There was evidently something underlying the joke.
"When perfectly ridiculous rules are made, that never ought to have been made," continued Tootie, "then we've a right to take the law into our own hands and do as we please." "Our pocket money's our own," grumbled a discontented spirit from the back.
"Of course it is, and we ought to be able to do what we like with it." "And so are our brooches, if we want to----" "Sh--sh!" "Shut up, stupid!" "Well, we all know." "No need to blare it out, if we do." "I wasn't blaring." "Violet Robertson, remember your oath," commanded Tootie.

"If you let a word of--we know what--leak out, you're sent to Coventry for the rest of the term.Yes.Not a single one of us will speak one single word to you.
Not even your own room-mates.

So there!" "Well, you needn't make such a precious fuss.

I'm sure I wasn't letting out secrets," retorted Violet sulkily.

"But I think there ought to be some rate of value.