“No; but I room with her brother, and he was slightly hurt in football practice to-day. He wanted me to tell her that it was nothing serious. He also has a letter from his father, that he wished me to deliver.”
Miss Philock fairly glared at Tom.
“That is a very ingenious and plausible answer,” said the elderly lady slowly. “I have had many excuses made to me by young gentlemen as reasons for sending messages to young ladies under my care, but this one is the most ingenious I have ever received.”
“But it’s true!” insisted Tom, who perceived that his story was not believed.
“That’s what they all say,” was the calm answer of Miss Philock.
Tom was nonplused. He hardly knew what reply to make.
“You are evidently a stranger to our rules,” went on Miss Philock. “You must go away at once, or I shall notify the proctor,” and she was about to close the door.
“But,” cried Tom desperately, “I have a message for Miss Ruth Clinton!”
“Are you a relative of hers?” again asked the preceptress coldly.