f of whom seemed of about the same age as
herself, though there were tall girls, with their hair already put up,
and a few younger ones who had apparently only just entered their
teens. Grace was sung, and then the urns began to fill an almost
ceaseless stream of cups, while plates of bread and butter circulated
with much rapidity.

"We're late to-day," explained Honor's neighbour, "because the train
from the North does not get in until five. Our usual tea-time is four
o'clock, after games; then we have supper at half-past seven, when
we've finished evening preparation. Did you bring any jam? Your hamper
will be unpacked to-morrow, and the pots labelled with your name. I
expect you'll find one opposite your plate at breakfast. Jam and
marmalade are the only things we're allowed, except plain cakes."

Tea on the first afternoon was generally an exciting occasion at St.
Chad's. There were so many greetings between old friends, so much news
and such various topics to be discussed, that conversation, in a
sufficiently subdued undertone, went on very briskly. The girls had
enjoyed their Easter holidays, but most of them seemed pleased to
return to school, for the summer term was always the favourite at
Chessington College.

"Have you heard who's in the Eleven?" began Madge Summers. "They've
actually put in Grace Shaw, and she bowls abominably. I think it's rank
favouritism on Miss Young's part. She always gives St. Hilary's a turn
when she can."

"She was a Hilaryite herself," returned Adeline Vaughan. "That's the
worst of having a games mistress who's been educated at the school;
she's sure to show partiality for her old house."

"And yet in one way it's better, because she understands all our
customs and private rules. It would be almost impossible to explain
everything to a new-comer."

"What about the house team?" asked Ruth Latimer. "Is anything fixed?"

"Not yet. There's to be a practice to-morrow, and it will go by our
scores."

"I shall stick to tennis," declared Pauline Reynolds. "One gets a fair
chance there, at any rate, and we must keep up the credit of St. Chad's
in the courts. I don't know whether we've any chance of winning the
shield. I wish we could get a real champion!"

"You should see Flossie Taylor play!" burst out Edith and Claudia
Hammond-Smith, who were anxious to bring their cousin forward, and to
ensure her popularity among the other girls.

"I've not heard that she made any record at S