n the mother's term of penal servitude was over.

For the present, therefore, there was nothing more to be done except
take an interest in their protegee. Diana set to work to make her a
dress--a really heroic effort, for she hated sewing--and sat stitching
at it on those afternoons when the other girls were riding Lady. It was
typical of Diana that she would not discuss her arrangement about the
pony with anybody, not even Wendy.

"I've done it for reasons of my own, and that's enough!" she said rather
crossly. "You've no need to thank me--it wasn't particularly to please
_you_! I suppose I can do as I like!"

"Of course you _can_, but you needn't flare up so!" retorted Sadie.
"_Most_ people would _expect_ to be thanked. What a queer girl you are,
Diana!"

At which remark Diana grunted and turned away.

It is a funny thing that a burst of self-sacrifice often leaves us in a
bad temper. Diana was no model heroine, only a very ordinary and rather
spoilt girl. The reaction after giving up her pony had sent her spirits
down to zero, and if all her doings are to be faithfully chronicled, it
must be confessed that for a day or two she did not display herself at
her best. She was snappy even with Loveday, and matters came to an open
quarrel with Hilary, who, as prefect, was inclined to be dictatorial. A
war of words followed; Hilary threatened to appeal to Miss Todd, and
Diana, defeated but unrepentant, retired vowing vengeance.

"I'll pay you out some day; see if I don't!" she declared hotly.

"You're not worth noticing!" retorted Hilary, shrugging her shoulders.

Diana retired to the ivy room, had a thoroughly good cry, and came down
with red eyes, but feeling better. She did not speak to Hilary again,
however, for days.

Meantime, examinations were drawing near. Although Miss Todd conducted
her school on absolutely modern lines, she still clung to examinations
as being some test of a girl's attainments. The seniors in especial were
anxious to distinguish themselves. It was their last chance before they
left, and all, with the exception of Stuart and Ida, who were to remain
as gardening students, were leaving at the end of the term. The breaking
up of her school-days meant an anxious time for Loveday. When they were
alone in the ivy room she sometimes confided her troubles to Diana.

"I don't know what I'm to do next. Uncle Fred has told me plainly that
the little sum of money my father left has been nearly all sp