afternoon, about two o'clock
It was thought that this portion of the entertainment would form a great attraction of the fête , and give it somewhat the character of a May Day celebration . The Juniors who were fortunate enough to be taking part were immensely important , and keenly anxious to make their contribution to the programme a complete success . They turned up loyally for rehearsals , and were unwearied in practising any difficult bits where there was a likelihood of a hitch occurring . One afternoon , about two o'clock , Gwen , with her Virgil in her hand , sauntered down the Rodenhurst garden into the playing field which lay at the back of the school . She was anxious to seize the half-hour for preparation , as she knew she would have scant time in the evening for all she was obliged to finish , and she hoped to find a quiet corner in the open air , where she might study in peace . As she walked along , seeking a shady spot , she was attracted by the sound of angry voices , and peeping over the hedge that divided the small playing field from the larger hockey and cricket field , she saw a selection of Second Form girls collected for a rehearsal . Netta Goodwin was the Senior in command , and with Netta these Juniors were evidently having an excited altercation .