Ravenscroft's presence. Now to Kathleen
the fact of being interviewed by Miss Ravenscroft only caused a sense of
annoyance, and unwonted irritation; Ruth was surprised, partly delighted
and partly afraid; but Cassandra, whose father had been a teacher, and
who lived all her life in the scholastic world, considered it an honor
almost too great for words that she should be specially interviewed by
so great a person as Miss Ravenscroft. She made, therefore, a most
respectful curtsy, and stood modestly before the head-mistress.

"Sit down, dear," said Miss Ravenscroft kindly. "I have sent for you,
Cassandra, neither to reprove nor to give you ordinary counsel. I have
sent for you to consult you, my dear child."

"You are very good," said Cassandra, flushing all over her delicate
face; "and I am sure," she added, "if it is possible for me to help one
like you, I should be only too proud."

"That is what I feel; and I think you can help me. We are at present in
a very unpleasant position in the school. The unanimity and harmony of
this entire large place is in danger, and the foundationers are in
extreme peril. You perhaps know to what I allude."

"I could not be in the school without having heard rumors of a sort of
insurrection which seems to be spreading a good deal," said Cassandra.

"Of course," said Miss Ravenscroft. "It has been brought to our ears
that a society has been formed by an Irish girl of the name of Kathleen
O'Hara. She has called it the Wild Irish Girls. There are several
members, and she herself is the leader. Now, Cassandra, without going
into particulars, it is the firm intention, not only of myself as
head-mistress, but also of the governors, to crush this matter in the
bud. It is true that the bud is rapidly blossoming into most dangerous
flower and fruit, but if we are in time we shall stop all further
mischief. Now to do this we must get all particulars. There is one girl
who can furnish us will all we want to know, but she dreads, doubtless
from conscientious motives, to betray her late companions. I allude to
Ruth Craven."

"Poor little Ruth!" said Cassandra. "I thought as much. The child is
very unhappy. I take a great--- very great--interest in Ruth, Miss
Ravenscroft. She is a most sweet girl; she is a lady placed in a
position which a lady should scarcely occupy, but through it all she
will never betray the true instincts of her nature."

"I am sure of that. I quite like the child myself