The Foursome League had not yet earned distinction, chiefly owing to lapses on the part of Fil, and Nora's incorrigible love of talking in season and out of season.

One week, however, after a really heroic series of efforts, they succeeded in establishing a record, and sat perking themselves at dinner-time when Mrs.Best read out the score.
"We've not had you on the boards before," said Susie Wakefield, one of the Sixth, as the girls filed from the room when the meal was over; "we're all expecting something extra tiptop and thrillsome, so play up!" "Hope we shan't let you down!" replied Ingred.

"Please don't expect too much, or you mayn't get it!" Dormitory 2 held a hurried conclave before afternoon school.
"It's a great stunt!" rejoiced Nora.
"What _are_ we to act ?" fluttered Fil.
"Especially when we've to play up!" twittered Verity.
"What silly idiots we were not to plan it all out beforehand! But I really never dreamt we'd ever get the chance!" "No more did I," said Ingred, sitting with her head in her hands, considering.

"On the whole, it doesn't matter.

Sometimes a quite impromptu thing goes off best.