"Oh, nonsense!" said Miss Marsh; "St. Benet's was made for sociability
as well as study, and I have no patience with the students who don't
try to combine the two. By the way," she added, turning round and
speaking in a rather impertinent voice to Priscilla, "I sent you a
message to say I was going down to Kingsdene this afternoon and would
be happy to take you with me if you would care to visit Spilman's."

"Thank you," said Priscilla, "I got your note just too late to answer
it. I was going to speak to you about it," she added.

"Then you would have come?"

Priscilla's face grew very red.

"No, I should not have come."

It was Miss Marsh's turn to get red.

"Come! Annie," she exclaimed, turning to Miss Day, "we had better
waste no more time here. Miss Banister, we'll see you presently, won't
we? Good night, Miss Peel. Perhaps you don't mind my saying something
very frank?"

"I do," said Priscilla, "but that won't prevent your saying it, will
it?"

"I don't think it will. After you have been at St. Benet's a little
longer you will know that we not only appreciate cleverness and
studious ways, but also obliging and sociable and friendly manners;
and-- and-- pretty rooms-- rooms with easy-chairs, and comfortable