A great many girls kept coming in and out. Some stayed to have tea, but most helped themselves to tea and bread and butter and took them away to partake of in their own private rooms. Maggie Oliphant and Nancy Banister presently rushed in for this purpose. Maggie, seeing Priscilla, ran up to her. “How are you getting on?” she asked brightly. “Oh, by-the-by, will you cocoa with me to-night at half-past ten?” “I don’t know what you mean,” answered Priscilla. “But I’ll do it,” she added, her eyes brightening. “All right, I’ll explain the simple ceremony when you come. My room is next to yours, so you’ll have no difficulty in finding me out. I don’t expect to have any one present except Miss Banister,” nodding her head in Nancy’s direction, “and perhaps one other girl. By-by, I’ll see you at half-past ten.” Maggie turned to leave the hall, but Nancy lingered for a moment by Priscilla’s side. “Wouldn’t you like to take your tea up to your room?” she asked. “We most of us do it. You may, you know.” “I don’t think I wish to,” answered Priscilla in an uncertain voice. Nancy half turned to go, then came back. “You are going to unpack by and by, aren’t you?” she asked. “Oh, yes, when I get back to my room.” “Perhaps you ought to know beforehand; the girls will be coming to call.” Priscilla raised her eyes. “What girls?” she asked, alarm in her tone. “Oh, most of the students in your corridor. They always call on a fresher the first night in her room. You need not bother yourself about them; they’ll just talk for a little while and then go away. What is the matter, Miss Peel? Maggie has told me your name, you see.” “What you tell me sounds so very— very formal.” “But it isn’t— not really. Shall I come and help you to entertain them?” “I wish——” began Priscilla. She hesitated; the words seemed to stick in her throat. “What did you say?” Nancy bent forward a little impatiently. “I wish— yes, do come,” with a violent effort. “All right, you may expect me.”