CHAPTER XIV
A MEAN TRICK
If the teacher in charge had not been so deeply engrossed in conversation with Miss Romaine, Doris Maybel and Gladys Holt could never have reached their places at table without detection and subsequent reproof for tardiness.
As it was, they were very nearly caught. The culprits afterward declared with a good deal of indignation that it was certainly not Kate Speed's fault that they were not, for at the moment when, having slipped as silently as ghosts down the long room, they pulled back their chairs at table, thinking to have reached their goal at last and in safety, Kate Speed gave a loud cough that instantly attracted Miss Tully's attention to table three.
If the teacher had been alone neither girl could have escaped her keen gray eyes.
But Miss Romaine instantly claimed her attention again and the culprits sank thankfully into their places.
Across the table their glances challenged Kate Speed angrily. Others were looking at Kate, a disgusted question in their eyes.
Lily Darrow, her face red, sat with eyes fixed on her plate.
Kate Speed met the unfriendly glances turned in her direction with a toss of her head and a faint, disdainful smile on her lips.
"People who are late deserve to be shown up," she was heard to say in a loud stage whisper to Lily Darrow.