"I ought to have brushed it yesterday, but I didn't, and to-day I forgot it." But she saw and felt that no one believed her, and Betty, the only one who could have borne out her words, was not there.
"You can all go back to your classes--all but Katherine Trenire," said Miss Richards, ignoring her speech; and the girls, with looks of sympathy or alarm, filed out, leaving Kitty alone.
"Now, Katherine," said Miss Richards firmly, "be a sensible, honest girl and tell the truth, and my sister and I will consult together as to the punishment we feel we must inflict.

We do not wish to be too severe, but such conduct must be punished.

Now, tell us the truth." "I have told the truth," said Kitty proudly, "and I have no more to tell.

Lettice can clear me if she likes, so can--the girl who was with her, but I can't do any more.

If you won't believe me, what can I do ?" and suddenly poor Kitty's proud eyes filled with tears.
Miss Melinda took this as a sign of relenting.