k she played her part? As far as I can judge
she didn't seem to put any life into it. You meant the Princess to be a
sharp, cunning woman of the world, didn't you?'

'No, not exactly; but I agree with you that Olive didn't put life into
it.'

'Well, anyhow, the play was a great success, and you got, dear Alice,
the handsomest prize that has ever been given in the school.'

'And how do you think I did the King? Did I make him look like a man? I
tried to walk just as Fred Scully does when he goes down to the
stables.'

'You did the part very well, May; but I think I should like him to have
been more sentimental.'

'I don't think men are sentimental--at least, not as you think they are.
I tried to copy Fred Scully.'

'My part was a mere nothing. You must write me a something, Alice, one
of these days--a coquettish girl, you know, who could twist a man round
her fingers. A lot of _bavardage_ in it.'

'I suppose you'll never be able to speak English again, now you've got
the prize for French conversation.'

'Sour grapes! You would like to have got it yourself. I worked hard for
it. I was determined to get it, for ma says it is of great advantage in
society for a girl to speak French well.'

'Jealous! I should like to know why I should be jealous. Of what? I got
all I tried for. Besides, the truth about your French prize is that you
may consider yourself very fortunate, for if' (she mentioned the name of
one of her schoolfellows) 'hadn't been so shy and timid, you'd have come
off second best.'

The rudeness of this retort drew a sharp answer from Violet; and then,
in turn, but more often simultaneously, the girls discussed the justice
of the distribution. The names of an infinite number of girls were
mentioned; but when, in the babbling flow of convent-gossip, a favourite
nun was spoken of, one of the chatterers would sigh, and for a moment be
silent.

The violet waters of the bay had darkened, and, like the separating
banners of a homeward-moving procession, the colours of the sky went
east and west. The girdle of rubies had melted, had become the pale red
lining of a falling mantle; the large spaces of gold grew dim; orange
and yellow streamers blended; lilac and blue pennons faded to deep
greys; dark hoods and dark veils were drawn closer; purple was gathered
like garments about the loins; the night fell, and the sky, now
decorated with a crescent moon and a few stars, was filled with
stillness and adoration