Katherine, who had not left her seat, laughed nervously. She stood in
great awe of the principal, and she did not in the least wish to laugh.

Mrs. Graham looked at her sternly, "One mark in deportment, Katherine, and
three to those who left their desks, and you will all spend your recess
indoors. Belle, I will see you in the office."

Belle followed Mrs. Graham, with her head held high, her lips pursed up
saucily, her black eyes snapping. Katherine, through her own tear-filled
ones, watched her in astonishment.

When Belle returned study hour was over, and the culprits who were
condemned to stay indoors had grouped themselves beside the window.

"What did she do to you, Belle?" they cried.

"Nothing,--just talked. She said it was wasting time and chalk, and that
it wasn't honest. Such a fuss about a little chalk!"

Celia Fair, who had her hat on, ready to go home, came behind Belle, and
with a hand on either side of her face she lifted it till the saucy eyes
looked into her own. "Does that make any difference, really--because it is
just chalk?" she asked.

Belle wriggled out of her hands, only to clasp her around the waist. "I
wouldn't take your chalk," she said, laughing.

"I don't know what to think of you to-day," Miss Fair continued, looking
around the group. "I am afraid Mrs. Graham will not trust me to keep study
hour after this."