"Why aren't they staying all night at the Queen's Hotel?" asked Muriel. "Father and Mother always do when they come to see me and so do most of the girls' friends." "Father wouldn't be able to spare the time," said Patty, thinking privately that the expense would also be a consideration, though she did not say that aloud. "He must get home to look after his patients, you know. Mr. Barnes, our new assistant, isn't very clever, and several people are seriously ill, and can't be left long." Muriel shrugged her shoulders. "I wouldn't mention they'd brought you, then," she replied. "It's considered the correct thing for one's parents to stay at the Queen's, and the girls will think it so queer if yours haven't. What bedroom are you in?" "No. 7. I hope it's a nice one?" "Oh, tolerable! Not so nice as mine. I'm in No. 16, on the other landing, with three of my best friends." "Do you know who's in my room?" "Nobody at all particular; only May Firth, Ella Johnson, and Doris Kennedy. Do you see that new girl crossing the quad? I believe she comes from our part of the world. She was starting too when I was setting off; they nearly put her in my carriage, only luckily the guard had locked the door." "What's her name? I don't remember seeing her at Waverton." "I daresay not. Her name's Jean Bannerman, and she lives in one of those houses at the end of the park. I met her once at a party, but we don't know them at all." "Does she seem nice?" "I'm sure I can't tell. I wasn't much impressed with her. Have you unpacked?" "No, not yet. My box hasn't been brought upstairs." "It's there now. I saw John carrying it to your room. I should think you'd better go and take your things out." "Won't you come with me, Muriel?" asked Patty, rather shyly. "I don't know where I'm expected to put my clothes." "Haven't time," said Muriel, shaking her head. "I've got all my own to do. It's easy enough; you've only to pop them into your drawers and your wardrobe. Supper's at seven in the refectory. Why, there's Gwendolen Farmer. I simply must go and speak to her. Ta-ta!" And Muriel ran away to the other side of the quadrangle, leaving Patty standing alone upon the steps.