“Oh,” said Margaret, “that is a very old rule. We don’t want it to be carried into effect in Betty’s case.”
“But if it is a rule, dear, and if it has never been abolished——”
“It has not been abolished,” said Margaret. “It would distress Betty very much.”
“Nevertheless, Margaret, if it is right to expel Betty it is right to publish that fact on the blackboard, always provided it is a rule of the Specialities.”
“I am afraid it is a rule,” said Margaret. “But we are all unhappy about her. We hate having her expelled.”
“Can I help you in any way, dear Margaret?”
“No, Miss Symes; no one can help us, and the deed is done now.”
Miss Symes went very slowly to the blackboard, and wrote on it simply: “Betty Vivian has resigned her membership of the Speciality Club.”
This notice caused flocks of girls to surround the blackboard during the morning, and the news flew like wildfire all over the school. Betty herself approached as an eager group were scrutinizing the words, saw her name, read it calmly (her lips curling slightly with scorn), and turned away. No one dared to question her, but all looked at her in wonder.