Miss Thompson regarded Grace searchingly.  “What a peculiar request to make, Grace.  Don’t you consider the juniors’ punishment a just one?”

“Yes,” said Grace earnestly, “I do.  But this is the whole trouble.  The first basketball game between the juniors and the sophomores is scheduled to take place in less than two weeks.  If the juniors do not practise they will play badly, and we shall beat them.  We hope to win, at any rate, but we want to feel that they have had the same chances that we have had.  If they do fail, they will say that it was because they had no opportunity for practice.  That will take all the sweetness out of the victory for us.”

“I think I see,” said Miss Thompson, smiling a little.  “It is a case of the innocent suffering with the guilty, isn’t it?  Personally, I hardly feel like restoring these bad children to favor, as they sadly needed a lesson; but since you take the matter so seriously to heart; I suppose I must say ‘yes.’”

“Thank you so much, dear Miss Thompson,” said Grace with shining eyes, “and now I want to ask one more favor.  Julia Crosby believes that I reported her to you that day.  Of course you know that I did not.  Will you please tell her so?  Her accusation has made me very unhappy.”

Miss Thompson looked a trifle stern.  “Yes, Grace,” she said, “I will attend to that, too.”

Grace turned to go, but Miss Thompson said.  “Wait a moment, Grace, I will send for Miss Crosby.”

Julia Crosby heard the summons with dismay.  She wondered what Miss Thompson could have to say to her.  The principal’s reprimand had been so severe that even mischievous Julia felt obliged to go softly.  Another performance like the last might cut short her High School career.  So she let the sophomores severely alone.  She was, therefore, surprised on entering the office to meet Grace Harlowe face to face.

“Miss Crosby,” said Miss Thompson coldly, “Miss Harlowe has just asked me to restore the junior team their gymnasium privilege.  Had any other girl asked this favor I should have refused her.  But Miss Harlowe, in spite of the shabby way in which she has been treated, is generous enough to overlook the past, and begs that you be given another chance.  It is only for her sake that I grant it.

“Also, Miss Crosby, I received no information from Miss Harlowe or any of her team regarding your recent rude conduct in the gymnasium.  The report came from an entirely different source.  You may go; but first you may apologize to Miss Harlowe, and thank her for what she has done.”

With a very poor grace, Julia mumbled a few words of apology and thanks and hurried from the room.  The principal looked after her and shook her head, then turning to Grace, she asked, “Well, Grace, are you satisfied?”

Grace thanked her again, and with a light heart sped towards the study hall.  Once more she could look forward to the coming game with pleasant anticipations.