"And your friend, Kathleen O'Hara? I wrote to her also. Why isn't she here?"
"I am very sorry indeed," said Alice; "it isn't my fault."
"We won't talk of faults, if you please, Alice Tennant. I asked you why your friend isn't here."
"I must explain. She isn't my friend. She lives with mother—I mean she boards with mother."
"Why isn't she here?"
"She got your letter. I suppose she didn't understand; she is so new to schools. She is not coming."
"Not coming? But I commanded."
"I know, I tried to explain, but she is new to school and—and spoilt."
"She must be."
Miss Ravenscroft was silent for a minute.