"What are you doing out here, Ruth?" she demanded.
"Miss Bennet sent us all out; she said it was such a lovely day," answered Ruth carelessly.
"Then you can go and explain to Miss Bennet why I told you to remain in this afternoon."
Ruth looked at Miss Elton, and then looked away; she slowly withdrew her arm from Maysie's, and walked off without a word. At the door she came face to face with Miss Bennet, the headmistress.
"Where are you going to, Ruth?" asked the latter.
"Miss Elton sent me in."
"Why?" There was grave rebuke in Miss Bennet's voice.
"Because I'm in silence."
"I do not understand why you were out at all."
Ruth made no attempt to defend herself.