p each other to keep rules," said Hilda Browne
quickly and tactfully. "I'm sure none of us like cheating, and that
we'd every one be willing to promise to be absolutely square in our
work, and in games and everything. Shout 'Aye!' those who agree."

Eighteen voices were raised in unison, Annie's, Millicent's, and
Minna's among the heartiest.

"Carried unanimously!" said Hilda, with a sigh of satisfaction.

"Now the matter's thrashed out, let's talk about tennis," said Edith
Arnold. "Do you know, Gwen Gascoyne, that you were elected one of our
Form champions?"

"Oh! oh!" gasped Gwen.

"Yes, you and Hilda Browne were the pair chosen, and we look to you
both to win the trophy."

"You take net, then, Hilda, and I'll take back," suggested Gwen.

"Netta was certainly very good at back-balls," began Minna Jennings,
but Elspeth Frazer struck in immediately:

"Let us please agree that Netta Goodwin's name is not mentioned again
in this Form. She's best forgotten. I think Hilda and Gwen will work
together splendidly. They must practise as much as they can before
Friday."

Thus forgiven and reinstated both by Miss Roscoe and the Form, Gwen
felt she had at last started quite anew, with her bygones to be
remembered only as danger signals for the future. Her elevation to the
proud position of Form champion half elated and half weighed her down.
It was an enormous responsibility to have to compete for the trophy,
and she hoped her play would justify the girls' choice. Friday
afternoon was to be given up to the match, the Forms allowed to take
part being the Sixth, the Fifth, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Fourth,
handicaps, of course, being arranged by the Committee. The event was
one of the chief excitements of the term, and when Friday arrived the
whole school turned out to act audience. The Fifth was drawn to play
first with the Lower Fourth, and in spite of a heavy handicap scored
an easy victory.

"Not much triumph in beating those kids," remarked Gwen. "They're
simply not in the running."

"Our trials are all to come," agreed Hilda. "We're against the Upper
Fourth now, and if we beat them, then we may expect our tussle with
the Sixth."

"I'm shaking in my shoes already!"

"Don't make too sure; the Upper Fourth are better than the Lower, and
need taking seriously. We may lose on this."

"I think the handicap's too big," grumbled Gwen.

As Hilda had prophesied, the Upper Fourth proved adversaries worthy of
their