and material and
both were perfumed with sandalwood.

"Where did you get this one?" demanded the principal.

"From Mrs. Nesbit's sandalwood handkerchief box," whispered Grace
slowly.

"You think it was then----?"

"Yes," replied Grace. "I'm certain of it. It's as plain as daylight. She
borrowed her mother's handkerchief."

"Dear, dear!" exclaimed the principal. "How very foolish! How very
unnecessary! And all because she couldn't endure to be beaten! Do you
know," she continued presently, "that Miss Leece intends to denounce
Anne before the faculty to-night? My authority can't stop her, and I
don't believe the similarity of these two handkerchiefs will either."

"Miss Thompson," exclaimed Grace, "I tell you I know perfectly well that
woman is going to try to ruin Anne for the sake of Miriam. I have known
it for months. Why, at Mrs. Gray's Christmas party she did a thing that
is too outrageous to believe," and here Grace opened a bundle she had
brought with her and produced the marionette of James Pierson.

Miss Thompson was shocked at the recital of the story. She, too,
recognized the green silk tie, although she had no recollection of
Miriam's red velveteen suit, a piece of which formed the waistcoat. But
there was something about that green silk which stuck in the memory.
Probably because it was so ugly, having a semi-invisible yellow line
running through it.

"Yes," she said, "I remember it very well. It was the trimming on a
blouse Miss Leece wore last autumn. I do not believe anyone could forget
such a hideous piece of material."

Miss Thompson paused a moment and considered.

"My dear," she continued presently, "I believe this is all I shall need
to confront Miss Leece with. Your bringing it to me at this moment shows
most excellent judgment. It may prevent a painful scandal in the school,
as well as saving Anne from disgrace. As for the two handkerchiefs, the
evidence is too slight to make any open accusations; but at any rate you
may leave both with me. I may need them in my interview with Miss Leece.
I may as well tell you I am anticipating a pretty stiff battle with her.
I don't believe I should have won with only the handkerchiefs."

"Oh, I hope we can save Anne, Miss Thompson," cried Grace.

"I earnestly hope so, too," replied the principal. "It would be too
heart breaking to have the child go down under this false accusation;
and aside from that, such scandals are bad for the school and I woul