big bit of work with those
fret saws. Now, Cuckoo, if you want to come, there'll be just time to
develop those films before tea."

When the children had gone, Rosemary lifted up the rather crooked
basket, looked at it critically, and laughed.

"I'm sure it was a labour of love," she commented. "Of course, I shall
have to take it with me, though it will be a nuisance to pack. And
they're so proud of it! I hope my own first efforts at the College of
Music won't be considered equally crude by the authorities!"

"Or mine at The Gables! We're each starting on new lines this term.
What heaps and loads we shall have to talk about at Christmas!"

CHAPTER III

New Brooms

A week later, Rosemary, trailing clouds of glory in the family
estimation, departed for the classic precincts of the College of
Music, and Lorraine, left behind, shook off the atmosphere of
detachment which always pervades an exodus, and focused her full
mind and energies upon The Gables. It was no light thing to be
chosen as head girl. Miss Kingsley, in that private talk in the
study, had urged the responsibility as well as the honour of the
office. Lorraine did not mean to disappoint her if she could help
it. She set to work at once to wrestle with the problem of an autumn
programme for the school. In virtue of her office she was president
of all the various existing guilds and societies, and had the power
to enlarge, curtail, or reorganize at her discretion. Although in a
sense she was supreme referee, she had no desire to ride rough-shod
over the general wishes, so, as a preliminary to any proposed
changes, she called a monitresses' meeting.

The seven girls who, with herself, made up the Sixth Form, assembled in
the class-room after school, interested and, on the whole, ready for
business. Audrey, to be sure, was giggling as usual. Patsie was pulling
an absurd face of mock dignity, but Nellie and Claire were pleased with
their new importance. Vivien, rather sulky, though submitting perforce
to play second fiddle, had patched up a temporary truce with Dorothy,
and the pair settled side by side. Claudia, the fresh addition to the
form, strolled in late and sat crocheting while the others talked.
Lorraine, her lap full of minutes books, bristled with ideas.

Lily Anderson, the former head girl, had been energetic and enterprising
to an extent that was really worthy of a wider sphere. Her standard had
soared so high that the school had been q