In this third book of the series, Darrell has reached the age of 14 and, along with most of her friends, has moved up to the Third Form of the school. Unusually for a MT book, we are introduced to one of the new girls before the term starts in the shape of a new girl, Zerelda Brass, who is being driven to Malory by Darrell’s family. Conveniently, Sally is recuperating from illness and is hence unable to share this journey.

          Because of this device, we are given Darrell’s impressions of Zerelda before anyone else. We learn that she is 'tall and willowy’ and that she looks a good deal older than her age. She appears sophisticated and Darrell feels shy of her. At the school her appearance causes a sensation and snobby Gwendoline immediately attaches herself to her.