blowing' has none under seven
and six. Perhaps when her birthday comes round we can manage it, but at
Christmas there are so many presents to buy that one can't afford big
things."

"I want to get it now," squeaked Pam obstinately, while Jill jumped down
from the table and turned to the door.

"I'm going out! Can't afford to waste holiday afternoons. Why don't
you put away that stupid work and come too?"

"Where are you going? A walk?"

"Rather not! Am I a Pampered Pet to promenade up and down? Jack and I
are going to have some fun in the Square. I'm not going to tell you
what it is, but you can come too if you like."

Betty raised her head and peered out of the window. Black railings,
black trees, sodden grass, paths strewn with decaying leaves, a fast-
failing light. She gave a shudder of distaste and sank back in her
chair.

"Thanks! I prefer the fire. I can't understand you, Jill, going in for
an exam, and wasting every spare moment you get! When I went in, I
stewed every Saturday afternoon the whole term, and never dreamed of
going out."

"Yes, and got plucked for your pains!" retorted Jill brutally. Poor
Betty! She had passed so well in everything but that fatal arithmetic,
which made all the difference between success and failure. The figures
would not add up, the lines danced before her eyes, she could not
remember the simplest table. It was cruel to rake up that old sore.
She pressed her lips together and sat in offended dignity, while Jill
skipped to the door, tossing her pretty pert head.

"I shall take care of my health and my nerves, and not have them
breaking down just when I need them most. If the worst comes to the
worst, I shall be no worse off than you were yourself, and I shall have
had my fun!"

She ran downstairs into the hall, where Jack was awaiting her with a
brown-paper parcel tucked under his arm, and together they crossed the
road to the nearest gate, and let themselves into the garden with a
heavy key.

"The other corner is the best," Jack cried, leading the way forward at
an eager pace, "more traffic, and thicker bushes. I spotted the exact
place yesterday. Have you got the reel in your pocket all right?"

"Yes, yes! And you must give me my turn, Jack. It's only fair, because
you wouldn't let me have a parcel of my own on the other side."

"Of course not! You wouldn't expect to find two lost parcels within a
few yards of each other, would you? You want