uccessful competitor, why he does not give her the money straight
away and end the thing," said Florence again.

"But, you see, he could not do that," said Mabel, "for Kitty is very
proud and----"

"Well, I don't like it," said Florence, "and I tell you what it is--now
that the whisper has got into the air, I mean to know. I shall go
straight to Mrs. Clavering and ask her. If it is true I for one will
not enter the lists at all."

"But would you dare to ask her?" exclaimed Mabel, in a voice almost of
awe. "You know, Mrs. Clavering, although she is the kindest woman in
the world, never allows any liberties to be taken with her. I don't
think you can dare to ask her, Florry--I really don't."

"Oh, I shall, all the same," replied Florence. "If this thing is fair
and above board, and equal chances are given to us all, why, I shall go
in for it and be delighted to have a chance, but if it is not, Kitty
shall have it without much exertion, as far as I am concerned."

She got up restlessly as she spoke, and moved towards the house.

The day was a very hot one, and all the doors and windows stood wide
open. Sir John Wallis was standing inside the porch talking to Mrs.
Clavering.

Florence came slowly forward. Sir John held out his hand to her.

"Well, Miss Aylmer," he said, in his pleasant voice, "and how do the
studies get on, and are you all agog to be one of the lucky three?"

"I am not at all sure about that," said Florence; "I was coming to you,
Mrs. Clavering, to speak about it."

"Why, what can be wrong?" said the baronet; "I thought that you were
one of the most promising pupils and had a very good chance."

"But what," said Florence, her face suddenly blazing into color, and
her eyes fixing themselves first on Sir John's face and then on that of
Mrs. Clavering, "what if you don't want me to win the prize!"

"Don't want you--what nonsense!" said Mrs. Clavering, but she colored
faintly as she spoke.

Sir John gave Florence a very keen glance.

"I may as well speak out now that I am about it," continued the girl.
"There is a rumor in the school--I cannot tell you who started it, but
there is a rumor--that you, Sir John, want Kitty to get the prize."

"It is perfectly true that I should like her to get it," said Sir John,
instantly, "but the prize shall be bestowed upon the girl who comes out
best in deportment, best in conduct, and best in learning, whether she
is Kitty Sharston or another. Now, t