Staff-Room. I can manage myself; but, Gladys, find
Miss Gifford, and ask her to come to me as soon as she is free. Tell
her I'm not well. You're a dear girl, Gladys. Thank you for being so
kind to me all these years."

Gladys rolled adoring blue eyes, and sped on her mission. The next
morning she realised that those thanks had been darling Miss Blake's
farewell, and shed bitter tears; but for the moment she was filled with
complaisance.

Claire appeared in due time, heard what had happened, and helped Sophie
to collect her various small belongings. The other teachers had already
dispersed, so the ordeal of leave-taking was avoided.

"You can explain when you meet them next term!" said Claire.

"I can write my good-byes," corrected Sophie. She blinked away a few
tears and said piteously, "Not much chance for me if she consults Dr
Blank! He's as much discouraged as I am myself. What do you suppose he
will advise now? I suppose I'll have to see him to-morrow."

"And lie awake all to-night, wondering what he will say! We'll do
better than that--we'll call this very afternoon. If he is in, I'm sure
he will see us, and a day saved is a day gained. I'll get a taxi."

"Another taxi! I'm ruining you, Claire. How I do hate sponging on
other people!"

"Wouldn't you do it for me, if things were reversed?"

"Of course I should, but it's so much more agreeable to help than to be
helped. It's ignoble, I suppose, but I do hate to feel grateful!"

"Well! No one could by any possibility call you _gracious_, my dear.
Is that any consolation?" cried Claire mischievously, and Sophie was
surprised into the travesty of a smile.

Dr Blank was at home, and listened to what Sophie had to tell him with
grave attention. He expressed satisfaction to hear that her holidays
had begun, but when questioned as to his probable report to Miss
Farnborough, had no consolation to offer.

"I am afraid I must tell you honestly that you are not fit for the work.
Of course, it is quite possible that there may be a great improvement
by September, but, even so, you would be retarding your recovery by
going on with such exhausting work. You must try to find something
lighter."

Sophie laughed, and her laugh was not good to hear.

Claire said firmly--

"She _shall_ find it! I will find it for her. There's no need to worry
about September. What we want to know is what she is to do _now_?--to-
morrow--for the rest of the holiday