“Of course you cannot,” replied Priscilla.
“But—if you and Rufa observe anything going on in the upper dormitory which you think I will not like you are bound in honour to uphold me; and, if such upholding fails, you are equally bound in honour to tell me what has occurred.”
“I think I understand,” said Prissy, speaking very slowly. A minute later she left the room.
“Why are we changed?” asked Rufa, when she met her friend.
“I think,” said Priscilla, in a low tone, “because Mrs. Fleming wants us, if possible, to discover a conspiracy.”
“But even if we do, Pris——”
“In that case, Rufa, we’ve got to be plucky.”
Rufa was silent for a minute; then she said slowly, “I don’t like this change at all.”
“No more do I, but what does that matter if we can help?”
“Help!” said Rufa.