great worthies who lived in the
time of Queen Elizabeth. Yes, I'll help you. Shall we read these
chapters of history together this afternoon?"

"I cannot, I cannot," said Florence. "My head aches and everything
seems hopeless. Why, if that is so, Kitty, I shan't even have a chance
of being one of the lucky three."

"Oh, yes, you will--you must," said Kitty. "Half of the pleasure of
the competition would be lost if you and I were not to work together
during the holidays."

"Well, there is something in that," said Florence, brightening as she
spoke. "I forgot when I spoke so dismally that you, too, were to spend
the holidays here. By the way, has your father sailed yet?"

"On Monday last," said Kitty, in a very low voice. She turned her head
aside as she spoke.

"I believe you are the bravest girl in the world," said Florence,
stoutly; "but there, you are a great deal too good for me. I wish you
were naughty sometimes, such as you used to be, daring and a little
defiant and a little indifferent to rules, but you are so changed since
the Scholarship has come to the fore. Does it mean a great deal to
you, Kitty?"

"I can't talk of it," said Kitty, "I'd rather not; we are both to try
for it; I believe it means a great deal to us both."

"It means an immensity to me," said Florence.

"Then it is not fair for us to talk it over when we are both going to
try our hardest to win it, are we not?"

"If that is the case why do you help me with my English History?"

"Because I should like you to be one of the lucky three."

"Are you certain? Although I don't know this history very well, I
shall be a dangerous rival, that I promise."

"I don't care; I mean to win if I can, but I should like to compete
with you," said Kitty, stoutly.

At that moment the sounds of wheels in the avenue was heard, and a
moment or two afterwards Mademoiselle Le Brun entered the school-room
and put a little parcel into Florence's hand.

"There, my dear," she said.

Florence let it lie just where it was.

"Thank you," she answered; "you did your best?"

"Yes, dear, I did my best."

The governess left the room without even glancing at Kitty. Kitty felt
herself coloring; she bent low, allowing her curly hair to fall over
her face and forehead.

A moment later there came an exclamation from Florence.

"Oh, I say, Kitty, what does this mean--look, do look!"

Kitty looked up. The flush had left her face now, and it was coo