"You can't be sorrier than I am," sighed Lesbia, going upstairs to her form room.
At eleven o'clock, as she was eating her lunch in the gymnasium Marion rushed up to her.
"Oh, Lesbia," she said excitedly, "should you mind very much coming to tea the week after instead of next Saturday? Would it make any difference to you?"
"Not a scrap," answered Lesbia, clutching at the opportunity. "It would suit me quite as well if it suits you. Shall we arrange it that way, then?"
"Yes, please, if you really don't mind. Thanks ever so much!"
And Marion fled away without further explanation.
Lesbia congratulated herself upon having got out of her engagement so easily. She would be able now to accept Calla's invitation and go to The Merchant of Venice. The thought of it almost set her dancing. She went in search of Calla at once, but could not find her before the bell rang for botany class. As soon as school was over she took her aside and broached the delightful subject. Calla's face fell.
"Oh, Lesbia, I'm so sorry!" she explained. "You said you couldn't come, and I've asked Marion now."
"Marion?"
"Yes!"