“Well, this is my idea.  You know next week there’s to be a big general meeting of the whole school to choose a Games Captain.  So far the games department here is rather in its infancy.  I’ve been making enquiries, and there isn’t such a thing as a form trophy.  There certainly ought to be, to spur on enthusiasm.  I’m going to pluck up my courage, tackle one or two members of the Sixth, and suggest that after the meeting we hold a sing-song, and take a collection to provide a form trophy.  I don’t believe anybody’s ever thought of it.”

“Ripping!  But what exactly is a sing-song?”

“Oh, just an informal concert.  I thought if you and I played the mandoline and guitar together, it would make a good item.  I see two of the prefects coming along over there, I believe I’ll go and ask them.”

“I admire your courage!”

Garnet returned in a few minutes, tolerably well satisfied with her mission.

“I believe the idea will catch on,” she announced.  “Of course I couldn’t expect them to say ‘yes’ immediately.  They were very cautious, and said they would put it to the form.  I’ve sown the seed at any rate, and we must wait for developments.”

Apparently Garnet’s proposition proved acceptable to the Sixth, for the very next day a notice was pinned on the board in the hall: 

        “There will be a General Meeting of the School on Tuesday,
        October 4th, at 3 p.m., for the purpose of electing a Games
        Captain.

        “The meeting will be followed by a Symposium, when a collection
        will be taken, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the
        purchase of a form trophy.

        “Performers kindly submit their names without delay to M.
        Howell, as the program is being made up.”

Garnet was one of the first to read the notice, and she started off at once to the Sixth Form room.  She sought out Winona on her return.

“So my little scheme’s come off!” she beamed.  “You bet the Sixth will take all the credit for evolving it, but I don’t care!  I’ve put our names down for a mandoline and guitar duet, and said we’d be ready to help with any accompaniments they like.  Meg Howell just jumped at that.  It seems Patricia Marshall and Clarice Nixon are going to sing a Christy Minstrel song, and she thought our instruments would add to the effect no end.  I tell you we shall score.  Did you write for your guitar?”

“Yes, I expect it will be sent off to-day.”

“Then we must begin and practice.  I’ve got a topping duet that’s quite easy.  Can you come home with me after school to-morrow for half an hour or so?  I know my cousins will be glad to see you.  Then we might try over one or two things, and see how they go.”

“It will be all right if I tell Aunt Harriet I shall be late,” agreed Winona.

The instrument arrived the same evening, so she was able to keep her promise to Garnet next day.  Fortunately they had only one class that afternoon, and were able to leave school at half-past three.  Garnet’s cousins lived within a short tramcar ride.  They were musical people, and sympathized with her project.  Garnet led Winona into the drawing-room, and began without waste of time.