Meade L. T. - The Girls of St. Wode's стр 28.

No: I came here to study literature, replied Leslie.

In that case you wont have anything to do with Miss Frere. Miss Maple is the tutor who will look after you and arrange your lectures. I will just speak to Miss Frere. Oh, come

with me if you like; we can both speak to her.

Jane Heriot slipped her hand through Leslies arm, drew her up the room to where Miss Frere was talking to a number of students, and then touched the tutor on the arm.

Ah, my dear, said Miss Frere, turning to Leslie, you would like to have a little talk with me?

But, please, Miss Frere, interrupted Jane, Miss Gilroy has just told me that she is going to study literature.

In that case I am not the tutor who will have to look after you, replied Miss Frere. Shall I introduce you to Miss Maple now, or will you wait until the morning?

Do wait until the morning, said Jane. I am dying to show you my room; and afterwards you must come to hall. You wont, of course, take part in the debate to-night, but you can look on and find out how far you are likely to enjoy yourself amongst us.

With so many temptations, I think I will wait to be introduced to Miss Maple until to-morrow, said Leslie.

I think you are acting wisely, said Miss Frere; and remember, if you want anything at any time, I shall be very glad to help you. I will speak to Miss Maple about you, and she will see you after prayers to-morrow.

Leslie and Jane Heriot left the dining hall together. Annie Colchester had long since departed.

Ought I not to go to her? said Leslie; she may think it rude.

Rude? cried Jane with a laugh. Annie think it rude to be left alone? She is hard at work at her studies already. Let me tell you, you will be in luck if you get into that room at all to-night, for one of her unpleasant habits is to lock the door, then she goes to bed without thinking anything more about it. Alice Hall, her last roomfellow, was once kept out of the room all night in consequence of Annies behavior. Poor Alice had to share my sofa-bed, and, I assure you, it was a tight fit.

In that case would it not be wise for me to run up immediately and remove the key?

Jane Heriot laughed again.

Excellent, she said; and Annie will never miss it. She is the most eccentric creature I ever met. Her brown-studies are too wonderful. We all laugh at her, but we all like her, for she really is a good old thing, although such an oddity. Well, Ill come with you, for my room is in the same corridor. Let us go at once. There are two or three friends who are certain to come and see me to-night, and I should like to introduce you to them.

Just as the two girls were about to ascend the stairs they met Eileen and Marjorie, who, arm in arm, were looking at the regulation board. As soon as they saw Leslie they turned to speak to her.

I hope you are comfortable, Miss Gilroy? said Marjorie. We are very.

Please introduce me, Miss Gilroy, said Jane Heriot, touching Leslie on her sleeve.

Leslie did what was required.

You dont know anybody here yet, do you? asked Jane, turning to Eileen.

No, replied Eileen; one or two girls spoke to us at dinner, but

In that case you had better come and join my party, said Jane. The girls will call on you to-morrow evening, so you must be at home; but they will not do so to-night, as it is the first night of term. Do come, both of you. Miss Gilroy is coming, and we shall make quite a cozy party.

Eileen and Marjorie said they would be delighted to comply, and the girls went upstairs side by side. Leslie went to her own room, secured the key, slipped it into her pocket, and joined the rest on the threshold of Janes room.

Jane Heriot happened to have one of the prettiest and most tastefully arranged rooms in North Hall. It was a corner room, and had queer little nooks and crannies in all sorts of unexpected places. It was papered with a very artistic paper, and had a deep dado, which Jane herself had painted, with a running pattern of wild flowers and birds. Some good photogravures of pictures by Burne-Jones and Watts hung upon the walls, the curtains were of Liberty silk, the floor was covered with a self-colored drugget, the bed was turned into a tastefully arranged sofa and the chest of drawers was rendered unique and graceful by a piano cloth concealing its back. The screen which hid the washing apparatus was a Liberty one, and very pretty. A bright little fire burned in the grate, which was agreeable, as the evening was somewhat chilly. One of the windows stood slightly open, and the room was full of fresh air without draught.

We must all go down to debate within an hour, said Jane; and then I hope you will return to my room, girls, for cocoa. I am giving a cocoa party to-night, you know.

How delightful! said Leslie. How pleasant everything seems to be!

When did you say the debate would begin? asked Eileen.

Within an hour.

Then you have time first to tell us something

of your college life.

I can do so if you like. We have a great deal of liberty here; and, provided we dont break the rules, we are not likely to get into hot water. The studious girls work as a rule in the morning, play games in the afternoon, and work again after dinner, until whatever hour they wish to go to bed. We are all expected to be in bed soon after midnight, and no one is allowed to be outside the gates after half-past ten, unless special leave is given. By the way, do you know any people in Wingfield, Miss Gilroy?