"I was about to lay the facts before you and let you decide as you thought fit," Miss Tully finished stiffly.
"Quite right," said Miss Romaine, who was always careful to uphold her teachers before the girls, however she might disagree with them in private. Then she turned gravely to Sadie Appleby.
"Then you say again that this was an accident and that you have already apologized to Lottie?" she asked.
Sadie nodded.
"I certainly do, Miss Jane," she said in all earnestness.
Lottie started forward.
"Miss Jane, she did it just to be mean. She did it on purpose!"
Miss Romaine turned swiftly upon the girl.
"That is ridiculous, Lottie Sparks, and I am ashamed that a girl of mine could make such an accusation. Sadie has said that it was an accident and has apologized. You must accept her apology and forget the incident. I will not hear another word on the subject!"
Miss Romaine turned away, frowning. Thoroughly cowed, but smoldering with resentment, Lottie Sparks stepped back to let her pass.