"The School by the Sea" by Angela Brazil is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a girls' school located on a picturesque seaside peninsula, the story revolves around the lively interactions of students, notably focusing on characters Deirdre Sullivan, Dulcie Wilcox, and a new girl, Gerda Thorwaldson. The narrative explores themes of friendship, competition, and the challenges of being new in a close-knit community. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the bustling environment of the Dower House where the girls are joyously reuniting after the Christmas vacation. Amidst the excitement, the arrival of Gerda, a foreign girl who appears shy and different from her peers, prompts curiosity and gossip. As Deirdre and Dulcie lament losing their exclusive dormitory space to this new "interloper," the dynamics of school life are explored through teasing, forming friendships, and initiating Gerda into their midst. The initial interactions set the stage for future developments in the plot, showcasing both the lighthearted banter and underlying tensions present in a school setting. (This is an automatically generated summary.)