance that he didn’t know, lest she begin to hate him. He thought the look defiant.
“Then I am to infer that you acted deliberately and that you have no regrets?” he concluded. And her silence gave consent.
Tommy raised his hand. Meadowcroft noticed the stains on it and even at the moment realized that when they had worn off there would be no others for many weary weeks.