A Pair of Schoolgirls

"A Pair of Schoolgirls" by Angela Brazil is a captivating tale set in the vibrant environment of Avondale College, a large day school. The story revolves around Dorothy Greenfield, a student in the Upper Fourth, who is eager to win the position of Warden of the Lower School. The election is a significant event, as it allows a student to represent the younger forms in various school activities. Despite her efforts and the support of some friends, Dorothy loses the election to Hope Lawson, who wins by a surprising majority. This defeat is compounded by a shocking revelation overheard in the dressing room: Dorothy learns that she is not related by blood to her guardian, Miss Barbara Sherbourne, but was adopted after a tragic train accident. This discovery shakes Dorothy's sense of identity and belonging. The narrative explores themes of friendship, competition, and self-discovery as Dorothy navigates her school life and personal challenges. The story is a rich tapestry of school dynamics, personal growth, and the quest for identity, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England.