"Ruth," she said, "I don't like your friend Kathleen O'Hara."
"That is just it. She makes you all love her and then she gets you into trouble."
"But getting into trouble for a friend doesn't make you hate that friend," said Ruth.
"Well, I fail to understand her. I agree with Alice Tennant about her. A girl of that sort--fascinating, handsome, dangerous--works havoc in a school."
"Listen, Cassie," said Ruth suddenly. "A good many people will be saying bad things about Kathleen before long, and perhaps you will be questioned. I know that Alice Tennant has been questioned already. Will you promise me something, Cassie?"
"You look so imploring that I'd like to promise you anything; but what is it?"
"Do take her part when the time comes. You are certain to be asked."
"But I don't know her. How can I take her part?"
"You can say--oh, the kindest things. You can explain that she has always been bright and gay and loving and kind."
"Cassie," said Ruth, "your goodness to me has been almost past understanding; but I could hate you if you spoke against her, for I love her."
Just then a teacher came out, touched Ruth Craven on her arm, and said:
"Will you go at once to see Miss Ravenscroft?"
"Why, have you got into a scrape, Ruth? Is that why you look so pale and excited and distressed?" said Cassandra.
She spoke in a whisper. Ruth's eyes looked full into hers.
"God help me," she said under her breath.--"Cassie, if you knew, if you could guess, you'd pity me."
Ruth turned away and followed the teacher into the school. A moment later she was standing before the head-mistress.
"Now, Ruth," said that lady, "I have given you as long a time as possible. Are you prepared to tell me what you know of the Wild Irish Girls?"
"I can't give you any further time. There is to be a meeting of the governors at four o'clock this afternoon--a special meeting, convened in a hurry in order to look into this very matter. If you don't tell me in private what you can tell me, I shall be obliged to ask you to appear before the governors. In that case it would be a matter of insurrection on your part, and it is very doubtful if you would be allowed to remain in the school."
"My dear, the path of right is sometimes cruel. We must put this matter down with a strong hand. Do you or do you not know where Kathleen O'Hara and her society are to meet this evening?"
