Upstairs in dormitory number I, there was depressed mood. Without saying a word, the children undressed in their washing cubicles. One could only hear the rushing water when a tap was open. They finished faster than ever. One by one, they scurried over to bed on quiet slippers. Fräulein von Bernburg just said "Good night" quietly and turned off the light.
This was the end of a wonderful festive day. It remained quiet in the dormitory for a long time. Edelgard's quiet sobs could be heard. The empty bed stood next to her and Mia. Ilse slipped over to Edelgard.
"Gosh, don't cry! What could possibly happen? Manuela will just get lectured, and then maybe three days in detention, or the green cockade. Others have already survived that."
Oda had scurried over to Mia, and Mia put her arm around Oda. "I'm partly to blame for it. . ."
"You?"
"I shown her my arm, and then she suddenly got a very strange look and ran away into the hall, and I'm so scared for her, Oda."
"So do I, Mia."
"The way the Headmistress looked at her, did you see that? Like a pile of dirt. I thought she was going to kick her."
"She'll do it. But maybe we can help her. I'll help her if I can."
Marga and Ilse von Treischke have a different opinion. Marga feels insulted; because it is her foster child who caused this scandal. It could easily be that she, Marga, was held responsible.
"Do you think we'll find out how much she drank?" she says desperately. "And I told you, you remember—you're my witness—I said, 'Everyone is allowed to drink only one glass'—did I or didn't I . . .?"
"Of course you did . . ."
"You'll see, I'll get into a row with Fräulein von Kesten tomorrow."
"Nonsense, 'Bunny' loves you so tenderly! But poor Manuela . . ."