"Miss Harrow said she was on the point of putting it in the safe when
she was called by 'phone to one of the other buildings. She had a
dispute to settle between some of the hired help, and she did not
think of the ring until some time later. Then, so she says, she rushed
back to the office to find it missing."

"Well, I think it is a shame that she accused Nellie," said Tom,
stoutly and with something of a savage look in his eyes. "Nellie, if I
were you, I wouldn't stand for it."

"She-- she hasn't accused me, exactly," returned the suffering girl.
"But she intimated that I must have taken the ring, so it's just as
bad."

"What does the seminary management have to say about it?" asked Sam.

"They seem to think it lies between Nellie and the teacher," answered
Grace.

"In that case, how do we know the teacher didn't take the ring
herself?" broke in Tom, quickly.

"Oh, do you think that possible?" questioned Nellie, in surprise.

"It's more reasonable to think she took it than you did. Anyway, she
hasn't any right to accuse you," went on Tom, bluntly.

"As I said, Tom, she hasn't accused me-- that is, openly; but I know
what she thinks, and I know what she will make others think," returned