get offended
after this, the more fool you, for I tell you straight there will be no
ill-feeling in my mind, nothing but simple, pure buffoonery."

Rhoda smiled feebly. The cool, unemotional tones of the other had
effectually dried her tears, but the softened expression remained, and
her voice had almost an humble intonation.

"I'll try. I know I am touchy, but I shan't mind so much now that you--
that you have explained! I think you have been very generous."

"All right," interrupted Thomasina briskly. "Don't gush. I loathe
gush. That's all right, then, and I'll tell the girls I was wrong just
now. They will all treat you decently if I tell them to; so behave
sensibly, and don't be a young jackass, and all will be well."

"I--er, I _beg_ your pardon!"

"Don't mention it!" Thomasina beamed amiably over her shoulder.
"Jackass, I said--don't be a jackass! The gong will ring in ten
minutes, so you'd better be off to your room. Pleased to have seen you!
Good afternoon. Come again another day!"

CHAPTER TEN.

HARD WORK.

From that day forward matters moved more smoothly for Rhoda. Dorothy
reported that Tom had returned to the house-parlour to explain her
regret at having misjudged a new-comer, and her desire that her
colleagues would second her effort to make Rhoda happy, and, as usual,
Tom's word was law. That very evening several of the girls took an
opportunity of exchanging friendly remarks with Rhoda, while at supper
an amount of attention was bestowed upon her plate which was positively
embarrassing. It was a delightful change, but through all the relief
rang the sting of remembering that it had been accomplished by
Thomasina, not herself; that the new friendliness was the result of
Thomasina's orders rather than her own deserts. To her fellow-students
she was still an insignificant new-comer, with no claim to distinction.
If she excelled in one subject, she was behind in the next, while at
games she was hopelessly ignorant. It was wormwood and gall to be
obliged to join the "Bantlings" at hockey, and be coached by a girl of
twelve; but Rhoda set her teeth and determined that if pluck and energy
could help, it would be a short time indeed before she got her reward.
Oh, those first few games, what unmitigated misery they were! The ankle
pads got in her way, and made her waddle like a duck, and when at last
she began to congratulate herself on overcoming the first difficulty,
they tripped