"It matters to me, if it does not to you. Anyhow, here is a note for you. It is from Miss Ravenscroft, our head-mistress. I rather fancy that will decide matters."
Kathleen tore open the note which Alice had handed to her. She read the following words:
"Dear Miss O'Hara,—I should be glad if you would come round to see me at six o'clock this evening. I have something of importance to say to you."
"What can she mean?" said Kathleen. "I scarcely know Miss Ravenscroft. I just spoke to her the first day I went to the school."
"She has asked me too. What can it be about?" said Alice.
"Then you can take a message from me; I am not going," said Kathleen.
"What?" cried Alice. "I don't think even you will dare to defy the head-mistress. Why, my dear Kathleen, you will never get over it. This is madness.—Mother, do speak to her."
"What is it, dear?" said Mrs. Tennant, coming forward.
Alice explained.
"And Kathleen says she won't go?"