invitation to have tea with Marion on Saturday
afternoon.

"I've asked my two cousins," said her chum, "that will just make four of
us, and we'll play that new game of cards I learnt at the Graingers'.
It's absolutely priceless. We screamed over it. I never had such fun in
my life. You'll be _sure_ to come? Don't go and get a cold or a
toothache or anything stupid."

"Rather not! You'll see me turning up on Saturday whatever happens."

Lesbia was really looking forward to the visit. It seemed some slight
compensation for missing the theatre. Moreover, she always enjoyed
herself at the Morwoods' house. On Wednesday Calla greeted her in the
cloakroom and drew her aside.

"Doing anything on Saturday afternoon, old sport?" she asked
confidentially.

"Yes, I'm going out to tea."

"Oh, what a pity! Can't you put it off?"

"I'm afraid not. Why?"

"Well, we've got a ticket to spare for the _matinee_, and I was going to
ask you to come with us."

"_The Merchant of Venice?_" gasped Lesbia.

Calla nodded.

"Can't you wangle it?" she urged.

"I'd give everything I possess. But I promised _faithfully_ to go to
tea. I shall give frightful offence if I scoot off to the theatre
instead. In fact, it can't be done."

"N-n-o, I suppose not," admitted Calla regretfully. "I'm sorry though."

"You can't be sorrier than I am," sighed Lesbia, going upstairs to her
form room.

At eleven o'clock, as she was eating her lunch in the gymnasium Marion
rushed up to her.

"Oh, Lesbia," she said excitedly, "should you mind very much coming to
tea the week after instead of next Saturday? Would it make any
difference to you?"

"Not a scrap," answered Lesbia, clutching at the opportunity. "It would
suit me quite as well if it suits you. Shall we arrange it that way,
then?"

"Yes, please, if you really don't mind. Thanks ever so much!"

And Marion fled away without further explanation.

Lesbia congratulated herself upon having got out of her engagement so
easily. She would be able now to accept Calla's invitation and go to
_The Merchant of Venice_. The thought of it almost set her dancing. She
went in search of Calla at once, but could not find her before the bell
rang for botany class. As soon as school was over she took her aside and
broached the delightful subject. Calla's face fell.

"Oh, Lesbia, I'm so sorry!" she explained. "You said you couldn't come,
and I've asked Marion now."

"Marion?"

"Yes!"

"Why, it was Mar