"I am proud to
be a Newnhamite, and if the girls do have a few mannerisms, they count
for precious little beside their virtues. They are up to work, and they
_do_ work with might and main, though there can be no place in the world
where there is no fun. We are always having some prank or other--
politicals, and cocoa-parties and hockey matches, and dances--"

"What's the fun of dances with no men to dance with? Wait till May
term, and see what a real ball is like. We'll have some river picnics,
too, and breakfasts at the Orchard. There's lots to be done in summer,
but just now there's nothing on but teas. You must come to tea in my
rooms. I've got a slap-up study." He turned towards Mrs Reeves and
addressed her with confident familiarity. "Mrs Reeves will play
chaperon, and I'll promise you the best cakes that Cambridge can
produce."

"Oh, yes, I'll play chaperon." To Darsie's surprise the sweet-faced
woman smiled back into Ralph's face with friendly eyes, not appearing
even to notice the over-confidence of his manner. "Mr Percival gives
charming parties, and I can answer for it that his boast as to the cakes
is justified. I can never fathom where he gets them."

She turned to Darsie with a little gesture of confidence, and slightly
lowered her voice. "I am known as `the Professional Chaperon.' I hope
you will engage my services if you are in need of such a personage, but
perhaps we ought to know one another a little better first. I should
like so much to know you! Will you come to see me one afternoon next
week when you are free, and feel inclined for a chat? I won't ask any
one else, so that we can have a real cosy time."

Surprised and gratified, and more than a little flattered, Darsie
mentioned her free hours, and received in return Mrs Reeves's card
bearing an address in Grange Road, then once more Ralph engrossed her
attention.

"I say! You might ask Ida up for a night or two, and bring her along.
They'll let you have a friend now and then, and she'd like it all right.
Awfully decent in writing to me, Ida is, and fights my battles at home.
Sensible girl! Understand it's no good to jaw. I'd like to have Ida
up for a bit."

"So would I. I'll ask her with pleasure." One of Ralph's best points
had been his affection for his sisters, and the reminder thereof
softened Darsie's heart. She smiled at him with recovered friendliness.
"I'll ask Ida, and you must ask Dan and Hannah Vernon, and