Your names, please." "Winnie Fowler," "Hattie Goodwin," murmured two subdued voices.
Rona did not answer at all.

She kept her head down and her eyes fixed on the ground.
"It's--it's surely not the same girl who did me such a service this morning on the marsh?
Then I must repeat my thanks.

Now, look here, you've been up to some mischief, all three of you.

Get back to school as quick as you can, and I'll say nothing about it! There! Off you go!" Without another word the sinners pelted along through the wood, never pausing till they reached the railing and climbed over on to the high road.

Here, on free ground, they felt at liberty to express their indignation.
"He's a nasty, horrid old thing to turn us out!" panted Hattie.
"How he looked at you, Rona!" said Winnie.