It was not at all difficult for Kathleen to wake early, and accompanied by Miss O’Flynn, she arrived at Merrifield at half-past eight on the following morning.  She had no time, however, to change her dress, but after washing her hands and smoothing out her tangled hair, and leaving Miss O’Flynn in the care of Mrs. Tennant—­who, to tell the truth, found her considerably in the way—­Kathleen, accompanied by Alice, started for school.

“You’ll catch it,” said Alice.

“Oh, that’s very likely, darling,” said Kathleen; “but I don’t think I much care.  Did you see Miss Ravenscroft last night, and was she very, very angry?”

“I saw her, and she was more than angry—­she was astonished.  I think you will have to put up with a rather serious conversation with her this morning.  She asked me questions with regard to you and your doings which, of course, I could not answer; but you will have to answer them.  I don’t think particularly well of you, Kathleen; your ways are not my ways, nor your ideas mine; but I don’t think, bad as you are, that you would tell a lie.  You will have to speak out the truth to Miss Ravenscroft, Kathleen, and no mistake about it.”

“Thank you,” replied Kathleen.  “I think I can manage my own affairs,” she added, and then she was silent, not exactly cross, but lost in thought.

The girls reached the school without any further adventure.  Prayers were held as usual in the great hall, and then the members of the different classes went to their places and the work of the morning began.  The work went on, and to look at those girls, all steadfast and attentive and studious-looking, it was difficult to realize that in some of their hearts was wild rebellion and a naughty and ever-increasing sense of mischief.  Certainly it was difficult to realize that one at least of that number was determined to have her own way at any cost; that another was extremely anxious, resolved to tell the truth, and hoping against hope that she would not be questioned.

School had very nearly come to an end when the dread summons which both Ruth Craven and Alice Tennant expected arrived for Kathleen.  She was to go to speak to Miss Ravenscroft in that lady’s parlor.

“Miss Ravenscroft is waiting,” said the mistress who brought Kathleen the message.  “Will you be quick, Kathleen, as she is rather in a hurry?”

Kathleen got up with apparent alacrity.  Her face looked sunshiny and genial.  As she passed Ruth she put her hand on her shoulder and said in her most pleasant voice: 

“Extraordinary thing; Miss Ravenscroft has sent for me.  I wonder what for.”

Ruth colored and looked down.  One or two of the girls glanced round at Kathleen in amazement.  She did not say anything further but left the room.  When she got into the passage she hummed a little air.  The teacher who had summoned her had gone on in front.  Kathleen followed her at a respectful distance, and still humming “The wearing of the Green,” she knocked at Miss Ravenscroft’s door.