oon race, and
an archery contest.

"It's jumping next," said Lindsay, as Miss Frazer and Miss Humphreys
came forward, carrying a rope; "the first-form girls are to begin. I
particularly want to see Monica."

Monica had taken her place modestly at the very end of the line, so that
at each trial she was the last to compete. Her movements were very light
and graceful, and the girls watched her with approval. One by one, as
the rope was raised higher, the competitors began to thin, till at
length their number was reduced to three--Kathleen Crawford, Bertha
Marston, and Monica.

All looked eagerly to see the next attempt. Kathleen just managed to
scramble over, Bertha failed utterly, but Monica took the jump with
absolute ease.

"This will be the final test, I expect," said Miss Russell, when the two
successful ones returned to the starting-point.

"I don't think they can do that!" murmured Lindsay, gazing with awe at
what was to her the impossible height required.

It was too much for Kathleen. She ran, balked, and made another vain
effort, to give it up.

"Now, Monica!"

The name was on everybody's lips.

Monica appeared to be perfectly cool, far less excited, indeed, than the
spectators.

"Rest a moment, my dear, if you are out of breath," suggested Miss
Russell.

"No, thank you. It would hardly seem fair to Kathleen. I'll try now."

"Took it like a bird!" cried the Rector, clapping his hands, as the rope
was once more successfully cleared.

The girls raised a storm of cheering, to show partly their admiration
for the skilful deed, partly their appreciation of Monica herself.

"She is a great favourite in the school," Miss Russell explained to Mr.
Cross.

"I am delighted to see her mixing with other young people," he replied;
"she has a dull time, poor child, as a rule, and has felt the
disappointment about her uncle's property more than she cares to
confess. Mrs. Courtenay's illness is very distressing. My wife was
speaking to the doctor yesterday: he considers Sir William Garrett ought
to be sent for at once; in a few weeks it may prove too late."

"You have known the family a long time?" asked Miss Russell.

"Since Monica's birth. I was as well acquainted with old Sir Giles as he
would allow anyone to be. I used to call and see him sometimes, and
discuss botany, the only subject in which he showed any interest. He
lived so penuriously that his income must have accumulated for many
years. He rare