Miss Bowes had lately instituted an Old Girls' Union for The Woodlands, the first gathering of which was to be held in conjunction with the breaking-up festivity.
Quite a number of past pupils had accepted the invitation, and people of influence in the neighbourhood were also expected to be present.
"You must show the 'old girls' what you can do," said Miss Bowes, who was naturally anxious to make a good impression on the visitors.

"I want them to think the standard raised, not lowered.

Some of our ways will be new to them, and we must prove that the changes have been for the better." It certainly seemed a goal to work for.

Even the most irresponsible junior would feel humiliated if the "old girls" were to consider that the school had gone down, and all took a just pride in keeping up its reputation.
"Noelle Derrington and Phyllis Courtenay have accepted"-- it was Stephanie who volunteered the information.

"They have both been presented.