[1] The newly sensible Pat and Isabel O'Sullivan depart for their second term at St Clare's, with their Cousin Alison joining them.

Lucy is the archetypal school story girl — bright, kind and popular — although she is portrayed well, without the one-dimensional flatness this type of character can often have.

She also constantly acts up in class and is rude to teachers, who let her to the girls' shock, although she shows a rare bit of kindness after being picked for a lacrosse match over the others.

Another second former named Erica begins to suspect that there is a party and eventually threatens the information out of Gladys, a scullery maid.

A fire starts in the medical block leaving Erica trapped on a high floor, which Margery rescues her from, becoming a heroine in the process.

Erica feels compelled to tell the truth, and is asked to leave St Clare's as a result, although she is allowed to stay until the end of term to keep reputation.