"She's the meanest thing I ever met in my life," said Lennie Chapman indignantly one day. "She borrowed my penknife three times this morning, and when I asked her what had become of her own, she said it was such a nice one, it seemed a pity to use it." "She spoilt my stylo. yesterday," complained Norah Bell, "and she never even offered to buy me another." "She's greedy, too," said Daisy Scatcherd, swelling the list of Leonora's crimes. "When I handed her my box of candied fruits, she picked out the very biggest!" "How piggie!" "And yet she's plenty of pocket-money." "Oh, yes, heaps, as much as she likes to ask for." "I don't see what's the use of being a millionairess if you're a miser at the same time!" remarked Dilys scornfully. A girl who receives everything and dispenses nothing is never popular among her companions, so it was scarcely surprising that Leonora won no favour. A few mercenary spirits, encouraged by the reputation of her millions, made tentative advances of friendship, but rapidly withdrew them on the discovery that it was likely to prove a one-sided bargain. "I wouldn't be friends with her if she owned the Bank of England!" declared Lennie. "I think she's too contemptible for words." "By the by, girls," said Dilys, "it's Miss Edith's birthday on the 1st of March. Aren't we Junior boarders going to get up anything in the way of a present? I know the Seniors are giving her one." "Rather!" said Fiona Campbell. "I'd stretch a point for Miss Edie if I was on the verge of bankruptcy. I vote we open a subscription list. I'm good for half a crown." "I expect most of us are," replied Lennie, taking paper and pencil to write down names. "Except Leonora Parker!" she added with a laugh. "Don't you think she'll give?" "Not generously." "Oh, she'll have to!" "I declare, we'll make her for once!" said Dilys indignantly. "She shan't sneak out of everything." "I don't see how you're going to make her." "The millionairess won't fork out unless she feels inclined, I can tell you that, my child." "Just you leave it to me. I'll manage it by fair means or foul." "Won't a subscription list make it rather awkward for Gipsy? You know she can't give anything," whispered Hetty Hancock to Dilys. "Not at all, the way I'm going to do it. I'll take care of Gipsy, you'll see--make it easy for her, but nick in Leonora for more than she bargains." "You're cleverer than I thought you were." "Ah, you haven't plumbed the depths of my genius yet, my good child. Now when Leonora----" "Hush! Here she comes." The millionairess walked to the fireplace, and stood leaning over the high fender, sharpening a cherished stump of lead pencil. "We're getting up a subscription," began Dilys, opening the attack without further delay. "It's to buy a present for Miss Edith's birthday. You'd like us to put your name down, wouldn't you?" "Well, I'm not sure," replied Leonora cautiously. "What are most of you giving?"