or undoubtedly felt much crestfallen to find that what she had
regarded as spirited independence was labelled "bad form" at the
College. On reflection it struck her that, apart from all rules, it had
perhaps been scarcely polite to rush away, in direct opposition to the
expressed wishes of one who had been taking so much trouble to make
their walk interesting. In common with all the Chaddites, she keenly
appreciated both Miss Maitland's personality and her knowledge of
nature lore, and had enjoyed the expedition on the hills immensely.

To be left out of the picnic would have been a bitter disappointment.
It was the great event of the summer term. Each house took its
excursion on a separate day, as Miss Cavendish considered that the
whole school made too formidable an invasion for any place. St.
Hilary's and St. Aldwyth's had already respectively visited Weyland
Castle and Eccleston Woods, and it was now the turn of St. Chad's to
choose a destination. Miss Maitland had made a list of several
interesting spots, which were well worth seeing, and had put the matter
to a general ballot, with the result that by a majority of eight the
votes fell in favour of St. Kolgan's Abbey at Baldurstone.

"It's the nicest of all, and Miss Maitland's favourite," announced
Lettice.

"I chose it for three reasons," said Honor: "first, because it's the
farthest off, and I like to have a long journey; secondly, because
we're to go most of the way by steamer, and I love being on the sea;
and thirdly, because Flossie Taylor wanted Haselmere Hall."

"What a very intelligent and desirable motive!" sneered Vivian Holmes,
who happened to overhear. "You evidently go on the principle of pig
philosophy. As a matter of fact, Miss Maitland said she had no
preference."

"I was speaking to Lettice," retorted Honor. "I suppose my motives are
my own business?"

"Oh, certainly! They're not of the slightest interest to me."

"Vivian's rather snappy this evening," whispered Lettice, as the
monitress stalked away. "I believe she voted for Haselmere herself."

"Then I'm doubly glad it's to be Baldurstone. Even if people are
monitresses, they've no need to think it's their mission to squash
everybody else perpetually. I can hardly make the least remark without
Vivian sitting upon me."

"You always answer her back, you see, and she thinks that's cheek in a
new girl."

"I'm not new now."

"Yes, you are--you're not through your first term yet. Vivian