will play badly, and we shall beat them. We hope to win, at any rate, but
we want to feel that they have had the same chances that we have had. If
they do fail, they will say that it was because they had no opportunity
for practice. That will take all the sweetness out of the victory for us."

"I think I see," said Miss Thompson, smiling a little. "It is a case of
the innocent suffering with the guilty, isn't it? Personally, I hardly
feel like restoring these bad children to favor, as they sadly needed a
lesson; but since you take the matter so seriously to heart; I suppose I
must say 'yes.'"

"Thank you so much, dear Miss Thompson," said Grace with shining eyes,
"and now I want to ask one more favor. Julia Crosby believes that I
reported her to you that day. Of course you know that I did not. Will you
please tell her so? Her accusation has made me very unhappy."

Miss Thompson looked a trifle stern. "Yes, Grace," she said, "I will
attend to that, too."

Grace turned to go, but Miss Thompson said. "Wait a moment, Grace, I will
send for Miss Crosby."

Julia Crosby heard the summons with dismay. She wondered what Miss
Thompson could have to say to her. The principal's reprimand had been so
severe that even mischievous Julia felt obliged to go softly. Another
performance like the last might cut short her High School career. So she
let the sophomores severely alone. She was, therefore, surprised on
entering the office to meet Grace Harlowe face to face.

"Miss Crosby," said Miss Thompson coldly, "Miss Harlowe has just asked me