[Sidenote: Examining Record Book]
The morning after the report cards were given out in the Bridgewater
High School, Miss Penfield held a series of conferences concerning
marks; among them one proved tragic.
“I don’t understand why I got only 65 in English this month, Miss
Penfield.”
“That is what your daily recitations and test work averaged.”
“You gave Harriet 82 and she admits that she didn’t recite as many times
as I did, and you gave Elizabeth 75, and she never studies. I don’t see
why I got such a low mark when Elizabeth had as many zeros as I did.”
“How do you know how many zeros you had?”
“I looked at your record book when you were out of the room.”
“Rhoda Kilborne! Do you mean to say you would do such a thing as that?
That notebook is my personal property. I wonder how many more pupils
have had access to it. Well! we shall see!”
At the beginning of the recitation period, Miss Penfield asked: “How
many persons in this room have ever looked at my record book?” There was
no response to her question. Every one sat motionless, wondering what
was going to happen next.
“Well, Rhoda, I guess you are the only culprit this time.
“I want you all to know that looking at a teacher’s record book is no
less than opening her pocket-book and taking some money.
“You may report to me at the close of school, Rhoda.”