The result of the stand-off attitude on the part of the rest of the form was the cementing of a close friendship between Winona and Garnet.  It seemed natural for the holders of the two County Scholarships to become chums, also they found each other’s society congenial.  It marked a new epoch for Winona.  She had had few friends of her own age.  She had been the eldest pupil at Miss Harmon’s small school, and her sisters were so much younger than herself that their interests were on a different plane to her own.  Garnet, with her merry brown eyes, eager and enthusiastic nature, and amusing tongue, seemed a revelation.

The two girls spent every available moment together, and soon waxed confidential on the subject of their home affairs.

“We’re all named after precious stones,” said Garnet.  “Pearl, my eldest sister, is classics mistress at a school; Jacinthe is studying for a health visitor, Ruby is at a Horticultural College, and Beryl is secretary at a Settlement.  Aren’t there a lot of us?  All girls too, and not a single brother.  I’m the baby of the family!  I’d like to go to Holloway, if I can get a scholarship, but that remains to be seen.  Meanwhile two years at the High’s not so bad, is it?  I expect I’m going to enjoy it.  Aren’t you?”

“Yes—­perhaps.  If the rest of the form were nicer, I might.”

“Oh, they’ll come round!  We can’t expect them to take us to their bosoms straight off!  We’re goods on approval.”

“We’ve as much right here as they have!” grunted Winona.

“But they were here first, and of course that always counts for something.  We shall have to show that we’re worth our salt before we get any footing in the form.  The question is how best to do it.”

Winona shook her head.  It was beyond her comprehension.

“I had a few tips from Jacinthe,” ruminated Garnet.  “She was Captain the last year she was at school, so she ought to know.  You see, we’ve to steer between Scylla and Charybdis.  We mustn’t push ourselves forward too violently, or they’ll call us cheeky, but on the other hand, if we’re content to take a back seat, we may stay there for the rest of the term.  Comprenez vous?  It’s a matter of seizing one’s chance.  I’ve an idea floating about in my mind.  Do you happen to be anything extra special at singing, or reciting, or acting?”

“I haven’t had much practice at acting, but I can play the guitar.  Mummie taught me.  She lived in Spain for three years when she was a girl, and learnt there.”

“The very thing!  How perfectly splendid!  I play the mandoline myself, and the two go so well together.  Did you bring your guitar with you?”

“No.  I didn’t think I should have any time for it.”

“But you could write for it, couldn’t you?”

“Oh, yes!  Mummie would send it to me.”