For the School Colours

It's the limit " exploded Laura. "An atrocious shame " agreed Janet. "Gives me nerve shock " mourned Ethelberga gloomily. "You see," continued Laura, popping the tray of her box on to the floor and sitting down on her bed, so as the better to address her audience-"you see, it's been plumped upon us without any warning. Miss Thompson must have arranged it long ago, but she never let out so much as a teeny-weeny hint. If I'd known before I came back I'd have asked Father to give a term's notice and let me leave at Christmas. Crystal clear, I would."