"I sent for you this afternoon for the purpose of clearing up any misunderstanding you may have in regard to your authority here at Overton.

The students in the various houses are in every instance subject to the rules of Overton College, and it is the purpose of the faculty to see that these rules are enforced.

You have no authority to grant a student leave of absence, particularly after that permission has been refused by me." Then there followed a further sharp reprimand to which Grace listened gravely, her calm, gray eyes never for an instant leaving Miss Sheldon's face.

Something in the younger woman's composure had its effect upon the registrar, who, on first seeing Grace, had allowed her displeasure free rein.

She looked searchingly into the quiet face before her and said more gently, "Perhaps I should have asked you to tell me your side of the story, before condemning you, Miss Harlowe." Ah, so there was another side of the story! It was apparently as Emma had said.
Tears of hurt pride burned behind Grace's eyes, but they never fell.
With a brave effort she steadied her voice.