n order. On the
following Thursday she turned up as usual at about a quarter to nine,
and found, to her surprise, that Patsie and Audrey had already taken off
their hats, and were tidying their hair in front of the mirror.

"_You_ here! Wonders will never cease! What's brought you out so early?
Dear me, there's a large amount of titivating going on! Is all that for
Miss Turner's benefit?"

Patsie deliberately fluffed out her hair, twisted a kiss-curl round her
finger, and readjusted her slide before she answered:

"Haven't you heard the news?" she said abstractedly, pushing aside
Audrey, who was trying to edge her from the mirror.

"What news?"

"Miss Kingsley's trying a new venture. I think you'll get a surprise
when you go into our class-room!"

"Of course some boys' schools have really had to be given up for lack of
masters, so what else can be done while the war's on?" added Audrey.

"What d'you mean?"

"I won't exactly tell you, but I can give you a hint. Look over there!"
and Patsie nodded in the direction of the window.

Hanging on hooks were two boys' overcoats and caps. Vivien gazed at them
as if thunderstruck.

"Not co-education!" she gasped.

"I don't know what you call it," said Audrey, "but I think it will be
rather a stunt. Come along, Patsie, and have first innings!"

As the chums ran from the room, Vivien hurriedly buttoned her shoes and
tore after them.

"Where are they?" she asked excitedly, catching Audrey by the arm,
"What are their names?"

"I don't know any more than yourself yet."

"We'll soon find out," volunteered Patsie flinging open the door of the
Sixth Form room.

An unusual spectacle certainly greeted them: unusual at any rate in a
ladies' school. Sitting on the desks with their backs to the door were
two masculine figures, engaged in the pleasing occupation of pelting
each other with exercise-books.

Apparently they did not hear the girls' entrance, for they continued
their conversation.

"Rather a blossomy stunt to be here!"

"Great Judkins, yes! Guess we'll make things hum! I'm nuts on the
girls!"

"Hope they're a decent-looking set!"

"Oh, right enough on the whole! But, old chap, let me tell you there's
one--her name's Vivien----"

Here, to prevent awkward revelations, Vivien interrupted with a
judicious cough. The long, trouser-clad legs slid from the desks, and
the two manly voices ejaculated:

"Hallo! Our new school mates! How d'ye do?"

"Charmed to