They Both Liked Dogs
Spoilers
Havoc is caused at the school one day when Tal has followed the girls to school and disrupts several lessons.
Mollie explained to a friend staying with her when Jim wrote to her that her two brothers each have a daughter called Frederica, although one is shortened to Erica and the other to Freda. They are both called after Mollie's father, who was very disappointed that none of his children were called after him, and left a sum of money in his will to any grandchildren called after him.
On the day of the race meeting the girls go in to the garden, and see two men on the wall. The men, thinking they are alone and unprotected, jeer at them and tell them they are going to come in and steal anything valuable the house has. However, they have reckoned without Tal, who flies at the men when they leap down from the wall. Helped by Mollie's servant Elizabeth they pin the men down and call the police.
Mollie is horrified when she returns home and finds out what had happened. Partly as a reward, she takes the girls to visit a Mr. Lovell, who breeds wire terriers, to buy one for Erica. Mr. Lovell has 2 daughters who make friends with the girls.
Captain Pemberly comes to visit and tells them that he has inherited a large estate nearby and will be living there henceforth.
When the result of the General Knowledge Prize is announced, it has hinged on the quotation "All is lost save honour", to which only one girl, Freda, has given the right answer. The winner is announced 'Frederica Thurstan' to which the headmistress then adds 'come along Erica'. Erica, too shy to explain the mistake, collects the prize. Freda is furious and tells her cousin so. Erica cannot face all the explanations. Eventually Mollie finds out and talks to each girl, and the affair is sorted out. Friendship is restored aided by Freda helping Erica all she can when Erica's dog falls ill.
The book ends with a romance for Mollie.
contributed by Sarah Allatt __ working from a hardback edition