“Nothing much,” said Meg, with a severe glance at the culprits, “’cept the children came to school and brought the dog and Totty-Fay, and Bobby has to stay in because Miss Mason says he spilt ink all over her book.”
Of course there was an exciting half-hour after that, with the twins trying to show their side of the case and Mother Blossom half laughing and half scolding over their performance. Meg had also to tell everything that had happened in connection with the book, and Mother 89 Blossom and the twins were all sure that Bobby had had absolutely nothing to do with it.
“Course he didn’t!” said Meg vehemently. “I know he was mad about missing the arithmetic lesson, but he wouldn’t go and spatter ink on a book. And it was such a lovely book, Mother.”
They were still talking when Bobby came in, looking hot and tired and very cross.
“How long did she keep you in?” asked Meg, as he flung his cap into the corner.
“An hour,” returned Bobby. “She let all the boys go but six of us at four o’clock, and she says one of us six must have done it. And they all say it’s me. But I didn’t do it.”
He was looking at Mother Blossom, and she smiled back at him, her own, sunny, cheerful smile.
“We know you didn’t, dear,” she declared proudly.
“She sent you a note, Mother,” said Bobby, fishing around in his pocket and bringing out a crumpled, rather soiled little envelope. “My, 90 I was mad! She doesn’t believe a word I say. I wish I had spoiled her old book!”
“Hasn’t it been the meanest day!” sighed Meg. “I hate school!”