le gymnastic class
will open the display by an exhibition of step-marching.' This was
received with average interest, for it sounded like one of the ordinary
gymnastic lessons, and had nothing to do with the competition. Miss
Burleigh waited for the murmur of comments to subside, and went on.
'Then the thirty-two girls chosen to compete for the prize will separate
into two divisions; and the senior division, led by Margaret Hulme, will
perform the following exercises:--'

Miss Burleigh paused again, but there were no comments this time.

'First, wand exercises by the whole senior division; then a display on the
horizontal bar, to be followed by one on the vaulting-horse,--competitors
to choose between the bar and the horse,--and the whole to conclude
with high jump. After tea, I will show you the exercises chosen for
competition, and will help you to divide yourselves into sections.'

The buzz of remarks from the senior division lasted almost long enough
to shake the loyalty of the younger children to the head girl; and they
cast many reproachful glances towards the further end of the gymnasium,
where Margaret formed the centre of an eager, chattering group. Then
Hurly-Burly took pity on them and called for silence again, and the
juniors had their chance at last.

'The junior division, led by Charlotte Bigley, will go through the
following exercises:--' began Miss Burleigh. She did not mean to pause
here, but a storm of remonstrance from the junior division drowned her
next words.

'Did you _ever_!' cried the shrill voice of Angela Wilkins, who, with Jean
and Barbara, sat perched on the top of the vaulting-horse.

'Why doesn't Jean lead?' added Babs, indignantly.

'I say, please don't! I'm not nearly so good as you are,' contradicted
Jean, in a faint tone that lacked conviction.

'Can't you be quiet, you three?' grumbled Mary Wells, who had a prejudice
against the triumvirate, founded on many injuries. 'As if anybody could
lead better than Charlotte! The impudence of _some_ kids----'

'Hush-sh!' interposed the audience generally, and Miss Burleigh struggled
on.

'First, Indian clubs for the whole section. After that----'

'Jean--for certain!' interrupted Barbara, nodding. 'She bangs every one
at clubs!'

'There you go again!' said the injured voice of Mary Wells. 'Everybody
knows that Charlotte----'

'Oh, stop it!' said Charlotte herself; and temporary peace was restored.

'After that,' continued Hurly-