banned politics, she generally
discussed the news of the day and any great events that were happening,
so that nobody could plead ignorance of current topics. At the Debating
Society all kinds of questions were aired and argued, the opposing
papers being entrusted to members of the Fifth and Sixth Forms, though
the Lower School was allowed to express its opinion. The meetings were
conducted in a strictly business-like and orderly manner worthy of a
college society, having been organized by Miss Forster and Miss
Bardsley, who were both well versed in Girton traditions. Aldred enjoyed
them immensely, and, finding several opportunities of putting in a few
words, did not hesitate to avail herself of her chances. She was not
shy, and had perhaps inherited a propensity for discussion from her
barrister father, so she was able to do herself ample justice, and to
reflect credit upon the Fourth Form.

"You simply squashed Freda on the subject of Socialism," said Mabel,
after one particularly successful little speech. "Her thesis went all to
pieces when you nailed her to the point, and she couldn't prove
anything. I wish I had such clear brains! You see the weak spots in
people's arguments immediately, and then you can bowl them over like
ninepins."

Mabel herself had no gift of eloquence, so she appreciated Aldred's
powers all the more, and was immensely proud of her success.

"I can't imagine how I lived before you came to school," she sometimes
remarked. "I was a wheel without an axle. Now everything I do centres
round you, and the best of it is that Mother likes you too!"

To both of the girls the great event of the term had been the night
spent by Mabel's mother at the Grange. Lady Muriel Farrington not only
had a warm friendship for Miss Drummond, but held both her personality
and her methods of teaching in admiration and respect, and for this
reason had entrusted her with her daughter. When up in town, she
sometimes paid flying visits to Birkwood, as she knew that Miss Drummond
would allow her to do so without disturbing the general routine of the
school. She had been exceedingly anxious to come on this occasion,
partly because Mabel had had influenza, and she wanted to assure herself
that she was quite strong again; and partly because she wished to meet
Aldred, and ascertain what kind of girl had gained such an intense,
dominating influence over her daughter. She was extremely particular as
to the friendships Mabel sh