“I am afraid I do.”

“It has been traced to Kathleen O’Hara.”

Alice was silent.

“It is influencing a number of girls who can be very easily impressed, and who form a very important part of this school.  Special arrangements were made more than a hundred years ago by the founders of the school that they should receive an education in every way calculated to help them in life; the influence to which I allude undermines these good things.  It must therefore be put a stop to, and the first way to put a stop to anything of the sort is to discover all about it.  It is necessary that I should know all that is to be known with regard to the unruly condition of the foundationers of the Great Shirley School.  The person who can doubtless tell me most is Kathleen O’Hara.  The mere fact of her defying my authority and refusing to come to see me when she is summoned, shows that she is insubordinate as far as this school is concerned.”

Alice sat very still.

“She has not chosen to appear, and I wish to take quick and instant steps.  Can you help me?”

“I could,” said Alice—­“that is, of course, I live in the same house with her—­but I would much rather not.”

“You will in no way be blamed, but it is absolutely essential that you should give me your assistance.  I am authorized to ask for it.  I shall see Kathleen O’Hara, but from what you say, and from what I have heard, I am greatly shocked to have to say it, but I think it possible that she may not be induced to tell the exact truth.  If, therefore, you notice anything—­if anything is brought to your ears which I ought to know—­you must come to me at once.  Do not suppose that I want you to be a spy in this matter, but what is troubling the school must be discovered, and within the next few days.  Now you understand.  Remember that what I have said to you is said in the interest of the school, and absolutely behind closed doors.  You are not to repeat it to anybody.  You can go now, Alice Tennant.  Personally I am pleased with you.  I like your manner; I hear good accounts of your attention to lessons.  In pleasing me you will please the governors of the school, and doubtless be able to help yourself and your mother, a most worthy lady, in the long run.”

“I am very much obliged to you,” said Alice.  “You have spoken kind words to me; but what you have set me to do is not at all to my taste.  It seems scarcely fair, for I must say that I don’t like Kathleen.  She and I have never got on.  It seems scarcely fair that I should be the one to run her to earth.”

“The fairness or the unfairness of the question is not now to be discussed,” said Miss Ravenscroft.

She rose as she spoke.

“You are unfortunately in the position of her most intimate friend,” she continued, “for you and she live in the same house.  Regard what you have to do as an unpleasant duty, and don’t consider yourself in any way responsible for being forced into the position which one would not, as a rule, advocate.  The simplest plan is to get the girl herself to make a full confession to me; but in any case, you understand, I must know.”