"Three packets of Turkish cigarettes." "O-o-o-oh!" Wendy's eyes were wide. Diana nodded determinedly. "But what do you want them for?" "That's my own business." "You surely don't _smoke_!"--in a horrified voice. "I don't want them for myself--I'll tell you that much." "For whom are they, then?" "I shan't tell you!" "Magsie would never dare to bolt into a tobacconist's and buy cigarettes." "I was afraid she wouldn't," said Diana sadly. "And you'd better be careful yourself if you go to Glenbury next exeat day. Toddlekins would draw the line at cigarettes. You wouldn't like to get expelled?" "I don't know that I'd very much care," sighed Diana. She revenged herself for her enforced seclusion by clumping noisily about the passages, till Miss Todd, hearing the racket, dropped a significant hint as to the necessity of compulsory felt slippers for girls who had not learnt to walk lightly. So, fearing that the Principal might really carry out this threat, Diana betook herself to the garden, and expended her superfluous energy on a fast and furious set of tennis. Having lost three balls, she left Vi and Peggy to look for them, and, still in a thoroughly bad temper, strolled round the corner of the house. On the front drive she saw a sight that set her running. Exactly opposite the door stood the car of her cousin, Mrs. Burritt. It was empty, but the chauffeur, at the top of the steps, was in the very act of handing two envelopes to the housemaid. "Anything for me, Thompson?" cried Diana eagerly. "Yes, miss. Letter for you, and one for Miss Todd," replied the man, touching his cap. Diana seized hers from Edith, the maid, devoured its contents, and clapped her hands. "I'll be ready in five minutes, Thompson!" she exclaimed, and fled indoors. Half-way down the corridor she nearly ran into Miss Todd, emerging from her study with an open letter in her hand. "Where are you going, Diana?" "Cousin Cora's asked me for the night! She's sent the car for me. My cousin Lenox is there on leave!" panted Diana. "So I understand from Mrs. Burritt's letter, but I certainly cannot allow you to go." "Not go?" Diana's face was a study. "I had no authority from your father and mother to allow you to accept invitations." "But I _know_ they'd let me! Oh, Miss Todd, I simply _must_!" "That's for me to decide, Diana, not you, and I say 'no'." Mistress and pupil looked at each other squarely. Miss Todd's mouth was set in a firm line. Evidently she considered that she was fighting a campaign against Diana, and she meant to carry this outpost. Diana had the sense to realize her defeat. She drooped her lashes over her eyes. "May I send a note to Cousin Cora?" she asked in a strangled voice. "You can if you wish, and I'll write to her myself, and explain that it is against our rules."