Frances has been "sent to Coventry" by the girls in her class (they're not speaking to her), because she is a prefect even though she has been at the school for less time than they have. The headmistress solves the problem.
Characters
Miss Hamilton: the kind of headmistress who, without being in the least sentimental, can call her pupils Darling and mean it.
Beth Loveday: a younger mistress.
Frances Grey: a school girl, about 17.
Mrs Grey: Frances' mother.
Scene
Miss Hamilton's study.
Preferably large and comfortable. One part for business, with desk, filing cabinet, press etc; another part for pleasure - lounge chairs, couch, coffee table, and books on shelves - lots of books. A mirror over bookshelves, in such a position that seated at her desk, Miss Hamilton can see the face of Frances when her back is turned to her.
Time
During the school lunch hour, and on.