The city of Dunningham was about thirty miles away from Seaton.  It was a big manufacturing city, with a highly flourishing modern university, which had lately come much to the fore, and had begun to make itself a reputation.  The three days’ examination was to be held in the University buildings, and all candidates were bound to present themselves there.  Miss Bishop had decided that the contingent of twelve from the Seaton High School should travel to Dunningham each morning by the early express, under the charge of Miss Lever, who would take them out for lunch, and escort them safely back to Seaton again in the evening.  The arrangement necessitated an early start, but nobody minded that.

The little party met at the railway station in quite bright spirits.  It was rather fun, all going to Dunningham together, and having a special compartment engaged for them on the train.  It was a difficult matter for thirteen people to cram into seats only intended for the accommodation of ten, but they preferred over-crowding to separation, and cheerfully took it in turns to sit on one another’s knees.

“It’s more like a beanfeast than the exam.!” laughed Mary Payne, handing round a packet of chocolates.  “I feel I absolutely don’t care!”

“I feel like a criminal on the road to execution!” groaned Helena Maitland.  “Usedn’t they to give the poor wretches anything they asked for?  Oh, yes, thanks!  I’ll have a chocolate by all means, but it’s crowning the victim with a garland of roses!”

“Rather mixed metaphors, my child!  If you don’t express yourself more clearly in your papers, I’m afraid you won’t satisfy the examiners!”

“I wonder who corrects the papers?” asked Freda Long.

“Oh! some snarling old dry-as-dust, probably, who’s anxious to get through the job as quickly as he can.  It must be a withering experience to go through thousands of papers.  Enough to pulverize your brains for the rest of your life!”

“I don’t mind the examiners’ brains.  It’s my own I’m anxious about.  If they’ll last me out these three days, I’ll be content to exist at a very low mental level afterwards!”

“Right you are!  Ditto this child!  I’m going to read nothing but the trashiest novels during the holidays!” announced Mary aggressively.

“And I’m not going to read at all!  I shall just lounge and play tennis,” added Hilda.

“Poor dears!  I used to feel like that, but one gets over it!” smiled Miss Lever.  “Don’t eat too many caramels, or you’ll be so thirsty in the exam room.  Malted milk tablets are the best thing; they’re sweet, but sustaining.  Plain chocolate is the next best.  I shall think of you all the whole morning.”

“You’ll have a lovely time gallivanting round Dunningham and shop-gazing, while we’re racking our brains!” said Garnet.  “We’re all envious!”

“Remember, I’ve had my purgatory before!” returned Miss Lever, laughing.  “You must allow me a good time in my old age!”