She was rather jealous of her position as monitress, and not unwilling
to show her authority. Moreover, she was responsible for the conduct of
the girls, who were expected to comport themselves discreetly on a
public footpath.

Honor was not a favourite of hers. Vivian considered her too forward,
and thought she made a troublesome element at St. Chad's. In her
opinion, a new-comer in her first term ought not to attempt to obtrude
herself, but should follow the lead of those who had been some years at
the school. She told her rather sharply, therefore, to come and walk
with her, and made the others go two and two, in a due and orderly
fashion.

"I see some people coming along the cliffs," she said, "and I should be
most ashamed if it were reported that the Chessington girls don't know
how to behave themselves."

"I wonder whether she's taking the opportunity to try to improve
Paddy's mind on the way," laughed Lettice to Ruth Latimer.

"She'll have a difficult task, then," remarked Ruth. "I can't imagine
Paddy engaged in very deep and serious discourse."

By the time the St. Chad's party had climbed down the rocky steps on to
the beach, the Aldwythites were just emerging from the hut, a lively,
bareheaded little company, spreading their hair to dry in the wind and
sunshine.

"It's simply delicious in the sea to-day," they called out; "quite
warm, and as calm as possible."

The Chaddites had soon donned their bathing costumes, and went
scampering down the causeway to take the coveted plunge into the waves.

"I don't know anything more glorious than the first few strokes of
one's swim," said Lettice, floating for a moment or two by Honor's
side. "I'm sure a frog couldn't enjoy it more, and a duck simply isn't
in it!"

Honor seemed as much at home in the water as the fishes, and Miss
Young, after watching her progress near the shore, gave her permission
to go with the more advanced members of the class for a tour of the
bay.

"I shall not be far off myself," she remarked, "and of course you must
come back the instant I call to you."

"Miss Young generally stays close to the girls who aren't so much used
to it, in case they should get cramp, or turn giddy," explained
Lettice. "Beatrice Marsden and Ivy Ridgeway are only beginning, so I
expect she'll paddle about with them in four feet of water. Janie
Henderson never ventures very far either."

Once out in the bay, Honor began to distinguish herself, greatly to