After the girls were all seated she said in a very quiet tone:

"Elinor, please come to the platform."

For a moment Elinor hesitated. Then she walked slowly down the aisle and
stood beside Miss Patten.

"Now, young ladies, I do not need to explain to you the meaning of the
word 'courtesy.' You all know that it means kindness and consideration
of the rights and feelings of others. You know as well the meaning of
the word 'hospitality'; that it means that any person who is received
beneath your roof is entitled to courtesy and to more than that, to
protection. Even savages will protect any traveler who comes into their
home, and give the best they have to make him comfortable." Miss Rosalie
stopped a moment, and then said: "If there is anyone of you who has not
known the meaning of the two words to which I refer, will she please to
rise."

The girls all remained seated.

"Elinor, you will now apologize for having failed in courtesy and in
hospitality to one of my pupils."

Elinor stood looking out across the schoolroom. Her mouth was tightly
closed, and apparently she had no intention of obeying.

"Do I have to apologize for speaking the truth?" she demanded.

The girls held their breath. Was it possible that Elinor dared defy Miss
Patten? Grace and Flora were sadly puzzled. They were the only pupils