"Oh well, I do happen to be fairly decent at hockey," said Duane curtly. "It's the one thing I'm proud of. But that doesn't make me a success as a head prefect, does it?"
"Success or not," returned Kitty, "the house has pulled itself together again, and taken up its proper place in the school, and the head prefect takes the glory as well as the responsibility. That's only fair."
Duane grunted.
"By the by, I've some news to tell you. I had a letter from Hilary this morning. The doctors think she had better not come back after all. Say she wants a complete rest from studies for at least a year, if her headaches are to be cured. Rough luck on Hilary, isn't it? She's keen on her work."
"Yes. I'm awfully sorry," said Kitty sincerely. "She was clever too, and a good sort."
"Oh yes, Hilary was always decent. Though I fancy she didn't quite approve of me. It's rather hard lines on you too, having your study-mate taken away. A pity!" with a mocking note in her voice, and the drawl back again. "But perhaps you can still put up with France and me."
"Yes. I'm sorry we took a dislike to each other at the beginning," said Kitty in a low voice.
"You did, you mean. I never disliked you."
Kitty looked surprised.
"Why yes, you did. Besides, don't you remember how I squeezed a sponge over you?"