In her new capacity of prefect, Garnet proved a success.  She was as enthusiastic over the “bookish” side of the school as Winona over the athletic department.  She was President of the Literary Association, a member of the Debating Club Committee, and head librarian.  The school library had grown and prospered exceedingly since its installation by Margaret Howell.  It now numbered nearly five hundred volumes, and its shelves almost filled the Prefects’ Room.  Garnet managed it systematically.  She had special hours at which books were issued, and assistants whose business it was to be on duty at the specified times.

Among other improvements in the school welcomed by the girls was the advent of a fresh drilling mistress, and some new apparatus for gymnastics.  Under Miss Barbour, “Gym” became highly popular, and it was felt that an athletic display would probably be held at Christmas.  This was something to work for, and every one seemed much keener than formerly.  Winona was naturally an enthusiast, and tried to keep others up to the mark.  She had once seen an “Assault-at-Arms” at Percy’s college, and the memory of it made her long for the Seaton High School to have a similar opportunity of showing its prowess.  She and a select circle of friends practiced whenever possible.  Altogether among the various athletic activities of the school, Captain Winona promised herself a very enjoyable year in the Sixth Form.

CHAPTER XIII

The Hostel

Aunt Harriet had intended to return home towards the end of September, but her health continued so unsatisfactory that her doctor ordered her to Harrogate to drink the waters, and advised a long period of rest and change before again taking up the many occupations with which she busied herself in Seaton.  Miss Beach was a restive patient, and Dr. Sidwell knew that if he once allowed her to be within reach of committees, she would plunge herself into work, while to keep away from the scenes of her former activity was her only chance of recovery.

The house in Abbey Close was still shut up, and Winona for the present term was established at the Hostel.  On the whole she liked it.  She missed certain things, particularly her own bedroom, and the quiet dining-room where she had been accustomed to prepare her lessons, but life in a community had its compensations.  It was a nuisance to have to sleep in the same dormitory with Betty Carlisle, who snored offensively, but, on the other hand, Winona’s cubicle was next to the window, with the little balcony that overlooked the park, and every morning she could watch an aeroplane hovering and flitting like a beautiful dragon-fly over the city.  Seaton possessed a Government aircraft factory, and each finished machine had to be carefully tested.  All the girls in the school were extremely interested in the exploits of Lieutenant Mainwaring, a member of the Flying Corps, who might constantly