,
and I shouldn't wonder if you were, too," and, with a flourish of her red
cap and big spoon, Miss Preston slipped through the door.

Some very wise ghosts sped away through the dark corridors, and whispered
conversations were held far into the "wee, sma' hours."

The next day the story was all over the school, and met with various
comments. One of Miss Preston's combined torments and blessings was the
teacher of chemistry, a thoroughly conscientious woman, and exceptionally
capable, but a woman who took life very seriously. Miss Preston used to
say that Mrs. Stone must have been forty years old when she was born, and
consequently had missed all her child and girlhood. She was kind and just
to the girls, but could not for the life of her understand why they _must_
have fun, and that fun in secret was twice the fun that everybody knew
about.

Well Miss Preston knew that Mrs. Stone would take advantage of her
privilege as an old friend, as well as one of the oldest teachers, and
come in her solemn way to discuss the latest escapade, pro and con, so she
was not in the least surprised when there came a light tap upon her door
that afternoon, and Mrs. Stone entered. "'Save me from my friends,'"
quoted Miss Preston, under her breath.

CHAPTER X

"THEY COULD NEVER DECEIVE ME"

"Well, Mrs. Stone, what can I do for you, and why such a serious
expression?"

"My dear Marion," said Mrs. Stone, using Miss Preston's Christian name, as
she sometimes did when more than usually solicitous of her welfare, "I've
come to have a little talk with you regarding what happened last night,
and I'm sure you will not take it amiss from one who has known you since
your childhood."

"Do I often take it amiss?" asked Miss Preston, with an odd smile.

"Indeed, no; you are most considerate of my feelings, and I fully
appreciate it, considering our business relations. Of course, I have not
the slightest right to dictate to you, nor would I care to have you regard
it in the light of dictation. It is only my extreme interest in your
welfare that prompts me to speak at all."

"And is my welfare in serious peril now?" asked Miss Preston, half
laughing as she recalled the previous evening's prank and her own very
thorough enjoyment of the fun.

"No, my dear, not in peril, but I fear that you will never grow to look
upon your position in the world with sufficient seriousness, for, I assure
you, your responsibility is enormous."

"Woul