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At last just in time to save Heavy's life, it would seem Miss Picolet lifted her fork and the girls began to eat. A pleasant interchange of conversation broke out: "Did you hear what that funny little Pease girl said to Miss Brokaw in physiology class yesterday?" asked Lluella Fairfax, who was across the table from Ruth. "No. What has the child said now?
"I will not ask you under what circumstances you heard it; but I do ask if you have any knowledge of any fact that might explain the mystery?" Ruth was silent for several moments. She was greatly worried; yet she could understand how this whole matter had come to Mrs. Tellingham's knowledge. Mary Cox, angry at Miss Picolet, had tried to defame her in the mind of the Preceptress.
But Ruth was deeply interested in the harpist. She wondered what knowledge of, or what connection he had with, the little French teacher, Miss Picolet. And she wondered, too, if her suspicions regarding the mystery of the campus the sounding of the harpstring in the dead of night were borne out by the facts?
The evil-looking man who played the harp on board the steamship, and who had so frightened little Miss Picolet, had followed the French teacher ashore. Had he followed her to Briarwood Hall? Was he an enemy who plagued the little French teacher perhaps blackmailed her? These were the various ideas revolving in Ruth Fielding's head.
"I don't see what Mrs. Tellingham keeps Picolet for," complained another girl. "For a spy," snapped Mary Cox. "But we'll get the best of her yet. She isn't fit to be a teacher in this school, anyway." "Oh, she's a good French teacher of course. It's her native tongue," said one of the other girls, who was called Belle Tingley. "That's all very well," snapped Mary.
Here comes Miss Picolet. She will attend to you Infants." "Oh, it's the little French teacher," said Helen. Ruth met the little lady with a smile. Miss Picolet nodded to them both and put out her tiny hand. She really was no taller than Helen. "I am glad, young ladies, to see you in such good company. Miss Steele is well worth cultivating," she said. "Come this way.
Make your bargain before you get into the Ark that's what we call this stage or he surely will overcharge you. Oh! how-do, Miss Picolet!" She spoke to the French teacher so carelessly indeed, in so scornful a tone that Ruth was startled. Miss Picolet bowed gravely and said something in return in her own language which made Miss Cox flush, and her eyes sparkle.
I am proud. The Mademoiselle remember me," he exclaimed, bowing in the dark alley. "Go on," urged Ruth, impatiently. "It is of the leetle lady Mademoiselle Picolet I would speak," he said, more quickly. "Our French teacher yes." "Then, knowing her, will the Mademoiselle take a small note from the poor musician to the good Picolet? 'Tis a small matter no?"
The excitement of the recent happenings did not long keep Helen awake; but her friend and room-mate lay for some time studying out the mystery of the campus. Miss Picolet was out of her room. The old Irishman, Tony Foyle, had mentioned chasing itinerant musicians off the grounds that very evening among them a harpist.
"I I believe we did mention it to some of the girls. It impressed us as peculiar especially as we did not know who Miss Picolet was until after we were in the stage-coach with her." "Then you are sure you have not been one who has circulated stories among the girls about Miss Picolet derogatory to her, I mean?" "Oh, Mrs. Tellingham! Never!" cried Ruth, earnestly.
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