The Naughtiest Girl in the School (21 page)

Elizabeth stood up. Her cheeks were flaming red, and her voice was not quite the same as usual.

Ive got something to say, she said. Its not very easy-and I dont quite know how to say it. But anyway, its this-Im not going!

Not going! cried everyone in surprise, turning to look at Elizabeth.

But why not? asked Rita. You said you had -made up your mind to go, and that you never changed your mind.

Well, William said that only feeble people never change their mind if they know they are wrong, said Elizabeth. And I know I was wrong now. I only made up my mind to be as naughty as possible because I was angry at being sent to school when I didnt want to go, and I vowed Id go back home as soon as possible, just to show Id have my own way. Well, I like Whyteleafe. Its a lovely school. And I want to stay. So Ive changed my mind, and though youve said I can have what I want, and its very nice of you, I dont want it now! I want to stay-that is, if youll let me after all Ive done.

Everyone began to talk at once. Harry thumped Elizabeth on the back. He was very pleased. John nodded at her in delight. Now she could help him with the garden! Richard actually left his place and came to whisper to her.

Youre a good sort, he said. You can play the game as well as you play the piano.

William banged with the mallet. Richard, go back to your place!

Richard went back, grinning. Belinda and Helen smiled at Elizabeth, trying to catch her eye. Everyone seemed as pleased as could be.

Elizabeth! said William, we are very pleased with you. Youve made a lot of silly mistakes, but you have made up for them all-and we admire you for being able to change your mind, admit you were wrong, and say so to us all! You are the sort of person we want at this school. We hope you will stay for years, and do your very best.

I will, said Elizabeth, and she meant it. She sat down, looking happy and excited. It was lovely that everyone was pleased. She wasnt the Bold Bad Girl any more-she was Elizabeth Allen, the sort of person that Whyteleafe School wanted. She was proud and happy.

The Meeting ended soon after that-and Elizabeth sped off to the San. to find Joan. Joan was sitting up in a chair, reading.

Hallo! she said. What happened at the Meeting? Anything exciting?

Well-the Meeting said I could go home with my parents tomorrow, said Elizabeth, So I got my own way, you see.

Oh, Elizabeth-I shall miss you so! said Joan.

You wont! said Elizabeth. Because, you see, Im not going! Im staying on! Ive changed my mind, Joan. I love Whyteleafe, and I wont leave it for years and years and years! Oh, what fun well have together! Well be monitors one day-think of that! Shant we be grand?

Good gracious! said Joan, so delighted that she hopped out of her chair, and flung her arms round her friend. I cant believe it! Oh, I do feel so glad.

Matron came into the room and looked horrified to see Joan out of her chair.

What are you doing? she said sternly. I shant let Elizabeth come in here if thats the way you behave, Joan!

But, Matron, I was so pleased because Elizabeth is staying on instead of leaving, said Joan, sinking back into her chair.

Dear me! Fancy being pleased because a bad girl like this is staying with us! said Matron, with a twinkle in her eye.

The girls laughed. They liked Matron-she was cheerful and friendly, though strict. She gave Joan some medicine, and went out.

We shall have a lovely half term now, said Joan.

My mothers coming to take me out. Is yours coming too?

Yes, I had a letter this morning, said Elizabeth. Oh, Joan-lets ask our mothers to take us out together! That would be much more fun than going alone.

Yes, we will, said Joan happily. I am sure I shall be well enough tomorrow to get up properly. Now youll have to go, Elizabeth. Thats the supper-bell.

Well, Ill see you tomorrow, said Elizabeth. What fun well have! Oh, I am glad Im not going home with my mother tomorrow. I wonder what shell say when she hears that I want to stay on. Every letter Ive written to her Ive told her that I want to leave!

Mrs. Allen was very much astonished when she saw Elizabeth the next day. The little girl looked so bright and happy-her mouth was no longer sulky, and there was no sign of a frown at all! Elizabeth flung herself into her mothers arms and hugged her.

Its lovely to see you, Mummy, she said. Do come and see everything-the playroom, and my classroom, and our bedroom-its number 6-and the garden-and everything!

Her mother followed Elizabeth round, marveling at the change in her little girl. Could this really be Elizabeth-this good-mannered, polite, happy child? Everyone seemed to like her. She had lots of friends, especially the gentle Joan, who seemed to be Elizabeths special friend.

Well, Elizabeth, youre quite a different child! said her mother at last. Oh, look-there is Miss Best. I must just have a word with her.

 Good morning, Miss Best, said Mrs. Allen. Elizabeth has just been showing me round-and really, she does seem so happy and jolly. What a change you have made in her! I feel quite proud of her!

She has made a change in herself, said Miss Best, smiling her lovely smile. You know, Mrs. Allen-she was the naughtiest girl in the school-yes, she really was! It was difficult to know what to do with her-but she knew what to do with herself. One of these days she will be the best girl in the school, and how proud you will be of her then!

Then you want to stay on, Elizabeth? said her mother in astonishment. Well, I am glad! What a surprise!

Mrs. Townsend arrived to see Joan at that minute, and Elizabeth ran to see if Joan was ready. She had been kept in bed to breakfast, but was to get up afterwards and allowed to go in her mothers car. She was tremendously excited.

Its the first time Ive ever had a half term treat like this! she chattered excitedly, as Elizabeth helped her to dress quickly. And its all because of you, Elizabeth!

Oh, rubbish! said Elizabeth. Hurry up, Joan, What a time you take with your stockings. Were going to have lunch at a hotel-fancy that! I hope there will be strawberry ice-creams, dont you?

Joan was ready at last, and the two girls went to find their mothers, who had already made friends. Then they settled down in Mrs. Townsends car, for she said she would drive them all.

Now were off for our treat! said Elizabeth happily, as the car sped through the archway. She looked back at the beautiful building.

Goodbye for a little while! she said. Im coming back to you, and Im glad its not goodbye forever!

We must say goodbye too, though maybe we will see Elizabeth again, and follow her exciting adventures at Whyteleafe School. Goodbye, Elizabethnaughtiest girl in the school!

About the Author

 Enid Blyton
 (11 August 1897 – 28 November 1968) was a British children’s writer also known as Mary Pollock.

            She is noted for numerous series of books based on recurring characters and designed for different age groups,her books have enjoyed huge success in many parts of the world, and have sold over 600 million copies.

One of Blyton’s most widely known characters is Noddy, intended for early years readers. However, her main work is the genre of young readers’ novels in which children have their own adventures with minimal adult help. Series of this type include the Famous Five (21 novels, 1942–1963, based on four children and their dog), the Five Find-Outers and Dog, (15 novels, 1943–1961, where five children regularly outwit the local police) as well as The Secret Seven (15 novels, 1949–1963, a society of seven children who solve various mysteries).

Her work involves children’s adventure stories, and fantasy, sometimes involving magic. Her books were and still are enormously popular throughout the Commonwealth and in the Republic of Ireland; as translations in Japan and the former Yugoslavia; as adaptations in Arabic; and across most of the globe. Her work has been translated into nearly 90 languages.

Blyton’s literary output was of an estimated 800 books over roughly 40 years. Chorion Limited of London now owns and handles the intellectual properties and character brands of Blyton’s Noddyand the well known series the Famous Five.

Also In This Series

	The Naughtiest Girl Again (The Naughtiest Girl, #2) by Enid Blyton
	The Naughtiest Girl Is a Monitor (The Naughtiest Girl, #3) by Enid Blyton
	Here’s The Naughtiest Girl (The Naughtiest Girl, #4) by Enid Blyton
	The Naughtiest Girl Keeps a Secret (The Naughtiest Girl, # 5) by Anne Digby
	The Naughtiest Girl Helps a Friend (The Naughtiest Girl, #6) by Anne Digby
	The Naughtiest Girl Saves the Day (The Naughtiest Girl, #7) by Anne Digby
	Well Done, The Naughtiest Girl! (The Naughtiest Girl, #8) by Anne Digby
	The Naughtiest Girl Wants to Win (The Naughtiest Girl, #9) by Anne Digby
	The Naughtiest Girl Marches On (The Naughtiest Girl, #10) by Anne Digby