So keep your weather eye piped, sweetness and leave the rest to your

Adoring 'Boy'"

By the time the Empress reached the last word of that missive her face
had assumed the color of a gobbler's wattles, and her eyes were blazing.
Eleanor was nearly frightened to death at the Genius of Wrath which she
had invoked.

"To whom does this nauseating thing belong?"

"It was not in an envelope when I found it, Miss Woodhull."

"Where did you find it?"

Eleanor hesitated, it would never do to seem too communicative.

"Did you understand my question?"

"Yes, Miss Woodhull."

"Then reply at once."

"I found it in the south wing," she said hesitatingly.

"Ah!" The word was exhaled triumphantly. "In the lower end of that wing?"

"Yes, Miss Woodhull."

"Near Suite 10?"

She recalled the tall, acrobatic visitor of All Saints' Eve. She had
always suspected Beverly and her suspicions had been confirmed when
Admiral Ashby asked her to sanction visits from Athol and Archie. "You
did quite right to come to me with this letter. It is far too serious a
matter to be dealt with by my subordinates. I highly commend your
discretion. I shall sift the matter to the bottom."

Eleanor winced. That "sifting" might change from a small affair to a
large one, as a snowball may grow into an avalanche. Then she said with
well-assumed contrition, "Oh, Miss Woodhull, I would not for the world
accuse _anyone_. It may be just fun----"

"There is no element of fun in such a letter as this, and absolutely no
humor. I have realized for some time that a decided atmosphere was being
created in this school, but have been unable to discover its origin, and
_this_," giving the letter the vicious shake a terrier would give a rat,
"may prove the touchstone. I need hardly enjoin absolute secrecy upon
your part. You have already proved your discretion. If you make any
further discoveries you will, of course, come to me at once. By-the-way,
when did you find the letter?"

"Why--er--several days ago, Miss Woodhull."

"Then why have you so long delayed coming to me?" The eyes were very
searching.

"I was afraid--afraid--I might be mistaken. That after all it really
didn't mean anything. The girls often play jokes upon one another, you
know."

"Not such senseless jokes as this one I trust. What caused you to alter
your opinion?"

The professional stage certainly missed a star when it failed