a large private allowance. Father has
always said so. Hereward will need to be helped all his life, instead
of being able to help the family as an eldest son should do ... He
could go into business."

"Oh, Dreda dear! You, who are so sympathetic and kind-hearted. Think
of the terrible disappointment! There always has been a soldier in the
family."

"The family has always been rich. Of course I don't want him to be
disappointed. I don't want _anyone_ to be disappointed," declared Dreda
with an emphasis which brought the colour into her mother's thin cheeks.
"I suppose I can go to Madame Clerc's at Easter, just the same?"

"I--I am afraid ... Madame Clerc's is a very expensive school, darling.
I am afraid it is out of the question! We will do all we can for you.
That is one of the principal things which we have had on our minds the
last week, and I trust--I believe we have made satisfactory
arrangements. Miss Bruce does not feel able to give you finishing
lessons, but Mrs Webster, of Swithin, tells me that she is quite
satisfied with the school to which she has sent her three daughters.
The education is all that could be desired, and the fees much more
moderate than Madame Clerc's. We should see more of you, too, darling,
for you would be able to come home for the exeats in the middle of the
term--"

"Mother! What are you saying? You can't possibly be in earnest.
Please, please don't frighten me! It's a hateful school. I have always
looked down upon it and detested it, and thanked goodness _I_ should
never have to go to it!"

Dreda's face was aflame with colour; her eyes had widened until they
looked about twice their natural size, in her voice there sounded a
quiver of so real a distress that the mother flushed painfully in
response.

"Dear! why be so prejudiced? It may not be so fashionable a school as
Madame Clerc's, but it is admirable in every way, and you will meet
friends there whom you already know--the Websters..."

"Know them! We don't! We have met now and then, but we always
determine not to know them. We christened them `The Currant Buns,' and
hated them from the first moment. Round, white faces and little
curranty eyes!"

"Dreda! Dreda! What has appearance to do with it? You confess
yourself that you are prejudiced, so you cannot possibly judge... They
are said to be clever and industrious, and exceptionally well brought
up, but there will be other girls, plenty of other gi