"I haven't the least doubt," she said, "that you will be an acquisition. You seem to have courage. Some girls get in such a funk."
"But I won't join," said Christian firmly, "until I know what it means."
"It means that we are to stick to each other through thick and thin; that you are never to tell; that when the members of the committee—I am one, Star Lestrange is another, Angela Goring is another, and Janet Bouverie is another—that when we decide on a certain mode of action all the members have to adhere to it. They have to follow in our lead and submit to our dictum. Fresh members are elected on the committee every half-year, and on that day, the ceremony is very important indeed. The girls greatly like the present set—don't you, girls?"
There was a loud cheer, particularly in the neighborhood of Star Lestrange. Susan looked round her and slightly frowned.
"Each member has to subscribe something out of her own private pocket-money once a week to the funds of the society," said Susan; "and if possible she ought to begin with a handsome donation. What can you afford, Christian Mitford? You look as though you had plenty of money. I hope you will be able to put a good sum into the funds."
"A shilling is the usual thing," called out Star across the room.
"It would be better for you to give more," said Susan, gazing at Christian uneasily.
"I will give five shillings."
"Naughty, naughty little t'ing," said Star's ventriloquist voice over Christian's head.
"You really can't be allowed to break the rules in this fashion, even if you are a member of the committee, Star Lestrange," said Susan. "We shall be glad of five shillings, Christian. You don't seem to be such a formidable person nor so badly behaved as I expected. We will now, if you please, perform the ceremony of initiation."