hite, but their distribution called forth a storm of
indignant comment.

"I'm actually put with Tattie Clegg and Jess Paget!"

"And I'm boxed up with Dorothy, and Nora Haddon, and Glynne Hamilton!"

"Why, we're all mixed up with the kids!"

"Look here, you know, we can't stand this kind of thing!"

"Somebody had better go to Miss Todd!"

"It's no use; I've just been," said Loveday Seton, joining the group of
malcontents. "We had it all out in the study, and she listened quite
kindly and politely, but she was firm as nails. She says it's an
experiment for the sake of good tone, and she hopes it will work well.
We seniors are sandwiched up with intermediates and juniors so that our
influence may permeate through the school."

The five listeners groaned.

"Couldn't we permeate enough during the daytime?" sniffed Ida. "I don't
see what influence I can have while I'm asleep. I call it a jolly
nuisance to be saddled with three kids in one's room."

"Of course you have your curtains."

"What's the use of curtains? A cubicle's only semi-private after all.
What it means is that we seniors are always on duty policing those
juniors. What a life!"

"Where are you put, Loveday?" asked Geraldine.

"In the little ivy room upstairs. There are two beds, and I'm to act
mentor to this new American girl who's just arrived."

"Poor you! What's she like?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen her yet, but I wish she were at Jericho."

In a decidedly ruffled frame of mind, Loveday passed along the landing,
and climbed the stairs that led to the ivy room. She found her room-mate
already in possession, and with her belongings half-unpacked. Photos
adorned her dressing-table, a large American flag draped the mirror, and
her bed was spread with odds and ends. She smiled broadly as Loveday
entered.

"So here you are!" she greeted her. "Goody! What a relief! I've been
worrying about what you'd be like, and just praying you wouldn't have
spectacles and talk with a lisp. Miss Todd gave me to understand you
were a peach, and I might think myself in luck to room with you, but you
never can trust head mistresses till you see for yourself. She's told me
the truth, though, after all. Yes, I like you right straight away, and I
always make up my mind about people, slap bang off at once."

Loveday stared in surprise at the impetuous little figure kneeling
beside the big trunk. Diana's dark-grey eyes shone like stars, her oval
face, if not exact