"That pretty, queer-looking half-wild girl whom I saw in church on Sunday?" "The same; she is the daughter of Major Sharston, a very estimable man." "Sharston, Sharston, I should think he is. Why, he is an old brother officer of mine; we served together in the time of the Crimea. Anything wrong with Sharston! What's up, my dear madam, what is up!" "Well, it's just this," said Mrs. Clavering. "Major Sharston has lost a lot of money, and is obliged to take an appointment in India, and he cannot afford to leave poor Kitty at the school longer than till the end of term. I intend to have her as my guest during the holidays, but afterwards she must go to an old cousin in Scotland, and the poor child has little chance of ever being very well educated. She is very much shaken by the blow." "But this is fearful," said Sir John, "fearful! What can we do?" "Nothing, I am afraid," said Mrs. Clavering. "Nothing would offend Major Sharston more than for his daughter to accept charity in any form. He is a very proud man, and Kitty, when all is said and done, although very wild and needing a lot of training, has got a spirit of her own. She will be a fine girl by and by." "And a beautiful one to boot," interrupted Sir John. "Well, this is terrible; what can we do?" "Nothing," repeated Mrs. Clavering again. Sir John looked very thoughtful. "Is it to-night," he said, "you announce your programme for the Cherry Feast?" "Yes," answered the good lady. "Then I have a crow to pluck with you; you never sent me notice to attend." "I did not, for I thought you would be away, but will you come in this evening, Sir John, we shall all be delighted to see you?" Sir John considered for a moment. "I will," he said, "and you know I always offer a prize of my own, which is to be given at the Cherry Feast. Now, why should not we on this occasion offer a prize which Kitty Sharston runs a chance of winning, and which would save her from leaving Cherry Court School?" Mrs. Clavering shook her head. Sir John bent forward and began to speak eagerly. "Now, come," he said, "I think I can manage it. Could it not be done in this way?" He spoke in a low tone, and Mrs. Clavering bent her head to listen. "But, even if you did offer such a prize," she said, "which in itself would be very valuable, what chance has Kitty of winning it? She is not particularly forward in any of her studies, and then the girls who did not want it would get it." "I am persuaded that Kitty has plenty of ability," said Sir John. "I quite agree with you, and to work for such a prize would be an immense stimulus; but then, you know, the feast comes on so soon, and there are only three weeks in which to prepare."