is, "it is absolutely ridiculous for any one to give
way to those morbid feelings in these days. If her mother wished us to
come here to be educated, I suppose she had her good reasons for it, and
that Lucy should be such a goose is really past enduring."

"I quite agree with what you say," replied Laura in her quiet voice,
"and my only remedy is this: don't take the least notice of her."

"But that is not so easy when she pokes her disagreeable little face in
at every turn."

"And her still more disagreeable little words," said Phyllis Flower.

"Now, Phyllis, don't you make mischief," said Annie Millar. "You know
perfectly well that you are cleverer than the whole lot of us put
together, whether you like to acknowledge it or not."

"I am not a bit clever, and I always say so," was Phyllis's response. "I
have got far less than most people: no looks, no stature, no abilities.
No one need ever come to me for anything, for I have nothing to give,
having got nothing for myself."

"You have one gift, dear," said Rosamund, looking at her kindly; "you
are an excellent listener, and you can make as pertinent a remark as
any one in the school. I maintain that I consider you clever, and you
will prove my words before many terms are over."

"But the point now," said Laura, "is Lucy. We begin lessons to-morrow. I
should say that Miss Archer is an exceedingly nice woman--in fact, she
is vastly superior to most--and the French governess is very good, too.
They are both busy arranging our work for us; and of course we shall
have masters innumerable, and several mistresses also, and we shall go
to Dartford twice a week for lessons, so we shall be just as busy as
bees. I think the only plan is to let Lucy alone."

It was while this conversation was going on, and the girls were standing
together in a group, that Mrs. Brett, accompanied by no less a person
than Lucy herself, appeared in view. Lucy shrank from the six girls who
stood together under one of the big elm-trees, and she was about to
loosen her hold of Mrs. Brett's arm, but that good lady drew her
forward.

"Now come, Lucy; don't be silly. Now is your chance. I want to be
introduced to those nice girls. Exceedingly nice they look, and pleasant
companions they will be for you. Come and do your duty, my love."

"Oh, if only mother had such dignified manners!" thought the girl. She
found herself yielding to Mrs. Brett's commands, and in a minute was
standing amongst the