“No,” said Grace, “neither did you say that she didn’t.”

“Very true,” replied Julia in a disagreeable tone, “and I don’t intend to say so either.  She may or she may not have given them to me.  I’ll never tell.  She’s a snippy, conceited, little prig, and a little punishment for her sins will do her good.”

“You are a cruel, heartless girl,” cried Grace angrily.  “Knowing Anne to be innocent, you refuse to clear her name of the suspicion resting upon it.  Let me tell you one thing.  I know who tripped me the day of the game, and so does Anne.  If you don’t clear Anne instantly, I shall go straight to Miss Thompson with it.”

Grace’s threat went home.  Julia stood in actual dread of the principal.  It looked as though the tables had been turned at last.  If Grace went to Miss Thompson what a commotion there would be!

In a moment, however, Julia recovered herself.  What was it Miss Thompson had said about rough play?  Ah, Julia remembered now, and with the recollection of the principal’s words came the means of worsting Grace Harlowe in her efforts to vindicate Anne.

“You may go to Miss Thompson if you think it wise,” she said with a malicious smile, “but I wouldn’t advise it—­that is, unless you have gotten over caring for basketball.”

“What do you mean?” asked Grace.  Then like a flash she understood.  If she should tell Miss Thompson the truth, the principal would believe her.  Julia would receive her just deserts but, oh, bitter thought, there would be no more basketball that season.

Grace felt that she had no right to sacrifice the pleasure of so many others, even for Anne’s sake.  It would only increase the feeling against both Anne and herself, and after all, Julia might still hold out in her insinuations against Anne.

“How can you be so contemptible?” she said to her smiling enemy.  “You never win anything honestly.  I see it is useless for me to appeal to you for something which you cannot give, and that is fair play!” With a slight bow, Grace walked quickly away, leaving Julia a little astonished at her sudden departure and not at all pleased at Grace’s frankly expressed opinion.

Grace lost no time in relating to Anne her fruitless interview with the junior captain.

“I am so humiliated to think I failed.  I expected that threatening to tell Miss Thompson would bring her to her senses, but she is too cunning for me,” sighed Grace.

The two girls were walking home from school.

“Shall you tell Nora and Jessica?” asked Anne.

“No,” said Grace.  “Let us keep the sprained ankle part of the story a secret.  They are loyal to you, at any rate, and Nora would be so angry.  I am afraid I couldn’t keep her from going straight to Miss Thompson and making a general mess of things.  I am so sorry, Anne, dear, but I guess we shall have to weather the gale together.  It will die out after a while, just as all those things do.  Hush!  Don’t say anything now.  Here come Nora and Jessica.”