She looked clever!" Winona had spent the preceding night with Aunt Harriet, who offered to keep her until the result of the examination should be published, but the prospect of spending a week of suspense at Abbey Close was so formidable, that she had begged to be allowed to return home, excusing herself on the plea that she would like to be with Percy during the remainder of his holidays.

It was a very subdued Winona who reached Highfield next afternoon.
"Hello, Tiddleywinks! You've lost the starch out of you!" Percy greeted her.

"Did they say they wouldn't have you at any price ?" "The result won't be out till the fifteenth, but I expect I've failed," answered Winona gloomily.
"Buck up, young 'un! Look at yours truly! I fail nine times out of ten, and do I take it to heart ?" Winona laughed in spite of herself.

Percy's complacency over small achievements was proverbial.

But she had higher ambitions, and the cloud of depression soon settled down again.