Page:The principal girl (IA principalgirl00snai).pdf/254

 must be pals in everything. Wherever he went and whatever he did, she must be at his side—that is, if he wanted her, and she was quite sure he did.

As became a very practical-minded young woman, she soon came to grips with this important subject. It was one day after lunch, while the world was still seeming a truly magnificent place to be in, and life still appeared a truly noble and glorious invention.

"Phil-ipp, there is only one cloud so far."

"What is it, old girl?"

"I want to ride, Phil-ipp, and I don't know how. I think I shall learn. Come with me and order a habit, although at a really economical shop, because I'm not earning no money and I've broken all my contracts and this is going to be a dreadful Expense."

Philip was delighted and praised her pluck; but, in strict confidence, young ladies of Newnham and Girton, she didn't exactly overflow with that valuable commodity when she made her début a week later at the school. Her second and third appearances were hardly more inspiring; indeed, she had never felt so uncomfortable, so nervous, so hopelessly incompetent in the whole course of a life which had been a brilliant success so far. But she stuck to her resolve with the whole-hearted determination that goes with her type of countenance; and ere long virtue began to reap its reward.

It was a very proud moment when, after several