lso untrue. I
will tell you quite frankly what has been wrong with Irene. People have
been afraid of her. I was the only person who ever came across her path
who showed no fear at her presence. I simply conquered her by having a
stronger will than she has. Now, if all your girls will behave in that
sort of fashion to her, not minding her when she does what she considers
clever little tricks, she will soon stop them. I don't believe she will
even attempt them, for I shall do my utmost to prevent it. But if she
does, your only plan is to take no notice of her. If people show no
fear, then her fun is gone--her wings are cut, in short. That was the
way I got an influence over her, and it is the way in which others may
get an influence over her. I want her to sleep in my room, instead of
dear Jane, whom I am so fond of."

"Oh! that will be quite easily managed, for no other girl would endure
her as a room-fellow."

"I will do my very best to keep her tame. More I cannot say."

"I suppose you are very kind; but do tell me, is it true that she puts
wasps down people's necks? Does she put leeches into the beds without
any one knowing anything about it? It is perfectly awful to think of."

"I am not going to tell tales out of school," said Rosamund, laughing.
"I can only say that Irene is greatly improved; and if your girls, your
Lucy included, will behave themselves, and not show the slightest
fear--and why should they fear?--I think she will come out of the ordeal
a brave and strong and good girl. They all ought to help, and I wish I
could see them all and tell them so."

"I do believe you are quite a good girl," said Mrs. Merriman, turning
her eyes in some amazement and looking at Rosamund. "I have been very
angry with you, and so was Lucy; my poor dear Lucy will never quite
forgive you; but I see now that you meant right, although you went the
wrong way about it."

"It seemed the only way at the time. I am very sorry if I have troubled
you," said Rosamund.

"Well, then, I will expect you and Irene at the beginning of the term.
You shall share the same room, and I trust you to keep Irene within
bounds. Now, good-by."

Mrs. Merriman turned and walked down the avenue, and was soon lost to
view.

Irene, who had been watching this interview from the top branch of a
tall tree, now quickly descended and came up to Rosamund's side.

"So she has gone!" she said. "So she is to be my head-mistress in
future. But never mind