e. I
expect you to grasp the inner meaning. Now the _real_ answer to this
question is that there can be no answer! To a perceptive mind it would
be impossible to reply without further information. It entirely depends
on how the paper is cut out, and the amount of waste incurred in
matching the pattern!"

The girls shrieked aloud in mingled protest and delight. It was too
bad; it was ripping, it was mean; it was killing; they all spoke
together and at the pitch of their voices, and alternately abused and
applauded until they were tired. The _denouement_ had taken them by
surprise, though in truth they knew their Head too well to have taken
the examination seriously. When Tom played schoolmistress there was
bound to be a joke in ambush, and they settled down to question number
two with minds alert for a trap.

"We will now, young ladies, take an excursion into the realms of
Literature, and test your insight into human nature. I will ask you, if
you please, to compare the respective characters of Alfred the Great and
Miss Charlotte Yonge--`Jo March' and Joseph Chamberlain--four great,
and, it will be obvious to all, strongly-defined personalities. I shall
be interested to hear your distinctions!"

It appeared, however, as if there would be little to interest, for most
of the girls stared blankly into space, as if powerless to tackle such a
subject. Rhoda was one of the few exceptions, and scribbled unceasingly
with a complacent sense of being on her own ground until the limit of
time was reached. Tom had evidently noticed her diligence, for she
called out a peremptory, "Rhoda, read aloud your answer!" which was
flattering, if at the same time slightly alarming.

"Ahem--er--er--in the historical character of Alfred the Great we find
combined the characteristics of courage and simplicity. He waged a long
and unequal fight, and was equally inspired by failures or success.

"In the person of Miss Charlotte Yonge we discover the same virtues, but
in a softer and more feminine mould. Her heroes are for the most part
refined and cultivated young men, actuated by the highest motives--"

"Stop! Stop!" screamed Thomasina desperately. "For pity sake spare us
the rest. Such deadly propriety I never encountered! It reminds me of
the Fairchild family at their very worst. If _that's_ the sort of thing
you are going to write, Rhoda, I pity the poor examiners. And what do
you mean by Alfred fighting? He was a most