Her half cajoling, half mocking air, and her ready smile, were difficult to confront with severity; and Miss Wilson knew it; for she would not look at her even when attracted by a convulsive start and an angry side glance from Miss Lindsay, who had just been indented between the ribs by a finger tip.
"You are aware that you have broken the rules," said Miss Wilson quietly.
"We didn't intend to.

We really did not," said the girl in holland, coaxingly.
"Pray what was your intention then, Miss Wylie ?" Miss Wylie unexpectedly treated this as a smart repartee instead of a rebuke.

She sent up a strange little scream, which exploded in a cascade of laughter.
"Pray be silent, Agatha," said Miss Wilson severely.

Agatha looked contrite.

Miss Wilson turned hastily to the eldest of the three, and continued: "I am especially surprised at you, Miss Carpenter.