This she could only have accomplished with the aid of some one outside the school.
On that very evening a letter had been intercepted, and the messenger almost caught; but though she had escaped she had been partially recognized by the governess, who had fortunately discovered these shocking and flagrantly daring misdoings, and the governess had no doubt in her mind that the culprit was Dr.Trenire's elder daughter." Miss Richards was deeply grieved to have to write such unpleasant tidings to him, but she begged he would make strict inquiries into the matter at once.

In the meantime Miss Lettice Kitson, who was forbidden to leave her room, refused to make any communication on the matter.
"How dare she!" cried Kitty.

"How dare she accuse me of doing such a thing! I hardly ever speak to Lettice.

We are not at all friendly, and Miss Richards knows it.

I have never liked her, and--and," she broke off hotly--"as if, even if I did like her, I would behave so.
Father, you know I wouldn't; don't you ?" she entreated passionately.
"Have you any idea who the real culprit is ?" asked her father, greatly troubled.