have unintentionally done something to greatly irritate and
inconvenience a prominent man in town. He knows you did it, and he is
very angry. He is a man of sharp temper and disagreeable manners. You
know that he will be extremely unpleasant and insulting if you go to
him with explanations and apologies. What are you going to do?' 'I
think I'll just keep out of his way for a few weeks,' said Carol
soberly."

"I hope she doesn't talk like that to you, Miss Allen."

Instantly Miss Allen was grave. "No, she does not, I am so sorry."
Leaning forward suddenly, she said, "Miss Starr, why do the twins
dislike me?"

"Dislike you!" echoed Prudence. "Why, they do not dislike you! What
in the world makes you think----"

"Oh, yes indeed they do,--both of them. Now, why? People generally
like me. I have always been popular with my students. This is my
second year here. Last year the whole high school stood by me as one
man. This year, the freshmen started as usual. After one week, the
twins changed. I knew it instantly. Then other freshmen changed. Now
the whole class comes as near snubbing me as they dare. Do you mean to
say they have never told you about it?"

"Indeed they have not. And I am sure you are mistaken. They do like
you. They like everybody."

"Christian tolerance, perhaps," smiled Miss Allen ruefully. "But I
want them to like me personally and intimately. I can help the twins.