Hitherto we
have had no reason to complain that the spirit of absolute trust which
we have shown has been abused; but the circumstance which has just
occurred has given Miss Eccleston and myself some pain."
"It has surprised us; it has given us a blow," interrupted Miss
Eccleston.
"And Miss Eccleston feels," proceeded Miss Heath, "and perhaps she is
right, that the matter ought to be laid before the college
authorities, who will decide what are the best steps to be taken."
"You do not agree with that view, do you, Miss Heath?" asked Maggie
Oliphant suddenly.
"At first I did not. I leaned to the side of mercy. I thought you
might all have learned a lesson in the distress which you have caused
us, and that such an occurrence could not happen again."
"Won't Miss Eccleston adopt your views?" questioned Maggie. She
glanced round at her fellow-students as she spoke.
"No-- no," interrupted Miss Eccleston. "I cannot accept the
responsibility. The college authorities must decide the matter."
"Remember," said Maggie, stepping forward a pace or two, "that we are
no children. If we were at school you ought to punish us, and, of
course, you would. I hate what I have done, and I own it frankly. But
you cannot forget, Miss Eccleston, that no girl here has broken a rule
when she attended the auction and bought Miss Singleton's things; and
that even Miss Singleton has broken no rule when she went in debt.
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