rom posing as preceptor. Rhoda lifted her eyes and beheld an
array of governesses standing before her, shaking hands and welcoming
the pupils in their turn. Some looked formidable and learned, some did
not. Some had the orthodox braided locks and spectacles, some even
condescended to the frivolity of a `fringe,' but one and all bore
themselves with a dignity worthy of a foremost position in the newest of
all new schools.

Rhoda passed by as in a dream, and felt far more interest in "the
Commons," who were for the most part young women removed from girlhood
by so slight a barrier that there was a tone of comradeship in their
voices, a sympathetic understanding in their glance. The sweetest
looking of all was evidently in special charge of the Blues, and, walked
by the side of the two new girls as the detachment filed along the
endless corridor towards its own apartments.

"You two are sisters? No! Ah, well, you must pretend you are, for a
day or two at least, until you get over the first loneliness. Every one
feels lonely at first among such a crowd of strangers, but it soon
passes, and we are very happy together. You must come and sit with me
in my little den sometimes. I'll ask you to tea on Sunday, and you must
always come to me if you are in any difficulty. In the meantime do as
the other girls do, and you will get along quite easily. You are in the
same room. Wash and get ready for tea at once. The gong will ring in
half an hour, and after that your boxes will have arrived and you will
be able to unpack."

They reached the door of the dormitory as she finished speaking, and the
girls entered, trying not to feel as if they were being introduced to a
prison cell, or to be unduly cast down because they were separated by
half the length of the room.

"If we could have been next each other and just wobbled the curtain
occasionally it would have been friendly!" sighed Rhoda, sinking down on
the solitary chair and gazing forlornly round her new abode. A bed, a
wash-stand, a chest of drawers with a glass on top, a small fixture
wardrobe, and about three yards of space on which to disport her own
fair self--different quarters, indeed, from her room at home, with its
spacious floor, its deep bay windows, its adjoining dressing-room and
bathroom! When the curtains were drawn there was a feeling of cramped
confinement which was most depressing to the spirits; yet, as her eye
took in one detail after the other