“I am glad to hear that,” replied Mrs. Pangborn, “for in her first season here she was too reckless. But her associations with some of our best pupils have, of course, helped her greatly.”
Following this conversation Mrs. Pangborn sent for Cecilia Reynolds. She knew her to be one of the most bitter opponents of the original Glenwood club, and she determined to question her.
Cecilia entered the office with a nervous look on her round, and rather pretty, face. Her eyes did not directly seek those of her superior, but, instead, looked at the Persian rug upon the polished floor.
“Cecilia,” began the principal, “I have sent for you to ask you about the club you call the ‘T’s’! I understand there have been some infringements of our rules—in fact that there have been some happenings, lately, not to be expected from polite young ladies. Now, will you tell me what your club stands for? That letter T, I mean.”
“Tarters,” replied Cecilia quietly.
“And why should young ladies choose such a name for a seminary club?”
“We thought it would show—it might stand for—our courage,” she replied again.
“Well, there can be no harm in a name,” said Mrs. Pangborn, “however ill-chosen it may be. But I should like to see a copy of your rules, if you have any.”
“I have none,” replied the girl, now nervous to the point of tears. “We would not have gone against the others, if they had not opposed us first.”
“In what way?”