five minutes to three
_ Changed _ ! '' came at last , as a somewhat tame conclusion , but at least it had the effect of making Rowena blush from the tip of her dainty chin to the very roots of her flaxen hair . Now , why should one blush as though one had been detected in a crime at simply being accused of change ? At five minutes to three the pupils left the drawing-room , and took their places ranged at the back of the big classroom . A small platform had been erected at the farther end , on which sat the teachers , with Mr Rawdon in the place of honour , just behind the water-bottle on the table . Parents and friends sat in chairs running sideways down the room , so that they were able to see the girls and watch the progress of happy prize-winners towards the platform . Rowena smiled confidently at her sister , but Dreda had forgotten her sister 's existence .