'Is she not splendid? Is she not the grandest creature you ever saw?' The doctor turned and recognized Bessie Wendover. 'She is, Bessie,' he said, shaking hands with her. 'I never was so struck by anyone in my life.' Urania grew white with anger. Was it not enough that Ida Palliser should have outshone her in every accomplishment upon which school-girls pride themselves? Was it not enough that she should have taken complete possession of that foolish little Bessie, and thus ingratiated herself into the Wendover set, and contrived to get invited to Kingthorpe? No. Here was Urania's own father, her especial property, going over to the enemy. 'I am glad you admire her so much, papa,' she said, outwardly calm and sweet, but inwardly consumed with anger; 'for it will be so pleasant for you to see more of her at Kingthorpe.' 'Yes,' he said heartily, 'I am glad she is coming to Kingthorpe. That was a good idea of yours, Bessie.' 'Wasn't it? I am so pleased to find you like her. I wish you could get Ranie to think better of her.' Now came the distribution of prizes and accessits. Miss Pew took her seat before the table on which the gaudily-bound books were arranged, and began to read out the names. It was a hard thing for her to have to award the three first prizes to a girl she detested; but Miss Pew knew the little world she ruled well enough to know that palpable injustice would weaken her rule. Ninety-nine girls who had failed to win the prize would have resented her favouritism if she had given the reward to a hundredth girl who had not fairly won it. The eyes of her little world were upon her, and she was obliged to give the palm to the real victor. So, in her dull, hard voice, looking straight before her, with cold, unfriendly eyes, she read out-- 'The prize for modern languages has been obtained by Miss Palliser!' and Ida came slowly up to the table and received a bulky crimson volume, containing the poetical works of Sir Walter Scott. 'The prize for proficiency in instrumental music is awarded to Miss Palliser!' Another bulky volume was handed to Ida. For variety the binding was green, and the inside of the book was by William Cowper. 'The greatest number of marks for English history and literature have been obtained by Miss Palliser.' Miss Palliser was now the happy possessor of a third volume bound in blue, containing a selection from the works of Robert Southey. With not one word of praise nor one smile of approval did Miss Pew sweeten the gifts which she bestowed upon the articled pupil. She gave that which justice, or rather policy, compelled her to give. No more. Kindliness was not in the bond.