“I suppose things _would_ be in a muddle,” said Margot frankly; “but,” with her chin still held high, “mother will expect----”
“I don’t think so,” remarked Miss Read, forestalling her; “because Miss Slater understands very well indeed how the girls’ mothers feel, and she has made arrangements that they should not be anxious. A post card has been sent already to your mother--as to the parents of every one of the girls--to say that you have arrived safely, and that you will all write yourselves on Sunday.”
“Then she _will_ understand!” broke in Margot. “Oh, that’s all right then, but I’d have liked to have written myself.”
“Well”--Miss Read frankly showed her amusement now--“it’s a very good thing, Margot, that the post card was _not_ left to you to send, for the last post went before tea, and any letter sent now would not arrive in York before to-morrow evening.”
“I’m sorry,” said Margot, smiling too. “You don’t mind me not understanding, do you? I’m not used to schools, you see.”
“I don’t see how you _can_ understand the rules all at once, as you’re only twelve, you know,” remarked Miss Read cheerfully, “but we’ll be quite satisfied if you’ll just obey them, and make up your mind that they’ll have to be understood gradually. You’ll find that’s the best way to set to work.”
“All right, I’ll try,” Margot sighed. “How many have I broken already? I’ll do my best; really, I will.”
“Then please remember that in my absence the head girl’s orders must be obeyed--she takes my place, you see--also, one of nurse’s rules is that the dormitories are not to be visited by girls without leave except at certain times. Helen told you that, you’ll remember. It will be to your own interest, you know, to remember these things; a number of people can’t live together without making certain arrangements so that the wheels run smoothly. In schools these arrangements are called ‘rules.’ You’ll get used to things very soon.”
“I feel more used to them now, I think,” said Margot, smiling bravely. “I suppose I’d better go down now, hadn’t I? I hope the girls won’t laugh at me.”
“Well, I don’t think they’re a bit likely to do _that_,” said the house-mistress.
Her words proved true. On Margot’s entry into the sitting-room she found everyone so busy and intent on arranging their valuables from upstairs, where unpacking was in progress, that her reappearance was noticed by no one but Gretta, who, busily leaning over a small drawer, called to her cousin with delight.