Miss Mitchell and Miss Fanny retired to the study and the meeting broke up. Most of the day-girls put on their hats and coats in readiness to go home, but hung about the hall until the names should be announced. The contingent from Chagmouth, whose car was stationed outside in the road, and whose driver was waxing impatient, were obliged to depart without the exciting news. Merle went as far as the gate to watch them pack into their 'sardine-tin.' Four sat behind, and two in front with the chauffeur, all quite radiant and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
"Good-bye! I hope you'll win!" said Beata, waving a hand to Merle with difficulty, for she was tightly sandwiched between Fay and Tattie. "We did our best for you and Mavis. I didn't know any of those others. Romola, have you got the books? That's all right. I was afraid we'd left the satchel. Yes," (to the chauffeur) "we're quite ready now, thanks! Ta-ta, Merle! Good luck to you! We're off!"
Merle, looking after the retreating car, was joined by Aubrey Simpson, rather injured, and disconsolate.
"I didn't know all these new girls were to have votes," she grumbled.
"How can they choose a monitress when they don't know anybody!
It's rather humbug, isn't it?"
"They know me" perked Merle.
"Did you canvass them? Oh, how mean!"
"Why mean? You could have done it yourself. Muriel was canvassing among the juniors as hard as she could go."
"I might have canvassed among the new boarders! Why didn't I think of it?" wailed Aubrey.
"Well, really, it's your own stupid fault! Don't blame me!" snapped
Merle.
"Iva and Nesta said they didn't mean to ask for votes."