your helmet, like they
did in the Middle Ages."

"That was part of it, but Mother says real chivalry is for everybody,
for girls as well as boys, and we can practise it nowadays, because it
simply means refusing to profit by anyone else's weakness. The knights
in olden times were bound by their vows of knighthood to defend all who
couldn't protect themselves, and--oh, dear! I can't explain myself
properly, but don't you see that, when poor Miss Webb was so stupid and
helpless, we were bound to behave well and learn our lessons, simply
because she wasn't strong enough to make us on her own account, and it
was so cowardly to take advantage of her? That would have been
chivalry."

"I think I understand," said Aldred, staring hard at the fire.

"Yes, I knew you would, though the others don't in the least, I'm
afraid. I'm glad to say they're a little ashamed of themselves, though,
and they're quite nice to Miss Webb now. By the by, we've started a
subscription in the Form, to make her a present before she goes. You'd
like to give something, wouldn't you?"

"Very much indeed. Please put my name down for ten shillings."

"A whole half-sovereign! How generous you are! Most of us have only
given half-crowns. We shall have twenty-five shillings now, and that
ought to buy something really nice. Miss Drummond has promised to get it
for us in Chetbourne. We don't know whether to choose a russia leather
writing-case or a silver-topped, cut-glass scent bottle. I think you
ought to have the casting vote, as you're giving so much more than
anyone else."

"No; you settle it with the rest of the Form. I don't mind which, but it
must be what the others like best."

"Well, I'll tell the girls what you say. I must go now, because Miss
Drummond said I mustn't stay more than half an hour."

"Here are my keys," said Aldred. "If you'll unlock the workbox on my
dressing-table, you'll find the half-sovereign in the lid. I can't go
downstairs myself to fetch it."

"All right. I shall put your name first on the list."

"Oh, please don't! I'd rather have it last of all, if you don't mind."

[Illustration: "'I THINK I UNDERSTAND,' SAID ALDRED"]

The half-sovereign was conscience money, Aldred reflected sadly, as she
returned to the fireside after bidding her friend good-bye. There was
neither real pleasure nor merit in her gift, only a wish to make
expiation for a fault that she dared not openly confess. She was like
the Norman barons