"Kate was cut to the heart," continued Hester. "I could see that; not that she said a great deal to me. She evidently made this little plan to let the whole school know the real truth. For my part, I think it very brave of her to stop gossip in this way; but I am very sorry indeed about Molly Lavender."
"Thank you for telling me," said Cecil.
"Have you nothing to say?"
"Nothing at present."
"Do you mean to do anything?"
"Yes, everything; but I have nothing to say on the subject at present."
Cecil left the room. On her way up to her own room she met Molly. Molly's eyes were red, her face pale.
"Have you seen her, Molly?" asked Cecil.
"No; she locked herself into her cubicle, and would not see me. I called to her through the door, but she would not reply. Cecil, what does it all mean?"
"It means treachery," said Cecil. "I have got to the bottom of it now. This thing must be put right, somehow. I made Hester tell me the whole story."