n your way about;
get acquainted--especially with the members of your own class. I shall
put Nancy Nelson on your side of the Hall, Corinne--the West Side."

"Then I'll take her right up and show her the room. What is it to be,
Madame?" asked Corinne, cheerfully.

The principal ran through several pages of a ledger before replying.

"Number 30, West."

"She's chummed with Miss Rathmore, then," said the older girl, quickly.

"Yes. I must break up that clique. Put her with Miss Rathmore. And do
see that the child has some dinner; she must be hungry," said the
Madame, laughing again.

Then she once more shook Nancy's hand.

"Go with Corinne, dear. If you want to know anything, ask her. Read the
rules of the Hall, which you will find framed in your room. If you obey
them cheerfully, you can't go far wrong. Good-night, Nancy Nelson! and I
hope you will sleep well your first night at Pinewood Hall."

CHAPTER IX

CORA RATHMORE

Nancy followed the senior out of the principal's presence, feeling much
encouraged. Madame Schakael was so different from Miss Prentice, the
principal of the school at which Nancy had lived so many years.

"Isn't she just the sweetest woman you ever met?" demanded Corinne,
enthusiastically.

"She is lovely," responded Nancy.

"But she is firm. Don't try to take any advantage of her," laughed the
senior. "You will find that she is only doll-like in appearance. She is
a very scholarly woman, and she believes strongly in discipline. But she
gets effects without dealing out much punishment. You'll learn."

"I hope I won't need to learn her stern side," said Nancy, smiling.

"Well, you seem a sensible kid," said the older girl, patting her on the
shoulder. "Come on, now, and have your dinner. Then I'll take you up
into our side of the hall."

"I hope I am not taking up your time too much, Miss--Miss Pevay," said
Nancy.

"Not at all," laughed the senior. "What is the good of being boss of a
'side' if one has no responsibilities? It's an honor to be captain of
the West Side of Pinewood Hall."

"Oh! it must be," agreed Nancy, who thought this beautiful girl a very
great person indeed.

They came to the long room in which the tables were set. There were only
a few girls in the room. Nancy at once saw the Montgomery girl and her
friends at one table, but was glad that Miss Pevay did not approach
them.

Indeed, Corinne took her to one of the senior tables where two or three
of th