First Term at Malory Towers Read Free Page A

the hollow oblong of buildings was a tower. Alicia was making for North Tower. It was exactly like the other three. Darrell looked at it. It was four storeys high. Alicia stopped short just outside.
    “On the ground floor there's our dining-hall, our common rooms, where we go when we're not in class, and the kitchens. On the second floor are the dormies, where we sleep—dormitories, you know. On the third floor are more dormies. On the top floor are the bedrooms of the staff, and the box rooms for our luggage.”
    “And each house is the same, I suppose?” said Darrell, and she looked up at her tower. I wish I slept right at the top there, in the tower itself. What a lovely view I'd have!”
    Girls were going in and out of the open door at the bottom of North Tower. “Buck up!” they called to Alicia. “Supper's in a few minutes” time—something good by the smell of it!”
    “We always get a jolly good supper the day we arrive,” said Alicia. “After that—not so good! Cocoa and biscuits, something like that. Come on, let's find Matron.”
    Each of the Tower houses had its own matron, responsible for the girls' health and well-being. The matron of North Tower was a plump, bustling woman, dressed in starched apron and print frock, very neat and spotless.
    Alicia took the new girls to her. “Three more for you to dose and scold and ran after!” said Alicia, with a grin.
    Darrell looked at Matron, frowning over the long lists in her hand. Her hair was neatly tucked under a pretty cap, tied in a bow under her chin. She looked so spotless that Darrell began to feel very dirty and untidy. She felt a little scared of Matron, and hoped she wouldn't make her take nasty medicine too often.
    Then Matron looked up and smiled, and at once Darrell's fears fell away. She couldn't be afraid of a person who smiled like that, with her eyes and her mouth and even her nose too!
    “Now let me see—you're Darrell Rivers,” said Matron, ticking off her name on a list. “Got your health certificate with you? Give it to me, please. And you're Sally Hope.”
    “No, I'm Gwendoline Mary Lacey,” said Gwendoline.
    “And don't forget the Mary,” said Alicia, pertly. “Dear Gwendoline Mary.”
    “That's enough, Alicia,” said Matron, ticking away down her list. “You're as bad as your mother used to be. No, worse, I think.”
    Alicia grinned. “Mother came to Malory Towers when she was a girl,” she told the others. “She was in North Tower too, and Matron had her for years. She sent you her best love, Matron. She says she wishes she could send all my brothers to you too. She's sure you're the only person who can manage them.”
    “If they're anything like you, I'm very glad they're not here,” said Matron. “One of the Johns family at a time is quite enough for me. Your mother put some grey hairs into my head, and you've certainly done your bit in adding a few more.”
    She smiled again. She had a wise, kindly face, and any girl who fell ill felt safe in Matron's care. But woe betide any pretender, or any lazy girl or careless one! Then Matron's smile snapped off, her face closed up, and her eyes glinted dangerously!
    A big gong boomed through North Tower. “Supper,” said Matron. “Unpack your things afterwards, Alicia. Your train was late and you must all be very tired. All first-formers are to go to bed immediately after supper tonight.”
    “Oh, Matron!” began Alicia, groaning. “Can't we just have ten minutes after...”
    “I said immediately , Alicia,” said Matron. “Go along now. Wash your hands quickly and go down. Hurry!”
    And in five minutes time Alicia and the others were sitting down, enjoying a good supper. They were hungry. Darrell looked round at the tables. She was sure she would never know all the girls in her house! And she was sure she would never dare to join in their laugh and chatter either.
    But she would, of course—and very soon too!

First night and morning
    AFTER supper, obeying