We'll have time to do some unpacking before tea, if they've carried up our boxes." The hostel was a separate house, built at the opposite side of the school playground.

It could accommodate thirty girls, and twenty-six were already entered on its register.

After a brief peep into the attractive dining-hall, and an equally pleasant-looking boarders' sitting-room, the three girls went upstairs to a dormitory marked 2.
They found Ingred already at work on her task of unpacking, putting clothes away in drawers, and spreading the shelf that served as a dressing-table with an assortment of photos, books, and toilet requisites.

She looked rather in the dumps, but it was impossible for anybody to remain gloomy when in the presence of such lively spirits as Nora and Verity, and by the time the gong sounded for tea she had cheered up, and was sitting on her bed discussing school news.
[Illustration: "LET'S CALL OURSELVES THE FOURSOME LEAGUE."] "Look here!" said Verity.

"If we want to have a jolly term we four must stick together.