Miss Fenler talked with them for a few moments, and then left them to
unpack their belongings, saying that later, when they felt rested, they
might come down to the reception hall and meet some of the girls who
would be their classmates during the year.

It was the custom, she said, for the pupils to meet for a social
half-hour before dinner, to talk over the happenings of the day, their
triumphs or failures in class-room, or at sports, or to tell what had
interested those who had been out for a tramp.

There had been an afternoon session that day for the purpose of choosing
from the list of non-compulsory studies.

"Usually," Miss Fenler explained, "the classes meet for recitations in
the forenoon only, the afternoons being reserved for study, and when
lessons were prepared, for recreation."

Miss Fenler left them, closing the door softly behind her.

Dorothy turned to look at Nancy.

"What do you think of her?" Nancy said, asking the question that she
knew was puzzling Dorothy.

After a second's thought Dorothy said:

"We shall get on with her, I believe, but I can't think Arabella or
Patricia would be very comfortable here. Really, they will be obliged to
study here, and Arabella won't want to, and I don't think Patricia
could. If they don't study, how can they remain?"