A World of Girls by L.T. Meade

Miss Danesbury, true to her word, came to fetch Hester down to tea. They went down some broad, carpetless stairs, along a wide stone hall, and then paused for an instant at a half-open door from which a stream of eager voices issued.

"I will introduce you to your schoolfellows, and I hope your future friends," said Miss Danesbury. "After tea you will come with me to see Mrs. Willis -- she is never in the school-room at tea-time. Mdlle. Perier or Miss Good usually superintends. Now, my dear, come along -- why, surely you are not frightened!"