  The energy-loss near-edge structure (ELNES) at the oxygen $K$ edge in two
$AB_2O_4$ spinels (A=Mg, B=Al,Cr) is reported. In $MgAl_2O_4$ the experimental
data is successfully modelled within the LDA framework. In the case of
$MgCr_2O_4$ spin-polarisation, in the form of antiferromagnetic ordering on the
Cr sub-lattice, must be included despite the fact that the measurements were
performed at approximately 30 times above $T_N$. A model in which dynamic
short-range antiferromagnetic ordering is present at room temperature is
proposed to explain the results of the experiments and calculations.
