“Even on the train coming here,” almost snapped Cecilia. “Tavia Travers and Dorothy Dale’s set showed they hated us!”
“Hush!” demanded the teacher. “That is no language for a pupil of mine to use. Why should they dislike almost perfect strangers? I have heard of the doings of some of you in the train. How Miss Faval refused to go with her companions and—other improper conduct. But I have not heard anything against the girls you mention.”
“Then ask Tavia Travers how she sprained her foot the night—the night we were out,” Cecilia stammered. “We were blamed for going to the fortune teller, and she and Edna Black got off free. No one knows where they went that night.”
It was a bold stroke, but Cecilia took courage quickly when she heard her friends blamed, and her enemies praised.
“I am quite satisfied with an explanation I have had of that occurrence, but it is useless for me to discuss matters with a pupil who argues. You may go,” and Mrs. Pangborn showed she meant dismissal.
Cecilia turned, glad to get away.
Immediately she sought Jean. This last humiliation was too much for the new girls, and they now determined to “strike,” as they termed it.
CHAPTER XXX
A CLIMAX
In order to carry out their plans to “strike,” the dissatisfied ones decided they would tell all they knew about those who were held in high favor with the teachers. But in this they were forestalled by events unexpected.