The first form did not really see very much of Erica because she did not have lessons with them. But even if they met her in a passage or in the art room or gym they looked the other way. In the common-room at night Erica had a miserable time. Not one of the second form girls also would have anything to do with her. Loud remarks about sneaks and cowards were made in her hearing. The only person who ever threw her a word at all was the bad-tempered Margery Fenworthy. Erica did not like Margery any more than the other girls did but she was so grateful to be spoken to even, by the surly first former that she almost began to like the girl.

'I'm surprised you speak to Erica, Margery,' said Pat, when she had heard Margery ask to borrow Erica's stationery said Margery, in her usual rude way. 'You're none of you friendly to me, and I know what it is to have people being beastly to you.' 'But Margery, it's your own fault,' said Pat in surprise. 'You're so rude and sullen. You never smile and joke.' Margery, 'you don't give me a chance.'' Oh, Margery, what a fib'! Cried Pat. 'It's you who never give us a chance to be decent to you. You scowl and glower and frown all the time.' 'If you're going to pick me to pieces you can save yourself the trouble', said Margery, fiercely. 'I don't care tuppence for any of you. And if I want to speak to that wretched Erica, I shall. Who cares for a pack of silly girls, and a crowd of stuck-up teachers? I don't' Pat was astonished. What a strange girl Margery was! Did she really want a chance of being friends with the others? Was she terribly shy? What was behind that funny manner of hers?

Pat talked about it with her twin. 'Margery is always making enemies she said. 'I spoke to her today about it and she accused us of never giving her a chance! Do you think we ought to do something about it?'