a queer book to choose!" laughed Patty. "I thought you were
halfway through 'A Chaplet of Pearls'? I shouldn't think it's very
amusing to read lists of groceries and household linen."

"On the contrary, I find it most interesting," replied Enid. "I never
knew before how much shopping one could do at the Stores. They seem to
have a department for everything."

On the morning of the birthday most of the members of the Fourth Class
hurried away after breakfast with conspicuous haste. Patty stayed for a
few minutes in the refectory to talk to some of the fifth class girls,
and was in the middle of a conversation with Olive Hardman and Bella
Ashworth, when Jean entered in search of her.

"Come, Patty," she said, "you're wanted in the classroom."

"Why, it's too early. It's only twenty-five minutes to nine," said
Patty.

"Never mind. The girls are all there waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

"Waiting for you."

"Why for me?" asked Patty, in much surprise.

"Come along and you'll find the reason," replied Jean, taking her arm
and leading her down the passage without further delay.

Considerably mystified at Jean's impatient hurry, Patty was still more
astonished to discover the whole of both the Upper Fourth and the lower
division collected round the fire in the schoolroom, and evidently
anticipating her arrival with much eagerness.

"Here she is!" cried Jean. "Now, Enid, you can begin."

"We want to wish you very many happy returns of the day, Patty," said
Enid, who seemed to be acting as mouthpiece for the rest. "And we hope
you'll accept this birthday present; it's from us all."

"Thank you so much," said Patty, taking the offered parcel and beginning
to untie the string. "I never expected that any of you would remember my
birthday. Why, how lovely! Oh, it is good of you! The very thing in all
the world I'd rather have than anything else."

The object which lay under the many folds of tissue paper was an album.
It was bound in bright-blue morocco with gilt edges, and had smooth
pages inside for writing, interleaved with pages of drawing paper for
water colours. At the beginning was neatly printed:

PATTY HIRST

With love from the Fourth Class.

It was certainly a very appropriate present for the girls to have made,
and one which Patty appreciated immensely. She had greatly longed to
possess an album of her own, but had not liked to ask her mother to buy
her one, and the beauty of this handsome gif