Part 6 (1/2)
”Mrs. Marshall's son and another boy; I don't know his name. At least, they told us, but I can't remember.”
Miss Harland felt relieved. Rosalind's replies bore the stamp of truth.
In fact, as Miss Harland knew, she was too simple and straightforward to be other than truthful. Her mind did not work fast enough to concoct a falsehood; she was silly and easily led, but when it came to the point, she would blunder out the truth. Marcia, on the other hand, was extremely secretive, and would rather weave a tangled web of evasions than give a clear and truthful answer. Miss Harland felt that there was some confusion somewhere. Mrs. Marshall was a good friend of her. She could be sure that she would not have countenanced any underhand dealing. Why, then, did Marcia wish to conceal the fact of the invitation? She was puzzled, but relieved that the affair was no worse than a schoolgirl's natural love of a secret adventure. But it would not do to pa.s.s it over lightly.
”And so you thought to deceive me, and slipped out without my permission. Don't you see, Marcia, that _there_ is where the harm lies?
I must not pa.s.s over such an infringement of the school regulations, and so I must punish you both. You will be restricted for one month, or until after Christmas. And the next time you wish to go out, come to me frankly and ask permission. If possible, I will grant it; and if I do not see fit, I shall expect you to submit cheerfully to my decision in the matter. Now you may go to your cla.s.ses.”
Marcia left the room without a word, looking like a thunder cloud.
Rosalind lingered, sobbing, to speak the words of contrition for which Miss Harland had been waiting.
”Please forgive me, Miss Harland. I'm sorry--so sorry, truly. I'll never do it again. It wasn't a bit of fun, anyway, for I didn't like going without leave, and I was scared all the time that somebody would recognize us. I don't like doing things in that underhand way; it frightens me. I knew all the time it was wrong, but I let Marcia persuade me. It was my own fault, and I'm sorry. Forgive me.”
The pretty face was very pleading as Rosalind looked up with blue eyes drowned in tears. Miss Harland's kiss of forgiveness was ready, as she put her arm around the repentant sinner and drew her close into her kind arms.
”I forgive you, Rosalind, but there is Another whose pardon you must ask,” she said tenderly.
”You mean G.o.d. I will, indeed, Miss Harland. I have already, and I will again,” promised Rosalind.
CHAPTER IX
ADVENTURE OF THE LAMP
Late one afternoon, a few days later, five of the Kindred Spirits gathered in Kathy's room to talk things over, for the excitement over the recent happenings in the school still ran high. Evelyn, Polly and Joan sat on the bed, Rachel in the window seat, and Kathy on a low velvet stool, known as the ”Stool of Repentance.” A light snow was falling outside, making a pleasant contrast with the warmth and comfort within.
The girls were all talking at once, yet, mysteriously, each hearing what all the others said. In the midst of the Babel the door was pushed quietly open, and Rosalind slipped in, looking ashamed and sorry and confused all at once; doubtful of her welcome, yet anxious to be back in her old place among them.
”May I come? I knocked, but you were all talking so hard, you didn't hear me.”
”Of course you may. Here, sit down beside me on the 'stool of repentance,'” said Kathy, making room for her.
”It's the right place for me, I know,” said Rosalind meekly. ”I've been horrid lately, girls, but I'm one of the 'K. S.' still, unless you've turned me out.”
”We haven't. You deserted us,” said Polly the blunt. ”But we are glad to see you back, Rosy,” she added, frankly.
”I'm dreadfully glad to be back, if you've all forgiven me. I've missed you terribly. I don't exactly know how it happened. But I'm sorry. What were you all talking about when I came in?” asked Rosalind, as completely one of the group as if she had never left it.
”Why, of these odd things that have been happening lately,” explained Joan. ”You know, the disappearance of Kathy's ring and necklace, and----”
”But I found the necklace this morning,” interrupted Kathy. ”I meant to tell you, but you haven't given me a chance.”
”Why, Kathy!” ”Where?” ”How?” A chorus arose.
”When I moved my trunk out from the wall to sweep behind it,” explained Kathy, ”I found a little parcel wrapped in tissue paper. I opened it, thinking I might have dropped something there, and inside was my necklace, all crushed together into a ball, and the clasp broken. If anyone knows anything about it, explanations will be in order.”
The girls, silent in sheer amaze, looked at each other and then at Rosalind, who gazed blankly at them in return.