"But the time is passing, and we must proceed to what
little business is left for to-night."
Each member of the Cabinet took possession of her own blouse, wrapped it
up tenderly, and tucked it under her arm. Kathleen desired some one to
throw the tell-tale box away, and then she collected her followers round
her.
"Now," she said, _"Rule One_. To stick through thick and thin each to
the other."
"Yes!" cried every voice.
_"Rule Two._ If possible, never to quarrel each with the other."
This rule also was received with acclamations.
_"Rule Three._ To have a bit of fun all to ourselves at least once a
week."
This rule quite "brought down the house." They shouted so loud that if
the spot had been less lonely some one would certainly have taken
cognizance of their proceedings.
_"Rule Four._ That as far as possible we hold ourselves aloof from the
paying members of the Great Shirley School."
This rule was not quite as enthusiastically received. The foundationers
were not altogether without friends amongst the other girls of the
school. Ruth Craven in particular had several.
"I don't think that is a very fair rule," she said. "I am fond of Alice
Tennant, and I am fond of Cassandra Weldon."
"And I care for Lucy Sharp"; "And I am devoted to Amelia Dawson," said
other members of the Cabinet.
Nevertheless Kathleen was firm.
"The rule must be held," she said. "In a society like ours there are
always rules which are not quite agreeable to every one.
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