lever, and several
people are seriously ill, and can't be left long."

Muriel shrugged her shoulders.

"I wouldn't mention they'd brought you, then," she replied. "It's
considered the correct thing for one's parents to stay at the Queen's,
and the girls will think it so queer if yours haven't. What bedroom are
you in?"

"No. 7. I hope it's a nice one?"

"Oh, tolerable! Not so nice as mine. I'm in No. 16, on the other
landing, with three of my best friends."

"Do you know who's in my room?"

"Nobody at all particular; only May Firth, Ella Johnson, and Doris
Kennedy. Do you see that new girl crossing the quad? I believe she comes
from our part of the world. She was starting too when I was setting off;
they nearly put her in my carriage, only luckily the guard had locked
the door."

"What's her name? I don't remember seeing her at Waverton."

"I daresay not. Her name's Jean Bannerman, and she lives in one of those
houses at the end of the park. I met her once at a party, but we don't
know them at all."

"Does she seem nice?"

"I'm sure I can't tell. I wasn't much impressed with her. Have you
unpacked?"

"No, not yet. My box hasn't been brought upstairs."

"It's there now. I saw John carrying it to your room. I should think
you'd better go and take your things out."

"Won't you come with me, Muriel?" asked Patty, rather shyly. "I don't
know where I'm expected to put my clothes."

"Haven't time," said Muriel, shaking her head. "I've got all my own to
do. It's easy enough; you've only to pop them into your drawers and your
wardrobe. Supper's at seven in the refectory. Why, there's Gwendolen
Farmer. I simply must go and speak to her. Ta-ta!"

And Muriel ran away to the other side of the quadrangle, leaving Patty
standing alone upon the steps.

Thus suddenly deserted, the latter watched for a moment to see if her
cousin meant to come back, but Muriel, after greeting the newcomer with
much affection, linked her arm in hers, and without even turning her
head to look round, walked through a doorway opposite, and was lost to
sight. Patty went upstairs to her cubicle with a rather sore feeling in
her heart, against which she made a violent effort to struggle. After
all, she argued to herself, it was only natural that Muriel, who must
have so many friends in the school, should be so anxious to see them all
again after the long summer holidays. She would no doubt be waiting in
the refectory to show her to her sea