Carnation of the Upper Fourth
(abridged version)
Synopsis
A new girl, Carnation de Lisle, arrives at Shapcott High School after a life spent travelling with her father. Carnation finds it difficult to settle in, as she is unused to the company of other girls. She gains the enmity of another girl, Birdie Woolcot when she proves to be hardworking and to challenge Birdie for her place at the top of her form. However she makes friends with Madge Harley and enjoys the company of her large family.
When Carnation's father is taken ill he is sent to recuperate in Madeira, and Carnation goes to live with the Harleys.
When the summer term comes, Carnation is selected for trials for the school tennis pairs, which brings her into conflict with Birdie again.
Carnation and the other Guides are taken for a trip to the country. Birdie cooks mischief for her and her friend Joan, which goes badly wrong. As a result of this Birdie and Joan split and Birdie's dislike of Carnation increases due to her involvement.
The day of Carnation's tennis match arrives but she almost doesn't take part due to a trick of Birdie's.
As a result of Birdie's actions the Guide Court of Honour suspends her from Guides for the rest of the term, and she is suspended from school for a week. However she persuades her father to send her to another school and is never seen again.
Carnation stays with the Harleys for 2 years and thoroughly settles in at Shapcott High.
contributed by Susan Vass, Scotland __ working from an abridged hardback edition
If you want to find out more, click on Spoilers
As the link suggests, it gives more of the story - without, of course,
giving everything away!