"...then who did? Hmm, I do remember Ethel hallow looking rather pleased with herself when you read out the description of the Rapunzel Potion this morning."
"Yes," burst in Maud, "that must be it! Ethel was angry at Mildred for spilling the potion over her and this was her revenge."
"Thank you, Maud, for that piece of deduction. Now wait here I shall be back very shortly."
Miss Hardbroom was as good as her word, returning a few minutes later with a chastened looking Ethel and Mildred's shampoo bottle.
"It seems you were correct, Maud. Ethel has confessed to filling Mildred's shampoo bottle with Rapunzel Potion. She has also kindly agreed to mix an antidote for you. That should be done in ten minutes, so we shall return then." They departed, leaving Maud and Mildred to sit in silence, watching Tabby pounce upon a strand of Mildred's hair that was curled beside the wardrobe.
"You may take the rest of the afternoon off to recover," said Miss Hardbroom as she prepared to leave. She did not look too pleased with her generosity. "Ethel's actions have been most disappointing and she will of course be punished with a detention. Now I hope this silly feud of yours' will cease and you will both buckle down and get on with your academic studies." Then she turned and vanished, leaving them to clear away the shorn hunks of hair that now covered the floor and seemed to fascinate Tabby even more now.
Somehow, Mildred reflected as she gathered an armful of hair, she really did not think that the feud would end here. No, Ethel would want revenge for being punished...
