f quite a name in the neighborhood. The governors,
realizing that it was outgrowing its old premises, decided to erect
others, and had put up a handsome building in a good situation near the
Abbey. No sooner was the last tile laid on the roof, however, than war
broke out, and the new school was immediately commandeered by the
Government as a recruiting office, and it had been kept for that purpose
until after the Armistice.

The girls considered it a very great grievance to be obliged to remain
cramped so long in their old college. The foundation stone of the new
building had been laid by Queen Mary herself, and they thought the
Government might have fixed upon some other spot in which to conduct
business, instead of keeping them out of their proper quarters. All
things come to an end, however, even the circumlocution and delays of
Government offices, and by the beginning of the autumn term the removal
had been effected, and the ceremony arranged for the opening of the new
college. Naturally it was to be a great day. The Members of Parliament
for Grovebury, and the Mayor, and many other important people were to be
present, to say nothing of parents and visitors. The pupils, assembled
in the freshly color-washed dressing-rooms, greeted one another
excitedly.

"How do you like it?"

"Oh, it's topping!"

"Beats the old place hollow!"

"There's room to turn around here!"

"And the lockers are just A1."

"Have you seen the class-rooms?"

"Not yet."

"The gym's utterly perfect!"

"And so is the lab."

"Shame we've had to wait for it so long!"

"Never mind, we've got into it at last!"

Among the numbers of girls in the capacious dressing-rooms, Ingred also
hung up her hat and coat, and passed on into the long corridor. Like the
others she was excited, interested, even a little bewildered at the
unfamiliar surroundings. It seemed extraordinary not to know her way
about, and she seized joyfully upon Nora Clifford, who by virtue of ten
minutes' experience could act cicerone.

"We're to be in VA.," Nora assured her. "All our old set, that is, except
Connie Lord and Gladys Roper and Meg Mason. I've just met Miss Strong,
and she told me. She's moved up with us, and there's a new mistress for
VB. Haven't seen her yet, but they say she's nice, though I'd rather
stick to Miss Strong, wouldn't you?"

"I don't know," temporized Ingred, screwing her mouth into a button.

"Oh, of course! I forgot! You're not a 'Strong