A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days

In Short

This is a classic "school story" set in the early 20th century, following a bright, impulsive student named Dorothy Greenfield. When an election scandal and a chance revelation about her parentage upend her world, Dorothy must reconcile her pride with the necessity of belonging. Through the lens of camaraderie, competitive exams, and secret friendships, the narrative explores how a young woman defines herself amidst social pressure. It endures as a quintessential example of its genre, capturing the specific, intense emotional landscape of girls’ education during a bygone era.

The Story

The story opens at Avondale College, where the Upper Fourth form is embroiled in a fractious election for a new warden. Dorothy Greenfield, a spirited and outspoken girl, finds herself at odds with her classmates, who seem more interested in "jolly" candidates than responsible ones. Her frustration is soon eclipsed by a much deeper personal crisis: she learns from her Aunt Barbara, the woman who has raised her, that she is not actually a relative. She is a foundling, taken in by Barbara thirteen years prior after a train journey. This revelation deeply wounds Dorothy’s pride, leaving her feeling like an outcast, a "charity child" in a school where status matters.

Despite her inner turmoil, Dorothy forms an unlikely but intense friendship with Alison Clarke, a wealthy and delicate girl who is "over-coddled" by her mother. Alison is enchanted by Dorothy, even going so far as to suggest that Dorothy resembles a portrait of a long-lost relative in her own home. Their bond is tested by their mothers' opposing wills; Mrs. Clarke, sensing a mysterious, uncomfortable connection to Dorothy’s past, tries to forbid the friendship. Meanwhile, Dorothy struggles to conquer her own "dragon"—a volatile temper—and attempts to prove her worth through academic focus and school activities, including a spirited "Red Cross" nursing exercise involving local boys.

As the months progress, the truth behind Dorothy’s origins slowly unravels. Mrs. Clarke’s resistance is rooted in a past sin: she has been harboring a secret regarding a lost child. Following a medical emergency that nearly claims Alison’s life, Mrs. Clarke finally confesses to the deception, admitting that Dorothy is the daughter of her own sister. The revelation brings the families together and resolves the mystery of the "foundling." The story concludes on a high note of triumph and transformation. Dorothy wins the prestigious William Scott Memorial prize, earning the respect of her peers and the admiration of her new-found family. Having shed the identity of a lonely girl, she prepares to start a new life under her true name, Rosamond Clarke, with a bright future ahead of her.

How It Unfolds

The election dispute Dorothy attempts to lecture her classmates on the ethics of leadership, only to be met with indifference and mockery. She realizes that her idealism makes her an outsider among peers who prioritize popularity over duty.

The secret revealed Aunt Barbara decides it is time to tell Dorothy the truth about her origins as a passenger on the Northern Express thirteen years prior. This knowledge shatters Dorothy’s sense of self and forces her to re-evaluate her place in the social hierarchy of the College.

A blossoming connection Dorothy and Alison overcome their mothers' social barriers to become inseparable friends. Their connection grows through shared school experiences, forbidden tea-times, and a joint exploration of a limestone cavern that tests their courage.

The crisis of conscience Mrs. Clarke’s guilt, driven by the uncanny resemblance between Dorothy and her own family portraits, leads to an attempt to move away. A serious accident involving Alison serves as the catalyst for a full confession, finally connecting the two girls by blood.

The final reward The narrative concludes with an academic ceremony where Dorothy is publicly recognized for her hard work. She receives a prize, secures her place in a new, stable family, and embraces her true identity.

The People

Dorothy Greenfield is the emotional core of the book. Initially proud, impulsive, and prone to "tantrums," she is forced to mature as she confronts the reality of her status as an orphan. Her journey is one of learning humility and tempering her sharp tongue.

Alison Clarke serves as the perfect foil to Dorothy. Though she is a "spoilt" only daughter, she is remarkably sensible, kind, and deeply loyal. She yearns for a life outside of her mother’s over-anxious protection and finds that freedom through her connection to Dorothy.

Aunt Barbara is the steady, self-sacrificing maternal figure. Her decision to raise Dorothy as her own, despite the financial and social strain of working as a writer, underscores the theme of quiet, persistent love. Her eventual health breakdown serves as a wakeup call for Dorothy, shifting the girl's focus from herself to the needs of those who care for her.

Mrs. Clarke represents the complicated weight of secrets. Her initial coldness toward Dorothy is born of fear and guilt rather than malice, and her final confession allows the characters to transition from a world of deception to one of restored family ties.

In Its Own Voice

The author highlights the intense, sometimes volatile nature of school-age friendships and the expectations placed upon the girls:

"I'm disgusted with you, absolutely disgusted! If you haven't a higher ideal of what's required in a warden, you don't deserve to have votes at all."

Dorothy berates her classmates after they prioritize a popular candidate over a qualified one, illustrating her initial rigid moral code.

"A soldier isn't good for very much until he's tried, is he? School is your battlefield at present, and the temper is the enemy."

Aunt Barbara uses a military metaphor to help Dorothy understand that her struggle to control her anger is a form of character-building.

"I'm glad my last appearance as Dorothy Greenfield has been a favourable one," laughed Dorothy. "Next term I shall be on the school register as Rosamond Clarke."

Dorothy acknowledges her transition from the girl who felt like an outsider to a girl who has reclaimed her rightful place in the world.

What It's Really About

At its heart, the book is a study of the interplay between identity and community. It explores the question of whether a person is defined by their lineage—the "Sherbournes of Devonshire" or the secret family history—or by their own actions. Dorothy’s struggle against her own "dragon" of temper suggests that while circumstances are beyond one's control, character is forged through the daily, often mundane battles of conscience. The narrative argues that true belonging is not a matter of social standing or wealth, but of the loyalty one shows to one's friends and the gratitude owed to those who have provided a home.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the atmosphere of early 20th-century British school life will find this book quite charming. It excels at capturing the specific "language" of schoolgirls—the slang, the intense loyalties, and the dramatic shifting of alliances that feel like life-or-death matters at the time. It is a warm, sincere read that treats its young protagonist's internal growth with genuine seriousness.

Modern readers should be prepared for the period-typical attitudes, such as the rigid class consciousness and the sometimes overly dramatic, "stiff-upper-lip" moralizing. The prose is earnest and occasionally flowery, reflecting the writing style of its time, and the focus on "proper" behavior may feel restrictive to a contemporary eye. However, the emotional stakes of the plot are universal; the feeling of being an outsider, the desperate need for a best friend, and the complex relationship between a child and a parent who is perhaps trying too hard are all handled with a gentle, observational touch. If you enjoy stories where the protagonist must navigate the gap between who they think they are and who they truly are, this book offers a satisfying, beautifully contained journey of self-discovery.