There was silence. Everyone looked stealthily at everyone else, but no volunteers were forthcoming.
At last Nat said, with a sigh: "I suppose I ought to, as I'm the only one with a study to myself at present. But I don't want to. I like a peaceful life."
"Oh, you needn't necessarily be the victim," replied Allison. "It can easily be otherwise arranged by somebody changing studies with you."
Still no one moved or spoke.
Allison looked across at Nat. "You'll have to take it on," she said with a twinkle in her eyes. "No one else will."
Nat groaned. "All right," she replied resignedly. "I suppose you can't expect the girls to upset their present study arrangements. But I don't look forward to the prospect."
"If she can't get on with you, Nat, then she won't get on with anyone," Allison said decidedly, adding with another twinkle: "You will have to put up a notice on the board, publicly announcing that you will not hold yourself responsible for any of your partner's debts or misdemeanours. Here she is, I believe," as the door opened and Pamela Preston looked in.
"I've brought her along; Allison," said the prefect. "She's taken her things upstairs to her cubicle and partially unpacked."
"Right-oh!" Allison nodded her thanks. "I'll introduce her to her future form companions and leave her to their tender mercies."
Pamela vanished, leaving her charge standing just inside the door.