aeli had said. They
thought just now that she was nobody, but in time to come the school
would know her name, would be proud of it, would boast of it to other
schools. Rhoda reared her head and smiled complacently, and the class-
mistress noted the action, and made a mental note that the new pupil
must be "kept down."

The morning seemed very long, but it came to an end at last with a
blessed ten minutes "off" before preparing for dinner. The other girls
hurried to their cubicles, but Rhoda waylaid Miss Everett in the
corridor, and appealed to her in breathless eagerness.

"You said I was to come to you in any difficulty... I want to know if
it is necessary for me to wear my hair like this? I never do it at
home, and I'm sure my mother wouldn't like it. Is it really the rule?"

"I'm afraid it is," said Miss Everett kindly. "You don't like it, eh?
Well, I don't wonder! I shouldn't myself, in your place; but you see,
dear, bending over desks, and running about at games, loose hair gets in
the way, and cannot possibly be kept tidy. It seems an arbitrary rule,
but there's reason in it, as there is in all the rules if you think them
out, and it doesn't apply to every day. On Thursday evening we have
`Frolics,' and then you can wear it loose, and put on your prettiest
things. There is always something going on--concerts, dances, or
theatricals--and Miss Bruce likes the girls to look bonnie and festive.
On Sundays, too, you can go back to your mop if you choose. I hope you
will, for I like to see it. I have a little sister with hair just like
yours."

She laid her hand affectionately on the curly head, and the touch of
kindliness acted as balm to Rhoda's sore heart. Her eyes glistened with
unshed tears, and she said huskily:

"I'll do anything _you_ tell me. I won't mind; but that Thomasina--
she's hateful! I can't stand being ordered about by a girl of my own
age."

"Ah-h!" cried Miss Everett, and sighed as at the recurrence of a well-
known trouble. "Well, you know, Rhoda, you must get over that feeling,
and conform to the rules of the school. Thomasina is a great help to
me, and makes a capital `head girl.' You see, dear, I have no time to
look after these details. The girls think that they are busy, but long
after they are asleep at night I am slaving away correcting exercises.
Oh such piles of books! it makes me tired even to see them. I'll do
what I can for you, but you mustn't expect too much