A Popular Schoolgirl · Chapter
The Rainbow League explained
The chapter describes the Rainbow Fête, an exhibition and sale organized by the school to raise funds for war orphans.
What happens
The chapter describes the Rainbow Fête, an exhibition and sale organized by the school to raise funds for war orphans. The event features homemade toys, a tea stall, and musical performances. Ingred, despite her stage fright, performs on the piano. Lispeth and Althea manage the toy stall, and Miss Strong buys a toy for little Kenneth Linton. A comedic incident occurs when Dorrie Barnes, trying to procure string for Lispeth, causes a table to collapse. Ingred observes the scene with amusement and shares the joke with Quenrede.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Belonging
The Rainbow Fête brings together students, teachers, and families in a shared effort to support war orphans, fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose.
Art and Music as Connection
Music and handmade crafts serve as a means of connection, from Ingred's piano performance to the toys created for children, bridging gaps between students and the wider community.
Characters to notice
- Ingred Saxon
Performs at the fête despite stage fright; observes Dorrie's mischief and Miss Strong's tenderness.
- Lispeth Scott
Head prefect; organizes the Junior Rainbow League and manages the toy stall; receives string from Dorrie.
- Quenrede Saxon
Attends the fête in a plum-colored hat, acting with a new, sophisticated manner; encourages Ingred.
- Doris Barnes
Junior member of the Rainbow League; causes a table to collapse while procuring string for Lispeth.
- Miss Strong
Buys a toy for Kenneth Linton; shows a tender side, surprising Ingred.
- Kenneth Linton
Receives a toy from Miss Strong; leaves with his father Dr. Linton.
Key passages
“Though Lispeth, in her agitation, had not said half the nice things she had intended to say, her little speech had good effect.”
Lispeth's speech, though not as eloquent as she hoped, successfully reminded the girls of their high ideals.
Highlights Lispeth's role in motivating the students.
“The stall, as the girls called it, was of course the center of attraction.”
The main stall, draped in rainbow colors, drew the most attention at the fête.
Describes the focal point of the event.
“Ingred, who had watched the whole comedy, laughed, but did not give away the secret.”
Ingred found Dorrie's antics amusing but chose not to expose her.
Shows Ingred's playful and observant nature.