"A girl can't ride alone in Oxford--she'd be talked about at once!"

Lady Connie flushed mutinously.

"I could take a groom, Aunt Ellen!"

"Well, I don't approve of it," said Mrs. Hooper, in the half plaintive
tone of one who must speak although no one listens. "But of course your
uncle must decide."

"We'll talk it over, my dear Connie, we'll talk it over," said Dr.
Hooper cheerfully. "Now wouldn't you like Nora to show you to
your room?"

The girls went upstairs together, Nora leading the way.

"It's an awful squash in your room," said Nora abruptly. "I don't know
how you'll manage."

"My fault, I suppose, for bringing so many things! But where else could
I put them?"

Nora nodded gravely, as though considering the excuse. The newcomer
suddenly felt herself criticised by this odd schoolgirl and resented it.

The door of the spare-room was open, and the girls entered upon a scene
of chaos. Annette rose from her knees, showing a brick-red countenance
of wrath that strove in vain for any sort of dignity. And again that
look of distant laughter came into Lady Connie's eyes.