t silence an electric
thrill seemed to pass through each one of the girls; some of them
flushed scarlet and others went white, as though each one felt in a
hazy way some share in the guilt of the unnamed culprit.

"For the first time in eighteen years one of my teachers has had to
bring to my attention the fact that a pupil of this school attempted to
_cheat_ in an examination. That examination has, of course, been
cancelled, so that that girl's attempt to win a high mark,
_dishonestly_, availed her nothing.

"I do not need, I am sure, to incite in you feelings of disgust and
shame for that girl's action. Your own sense of honor makes any
warnings on my part superfluous and insulting to you.

"Fortunately, the imposition was discovered, because that girl most
unwisely left the interlinear translation of Virgil's AEneid, which she
had used to assist her in the examination, on her desk, where it was
found, and brought to me.

"I do not choose to announce the name of that girl, much as she merits
the public disgrace. I shall speak to her privately, and if she can
offer, which is not likely, any defense of her action, I may soften her
punishment. Otherwise, I have no choice left to me than to expel her
from a school which she has disgraced. Now, you may go to your
class-rooms."

The girls rose in silence, and hardly knowing what they were doing,
began feverishly to collect their books and papers. But neither Alma
nor Nancy moved. In a few moments the assembly hall was empty, save
for the two sisters, neither of whom seemed to have been conscious of
the curious glances cast at them by the other girls as they went out.

When they were alone, Nancy got up and went over to Alma, who sat as if
she had been turned to stone, with a face as white as chalk.

"Alma, of course I know you didn't do it," said Nancy, laying her hand
on her sister's, and speaking in a gentle, trembling voice.

"Oh, Nancy, it's so horrible--it's so horrible," moaned Alma. "I don't
know how all this could have happened. What shall I do, Nancy? What
in the world shall I do?"

"Come, dearest, let's go up-stairs," coaxed Nancy. "It'll come out all
right. Come, dear."

"Of course, now everyone knows that Miss Leland meant me," said Alma,
dully. "Am I going to be expelled; Nancy? I can't stand it--I won't
stand it. Come on, Nancy, let's get our things and go home."

"Alma, darling, you _didn't_ do it?" cried Nancy, the very shadow of