Nancy half turned to go, then came back.

"You are going to unpack by and by, aren't you?" she asked.

"Oh, yes, when I get back to my room."

"Perhaps you ought to know beforehand; the girls will be coming to
call."

Priscilla raised her eyes.

"What girls?" she asked, alarm in her tone.

"Oh, most of the students in your corridor. They always call on a
fresher the first night in her room. You need not bother yourself
about them; they'll just talk for a little while and then go away.
What is the matter, Miss Peel? Maggie has told me your name, you see."

"What you tell me sounds so very-- very formal."

"But it isn't-- not really. Shall I come and help you to entertain
them?"

"I wish----" began Priscilla. She hesitated; the words seemed to stick
in her throat.

"What did you say?" Nancy bent forward a little impatiently.

"I wish-- yes, do come," with a violent effort.