All the necessary preparations were speedily made, and so it was that Edith became one

in Mrs. Kingby's "Establishment for Young Ladies."

147

CHAPTER II.

EDITH spent the Easter holidays entirely in study, her talent did not lie in quickness; she was slow in learning, and if it had not been for her unwearying perseverance she would have had no chance against Clara: but there is a proverb which says "slow and sure," and so it was with Edith, for up to this time she was quite even with Clara. So while Clara was reading novels, half forgetting the prize, Edith was working hard and still keeping it in view; the consequence was, that when they all returned to their studies Clara found it wonderfully difficult to begin to learn again. She had not so much interest in the prize as she had before, and she regretted her novels very much. She began to feel ennui at school, and to look forward eagerly to the

holidays. Mabel was inconsolable at the dulness of the school, and declared she must have some books to amuse her: in vain the older pupils assured her that novels were not allowed, and that Marianne Mash, who had brought some with her to school, had had them taken away from her to be kept till she went home again, for Mrs. Kingby knew that exciting other interests weakened those of the school. However Mabel formed a little clique of novel readers, and they determined at all hazards to get books from the library. Clara formed one of this clique, for, though she was still determined to get the prize, yet she could not deny herself the pleasure of the novels; and argued with herself that she would only read them in her spare hours, and that they should never distract her attention from her lessons.

Then there arose great consultations amongst this little clique as to how they could procure

the books. To ask for them openly themselves was out of the question; they knew perfectly well it would not be allowed, and neither Miss Ryland nor the young governess would assist them now, so they were thrown entirely on their own resources. What could they do? they proceeded to bribery and corruption. It happened in this manner: during one of their consultations a member of the little clique suggested that they must get the books through one of the servants.

Then another said, "Well then, Clara, you must ask Ann, you know you were always such a favourite of hers."

"Ah! but she 'll never do it, if you don't give her some money," said the worldly-minded Mabel. So they raised a small subscription, partly for Ann, and partly for the books.

Clara was very unwilling to take this office upon her, but as they all declared that she was "Ann's greatest favourite," she was compelled to

do it. So Ann was bribed, and she brought them books, which they devoured, and then sent back again to obtain more. This went on for some time undiscovered, but Clara's lessons, instead of being over-perfect, as it were, were now barely perfect enough to obtain the sufficient quantity of marks. So that, instead of feeling confident of success, as she always had done before during every class, she felt excessively uneasy, and inwardly declared she would give up novel-reading for the future; but when the class was over, and she found the tickets all right, the good resolution dissolved into air, and she was again the foremost in the pursuit of the forbidden books.

One beautiful afternoon, it was a half holiday, all the pupils were in the garden, some playing, some walking, some gardening, but none reading; for, as it was not yet quite warm, reading in the garden was forbidden, as Mrs. Kingby feared that by sitting or walking slowly her pupils might catch cold.