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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at High School, by 
+Jessie Graham Flower
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at High School
+       Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities
+
+Author: Jessie Graham Flower
+
+Release Date: February 20, 2006 [EBook #17811]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sigal Alon, Emmy and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Grace Harlowe's Junior Year
+at High School
+
+OR
+
+Fast Friends in the Sororities
+
+By
+JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.
+
+  Author of Grace Harlowe's Plebe Year at High School, Grace Harlowe's
+       Sophomore Year at High School, Grace Harlowe's Senior
+                     Year at High School, etc.
+
+  Illustrated
+
+  PHILADELPHIA
+  HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY
+
+  COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY HOWARD E. ALTEMUS
+
+[Illustration: Grace Snatched Off the White Mask.
+   _Frontispiece--High School Girls No. 3._]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                                           PAGE
+
+    I. A NEW ARRIVAL                                 7
+
+   II. CONFIDENCES                                  20
+
+  III. AN AUTUMN WALKING EXPEDITION                 30
+
+   IV. GRACE MAKES A DISCOVERY                      42
+
+    V. THE PHI SIGMA TAU                            53
+
+   VI. A VISIT TO ELEANOR                           68
+
+  VII. THE CLAIM OF THE "ARTISTIC TEMPERAMENT"      78
+
+ VIII. ELEANOR THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET             85
+
+   IX. THE RESCUE PARTY                             96
+
+    X. JULIA PERFORMS A SACRED DUTY                106
+
+   XI. WORRIES AND PLANS                           121
+
+  XII. A RECKLESS CHAUFFEUR                        129
+
+ XIII. A THANKSGIVING FROLIC                       137
+
+  XIV. ELEANOR FINDS A WAY                         145
+
+   XV. A WOULD-BE "LARK"                           150
+
+  XVI. THE JUNIORS FOREVER                         163
+
+ XVII. THE LAST STRAW                              173
+
+XVIII. THE PLAY'S THE THING                        182
+
+  XIX. THE TRY OUT                                 191
+
+   XX. THE ANONYMOUS LETTER                        199
+
+  XXI. BREAKERS AHEAD                              208
+
+ XXII. AS YOU LIKE IT                              215
+
+XXIII. THE JUNIOR PICNIC                           235
+
+ XXIV. CONCLUSION                                  252
+
+
+
+
+Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at High School
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A NEW ARRIVAL
+
+
+"Next to home, there is really nothing quite so satisfying as our
+dear old High School!" exclaimed Grace Harlowe, as she entered the
+locker-room and beamed on her three friends who stood near by.
+
+"It does seem good to be back, even though we have had such a perfectly
+glorious summer," said Jessica Bright. "We are a notch higher, too.
+We're actually juniors. This locker-room is now our property, although
+I don't like it as well as the one we had last year."
+
+"We'll get accustomed to it, and it will seem like home inside of two
+weeks," said Anne Pierson philosophically. "Everything is bound to
+change in this world, you know. 'We must put ourselves in harmony with
+the things among which our lot is cast.'"
+
+"Well, Marcus Aurelius, we'll try to accept your teaching," laughed
+Grace, who immediately recognized the quotation as coming from a tiny
+"Marcus Aurelius Year Book" that Anne kept in her desk and frequently
+perused.
+
+"I wonder what school will bring us this year?" mused Nora O'Malley, as
+she retied her bow for the fifth time before the mirror and critically
+surveyed the final effect. "We had a stormy enough time last year,
+goodness knows. Really, girls, it is hard to believe that Miriam Nesbit
+and Julia Crosby were at one time the banes of our existence. They come
+next to you three girls with me, now."
+
+"I think that we all feel the same about them," replied Grace. "Miriam
+is a perfect dear now, and is just as enthusiastic over class matters as
+we are."
+
+"It looks as though everything were going to be plain sailing this
+year," said Jessica. "There isn't a disturbing element in the class that
+I know of. Still, one can never tell."
+
+"Oh, here come Eva Allen and Marian Barber," called Grace delightedly,
+and rushed over to the newcomers with outstretched hands.
+
+By this time girls began to arrive rapidly, and soon the locker-room
+hummed with the sound of fresh, young voices. Coats of tan were compared
+and newly acquired freckles deplored, as the girls stood about in
+groups, talking of the delights of the summer vacation just ended.
+
+To the readers of "GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL," and
+"GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL," the girl chums have
+become familiar figures. It will be remembered how Grace Harlowe and her
+friends, Nora O'Malley and Jessica Bright, during their freshman year,
+became the firm friends of Anne Pierson, the brilliant young girl who won
+the freshman prize offered each year to the freshmen by Mrs. Gray. The
+reader will recall the repeated efforts of Miriam Nesbit, aided by Miss
+Leece, the algebra teacher, to disgrace Anne in the eyes of the faculty,
+and the way each attempt was frustrated by Grace Harlowe and her
+friends. Mrs. Gray's house party, the winter picnic in Upton Wood, and
+Anne Pierson's struggles to escape her unworthy father all contributed
+toward making the story stand out in the reader's mind.
+
+In "GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR," the girl chums were found leading
+their class in athletics. Here, Miriam Nesbit, still unsubdued, endeavored
+once more to humiliate Anne Pierson, and to oust Grace from her position
+as captain of the basketball team, being aided in her plan by Julia
+Crosby, captain of the junior team, against whom the sophomores had
+engaged to play a series of three games. Grace's brave rescue of Julia
+Crosby during a skating party and the latter's subsequent repentance
+restored good feeling between the two classes, and the book ended with
+the final conversion of Miriam after her long and stubbornly nursed
+enmity.
+
+David Nesbit's trial flight in his aëroplane, Grace's encounter with the
+escaped lunatic, who imagined himself to be Napoleon Bonaparte, were
+among the features which made the book absorbing from start to finish.
+
+The clang of the first bell broke in upon the chattering groups, and
+obedient to its summons, the girls moved slowly out of the locker-room
+and down the corridor, talking in subdued tones as they strolled toward
+the study hall.
+
+Miss Thompson stood at her desk, serene and smiling, as the girls filed
+in.
+
+"How well Miss Thompson looks," whispered Grace to Anne as they neared
+their seats. "Let's go up and see her when this session is over. It's
+sure to be short this morning."
+
+It was customary on the opening of school for the members of the various
+classes to take their seats of the previous year. Then the sections were
+rearranged, the seniors taking the seats left by the graduates, and the
+other classes moving up accordingly. The first day of school amounted to
+really nothing further than being assigned to one's seat and getting
+used to the idea of school again. Miss Thompson usually addressed the
+girls on the duty of High School students, and the girls went forth full
+of new resolutions that last for at least a week.
+
+Grace looked curiously about her. She wondered if there were to be many
+new girls that year. The present freshmen, direct from the Grammar
+Schools, sat on the front seats looking a trifle awed at the idea of
+being academic pupils, and feeling very strange and uncomfortable under
+the scrutiny of so many pairs of eyes.
+
+Her glance wandered toward the new sophomore class, as though in search
+of some one, her eyes brightening as she caught sight of the brown-eyed
+girl who had won the freshman prize the previous June. The latter looked
+as helpless and friendless as when Grace first saw her step up on the
+platform to receive her money. "I shall certainly find out more about
+that child," she decided. "What is her name? I heard it at commencement,
+but I have forgotten it."
+
+Taking a leaf from a little note-book that she always carried, Grace
+wrote: "Do you see the freshman-prize girl over among the sophomores?
+What is her name? I can't remember." Then, folding the paper, she tossed
+it to Anne, who nodded; then wrote, "Mabel Allison," and handed it to
+the girl sitting opposite her, who obligingly passed it over to Grace.
+
+With a nod of thanks to Anne, Grace glanced at the paper and then at the
+owner of the name, who sat with her hands meekly folded on her desk,
+listening to Miss Thompson as though her life depended upon hearing
+every word that the principal uttered.
+
+"I want all my girls to try particularly this year to reach a higher
+standard than ever before," Miss Thompson concluded, "not only in your
+studies, but in your attitude toward one another. Be straightforward
+and honorable in all your dealings, girls; so that when the day comes
+for you to receive your diplomas and bid Oakdale High School farewell,
+you can do so with the proud consciousness that you have been to your
+schoolmates just what you would have wished them to be to you. I know of
+no better preparation for a happy life than constant observation of the
+golden rule.
+
+"And now I hope I shall have no occasion to deliver another lecture
+during the school year," said the principal, smiling. "There can be no
+formation of classes to-day, as the bulletins of the various subjects
+have just been posted, and will undoubtedly undergo some changes. It
+would be advisable, however, to arrange as speedily as possible about
+the subjects you intend to take, as we wish to begin recitations by
+Friday at the latest, and I dare say the changes made in the schedule
+will be slight."
+
+Then the work of assigning each class to its particular section of the
+study hall began. The seniors moved with evident pride into the places
+reserved for the first class, while the freshmen looked visibly relieved
+at having any place at all to call their own. Immediately after this the
+classes were dismissed, and a general rush was made to the end of the
+great room, where the bulletins were posted.
+
+Grace, Nora, Anne and Jessica wished to recite in the same classes as
+far as could be arranged, and a lively confab ensued as to what would
+be best to take. They all decided on solid geometry and English reading,
+as they could be together for these classes, but the rest was not so
+easy, for Nora, who loathed history, was obliged to take ancient history
+to complete her history group, the other girls having wisely completed
+theirs the previous year. Jessica wanted to take physical geography,
+Anne rhetoric, and Grace boldly announced a hankering for zoölogy.
+
+"How horrible," shuddered Jessica. "How can you bear to think of cutting
+up live cats and dogs and angleworms and things."
+
+"Oh, you silly," laughed Grace. "You're thinking of vivisection. I wouldn't
+cut up anything alive for all the world. The girls did dissect crabs and
+lobsters, and even rabbits, last year, but they were dead long before
+they ever reached the zoölogy class."
+
+"Oh," said Jessica, somewhat reassured, "I'm glad to hear that, at any
+rate."
+
+"That makes three subjects," said Nora. "Now we want one more. Are any
+of you going to be over ambitious and take five?"
+
+"Not I," responded Grace and Jessica in chorus.
+
+"I shall," said Anne quietly. "I'm going to learn just as much as I can
+while I have the chance."
+
+"Well," said Jessica, "you're different. Five studies aren't any harder
+for you than four for us."
+
+"Thank the lady prettily for her high opinion of your ability, Anne,"
+said Grace, laughing. "She really seems to be sincere."
+
+"She's too sincere for comfort," murmured Anne, who hated compliments.
+
+"We haven't settled on that fourth subject yet," interposed Nora.
+
+"Why don't you all take French, it is such a beautiful language," said
+a soft voice behind them. "I'm sure you'd like it."
+
+The four girls turned simultaneously at the sound of the strange, soft
+voice, to face a girl whose beauty was almost startling. She was a
+trifle taller than Grace and beautifully straight and slender. Her hair
+was jet black and lay on her forehead in little silky rings, while she
+had the bluest eyes the girls had ever seen. Her features were small and
+regular, and her skin as creamy as the petal of a magnolia. She stood
+regarding the astonished girls with a fascinating little smile that was
+irresistible.
+
+"Please excuse me for breaking in upon you, but I saw you from afar, and
+you looked awfully good to me." Her clear enunciation made the slang
+phrase sound like the purest English. "I have just been with your
+principal in her office. She told me to come here and look over the list
+of subjects. Do you think me unpardonably rude?" She looked appealingly
+at the four chums.
+
+"Why, of course not," said Grace promptly, recovering in a measure from
+her first surprise. "I suppose you are going to enter our school, are
+you not? Let me introduce you to my friends." She named her three chums
+in turn, who bowed cordially to the attractive stranger.
+
+"My name is Grace Harlowe. Will you tell me yours?"
+
+"My name is Eleanor Savell," replied the new-comer, "and I have just
+come to Oakdale with my aunt. We have leased a quaint old house in the
+suburbs called 'Heartsease.' My aunt fell quite in love with it, so
+perhaps we shall stay awhile. We travel most of the time, and I get very
+tired of it," she concluded with a little pout.
+
+"'Heartsease'?" cried the girls in chorus. "Do you live at 'Heartsease'?"
+
+"Yes," said the stranger curiously. "Is there anything peculiar about
+it?"
+
+"Oh, no," Grace hastened to reply. "The reason we are interested is
+because we know the owner of the property, Mrs. Gray, very well."
+
+"Oh, do you know her?" replied Eleanor lightly. "Isn't she a dainty,
+little, old creature? She looks like a Dresden shepherdess grown old.
+For an elderly woman, she really is interesting."
+
+"We call her our fairy godmother," said Anne, "and love her so dearly
+that we never think of her as being old." There had been something about
+the careless words that jarred upon Anne.
+
+"Oh, I am sure she is all that is delightful," responded Miss Savell,
+quickly divining that Anne was not pleased at her remark. "I hope to
+know her better."
+
+"You are lucky to get 'Heartsease,'" said Grace. "Mrs. Gray has refused
+over and over again to rent it. It belonged to her favorite brother, who
+willed it to her when he died. She has always kept it in repair. Even
+the furniture has not been changed. I have been there with her, and
+I love every bit of it. I am glad to know that it has a tenant at last."
+
+"Mrs. Gray knew my aunt years ago. They have kept up a correspondence
+for ever so long. It was due to her that we came here," said Eleanor.
+
+"Is your aunt Miss Margaret Nevin?" asked Anne quietly.
+
+"Why, how did you know her name?" cried Eleanor, apparently mystified.
+"'This is getting curiouser and curiouser.'"
+
+The four girls laughed merrily.
+
+"Anne is Mrs. Gray's private secretary," explained Jessica. "She tends
+to all her correspondence. I suppose you have written more than one
+letter to Miss Savell's aunt, haven't you, Anne!"
+
+"Yes, indeed," replied Anne. "Her name is very familiar to me."
+
+"What class are you girls in?" said Eleanor, abruptly changing the
+subject. "Or aren't you all in the same class?"
+
+"We are all juniors," laughed Nora, "and proud of it. Our green and
+callow days are over, and we have entered into the realm of the upper
+classes."
+
+"Then I shall enter the junior class, too, for I choose to hob-nob with
+you girls. Don't say you don't want me, for I have made up my mind; and
+it is like the laws of the Medes and Persians, unchangeable."
+
+"We shall be glad to welcome a new classmate, of course," responded
+Grace. "I hope you will soon be one of us. Did Miss Thompson say that
+you would have to take examinations?"
+
+"She did, she did," answered Eleanor ruefully. "Still I'm not much
+afraid. I've studied with a tutor, so I'm pretty well up in mathematics
+and English. I can speak French, German, Italian and Spanish almost as
+well as English. You know I've lived most of my life abroad. I'll manage
+to pass somehow."
+
+"I should think you would," exclaimed Anne admiringly. "I hope you pass,
+I'm sure. Perhaps you'll be too far advanced for our class."
+
+"Never fear, my dear," said Eleanor. "My heart is with the juniors, and
+leave it to me not to land in any other class. But, really, I've bothered
+you long enough. I must go back to your principal and announce myself
+ready to meet my fate. I hope to know you better when examinations have
+ceased to be a burden and the weary are at rest. That is, if I survive."
+
+With a gay little nod, and a dazzling smile that revealed almost perfect
+teeth, she walked quickly down the long room and out the door, leaving
+the girl chums staring after her.
+
+"What an extraordinary girl!" said Jessica. "She acts as though she'd
+known us all her life, and we never set eyes on her until she marched in
+and calmly interrupted us ten minutes ago."
+
+"It doesn't seem to make much difference whether or not we like her. She
+has decided she likes us, and that settles it," said Grace, smiling.
+"What do you think of her, Anne? You are a pretty good judge of
+character."
+
+"I don't know yet," replied Anne slowly. "She seems charming. She must
+be awfully clever, too, to know so many languages, but----"
+
+"But what?" queried Nora.
+
+"Oh, I don't know just what I want to say, only let's proceed slowly
+with her, then we'll never have anything to regret."
+
+"Come on, girls," said Jessica impatiently. "Let's hurry. You know we
+promised to meet the boys as soon as school was over."
+
+The girl chums walked out of the study hall, each with her mind so full
+of the new girl, who had so suddenly appeared in their midst, that the
+proposed call upon Miss Thompson was entirely forgotten.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+CONFIDENCES
+
+
+"I am the bearer of an invitation," announced Anne Pierson as the four
+girls collected in one corner of the locker-room during the brief recess
+allowed each morning.
+
+"Mrs. Gray wishes to see us all at four o'clock this afternoon. We are
+to dine with her and spend the evening, and the boys are invited for the
+evening, too. So we will have just time enough after school to go home
+and dress."
+
+"You had better meet at my house, then," said Grace, "for it's on the
+way to Mrs. Gray's. Good-bye. Be sure and be there at a quarter of four
+at the latest."
+
+Promptly at the appointed time the girls hurried up the Harlowe walk.
+They were met at the door by Grace, who had been standing at the window
+for the last ten minutes with hat and gloves on, impatiently waiting
+their arrival.
+
+As they neared Mrs. Gray's beautiful home, Anne said in a low tone to
+Grace, who was walking with her, "I suppose Mrs. Gray has a double
+motive in asking us up here to-day. I believe she wants to talk to us
+about Eleanor Savell. Miss Nevin called on Mrs. Gray yesterday and they
+were in the parlor together for a long time. After Miss Nevin had gone,
+Mrs. Gray told me that Miss Nevin was anxious that Eleanor should
+associate with girls of her own age. That is the reason she brought her
+to Oakdale."
+
+"Hurry up, you two," called Nora, who had reached the steps. "How you do
+lag to-day."
+
+"You will hear more of this later," whispered Anne.
+
+Mrs. Gray stood in the wide hall with hands outstretched in welcome. She
+kissed each girl affectionately, but her eyes lingered upon Anne, who
+was plainly her favorite. The old lady had become so accustomed to the
+sympathetic presence of the quiet, young girl that it seemed, at times,
+as though her own daughter had come back to her once more.
+
+"Come right into the library and make yourself comfy," cried Mrs. Gray
+cheerily. "I spend most of my time there. The view from the windows is
+so beautiful, and as one grows old, one resorts more and more to book
+friendships."
+
+"What shall we do with you, Mrs. Gray, if you keep on insisting that you
+are old?" said Grace. "You're not a day older at heart than any of the
+rest of us. Here, sit down in this nice, easy chair, while we take turns
+telling you just how young you are."
+
+"It is due to my adopted children that I am not a cross, crotchety,
+complaining old woman," said Mrs. Gray, allowing Grace to seat her in
+the big leather-covered arm chair.
+
+"Now, what does your Majesty crave of her loyal subjects?" inquired
+Grace, bowing low before the little, old lady.
+
+"Very well, if I am queen, then I must be obeyed. Draw up your chairs
+and sit in a circle. I want to tell you a little story. That is partly
+my reason for inviting you here this afternoon, although you know you
+are welcome whenever you choose to come."
+
+"Is it a fairy story, dear Mrs. Gray, and does it begin with 'Once upon
+a time'?" queried Jessica.
+
+"It is a story of real life, my child, but I'll begin it like a fairy
+tale if you wish it."
+
+"Oh, please begin at once," said Grace, who, at eighteen, was as fond of
+a story as she had been at six.
+
+"Well, 'once upon a time,' there were two sisters. They were really only
+half sisters, and the one was almost twenty years older than the other.
+The mother of the elder sister had died when she was about fifteen years
+of age, and two years later the father had married a beautiful young
+Irish girl of very good family, who loved him dearly in spite of the
+difference in their ages.
+
+"After they had been married a little over two years, a little girl came
+to them, and the older sister loved the tiny baby as dearly as she loved
+her beautiful, young step-mother."
+
+"Why, that sounds very much like Grimm's fairy tales!" exclaimed Nora.
+"Only the book people are all kings and queens, but this is even better
+because the heroine is actually Irish."
+
+There was a general laugh over Nora's remark in which Mrs. Gray joined.
+
+"It's a case of Ireland forever, isn't it Nora?" said Grace teasingly.
+
+"'Fine and dandy are the Irish,'" said Nora with a grin, quoting from a
+popular song she had heard in a recent musical comedy. "But stop teasing
+me, and let Mrs. Gray go on with her story."
+
+"When the baby sister, whose name was Edith, was about three years old,
+the beautiful young mother died and left the husband inconsolable. A
+year later he was killed in a railroad accident, and the elder sister,
+named Margaret, was left with only little Edith to comfort her. The
+father had been a rich man, so they had no anxiety about money, and
+lived on year after year in their beautiful old home, with everything
+heart could wish.
+
+"As Edith grew older, she developed a decided talent for music, and
+when she was fifteen Margaret decided to take her abroad and allow her
+to enter one of the great conservatories of Europe. They went to
+Leipsic, and Edith, who had high hopes of one day becoming a concert
+pianiste, continued her studies under the best instructors that money
+could procure. Things ran along smoothly until Edith met a young Italian
+named Guido Savelli, who was studying the violin at the same
+conservatory. His brilliant playing had already created a sensation
+wherever he appeared, and he gave promise of being a virtuoso.
+
+"He fell violently in love with Edith, who had her mother's beautiful blue
+eyes and the combination of white skin and black hair that go to make an
+Irish beauty. She returned his love, and after a brief engagement they
+were married, much against the wishes of Margaret, who thought them both
+too young and impressionable to know their own minds."
+
+"And did they live happy ever after?" asked Grace eagerly.
+
+"That is the sad part of my story," said Mrs. Gray, sighing. "They were
+anything but happy. They both had too much of the artistic temperament
+to live peaceably. Besides, Guido Savelli was thoroughly selfish at
+heart. Next to himself, his music was the only thing in the world that
+he really cared for. When they had been married for about a year and a
+half he played before the king, and soon became the man of the hour. He
+neglected his beautiful young wife, who, in spite of their frequent
+quarrels, loved him with a pure and disinterested affection.
+
+"Finally he went on a concert tour through the principal European
+cities, and she never saw him again. She wrote him repeatedly, but he
+never answered her letters, and she was too proud to follow him. She had
+one child, a baby girl, named Eleanor, who was the sole comfort of the
+heartbroken mother."
+
+At this juncture Anne and Grace exchanged significant glances.
+
+"When Eleanor was about a year old, the mother wrote Guido Savelli once
+more, begging him to come to her, if only for the sake of his child, but
+either he never received the letter or else paid no attention to it, for
+she received no reply. She relapsed into a dull, apathetic state, from
+which the repeated efforts of her sister failed to arouse her. The
+following winter she contracted pneumonia and died, leaving her sister
+the sole guardian of Eleanor."
+
+"How long ago did all this happen, dear Mrs. Gray?" queried Nora
+eagerly, "and is little Eleanor living?"
+
+"It was sixteen years ago, my dear," replied Mrs. Gray, "and the reason
+that I have told you this long tale is because the baby girl is almost a
+woman now, and----"
+
+"The girl is Eleanor Savell and we met her the other day," broke in
+Grace excitedly, forgetting for an instant that she had interrupted Mrs.
+Gray. "She is going to live at 'Heartsease' and---- oh, Mrs. Gray,
+please pardon me for interrupting you, I was so excited that I didn't
+realize my own rudeness."
+
+"Granted, my dear," smiled the old lady. "But how did you happen to meet
+Eleanor? They arrived only a few days ago."
+
+Grace rapidly narrated their meeting and conversation with Eleanor,
+while Mrs. Gray listened without comment. When Grace repeated Eleanor's
+remark about having made up her mind, the old lady looked a little
+troubled. Then her face cleared and she said softly:
+
+"My dear Christmas children, I am very anxious that for her own sake you
+should become well acquainted with Eleanor. Her aunt was here yesterday,
+and we had a long talk regarding her. Eleanor is an uncommon girl in
+many respects. She has remarkable beauty and talent, but she is
+frightfully self-willed. Her aunt has spoiled her, and realizes too
+late the damage she has done by having allowed her to grow up on the
+continent. They have lived in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, with an
+occasional visit to America, and Eleanor has always done just as she
+pleased. For years her aunt has obeyed her slightest whim, but as she
+grows older she grows more like her father, and her aunt wants her to
+have some steadying influence that will put a curb on her unconventional
+tendencies.
+
+"When she wrote me of Eleanor, I wrote her about my girls, and offered
+her 'Heartsease.' She was delighted with the whole thing and lost no
+time in getting here. So now you understand why I have told you all
+this. I want you to promise me that you will do what you can for this
+motherless girl."
+
+"But we felt sure we should like her when we saw her the other day,"
+said Nora. "She seemed so sweet and winning."
+
+"So she is. She has her father's winning personality, and a good deal of
+his selfishness, too," replied Mrs. Gray. "You won't find her at all
+disagreeable. But she is reckless, self-willed, defiant of public
+opinion and exceedingly impulsive. I look to you girls to keep her out
+of mischief."
+
+"Well, we'll try, but I never did pride myself on being a first-class
+reformer," said Grace, laughing.
+
+"Where is her father now?" asked Anne. "Is it possible that he is the
+great Savelli who toured America two years ago?"
+
+"He is the man," said Mrs. Gray. "He is a wonderful musician. I heard
+him in New York City. I shall never forget the way he played one of
+Liszt's 'Hungarian Rhapsodies.' I must caution you, girls, never to
+mention Eleanor's father to her. She has been kept in absolute ignorance
+of him. When she is twenty-one her aunt will tell her about him. If she
+knew he was the great Savelli, she would rush off and join him
+to-morrow, she is so impulsive. She has the music madness of both father
+and mother. Her aunt tells me she is a remarkable performer on both
+violin and piano."
+
+"But why shouldn't she go to her father if he is a great musician?" said
+Jessica. "And why is she called Savell, if her name is Savelli?"
+
+"Because, my dear, her father has never evinced the slightest desire to
+look up his own child. Even if he had, he is too irresponsible and too
+temperamental to assume the care of a girl like Eleanor," Mrs. Gray
+answered. "No, Eleanor is better off with her aunt. As to her name, her
+aunt hates everything Italian, so she dropped the 'I' and made the name
+Savell."
+
+"My," said Nora with a sigh. "She is almost as remarkable as a fairy
+princess, after all."
+
+"Oh, I don't know," replied Grace quickly. "Her life, of course, has
+been eventful, but I believe if we are to do her any good we shall just
+have to act as though she were an everyday girl like the rest of us. If
+we begin to bow down to her, we shall be obliged to keep it up. Besides,
+I have an idea that I am as fond of having my own way as she is."
+
+"Dinner is served," announced John, the butler.
+
+The four girls arose and followed Mrs. Gray to the dining room. During
+the dinner Eleanor was not again mentioned, although she occupied more
+or less of the four girls' thoughts.
+
+Later on, David, Hippy and Reddy appeared and a merry frolic ensued. It
+was after ten o'clock before the little party of young folks prepared to
+take their departure.
+
+"Remember, I rely upon you," whispered Mrs. Gray to Grace as she kissed
+her good night. Grace nodded sympathetically, but went home with an
+uneasy feeling that playing the guardian angel to Eleanor would be
+anything but a light task.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+AN AUTUMN WALKING EXPEDITION
+
+
+"It is simply too lovely to go home to-day," exclaimed Grace Harlowe to
+her three chums as they strolled down High School Street one sunny
+afternoon in early October. "I move that we drop our books at my house
+and go for a walk."
+
+"I'm willing to drop my books anywhere and never see them again,"
+grumbled Nora O'Malley, who was not fond of study.
+
+"I ought to go straight home," demurred Anne Pierson, "but I'll put
+pleasure before duty and stay with the crowd."
+
+"What about you, Jessica?" asked Grace.
+
+"You couldn't drive me home," replied Jessica promptly.
+
+"Very well," laughed Grace, "as we are all of the same mind, let's shed
+these books and be off."
+
+After a brief stop at Grace's home, the four girls started out, keenly
+alive to the beauty of the day. The leaves on the trees were beginning
+to lose their green and put on their dresses of red and gold. Though the
+sun shone brightly, the air was cool and bracing, and filled one with
+that vigor and joy of living which makes autumn the most delightful
+season of the year.
+
+Once outside the gate, the chums unconsciously headed in the same
+direction.
+
+"I believe we all have the same place in mind," laughed Grace. "I was
+thinking about a walk to the old Omnibus House."
+
+"'Great minds run in the same channel,'" quoted Jessica.
+
+"I haven't been out there since the spread last year," said Anne.
+
+"I have," said Grace, with a slight shudder. "I am not likely to forget
+it, either."
+
+"Well we are not apt to meet any more Napoleon Bonapartes out there,"
+said Nora, referring to Grace's encounter with an escaped lunatic, fully
+narrated in "GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL."
+
+They were nearing their destination when Anne suddenly exclaimed: "Look,
+girls. Some one is over at the old house. I just saw a man go around the
+corner!"
+
+The girls looked quickly in the direction of the house. Just then a
+figure appeared, stared at the approaching girls and began waving his
+hat wildly, at the same time doing a sort of war dance.
+
+"It's another lunatic," screamed Jessica. "Run, girls, run!"
+
+"Run nothing," exclaimed Nora. "Don't you know Reddy Brooks when you see
+him? Just wait until I get near enough to tell him that you mistook him
+for a lunatic. Hurrah! David and Hippy are with him."
+
+"Well, well, well!" exclaimed Hippy as the girls approached. "Here is
+Mrs. Harlowe's little girl and some of her juvenile friends. I'm very
+glad to see so many Oakdale children out to-day."
+
+"How dare you take possession of the very spot we had our eye on?" asked
+Grace, as she shook hands with David.
+
+"I came over to try my bird before I have it sent home for the winter,"
+replied David. "I was just locking up."
+
+"And the exhibition is all over," cried Grace in a disappointed tone.
+"I'm so sorry. You see, I still have a hankering for aëroplanes."
+
+"There wasn't any exhibition, after all," said David. "It wouldn't fly
+worth a cent to-day. I shall have to give it a complete overhauling when
+I get it back to my workshop. What are you girls doing out this way?"
+
+"Oh, we just came out to walk, because it was too nice to stay indoors,"
+said Anne. "And now we are particularly glad we came."
+
+"Not half as glad as I am," replied David, looking at her with a smile.
+
+"Speaking of walking," remarked Hippy, "I have decided to go in for a
+little on my own account. Object, to become a light weight. Is there any
+one who will encourage me in this laudable resolution, and beguile me
+while I go 'galumphing' over the ground?"
+
+"Oh, I know something that would be perfectly fine!" exclaimed Nora,
+hopping about in excitement.
+
+"Watch her," cried Hippy. "She is about to have a conniption. She always
+has them when an idea hits her. I've known her for years and----"
+
+"Make him stop," appealed Nora to David and Reddy, "or I won't tell any
+of you a single thing."
+
+"I'll desist, merely to please the Irish lady, not because I'm afraid of
+you two long, slim persons," said Hippy, cleverly dodging both David and
+Reddy.
+
+"Suppose we go on a walking expedition," said Nora. "We can start early
+some Saturday morning, with enough lunch to last us all day, and walk to
+the other side of Upton Wood and back. My sister would be glad to go
+with us, so that will settle the matter of having an older person along.
+We can have the whole day in the woods, and the walk will do us all
+good. We won't have many more chances, either, for winter will be upon
+us before we know it. It's a shame to waste such perfect days as these."
+
+"What a perfectly lovely stunt!" exclaimed Grace. "We'll write to Tom
+Gray, and see if he can't come, too. The walking expedition wouldn't be
+complete without him."
+
+"I'll write to him to-night," said David. "I certainly should like to
+see the good old chap."
+
+"Will there be plenty to eat?" asked Hippy. "I always feel hungry after
+such strenuous exercise as walking. I am not very strong, you know."
+
+"Hear him," jeered Reddy. "One minute he vows to walk until he reaches
+the skeleton stage, and the next he threatens to kick over all his vows
+by overeating."
+
+"I didn't say anything about overeating," retorted Hippy. "I merely
+stated that there are times when I feel the pangs of hunger."
+
+"Stop squabbling," said Jessica, "and let's lay some plans."
+
+"Where shall we lay them?" innocently asked Hippy.
+
+"Nowhere, if you're not good," said Nora eyeing him severely.
+
+Then an animated discussion began, and the following Saturday was agreed
+upon, the weather permitting, as the best time to go.
+
+Saturday turned out fair, and by nine o'clock the entire party were
+monopolizing the Harlowe's veranda.
+
+"Well, are we all ready?" said Tom Gray, as he glanced at his watch.
+"Everybody scramble. One, two, three, walk."
+
+Eight highly excited boys and girls accompanied by Miss Edith O'Malley,
+hustled down the steps, waving good-bye to Mrs. Harlowe as she stood on
+the veranda and watched them out of sight.
+
+The lunch had been divided into four packages and each boy strapped a
+package to his shoulder. Grace wore a little knapsack fitted to her back
+with two cross straps. "There's nothing in it but some walnut fudge that
+I made last night, but I couldn't resist wearing it. It belonged to my
+grandfather," she confided to the girls when they had exclaimed over it.
+
+"My, but it's great to be here," said Tom Gray to Grace as they entered
+Upton Wood. "I'm so glad I could come."
+
+"So are we," she replied. "A lark in the woods wouldn't be half the fun
+with our forester missing."
+
+"Back to nature for me, every time," he exclaimed, taking a deep breath
+and looking about him, his face aglow with forest worship.
+
+"I love the woods, too," said Grace, "almost enough to wish I were a
+gypsy."
+
+On down the shady wood road they traveled, sometimes stopping to watch a
+squirrel or a chipmunk or to knock down a few burrs from the chestnut
+trees they occasionally found along the way. Once they stopped and
+played hide and seek for half an hour. By one o'clock they were
+ravenously hungry. Hippy clamored incessantly for food.
+
+"Let us feed him at once, and have peace," exclaimed Nora. "I'm hungry,
+too. It seems an age since breakfast."
+
+A halt was made and the contents of two of the lunch packages were
+arranged on a little tablecloth at the foot of a great oak. The hungry
+young folks gathered around it and in a short time nothing remained of
+the lunch excepting the packages reserved for supper.
+
+"I move we all take a half hour's rest and then go on," said David. "We
+still have a mile to go before we are through the wood. We'll feel more
+like walking after we've rested a little."
+
+"Let us all sit in a row with our backs against this fallen tree and
+tell a story," said Grace. "Hippy, you are on the end, so you can begin
+it, then after you have gone a little way, Nora must take up the
+narrative, and so on down the line until the story is finished."
+
+"Fine," said Hippy. "Here goes:"
+
+"Once upon a time, in the heart of a deep forest, there lived a most
+beautiful prince. He had all that heart could wish; still he was not
+happy, for, alas, he was too fat."
+
+At this statement there was a shout of laughter from his listeners, at
+which Hippy, pretending anger, glared ferociously and vowed that he
+would not continue. Nora thereupon took up the narrative and convulsed
+her hearers with the remedies tried by the fat prince to reduce his
+weight. Then the story was passed on to Anne. With each narrator it grew
+funnier, until the party screamed with laughter over the misfortunes of
+the ill-starred prince.
+
+Hippy ended the tale by marrying the hero to a princess who was a golf
+fiend and who forced the poor prince to be her caddy.
+
+"From the day of his marriage he chased golf balls," concluded Hippy,
+"and the habit became so firmly fixed with him that he even rose and
+chased them in his sleep. He lost flesh at an alarming rate, and three
+months after his wedding day they laid him to rest in the quiet
+churchyard, with the touching epitaph over him, 'Things are not what
+they seem.'"
+
+Hippy buried his face in his handkerchief and sobbed audibly until David
+and Reddy pounced upon him and he was obliged to forego his lamentations
+and defend himself.
+
+"It's time to move," said Tom Gray, consulting his watch. "I don't
+believe we'd better go on through the wood. We'll have to about face if
+we expect to get home before dark."
+
+So the start back was made, but their progress was slow. A dozen things
+beguiled them from the path. Tom's trained eye spied a wasp's nest
+hanging from a limb. It was as large as a Japanese lantern and a
+beautiful silver-gray color. Anne stopped to pick some ground berries
+she found nestling under the leaves. Then they all started in wild
+pursuit of a rabbit, and in consequence had difficulty in finding the
+road again. Finally they all grew so hungry they sat down and disposed
+of the remaining food.
+
+"How dark it is growing," exclaimed Jessica, as they again took the
+road. "It must be very late."
+
+"It's after four o'clock," replied David, "and there's a storm coming,
+too. I think we had better hurry. I don't fancy being caught in the
+woods in bad weather. Hustle, everybody."
+
+As they hurried along the path a blast of wind blew full in their faces.
+The whole forest seemed suddenly astir. There were strange sounds from
+every direction. The branches creaked and the dry leaves fell rattling
+to the ground by hundreds. Another gust of wind filled their eyes and
+nostrils with fine dust.
+
+"Don't be frightened," called Tom. "Follow me."
+
+He led the way with Reddy, but the storm was upon them before they had
+gone ten steps. The wind almost blew them off their feet and black
+darkness settled down over the woods. They could just see the outlines
+of the trees as they staggered on, a blinding rain drenching them to the
+skin.
+
+Tom divided the party into two sections, four in one and five in the
+other. They were to hold each other's hands tightly and keep together.
+Frequent flashes of lightning revealed the woods in a tremendous state
+of agitation and it seemed better to be moving than to stand still and
+watch the terrifying spectacle.
+
+On they stumbled, but suddenly came to grief, for the four in front fell
+headlong over a tree that had been blown across the path, and the other
+five hearing their cries of warning too late, followed after.
+
+By the time they had picked themselves up the storm had grown so furious
+that they could only press miserably together and wait for it to pass.
+
+Suddenly Tom amazed them all by putting his hands to his mouth and
+blowing a strange kind of hollow whistle that sounded like the note of a
+trumpet.
+
+He repeated the whistle again and again. "You may not believe it," he
+said between calls, "but the hunter who taught me this, told me never to
+use it unless I was in dire need. Then help of some sort would surely
+come. It is called the Elf's Horn."
+
+"Did you ever try it before," asked Reddy curiously.
+
+"No," he answered, "I never did. I suppose it's only superstition, but
+I love hunter's lore. Perhaps it may work. Who knows?"
+
+"Hello-o-o!" cried a voice seemingly close by. "Hello-o-o!"
+
+"Where are you?" called Tom.
+
+"This way," answered the voice, and a light flashed a little distance
+off, revealing to them a man waving a lantern with one hand and
+beckoning with the other. One and all dashed toward the light, feeling
+that shelter was at hand.
+
+"It must be a hunter," panted Tom, "and he has heard the Elf's Horn."
+
+It was a hunter, and none other than old Jean. Their blind wandering had
+taken them straight to the hunter's cabin.
+
+"It is Mademoiselle Grace and her friends," cried the old man with
+delight. "When the sky grow so dark, I take my lantern and go out to my
+trap I have set this morning. Then I hear a strange whistle, many
+times, and I think some one get lost and I cry 'hello,' and you answer
+and I find mademoiselle and her friends."
+
+"That was the Elf's Horn, Jean," replied Tom, "and you heard because you
+are a hunter."
+
+"I know not what monsieur mean by Elf Horn, but I hear whistle, anyhow,
+and come," remarked the old man, smiling.
+
+The others laughed.
+
+"It's a shame to spoil it," replied David, "but I am afraid your Elf's
+Horn and Jean's helloing were just a coincidence."
+
+"Coincidence or not," replied Tom good-naturedly, "my faith in the fairy
+horn is now unshakable. I shall use it again if I ever need to."
+
+Before a blazing fire kindled by Jean in the big fireplace, the whole
+party dried themselves. The old hunter listened to the story of their
+mad scramble through the woods with many expressions of sympathy.
+
+It was eight o'clock when the storm had abated sufficiently to allow
+them to sally forth, and in a short time they were in Oakdale.
+
+Fifteen minutes later they were telling Mr. and Mrs. Harlowe just how it
+all happened.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+GRACE MAKES A DISCOVERY
+
+
+The Monday after the walking expedition, Grace Harlowe set out for
+school full of an idea that had been revolving in her busy brain for
+weeks. The time had come for herself and for her three chums to bind
+themselves together as a sorority. As charter members, they would
+initiate four other girls, as soon as proper rites could be thought of.
+It should be a Greek letter society. Grace thought "Phi Sigma Tau" would
+sound well. Aside from the social part, their chief object would be to
+keep a watchful eye open for girls in school who needed assistance of
+any sort.
+
+Mrs. Gray's anxiety over Eleanor Savell had set the bee in Grace's
+bonnet buzzing, and now her plans were practically perfected. All that
+remained to be done was to tell her three friends, and consult them as
+to what other four girls would be eligible to membership.
+
+Her proposition was hailed with acclamation by Anne, Nora and Jessica.
+Miriam Nesbit, Marian Barber, Eva Allen and Eleanor Savell were chosen
+as candidates and promptly notified to report at Jessica's home the next
+Thursday evening for initiation. They at once accepted the invitation
+and solemnly promised to be there.
+
+"'Where are you going, my pretty maid?'" said David Nesbit, stopping
+directly in front of Grace Harlowe as she hurried toward the Bright home
+the following Thursday evening.
+
+Grace laughed merrily, dropped a little curtsy and recited, "I'm going
+to an initiation, sir, she said."
+
+"'And may I go with you, my pretty maid?'" replied David, bowing low.
+
+"No boys allowed there, sir, she said."
+
+"That settles it," sighed David. "I suppose a sorority is about to come
+to the surface. Am I right, and will you take me along?"
+
+"Yes, we are going to initiate members into our new sorority, but you
+can't come, so you might as well be resigned to fate," retorted Grace.
+"We didn't receive invitations to your fraternity initiations."
+
+"Be kind to Anne, won't you. Tell her she has my sympathy," said David
+solemnly.
+
+"Anne is a charter member, if you please," laughed Grace. "She is spared
+the ordeals of initiation. But Miriam will not escape so easily. She is
+one of the candidates."
+
+"Ah, ha!" exclaimed David. "That's what she was so mysterious over.
+I tried to find out where she was going, but she wouldn't tell me. By
+the way, where does the affair take place?" he added, trying to look
+innocent.
+
+"Don't you wish you knew?" teased Grace. "However, you shan't find out
+from me. I know too well what would happen if you boys traced us to our
+lair. But I must go or I shall be late. Good night, David. Please be
+good and don't follow me. Promise me you won't."
+
+"I never make rash promises," answered David, smiling. "Be merciful to
+the candidates." Lifting his cap, the young man hurried off and turned
+the corner without looking back.
+
+"I wonder what I had better do," Grace mused. "I know perfectly well
+that David Nesbit won't go away. He will wait until he thinks I am far
+enough up the street and then he'll follow me. As soon as he finds out
+where I am going he'll rush back and hunt up Hippy Wingate and Reddy
+Brooks. Goodness knows what the three of them will plan."
+
+She decided to turn down a side street, go back one block and into the
+public library. She could easily leave the library by the side entrance
+and cut across Putnam Square. That would mislead David, although no
+doubt he would find them before the evening was over.
+
+Grace lost no time in putting her plan into action. As she hurried into
+the library she looked back, but saw no sign of David. When she reached
+Putnam Square she almost ran along the broad asphalt walk. It was
+fifteen minutes past seven by the city hall clock, and she did not wish
+to be late. The girls had agreed to be there by half past seven. She was
+almost across the square when her ear caught the sound of a low sob.
+Grace glanced quickly about. The square was practically deserted, but
+under one of the great trees, curled up on a bench, was a girl. Without
+an instant's hesitation Grace made for the bench. She touched the girl
+on the shoulder and said, "You seem to be in distress. Can I do anything
+to help you?"
+
+Then Grace gave a little surprised exclamation. The face turned toward
+her was that of Mabel Allison, the freshman prize girl. The glare from
+the neighboring light revealed her tear-swollen eyes and quivering lips.
+She gave Grace one long, agonized look, then dropped her head on her arm
+and sobbed harder than ever.
+
+"Why, Miss Allison, don't cry so," soothed Grace. "Tell me what your
+trouble is. Perhaps I can be of some service to you. I've wanted to know
+you ever since you won the freshman prize last June, and so has Anne
+Pierson. She won the prize the year before, you know."
+
+The girl nodded, but she could not sufficiently control herself to
+speak.
+
+Grace stood silently waiting until the other should find her voice. A
+moment more and Mabel Allison began to speak in a plaintive little voice
+that went straight to Grace's heart:
+
+"You are Grace Harlowe. I believe every girl in Oakdale High School
+knows you. I have heard so much about you, but I never dreamed that
+you'd ever speak to me."
+
+"Nonsense," replied Grace, laughing. "I'm just a girl like yourself.
+There isn't anything remarkable about me. I'm very glad to know you,
+Miss Allison, but I am sorry to find you so unhappy. Can't you tell me
+about it?" she coaxed, sitting down on the bench and slipping one arm
+around the shabby little figure.
+
+Mabel's lip quivered again. Then she turned impulsively toward Grace and
+said: "Yes; I will tell you, although no one can help me. I suppose you
+don't know where I live or anything about me, do you?"
+
+"No," replied Grace, shaking her head, "but I'd be glad to have you tell
+me."
+
+"Well," continued Mabel, "I'm an orphan, and I live with Miss Brant.
+She----"
+
+"Not that horrible, miserly Miss Brant who lives in that ugly yellow
+house on Elm Street?" interrupted Grace in a horrified tone.
+
+"Yes, she is the one I mean," continued Mabel. "She took me from an
+orphan asylum two years ago. I hated her the first time I ever saw her,
+but the matron said I was old enough to work, that I'd have a good home
+with her and that I should be paid for my work. She promised to send me
+to school, and I was wild to get a good education, so I went with her.
+But she is perfectly awful, and I wish I were dead."
+
+Her voice ended almost in a wail.
+
+"I don't blame you," said Grace sympathetically. "She has the reputation
+of being one of the most hateful women in Oakdale. I am surprised that
+she even allows you to go to school."
+
+"That's just the trouble," the girl replied, her voice husky. "She's
+going to take me out of school. I shall be sixteen next month, and
+exempt from the school law. So she is going to make me stop school and
+go to work in the silk mill. I worked there all through vacation last
+summer, and she took every cent of my wages. She took my freshman prize
+money, too."
+
+"What a burning shame!" exclaimed Grace indignantly. "Haven't you any
+relatives at all, Miss Allison, or any one else with whom you could
+stay?"
+
+Mabel shook her head.
+
+"I don't know anything about myself," she said. "I was picked up on the
+street in New York City when I was three years old, and as no one
+claimed me, I was put in an orphanage. There was one woman at the
+orphanage who was always good to me. She remembered the day they brought
+me, and she said that I was beautifully dressed. She always believed
+that I had been stolen. She said that I could tell my name, 'Mabel
+Isabel Allison,' and that I would be three years old in November, but
+that I couldn't tell where I lived. Whenever they asked me I cried and
+said I didn't know. She wanted to save my clothes for me, thinking that
+by them I might some day find my parents, but the matron took them away
+from her, all but three little gold baby pins marked 'M.I.A.' She hid
+them away from the matron. When she heard I was to go with Miss Brant,
+she kissed me, and gave them to me. She was the only person that ever
+cared for me."
+
+The tears stood in Grace's eyes.
+
+"You poor, little thing!" she cried. "I care for you, and I'm going to
+see if I can do something for you. You shan't stop school if I can help
+it. I can't stay with you any longer, just now, because I am going to
+Miss Bright's and I am late. It is eight o'clock, you see."
+
+The girl gave a little cry of fright.
+
+"Oh, I didn't think it was so late. I know Miss Brant will be very
+angry. She will probably beat me. I am still carrying the marks from the
+last whipping she gave me. She sent me out on an errand, but I felt as
+though I must be alone, if only for a few minutes. That's why I stopped
+in the square."
+
+"Beat you!" exclaimed Grace. "How dare she touch you? Why, I never had a
+whipping in my life! I won't keep you another minute, but wait for me
+outside the campus when school is out to-morrow. I wish to talk further
+with you."
+
+"I'll come," promised Mabel, her face lighting up. Then she suddenly
+threw both arms around Grace's neck and said, "I do love you, and I feel
+that some one cares about me at last." Then, like a flash, she darted
+across the square and was soon lost to Grace's view.
+
+"Well, of all things!" Grace remarked softly to herself. "I think it's
+high time we organized a sorority for the purpose of aiding girls in
+distress."
+
+"You're a prompt person. Did you really decide to come?" were the cries
+that greeted her from the porch as she opened the Bright's gate.
+
+"Save your caustic comments," said Grace as she handed Jessica her hat.
+"I have a tale to tell."
+
+"Out with it!" was the cry, and the girls surrounded Grace, who began
+with her meeting with David, and ended with the story of Mabel Allison.
+
+"You haven't heard anything of those boys yet, have you?" she asked when
+she had finished.
+
+"Not yet," said Nora, "but never fear, the night is yet young."
+
+"Where is Eleanor Savell?" asked Grace, noticing for the first time that
+Eleanor was not present. "You promised to go for her, didn't you, Anne?"
+
+"I did go," replied Anne, "but she wouldn't come. She said she'd come
+sometime when she felt like it. She was playing on the violin when the
+maid let me in, and how she can play! She wanted me to stay there with
+her and didn't seem to understand why I couldn't break my engagement
+with you girls. She said that she always kept her engagements unless the
+spirit moved her to do something else."
+
+"Is Eleanor Savell the girl who comes into the study hall every morning
+after opening exercises have begun?" asked Marian Barber.
+
+"Yes," Grace answered. "I forgot for a moment that you and Eva and
+Miriam hadn't met her. She is really very charming, although her ideas
+about punctuality and school rules are somewhat hazy as yet. She lives
+at 'Heartsease,' Mrs. Gray's property. I am disappointed because she
+will not be here to-night. She seemed delighted when I asked her to join
+our society."
+
+"As long as we know she isn't coming, don't you think we should begin
+the initiation?" asked Nora. "It is after eight o'clock and we can't
+stay out too late, you know."
+
+"Very well," said Grace. "Blindfold the candidates."
+
+The three girls meekly submitted to the blindfolding, and the chums were
+about to lead them to the initiation chamber, when the ringing of the
+door bell caused them to start.
+
+"It's David and the boys," said Jessica. "Shall I tell them that they
+can't come in?"
+
+"Of course," responded Nora. "You and Grace go to the door, while Anne
+and I stay here with our victims. Be careful they don't play you a
+trick."
+
+The two girls cautiously approached the door, opening it very slowly,
+and saw--not the three boys--but Eleanor. She smiled serenely and said:
+"Good evening. I decided, after all, that I would come."
+
+"Come right in," said Jessica cordially. "I am so glad you changed your
+mind and came. The initiation is about to begin. Have you ever belonged
+to a secret society?"
+
+"Never," replied Eleanor. "But now that I'm here, I am willing to try
+it."
+
+"Come this way."
+
+"Girls," said Grace, addressing the three blindfolded girls, "this is
+Eleanor Savell. You can't see her yet, but you may all shake hands with
+her. She is to be your companion in misery."
+
+Eleanor laughed, shook hands with the others and graciously allowed Nora
+to tie a handkerchief over her eyes.
+
+"All ready! March!" called Grace, and the eight girls solemnly proceeded
+to the initiation chamber.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE PHI SIGMA TAU
+
+
+At the door a halt was called.
+
+"Prepare to jump," commanded Grace in a deep voice. "One, two, three!
+Jump down! Be careful!"
+
+The four candidates gave four uncertain jumps and experienced the
+disagreeable sensation usually felt in attempting to jump downward when
+on level ground. This was one of the oldest and mildest forms of
+initiation, but Nora had insisted upon it, and giggled violently as the
+four girls prepared for a long leap. Even Grace, who was conducting the
+ceremony with the utmost seriousness, laughed a little at the picture
+they made.
+
+"They'll do anything you tell them," whispered Nora. Which was perfectly
+true. To show fear or reluctance in obeying the demands made upon one,
+was to prove one's self unworthy of membership in the Phi Sigma Tau.
+
+"Let the music begin," said Grace.
+
+There was a faint snicker as Anne, Nora and Jessica raised three combs,
+wrapped in tissue paper, to their lips and began the "Merry Widow"
+waltz, with weird effect.
+
+"You must waltz around the room fifteen times without stopping,"
+continued Grace, "and then sit down in the four opposite corners of the
+room, on the cushions provided for you."
+
+The girl chums retreated to the doorway of the room, that had previously
+been cleared of almost all the furniture, to watch the movements of
+their victims as they endeavored to circle the room the required number
+of times. They lost their count, bumped each other at every turn, and
+at last staggered dizzily toward what they thought were the corners of
+the room. Miriam Nesbit made straight for the door in which the chums
+stood, and Grace was obliged to take her by the shoulders and gently
+steer her in the opposite direction. Eleanor, after groping along one
+side of the room for a corner, was the first to find one, and sank with
+a sigh of relief upon the pile of cushions. The other girls had not been
+so successful. They all endeavored to sit in the same corner at once, and
+Grace was obliged to go to the rescue, and lead two of them to opposite
+sides of the initiation chamber.
+
+"In order to become successful members of this society, it is necessary
+for you to sing. You may all sing the first verse and the chorus of any
+song you know, only be sure that you don't choose the same song, and don't
+stop until you have finished," directed Grace. "Begin after I have counted
+three. I will wait for a minute while you choose your song. The orchestra
+will accompany you."
+
+There was considerable subdued laughter from the orchestra, who had been
+instructed to play "The Star Spangled Banner," oblivious of whatever the
+candidates might sing.
+
+"One, two, three!" counted Grace, and the concert began.
+
+Eva Allen chose "John Brown's Body." Miriam Nesbit, "Old Kentucky Home."
+Marian Barber, "Schooldays," while Eleanor contributed "The Marseillaise"
+in French. The orchestra dutifully burst forth with "The Star Spangled
+Banner," and the effect was indescribable.
+
+The orchestra broke down before they reached their chorus, and the
+accompaniment ended in a shriek of suppressed mirth, but the candidates
+went stolidly on without a smile and finished almost together.
+
+"Very well done," commended Grace. "I see you will be valuable additions
+to the society."
+
+The girls were then put through a series of ridiculous tests that the
+four chums had devised. They were made to dip their hands in water
+charged with electricity, caress a mechanical rubber snake that wriggled
+realistically, drink a cup of boneset tea apiece, and were directed
+finally to bare their arms for the branding of the letters of the
+society.
+
+The branding was done with a piece of ice, pressed hard against their
+bare arms, and the shock made the victims gasp for a second and wonder
+if they really were being burned.
+
+"You will now hold up your right hands and repeat after me," said Grace,
+"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute my duties as a
+member of the Phi Sigma Tau, and will, to the best of my ability,
+preserve, protect and defend its laws."
+
+This done, the girls received the grip of the society, the handkerchiefs
+were removed from their eyes and they were pronounced full-fledged
+members.
+
+"That oath has a rather familiar sound," remarked Miriam Nesbit, trying
+to recollect where she had heard it before.
+
+"I know," she said at last. "It's the oath of office taken by the
+President of the United States at inauguration, only you changed it to
+suit this sorority."
+
+"You've guessed it exactly," replied Grace. "I chose it because it
+sounded so much more expressive than to say, 'May my bones be crushed
+and my heart cut out if ever I am unfaithful to my vows.'"
+
+There was a general laugh at this, the girls agreeing that Grace's
+choice was infinitely less blood-thirsty.
+
+"Now that you have so bravely endured the trials of initiation, you
+shall receive your reward," declared Jessica. "Follow me."
+
+She led the way to the dining room, where a bountiful lunch awaited
+them, to which, after the manner of hungry school girls, they did full
+justice.
+
+"By the way," said Grace, after they had returned to the sitting room
+and were comfortably settled, "you never said one word about my freshman
+prize girl. I thought you would be awfully interested in her. For the
+benefit of the new members, I will say that this society was organized
+with a definite object, that of helping others. We are to look after
+girls who have no one to make things pleasant or happy for them. Why, do
+you know that there are quite a number of girls attending High School
+who come from other places, and who have to spend the holidays at their
+boarding houses without any fun at all? Look at this poor, little
+Allison girl. She works for her board in the winter, and in the mill in
+the summer, and now that miserable Miss Brant is going to take her out
+of school, and she is getting along so well, too."
+
+"Isn't it a pity," said Anne, "that people like her can't understand
+that if a girl were allowed to finish her education, she could earn so
+much more in the long run than she could by working year after year in a
+mill?"
+
+"We might go to Miss Brant and explain that to her," said Nora. "Perhaps
+she would listen to us."
+
+"I don't believe so," replied Grace. "Besides, she might be very angry
+and take her spite out on poor Mabel. If we could only get Mabel away
+from her. But if she has legally adopted her we couldn't do anything.
+Besides, where would she go if we did get her away?"
+
+"I'll tell you what I'll do," said Jessica thoughtfully. "I'll ask papa
+about it. Lawyers always know everything about such things. Maybe he
+could find out if Miss Brant has any real claim upon her."
+
+"That's a good idea," said Miriam Nesbit. "If we can get her away from
+that hateful old wretch, the sorority could adopt her. She could stay
+with each one of us for a month. That would be eight months, and at the
+end of that time she would have finished her sophomore year. Then she
+could get something pleasant to do through the summer vacation. That
+would give her some money for clothes for next year. Perhaps by that
+time we could find some nice people for her to stay with, or if we
+liked her well enough, we could go on having her with us. I'll ask my
+mother to-morrow, and you girls might do the same."
+
+"Miriam Nesbit, what a perfectly lovely plan!" exclaimed Grace Harlowe
+with rapture. "I feel sure mother would let me have her."
+
+"She can come here any time," said Jessica. "Papa allows me to do as
+I like."
+
+"'First catch your bird,'" said Nora wisely. "Don't plan too much, until
+you find out whether you can snatch her from the dragon's claws."
+
+"I feel sure we shall win," replied Grace confidently. "What do you
+girls think of it?" she asked, turning to Eva, Marian and Eleanor, who
+had so far expressed no opinion.
+
+"Count us in," said Eva and Marian in a breath.
+
+"And you, Eleanor?" asked Grace.
+
+"She can live at our house forever, if she doesn't disturb me," replied
+Eleanor lazily. "My aunt won't care, either. When we lived in Spain she
+used to help every beggar we came across, and Spain is a land of
+beggars. She never can resist an appeal for charity."
+
+There was a sudden silence. Then Grace said gently, although she felt
+irritated at Eleanor's careless speech: "I don't think Mabel Allison
+could really be called a beggar; and if we adopt her, we ought never to
+let her think that we consider her a dependent. Of course we know very
+little about her yet, but I think she will prove worthy. I am to see her
+to-morrow, and perhaps it would be better to talk a little more with her
+before we tell Jessica's father about it."
+
+Eleanor looked at Grace with an amused smile.
+
+"How serious you girls are," she said. "Is it school that makes you so?
+If it is, I don't think I shall stay long. I like to drift along and do
+only what my inclination prompts me to do. I hate responsibility of any
+sort."
+
+"Perhaps you will feel differently about school after a while," said
+Anne quietly. "This is my third year in Oakdale High School, and I never
+had any good times until I came here. As for responsibility, it is a
+good thing to learn to be responsible for one's self, if for no one
+else."
+
+"Well, perhaps you are right, but I am sure that if you had never lived
+long enough in one country to become acclimated, you wouldn't feel very
+responsible, either," said Eleanor in such rueful tones that the girls
+laughed, although they secretly disapproved of Eleanor's inconsequential
+attitude.
+
+"Did you think the examinations hard?" asked Jessica of Eleanor.
+
+"Oh, no," replied Eleanor lightly. "I had an English governess who was
+with us for five years. She drilled me thoroughly in English and
+mathematics. I loathed them both, but studied them merely to show her
+that I could master them. Miss Thompson said my work was good, and that
+if I were ambitious she would put me in the senior class, but I held out
+for the juniors and finally got my own way. If you are going to take
+such a serious view of this gay world, however, perhaps I'll wish
+I had joined the seniors, after all. No, I don't mean that. I'm awfully
+glad to know you, and feel honored at being a member of your sorority.
+Only I don't expect to ever be a very useful one. My aunt has spoiled
+me, and I frankly admit it. So, you see, there is no hope for me." She
+spread out both hands in a deprecating manner and shrugged her shoulders
+exactly as a French woman might have done.
+
+"I am sure we like you, just as you are," said Eva Allen warmly. She had
+been rather impressed with Eleanor.
+
+"Do you see the time?" said Nora, suddenly pointing to the old-fashioned
+clock in the corner. "Half past ten! I must go this minute. Sister will
+be worried."
+
+She immediately made for her hat and coat, the others following suit,
+with the exception of Eleanor, who was to wait until the coachman came
+for her.
+
+Once the girls were outside the gate, Marian Barber broke out with:
+"What a queer girl that Eleanor Savell is. She is beautiful and
+fascinating, but I don't know whether I like her or not."
+
+"You must like her," said Grace. "You know the members of this society
+must stand by each other."
+
+"But why did you ask her to join, Grace?" persisted Marian. "She is
+different from the rest of us. I don't believe we shall get along with
+her very well."
+
+"I'll tell you girls a secret," replied Grace. "Anne and Nora already
+know it. Mrs. Gray wants us to be nice to Eleanor for a number of
+reasons, and, of course, we wish to please her. Anne, Jessica, Nora and
+I were talking about it the other day, and while we were laying plans
+for this sorority, we decided to ask Eleanor to join. We thought we
+could learn to know her better, and she would eventually become a good
+comrade."
+
+"It sounds ridiculous to talk about helping a clever girl like Eleanor,
+but from her conversation to-night you can see that she needs some
+wholesome advice occasionally," said Nora bluntly. "Mrs. Gray seems to
+think we can be of some use in that direction, so we are trying to carry
+out her theory."
+
+"I think I understand the situation," said Miriam Nesbit, "and will do
+all I can to be nice to her, if she doesn't attempt to patronize me.
+I couldn't stand that. I know I used to do it. I suppose that's why it
+seems so unendurable to me now."
+
+"David Nesbit didn't disturb us, after all," remarked Eva Allen. "It's a
+wonder those boys didn't put tick-tacks on the windows or do something
+like that."
+
+The girls had come to the turn of the street, and were about to pass the
+only really lonely spot during their walk. It was an old colonial
+residence, the surrounding grounds extending for a block. It had been
+untenanted for some time, as the owners were in Europe, although both
+house and grounds were looked after by a care-taker. On the other side
+of the street was a field where the small fry of Oakdale usually held
+their ball games.
+
+"I always hate passing this old house," said Marian Barber. "It is so
+terribly still back there among those pines. I don't----"
+
+She stopped short, an expression of terror overspreading her
+good-natured face, as she mutely pointed toward the old house. Three
+ghostly figures swathed in white stole out from the shadow of the pines
+and glided down the wide, graveled drive toward the gate. Their
+appearance was terrifying. Their faces were white as their robes, and
+blue flames played about their eyes. They carried out in every
+particular the description of the regulation churchyard ghost.
+
+For an instant the six girls stood still, regarding those strange
+apparitions with fascinated terror. Then Eva Allen and Marian Barber
+shrieked in unison and fled down the street as fast as their legs would
+carry them. Grace, Nora, Anne and Miriam stood their ground and awaited
+the oncoming spectres, who halted when they saw that the girls did not
+intend to run.
+
+"High School boys, on a lark," whispered Grace to her friends. "Let's
+charge them in a body."
+
+With a bound she reached the drive, closely followed by the other girls.
+The ghostly three evidently considering discretion the better part of
+valor, left the drive and took to their heels across the lawn. But
+Grace, who was well in the lead, caught the last fleeing ghost by its
+robe and held on for dear life. There was a sound of rending cloth as
+the apparition bounded forward, then it caught its spectre toe on a
+tuft of long grass and fell forward with a decidedly human thud.
+
+The girls surrounded it in an instant. Before it had time to rise, Grace
+snatched off a white mask smeared around the eye-holes with phosphorus,
+which explained the flamelike effect, and disclosed the sheepish face of
+James Gardiner, one of the sophomore class.
+
+"Oh, let a fellow up, will you?" he said, with a sickly grin.
+
+"You bad boy!" exclaimed Grace. "What do you mean by dressing up like
+this? Don't you know you might frighten some timid person terribly?"
+
+"Initiation," said the youth, with a grin, rising on his elbow and
+looking as though he would like to make a sudden break for liberty.
+"Part of the sacred obligations of the 'Knights and Squires' frat. Three
+fellows of us were initiated to-night. This was the last stunt."
+
+"Well, I suppose under those circumstances we shall have to forgive you.
+Did you appear to any one else?" asked Grace.
+
+"Only to that old crank Miss Brant. She was scared out of her wits,"
+replied James, laughing. "Two of your crowd got out in a hurry, too,
+didn't they?"
+
+"I suppose I shall have to confess that they did," replied Grace. "If
+I were you, James, I'd take off that costume and hurry away. Miss Brant
+is liable to inform the police, and they might not look at initiation
+stunts as we do."
+
+"That's right," said James, looking a trifle alarmed. "Wonder where the
+fellows went. I'd better put them on. We never thought of that. If you
+girls will excuse me, I'll hunt them up."
+
+"Certainly," said the girls. "Good night, James."
+
+"Good night," replied the youth. "You girls are all right. Can't scare
+you." With a nod to them he started across the grass on the run, his
+ghostly garments trailing behind him.
+
+"I'm glad that wasn't David," said Anne as James disappeared. "I was
+afraid when first I saw them that they might be our boys. I didn't feel
+frightened at all, after what Grace had said about meeting David."
+
+"Eva and Marian didn't show any great amount of courage," said Nora,
+laughing. "I wonder if they ran all the way home."
+
+"There they are ahead of us," said Anne.
+
+True enough, the two girls stood on the corner waiting for the others to
+come up.
+
+"Why don't you hurry on home?" called Nora. "'The goblins will git you,
+ef you don't watch out.'"
+
+"Don't tease," said Marian Barber, looking rather foolish. "We are
+awfully sorry we ran away, but when I saw those awful white figures
+coming toward us, I just had to run and so did Eva. Who on earth were
+they, and where did they go?"
+
+In a few words Grace told her what had happened.
+
+"That horrid James Gardiner. I'll never speak to him again," cried Eva
+Allen. "I hope he didn't recognize us. He'll tell every one in school
+about it."
+
+"I don't think he did," replied Grace. "Oh, look, girls! Here comes
+Officer Donavan! I was right when I said that Miss Brant would notify
+the police."
+
+"I hope she got a good scare," remarked Nora wickedly. "As for the
+ghosts, they are very likely at home by this time."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A VISIT TO ELEANOR
+
+
+The next day, when Grace, in company with her chums, left the school
+building, they beheld the shabby little figure of Mabel Allison waiting
+for them just outside the campus. She looked shy and embarrassed when
+she saw the four girls bearing down upon her, and seemed half inclined
+to run away. Grace greeted her cordially and introduced her to her
+chums, whose simple and unaffected manners soon put her at her ease.
+
+"I am so glad you waited," said Grace cordially. "I have told my three
+friends about you, as I knew they would be as much interested in you as
+I am. We have made a plan and if we can carry it out, you will be able
+to go to school until you graduate."
+
+"You are very good to take so much trouble for me," said Mabel, the
+tears springing to her eyes; "but I'm afraid it won't do any good."
+
+"Don't be down-hearted," said Nora sympathetically. "You don't know
+Grace Harlowe. She always does whatever she sets out to do."
+
+"She's a regular fairy godmother," said Anne softly. "I know from
+experience."
+
+"Such flattery is overwhelming," murmured Grace. "I regret that I'm too
+busy to bow my thanks. But to get down to the business of the hour--tell
+me, Mabel, dear--did this Miss Brant legally adopt you when she took you
+from the orphanage, or are you bound to her in any way?"
+
+"I don't know," said the girl, her eyes growing big with wonder. "I never
+thought about it. I don't believe, however, that she has any legal claim
+upon me."
+
+"Is there any way in which you can find out?" asked Anne.
+
+"Why, yes," replied Mabel. "I could write the woman at the orphanage who
+was good to me. She is still there, and several times she has written to
+me, but Miss Brant read her letters first and then tore them up. Her
+name is Mary Stevens, and she would surely know!"
+
+"Then write to her at once," said Grace, "and tell her to send her
+letter in an outside envelope addressed to me. Your whole future depends
+upon her answer."
+
+Grace thereupon related to her their conversation of the previous night.
+
+"As soon as you find out about Miss Brant's claim, we shall take the
+matter to Jessica's father, who is a lawyer. He will help us," Grace
+concluded. "Then when you are free, we shall have something else to
+tell you. Just be patient for a few days, and don't be afraid.
+Everything will come right."
+
+"How can I ever thank you all?" said Mabel, taking one of Grace's hands
+between hers and looking at her with a world of gratitude in her eyes.
+"I will write to-night. I must go now or I shall be home late. Forgive
+me for hurrying away, but I daren't stay," she added piteously. "You
+know that I should like to. Good-bye, and thank you again."
+
+"Good-bye," called Grace. "I'll let you know as soon as I hear from Mary
+Stevens."
+
+"What a sweet little girl she is," said Jessica. "I should like to keep
+her with me all the time."
+
+"She is a nice child," said Grace, "and she deserves something better
+than her present fate."
+
+"To change the subject," said Nora, "has any one seen Eleanor to-day?
+She was not in English or geometry, although she may have come in late."
+
+"I don't believe she was in school at all," said Anne. "Maybe the
+initiation was too much for her."
+
+"Oh, I don't know. She didn't seem to mind it," remarked Jessica. "She
+will hear from Miss Thompson if she makes a practice of staying out of
+school. Attendance is one of the chief requisites in Miss Thompson's
+eyes."
+
+"I suppose we ought to call on Eleanor before long," mused Grace. "She
+has invited us, and it's our duty to call on her first. Anne has already
+been there. Suppose we go over now; that is, unless you girls have
+something else to do."
+
+It was decided at once that they could go, and soon the four chums were
+walking briskly down the street in the direction of "Heartsease." It was
+an Indian summer day and the girls congratulated themselves on having
+taken advantage of it. As school had closed at half past two, it was not
+yet four o'clock. They would have plenty of time for their call without
+hurrying themselves. So they strolled along, laughing and chatting in
+the care-free manner that belongs alone to the school girl.
+
+As they neared the house one and all exclaimed at the beauty of the
+grounds. The lawn looked like a great stretch of green velvet, while the
+trees were gorgeous in their autumn glory of crimson and gold, with here
+and there a patch of russet by way of contrast. Over at one side were
+clumps of pink and white anemones; while all around the house and in the
+garden beds that dotted the lawn many-colored chrysanthemums stood up in
+brave array.
+
+"What a delightful place 'Heartsease' is," cried Grace as she paused
+just inside the gate to feast her eyes upon its beauty. "Sometimes
+I think that autumn is the finest season of the year, and then again
+I like spring better."
+
+"What difference does the season make, so long as we have a good time?"
+said Nora blithely. "I haven't any preference. They're all good."
+
+"Eleanor will be surprised to see us," remarked Grace, as she rang the
+bell.
+
+"Let's hope she will appreciate the honor of having four such
+distinguished persons descend upon her at one time," said Anne.
+
+"Is Miss Savell in?" asked Grace to the trim maid who answered her ring.
+
+"Yes, miss," replied the maid. "Come in. Who shall I say is here?"
+
+"Say to Miss Savell that Grace Harlowe and her friends would like to see
+her."
+
+The maid soon reappeared and led the girls down the wide, old-fashioned
+hall, and, somewhat to their surprise, ushered them into the dining
+room, where they beheld Eleanor, arrayed in a dainty white house gown,
+dining alone.
+
+She arose as they entered and came forward with both hands outstretched.
+"How are the Phi Sigma Taus to-day?" she asked. "It was awfully nice of
+you to come and see me."
+
+"We thought you might be ill," said Nora. "We missed you at school
+to-day."
+
+"Oh, no," replied Eleanor serenely. "I am perfectly well. I really
+didn't feel like going to school to-day, so I stayed in bed until eleven
+o'clock. I am just having lunch now. Won't you join me? I am keeping
+house by myself this afternoon. My aunt is dining with Mrs. Gray."
+
+"Thank you," said Grace, speaking for the girls. "We all have supper at
+half past six and must save our appetites for that."
+
+"We usually dine about eight o'clock," said Eleanor. "We acquired the
+habit of dining late from living on the continent. But, come, now.
+I have finished my lunch. I want you to see where I live, almost entirely,
+when in the house."
+
+The girls followed her up the broad staircase and down the hall. Every
+inch of the ground was familiar to Grace. She had been there so often
+with Mrs. Gray. "Oh, you have the suite at the back," she exclaimed.
+"I love those two rooms."
+
+"You will find them somewhat changed," remarked Eleanor as she opened
+the door and ushered the girls into the most quietly luxurious apartment
+they had ever seen. Even Miriam Nesbit's room could not compare with
+it.
+
+"What a beautiful room!" exclaimed Grace, looking about her with
+delight. "I don't wonder you like to spend your time in it. I see you
+have your own piano."
+
+"Yes," replied Eleanor. "My aunt sent to New York for it. The one
+downstairs in the drawing room is all right, but I like to have this one
+handy, so that I can play whenever the spirit moves me. This is my
+bedroom," she continued, pushing aside the silken curtains that
+separated the two rooms. The girls exclaimed over the Circassian walnut
+furniture and could not decide as to which room was the prettier.
+
+"Eleanor," said Grace solemnly, "you ought to be a very happy girl. You
+have everything a heart can wish. Think of poor little Mabel Allison."
+
+"Oh, don't let's think about disagreeable things," said Eleanor lightly.
+"Sit down and be comfy and I'll play for you. What shall I play?"
+
+"Do you know the 'Peer Gynt' suite?" asked Grace. "I love 'Anitra's
+Dance.'"
+
+Without answering, Eleanor immediately began the "Peer Gynt" music and
+played the entire suite with remarkable expression.
+
+"How well you play!" exclaimed Jessica with eager admiration in her
+voice, as Eleanor turned around on the stool after she had finished.
+"I should love to hear you play on the violin. Anne heard you the
+other night, and told us about it."
+
+"I love the violin better than the piano, but it sounds better with a
+piano accompaniment. Don't you girls play?"
+
+"Jessica does," chorused her friends.
+
+"Oh, I never could play, after hearing Eleanor," said Jessica blushing.
+
+"Come on," said Eleanor, taking her by the arm and dragging her over to
+the piano. "You can accompany me. What do you play?"
+
+"Do you know Raff's 'Cavatina'?" asked Jessica a trifle shyly.
+
+"By heart," answered Eleanor. "I love it. Wait and I'll get the music
+for you."
+
+After a moment's search she produced the music, picked up her violin,
+and, after tightening a string, announced herself ready.
+
+The girls listened, spellbound. It seemed as though Eleanor's very soul
+had entered into the violin. They could not believe that this was the
+capricious Eleanor of half an hour before.
+
+"Whatever she may do in future," thought Grace, as she listened to the
+last plaintive notes of the "Cavatina," "I'll forgive her for her
+music's sake. One has to make allowances for people like her. It is the
+claim of the artistic temperament."
+
+"Please play once more," begged Nora. "Then we must go. It's almost six
+o'clock."
+
+Eleanor chose Nevin's "Venetian Love Song," and Jessica again
+accompanied her.
+
+"You play with considerable expression," said Eleanor, as Jessica rose
+from the piano stool.
+
+"How could I help it?" replied Jessica, smiling. "You inspired me."
+
+Eleanor accompanied the four girls down the walk to the gate and
+repeatedly invited them to come again.
+
+"It's your turn to come and see us now," said Grace. "Do you think you
+will go to school to-morrow, Eleanor? Miss Thompson dislikes having the
+girls stay out."
+
+"I can't help what Miss Thompson dislikes," returned Eleanor, laughing.
+"What I dislike is of more importance to me. I dare say I shall go
+to-morrow, providing I get up in time."
+
+"What an irresponsible girl Eleanor is," remarked Anne, as they walked
+along. "I am afraid we can't do much for her. She doesn't seem much
+interested in school and I don't think she is particularly impressed
+with our sorority."
+
+"Anne," said Jessica, "you have seen Miss Nevin, her aunt. Tell us how
+she looks."
+
+"She is tall," replied Anne, "and has beautiful dark eyes. Her hair is
+very white, but her face looks young, only she has the saddest
+expression I ever saw on any one's face."
+
+"I should think she would look sad after seventeen years of Eleanor's
+whims," remarked Nora bluntly. "It would wear me out to be with her
+continually, she is so changeable."
+
+"Mrs. Gray told me," remarked Anne, "that Miss Nevin's life had been one
+long sacrifice to the pleasure of others. First her father, then her
+step-sister and now Eleanor. She was engaged to be married to a young
+English officer, and he died of fever while stationed in India. So,
+there is reason for her sad expression."
+
+"I once read, somewhere," said Jessica sentimentally, "that ''Tis better
+to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.'"
+
+"Humph!" said Nora. "If I am ever foolish enough to fall in love,
+I certainly don't want to lose the object of my devotion."
+
+"You can't very well," said Grace slyly, "for from all present
+indications I should say that he is too fat to get lost."
+
+And Nora was obliged to explain elaborately to the laughing girls, all
+the way home, that the object of her future devotion would not be a fat
+man.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE CLAIM OF THE "ARTISTIC TEMPERAMENT"
+
+
+When Eleanor returned to school the following morning, she found that
+what Miss Thompson "disliked" was, after all, of considerable
+importance. Directly after opening exercises the principal sent for her
+and asked the reason for her absence of the day before. On finding that
+Eleanor had no plausible excuse, but had absented herself merely because
+she felt like it, Miss Thompson thereupon delivered a sharp little
+lecture on unnecessary absence, informing Eleanor that it was the rule
+of the school to present a written excuse for absence, and that a verbal
+excuse would not be accepted.
+
+"I will overlook it this time, Miss Savell," Miss Thompson said,
+"because you are not as yet thoroughly acquainted with the rules of this
+school, but do not let it occur again. And I must also insist upon
+punctuality in future. You have been late a number of times."
+
+With these words the principal turned to her desk and resumed the
+writing she had been engaged in when Eleanor entered.
+
+For a second, Eleanor stood regarding Miss Thompson with angry eyes. No
+one had ever before dared to speak sharply to her. She was about to tell
+the principal that she was not used to being addressed in that tone, but
+the words would not come. Something in the elder woman's quiet, resolute
+face as she sat writing checked the wilful girl, and though she felt
+deeply incensed at the reprimand, she managed to control herself and
+walked out of the office with her head held high, vowing to herself that
+Miss Thompson should pay for what Eleanor termed "her insolence."
+
+All morning she sulked through her classes, and before closing time had
+managed to incur the displeasure of every teacher to whom she recited.
+
+"What ails her to-day?" whispered Nora to Jessica.
+
+It was geometry hour, and Miss Ames, the geometry teacher, had just
+reproved Eleanor for inattention.
+
+Nora shook her head. She dared not answer, as Miss Ames was very strict,
+and she knew that to be caught whispering meant two originals to work
+out, and Nora hated originals.
+
+When the bell rang at the close of the hour, Eleanor walked haughtily by
+Miss Ames, giving her a contemptuous look as she passed that made the
+teacher tighten her lips and look severe. Grace, who was directly
+behind her, saw both the look and the expression on the teacher's face.
+She felt worried for Eleanor's sake, because she saw trouble ahead for
+her unless she changed her tactics. If Eleanor could only understand
+that she must respect the authority of her various teachers during
+recitation hours and cheerfully comply with their requests, then all
+might be well. Since Miss Leece had left the High School at the close of
+Grace's freshman year, she could not conscientiously say that she
+disliked any of her teachers. They had been both kind and just, and if
+Eleanor defied them openly, then she would have to take the
+consequences. To be sure, Eleanor might refuse to go to school, but
+Grace had an idea that, lenient as Miss Nevin was with her niece, she
+would not allow Eleanor to go that far. Grace decided that she would
+have a talk with Eleanor after school. It would do no harm and it might
+possibly do some good.
+
+She hurried down to the locker-room that afternoon in order to catch
+Eleanor as she left school. She had just reached there when Eleanor
+walked in, looking extremely sulky. She jerked her hat and coat from her
+locker, hastily donned them, and, without looking at Grace, left the
+room.
+
+"She looks awfully cross," thought Grace. "Well, here goes," and she
+hurried after Eleanor, overtaking her at the entrance to the school
+grounds.
+
+"What's the matter, Eleanor?" she asked. "Didn't you care to wait for
+me?"
+
+Eleanor looked at her with lowering brows. "I hate school," she said
+vehemently. "I hate the teachers, and I hate Miss Thompson most of all.
+Every one of those teachers are common, low-bred and impertinent. As for
+your Miss Thompson, she is a self-satisfied prig."
+
+"You must not say such things of Miss Thompson, Eleanor," said Grace
+firmly. "She doesn't deserve them. She is one of the finest women I have
+ever known, and she takes a warm interest in every girl in school. What
+has she done that you should speak of her as you do?"
+
+"She called me into her office this morning and made a whole lot of
+fuss because I didn't have a written excuse for yesterday's absence,"
+said Eleanor angrily. "When I told her that I stayed at home because
+I felt inclined to do so, she almost had a spasm, and gave me another
+lecture then and there, ending up by saying that it must not occur
+again. I should like to know how she knew I was absent yesterday."
+
+"Miss Thompson always knows when a girl is absent," replied Grace.
+"The special teachers report to her every day. It is the rule of this
+school for a girl to present her excuse at the office as soon as she
+returns; then her name is taken off the absent list. If she is absent
+the second day, then a messenger is sent to her home to find out the
+cause. I suppose that when Miss Thompson looked over the list, she
+remembered seeing you at opening exercises, so of course sent for
+you."
+
+"She is a crabbed old maid," said Eleanor contemptuously, "and I despise
+her. I'll find some way to get even with her, and all the rest of those
+teachers, too."
+
+"You will never get along in school, Eleanor," answered Grace gently,
+"if you take that stand. The only way to be happy is to----"
+
+"Please don't preach to me," said Eleanor haughtily. "It is of no use.
+I am not a child and I understand my own business thoroughly. When I saw
+you girls the first day of school, I thought that you were full of life
+and spirit, but really you are all goody-goodies, who allow those
+teachers to lead you around by the nose. I had intended to ask Aunt
+Margaret to take me out of this ridiculous school, for some of the
+people in it make me tired, but I have changed my mind. I shall stay for
+pure spite and show that stiff-necked principal of yours that I am a law
+unto myself, and won't stand her interference."
+
+"Stop a moment, Eleanor. I am going no farther with you," said Grace,
+flushing, "but I should just like to say before I leave you that you are
+taking the wrong view of things, and you'll find it out sooner or later.
+I am sorry that you have such a poor opinion of myself and my friends,
+for we cherish nothing but the friendliest feelings toward you."
+
+With this, Grace walked away, feeling more hurt over Eleanor's rudeness
+than she cared to show.
+
+As she turned out of High School Street she heard a familiar call, and,
+glancing up the street, saw her three chums waiting for her on the
+corner.
+
+"We saw you just as you tackled Eleanor," said Nora, "so we kept away,
+for we thought after to-day's performances she wouldn't be in a very
+good humor."
+
+"What was the matter with her to-day?" asked Jessica curiously. "She
+behaved like a bad child in English this morning, followed it up in
+geometry; and Anne says that in rhetoric class Miss Chester lost all
+patience with her and gave her a severe lecturing."
+
+"I might as well tell you at once that Eleanor's opinion of us is far
+from flattering," said Grace, half laughing, although there was a hurt
+look on her face. "She says we are all goody-goodies and that we make
+her tired. She also requested me to mind my own business."
+
+"She said that to you? Just wait until the next time I see her,"
+blustered Nora, "I'll tell her what I think of her."
+
+"On the contrary, we must treat her better, if anything, than before,"
+said Anne quietly. "Don't you remember we promised Mrs. Gray that we
+would try to help her?"
+
+"Yes, I remember all that; but I can't bear to have any one say horrid
+things to Grace," grumbled Nora.
+
+"What a queer girl she is," said Jessica. "Yesterday she treated us as
+though we were her dearest friends, while to-day she scorns us utterly.
+It's a case of 'blow hot, blow cold.'"
+
+"That is because she has the artistic temperament," replied Anne,
+smiling.
+
+"You may say what you like about the artistic temperament," said Nora,
+"but in my opinion it's nothing more nor less than just plain temper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ELEANOR THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET
+
+
+"The Phi Sigma Tau is to have a special meeting to-night at Jessica's,"
+called Grace Harlowe to Nora O'Malley as the latter entered the
+locker-room at the close of school one day about two weeks after the
+initiation at Jessica's.
+
+"Does Jessica know it?" inquired Nora.
+
+"Not yet," replied Grace, "but she will as soon as she comes in.
+I rushed down here the minute the last bell rang, because I wanted
+to be here when the girls come in. You are the first, however."
+
+"Why are we to hold a meeting?" asked Nora, her curiosity aroused.
+
+"Wait and see," replied Grace, smiling. "Of what use is it to hold a
+meeting, if I tell you all the business beforehand?"
+
+"All right," said Nora, "you keep your secrets and I'll keep mine."
+
+"What have you heard that's new?" asked Grace.
+
+"Wait and see," replied Nora, with a grin of delight. "I am saving my
+news for the meeting."
+
+By this time the remaining members of the Phi Sigma Tau, with the
+exception of Eleanor Savell, had come into the locker-room, and had been
+promptly hailed by Grace. Marian Barber, Miriam Nesbit and Eva Allen
+after agreeing to be at Jessica's, at eight o'clock, had gone their
+separate ways.
+
+"Every one excepting Eleanor has been told," said Grace. "I really don't
+know how to approach her. She has been so distant of late."
+
+"Don't wait to ask her," said Nora decidedly. "She won't attend the
+meeting."
+
+"How do you know?" asked Jessica.
+
+"I'll tell you to-night," answered Nora mysteriously, "but I know
+positively that she won't come, because she is going to have company at
+'Heartsease.' Now I've told you more than I intended to, and I shall not
+say another word until to-night."
+
+"Come on then," said Grace, "we won't wait any longer. Jessica, will you
+ask your father if he will be at liberty for a few minutes this
+evening?"
+
+"Certainly," replied Jessica.
+
+"Oh, I know now whom it's all about," cried Nora gleefully. "Mary
+Stevens."
+
+"You have guessed it," said Grace, "but, like yourself, I decline to
+talk until to-night."
+
+Before eight o'clock the seven girls had taken possession of the
+Bright's big, comfortable sitting room and were impatiently waiting for
+Grace to tell her news.
+
+"Before I tell you what is on my mind," said Grace, "we ought to have
+a president, vice president and secretary for this worthy organization.
+I move therefore that we choose Miriam Nesbit for president of this
+sorority. Those in favor say 'aye.' We'll dispense with seconding the
+motion."
+
+There was an instant's pause, then a chorus of "ayes" burst forth.
+
+"Contrary, 'no.'"
+
+The only "no" was from Miriam.
+
+"We appreciate the fact that you are too polite to vote for yourself,
+Miriam," said Grace, "but your 'no' doesn't amount to a row of pins.
+You're elected, so come over here and occupy the chair of state. Long
+live the president of the Phi Sigma Tau."
+
+Miriam, flushed with pleasure, then took the seat that Grace had
+vacated. She had not expected this honor and was deeply touched by it.
+Her summer with her girl chums at Lake George had made her an entirely
+different girl from the Miriam of old. Admiration for Grace and her
+friends had taken the place of the old animosity. Although the chums had
+not taken her into their inner circle, still they made much of her, and
+she came nearer to being one of them than any other girl in the junior
+class.
+
+"I am sure I thank you all," began Miriam, "and now we must have a vice
+president and a secretary."
+
+Grace and Anne were elected with enthusiasm to the respective offices,
+then Miriam requested Grace to tell the other members what was on her
+mind.
+
+After addressing the chair, Grace began: "I know you will all be glad to
+hear that Mabel has received a letter from Mary Stevens. It was
+addressed to me on the outside envelope and Mabel has given me
+permission to open and read it to you. She is willing for us to do
+whatever we think best. I won't attempt to read all the letter, only
+that part that interests us.
+
+"Here it is: 'I am so sorry about the way in which you are treated, but
+glad to know that you have found friends at last. Miss Brant has no
+claim on you whatever. She took you from the orphanage with the
+understanding that if you did not suit her she was to be allowed to send
+you back. The matron asked her why she did not adopt you, or at least
+appoint herself your guardian, and she said that under no circumstances
+would she do so; that she wanted a good maid of all work, not a
+daughter. I enclose a statement from the matron to this effect. I would
+have advised you before this to leave her, but you are too young to
+drift about the world alone. I hope that when I next hear from you, you
+will be in happier surroundings. I have always believed that your
+parents were people of means and that you were lost or stolen when a
+baby. Perhaps if they are still living you will find them some day.'"
+
+"That is about all we need," said Grace, as she folded the letter and
+put it back in the envelope. "The next thing to do is to see Mr.
+Bright."
+
+"I'll go for him at once," said Jessica, and darted off to the library,
+where her father sat reading. He rose, and, tucking his daughter's arm
+in his, walked out to the sitting room, where the Phi Sigma Tau eagerly
+awaited him.
+
+"Well, well!" he exclaimed, smiling at the circle of girls. "What's all
+this? Am I invited to be present at a suffragette's meeting or is
+Jessica simply anxious to show me what nice friends she has?"
+
+"No compliments allowed," laughed Grace. "We wish to ask your advice
+about something."
+
+"I am at your service," said Jessica's father, making her an elaborate
+bow. "Command me as you will."
+
+"'Tis well, most reverend sir. I thank you," said Grace, with a curtsy.
+"Now sit you down, I pray, for presently I have a tale to tell."
+
+Having conducted Mr. Bright with great ceremony to the arm chair in the
+corner, Grace established him with many low bows, much to the amusement
+of the girls, with whom Jessica's father was a great favorite. Then
+Grace began with her meeting with Mabel Allison and ended with the
+letter from Mary Stevens, enclosing the matron's statement.
+
+"Now, those are all the facts of the case, Mr. Bright," she concluded.
+"Will it be possible for us to get Mabel away from Miss Brant, or can
+Miss Brant hold her against her will?"
+
+"Miss Stevens' letter and the matron's statement are sufficient,"
+answered Mr. Bright. "This woman cannot hold your little friend. Miss
+Brant will in all probability be very angry, and attempt to brave the
+matter out. Suppose you and Jessica and I go down there together, Grace,
+and see what we can do?"
+
+"O Mr. Bright!" cried Grace, clasping her hands delightedly, "will you,
+truly? Then let's go to-morrow and bring Mabel back with us."
+
+"Very well; you and Jessica meet me at my office at four o'clock
+to-morrow afternoon," said Mr. Bright. "But what do you girls intend to
+do with her, once you get her? You can't adopt her, you know."
+
+"She is to take turns living with us, papa," said Jessica, slipping her
+hand into her father's. "May she come here first? I'd love to have her."
+
+Mr. Bright drew Jessica to his side. "My dear child, you know that you
+may do as you please about it. I feel sure that she must be the right
+sort of girl, or you and your friends wouldn't have become interested in
+her. Try her, and if you like her, then she is welcome to stay as long
+as she chooses. I think it would do you good to have a girl of your own
+age in the house."
+
+"Three cheers for Mr. Bright," cried Nora.
+
+The cheers were given with a will, then the girls joined hands and
+danced around Jessica's father, sounding their class yell until he broke
+through the circle and made a rush for the library, his fingers to his
+ears.
+
+"Now that we have that question settled," said Miriam Nesbit, after the
+girls were once more seated, "I think we ought to have a sorority pin."
+
+"I think," began Eva Allen, "that my brother would design a pin for us.
+He is very clever at that sort of thing."
+
+"Let's have a monogram," exclaimed Grace. "Old English letters of gold
+on a dull-green enamel background. We can get them up for about two
+dollars and a half apiece. Is that too expensive?"
+
+The girls, who, with the exception of Anne, had small allowances of
+their own, expressed themselves satisfied; while Anne determined that
+for once she was justified in yielding to wild extravagance.
+
+"That's settled," said Miriam. "The next thing to do is----"
+
+But a loud ring of the door bell interrupted her speech and caused the
+whole party to start.
+
+"Some one to see papa," said Jessica. "Go on with what you were saying,
+Miriam."
+
+But before Miriam had a chance to continue, the maid entered the room, a
+letter in her hand.
+
+"Here's a letter, Miss Jessica," she said. "But it's such a quare name
+on the outside, I be wondering if it's fur yerself and no other?"
+
+Jessica looked at the envelope. It was addressed to the "Phi Sigma Tau,
+care of Miss Jessica Bright."
+
+"Why, who in the world can this be from? I thought no one outside knew
+the name of our society as yet," said Jessica as she opened the end of
+the envelope. Then she turned the page, glanced at the signature, and
+gave a little cry of surprise.
+
+"Just listen to this, girls!" she exclaimed, and read:
+
+          "'TO THE PHI SIGMA TAU:
+
+          "'After initiating me into your ridiculous society,
+          you have seen fit to call a meeting of the members
+          without directly notifying me, therefore I wish to
+          withdraw from your sorority, as I feel that I have
+          been deeply insulted. I have this satisfaction,
+          however, that I would not have met with you to-night,
+          at any rate. I am entertaining some girls in your
+          class this evening, whom I find far more congenial
+          than any previous acquaintances I have made in
+          Oakdale. We are about to organize a sorority of our
+          own. Our object will be to enjoy ourselves, not to
+          continually preach to other people. I am deeply
+          disappointed in all of you, and assure you that
+          I am not in the least desirous of continuing your
+          acquaintance.
+
+                         "'Yours sincerely,
+                                   "'ELEANOR SAVELL.'"
+
+"Well, of all things!" exclaimed Nora O'Malley. "She says she is deeply
+insulted because we didn't invite her, but that she didn't intend to
+come, at any rate. There's a shining example of consistency for you!"
+
+"Who on earth told her about the meeting?" said Jessica. "We didn't wait
+to ask her to-day."
+
+"I shall have to confess that I am the guilty one," said Eva Allen. "You
+didn't say anything to Miriam, Marian and me about Eleanor, and when
+I left the locker-room I went back upstairs after a book I had forgotten.
+I met Eleanor on the stairs and told her about the meeting, and that you
+were waiting in the locker-room for her. You must have left before she
+got there, and, of course, she thought you did it purposely."
+
+"Oh, dear, what a mess," sighed Grace. "I didn't mean to slight her. But
+Nora said she knew, positively, that Eleanor was entertaining some
+guests to-night, so I didn't wait. By the way, Nora, what was that news
+of yours that you were so mysterious about this afternoon?"
+
+"Just this," replied Nora. "That Edna Wright told me, that I needn't
+think we were the only people that could have a sorority. I asked her
+what she meant, and she said that she and Rose Lynton and Daisy Culver
+had been invited out to Eleanor's to-night for the purpose of forming a
+very select club of their own. I am sorry I didn't tell you while in the
+locker-room, but you would insist on having secrets, so I thought I'd
+have one, too."
+
+"Well, it can't be helped now," said Grace. "It is a pity that Eleanor
+has taken up with Edna Wright. She is the only girl in the class that
+I really dislike. She is frivolous and empty-headed, and Eleanor is
+self-willed and lawless. Put them together, and they will make a bad
+combination. As to the other two girls, they are sworn friends of
+Edna's."
+
+"I think," said Nora, "that our reform movement is about to end in a
+glaring fizzle."
+
+"How can we reform a person who won't have anything to do with us?"
+asked Jessica scornfully.
+
+"Let us hold her place in this sorority open for her, and let us make it
+our business to be ready to help her if she needs us," said Anne
+thoughtfully. "Like all spoiled children, she is sure to get into
+mischief, and just as sure to come to grief. Mark my words, some day
+she'll be glad to come back to the Phi Sigma Tau."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE RESCUE PARTY
+
+
+It was with mingled feelings of excitement and trepidation that Grace
+Harlowe and Jessica Bright hurried toward the office of the latter's
+father the following afternoon. Now that they were fairly started on
+their mission of rescue, they were not quite so confident as to the
+result. To be sure they had unlimited faith in Jessica's father, but it
+was so much easier to talk about taking Mabel away from Miss Brant than
+to do it.
+
+"I'm terribly afraid of facing her," confided Jessica to Grace. "She is
+the terror of Oakdale, you know."
+
+"She can't hurt us," said Grace. "Your father will do all the talking.
+All we need to do is to take charge of Mabel, after Miss Brant gives her
+up."
+
+"Well, young ladies," said Mr. Bright, as the two girls entered his
+office, "I see you are prompt in keeping your appointment. Let us go at
+once, for I must be back here at five o'clock."
+
+"What are you going to say to that terrible woman, papa?" shuddered
+Jessica as they neared the Brant home. "I'm afraid she'll scratch your
+eyes out."
+
+"Am I really in such serious danger?" asked Mr. Bright in mock alarm.
+"I am glad I brought you girls along to protect me."
+
+"You haven't any idea what a crank she is, Mr. Bright," laughed Grace.
+"She fairly snarled at us the other day, when we were coming from
+school, because she said we were taking up the whole sidewalk. Poor
+little Mabel, no wonder she has a scared look in her eyes all the time."
+
+"Well, here we are," responded Mr. Bright, as he rang the bell. "Now for
+the tug of war."
+
+As he spoke the door was opened by Mabel, who positively shook in her
+shoes when she saw her visitors. "Don't be frightened," whispered Grace,
+taking her hand. "We have come for you."
+
+"May I speak with Miss Brant?" asked Mr. Bright courteously, as they
+stepped into the narrow hall.
+
+Before Mabel had time to answer, a tall, raw-boned woman, with a hard,
+forbidding face, shoved her aside and confronted them. It was Miss Brant
+herself.
+
+"Well, what do you want?" she said rudely.
+
+"Good afternoon," said Mr. Bright courteously. "Am I speaking to Miss
+Brant?"
+
+"I guess likely you are," responded the woman, "and you better state
+your business now, for I've no time to fool away on strangers."
+
+"You have a young girl with you by the name of Mabel Allison, have you
+not?" asked Mr. Bright.
+
+"Yes, I have. What's the matter with her? Has she been gettin' into
+mischief? If she has, I'll tan her hide," said Miss Brant, with a
+threatening gesture.
+
+"On the contrary," replied Mr. Bright, "I hear very good reports of her.
+Has she lived with you long?"
+
+"That's none of your business," snapped Miss Brant. "If you've come here
+to quiz me and pry around about her, you can get right out, for I'm not
+answering any fool questions."
+
+"I will not trouble you with further questions," replied Mr. Bright,
+"but will proceed at once to business. I have come to take Miss Mabel
+away with me. She has found friends who are willing to help her until
+she finishes her education, and she wishes to go to them."
+
+"Oh, she does, does she?" sneered the woman mockingly. "Well, you just
+take her, if you dare."
+
+"Have you legally adopted her?" asked Mr. Bright quietly.
+
+"That's none of your business, either. You get out of my house or I'll
+throw you out and these two snips of girls with you," almost screamed
+Miss Brant.
+
+"That will do," said Mr. Bright sternly. "We will go, but we shall take
+Miss Mabel with us. I am a lawyer, Miss Brant, and I have positive proof
+that this child is not bound to you in any way. You took her from the
+orphanage on trial, exactly as you might hire a servant. You did not
+even take the trouble to have yourself appointed her guardian. You
+agreed to pay her for her work, but blows and harsh words are the only
+payment she has ever received at your hands. She wishes to leave you
+because she can no longer endure life with you. You haven't the
+slightest claim upon her, and she is perfectly free to do as she
+chooses. She is not of age yet, but as you are not her guardian, you had
+no right to take money that she has earned from her, and she can call
+you to account for it if she chooses. However, you have imposed upon her
+for the last time, for she shall not spend another hour under your
+roof."
+
+"You touch her if you dare. She shan't leave this house," said the woman
+in a furious tone.
+
+"Mabel," said Mr. Bright to the young girl, who was cowering at one end
+of the hall, "get your things and come at once. We will wait for you.
+As for you," turning to Miss Brant, "if you try to stop her, you will
+soon find yourself in a most unpleasant position. I am certain that if
+you think back for an instant you will realize that you have forfeited
+all right to object."
+
+For a moment Miss Brant stood speechless with anger, then in her wrath
+she poured forth such a flood of abuse that the rescue party stared in
+amazement. Never had they seen such an exhibition of temper. When Mabel
+appeared, her shabby hat in her hand, Miss Brant reached forward and
+tore the hat from her.
+
+"Don't you dare leave my house with any of my property, you baggage,"
+she hissed. "I paid for that hat and for the clothes you're wearing, and
+you'll send every stitch you've on back to me, or I'll have you arrested
+for stealing."
+
+[Illustration: "Don't You Dare Leave This House With My Property."]
+
+"Come on, Mabel," said Grace, putting her arm around the shrinking
+little figure. "Don't pay any attention to her. She isn't worth
+bothering over. You can send her back her ridiculous things. You are
+going to be happy now, and forget all about this cruel, terrible woman."
+
+"You brazen imp, you," screamed the woman, and rushed at Grace, who
+stood perfectly still, looking the angry woman in the face with such
+open scorn in her gray eyes that Miss Brant drew back and stood scowling
+at her, her hands working convulsively.
+
+"Come, girls," said Mr. Bright. "We have no more time to waste. If you
+have anything to say to me, Miss Brant, you can always find me at my
+office on East Main Street. The clothing now worn by Miss Mabel will be
+returned to you in due season. Good afternoon."
+
+Mr. Bright, bowing politely, motioned to the three young girls to
+precede him, and the party went quietly down the walk, leaving Miss
+Brant in the open door, shaking her fist and uttering dire threats.
+
+As for Mabel, she collapsed utterly, crying as though her heart would
+break. Grace and Jessica exerted every effort to quiet her sobs, and
+after a little she looked up, and, smiling through her tears, said
+brokenly: "I can't believe that it's all true--that I shall never have
+to go back there again. I'm afraid that it's all a dream and that I'll
+wake up and find her standing over me. Can she get me again?" she said,
+turning piteously to Mr. Bright.
+
+"My dear little girl," he said, taking her hand, "she can't touch you.
+I'll adopt you myself before I'll let you go back to her. Now run along
+with Jessica and forget all about what has passed. Good-bye, Grace. You
+see, your rescue party proved a success. Good-bye, daughter. Take good
+care of Mabel. I'll have to hurry now, or miss my appointment."
+
+Mr. Bright beamed on the three girls, raised his hat and hurried down
+the street, leaving them to proceed slowly toward Jessica's home.
+Passersby glanced curiously at the hatless, shabby young girl, as she
+walked between Grace and Jessica, clinging to their hands as though
+expecting every minute to be snatched from them.
+
+"Well, girls," said Grace, "here is my street. I must leave you now. Be
+good children, and----"
+
+She was interrupted by an exultant shriek, and a second later five girls
+appeared as by magic and gleefully surrounded the rescue party. The Phi
+Sigma Tau was out in full force.
+
+"Hurrah!" shrieked Nora, waving her school bag. "'We have met the enemy
+and they are ours.' Tell us about it quickly. Why didn't you let me go
+along? I was dying to cross swords with that old stone face."
+
+Then everyone talked at once, surrounding Mabel and asking her questions
+until Grace said, laughing: "Stop it, girls; let her get used to you
+gradually. Don't come down on her like an avalanche."
+
+Mabel, however, was equal to the occasion. She answered their questions
+without embarrassment, and seemed quietly pleased at their
+demonstrations.
+
+"You are the child of the sorority now, Mabel," said Miriam Nesbit, "and
+we are your adopted mothers. You will have your hands full trying to
+please all of us."
+
+"Stop teasing her," said Anne, "or she'll run away before she is fairly
+adopted."
+
+"It is very uncertain as to whether she will ever go further than my
+house," said Jessica calmly. "I need Mabel more than do the rest of you,
+but perhaps if you're good I'll loan her to you occasionally. Come on,
+Mabel, let's go home before they spoil you completely."
+
+"Considering the fact that the Bright family did two thirds of the
+rescuing, I suppose we shall have to respect your claim," said Nora,
+"but remember, Jessica, that generosity is a beautiful virtue to
+cultivate."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+JULIA PERFORMS A SACRED DUTY
+
+
+"What have we ever done that we should be so neglected?" said David
+Nesbit, swinging himself from his motorcycle and landing squarely in
+front of Grace Harlowe and Anne Pierson while they were out walking one
+afternoon.
+
+"Why, David Nesbit, how can you make such statements?" replied Grace,
+looking at the young man in mock disapproval. "You know perfectly well
+that you've been shut up in your old laboratory all fall. We have
+scarcely seen you since the walking party. You have even given football
+the go by, and I'm so sorry, for you were a star player last year."
+
+"I see you have discovered the secrets of my past life," replied David,
+laughing. "That's what comes of having a sister who belongs to a
+sorority. However, you folks are equally guilty, you've all gone mad
+over your sorority, and left Hippy and Reddy and me to wander about
+Oakdale like lost souls. I hear you've adopted a girl, too. Reddy is
+horribly jealous of her. He says Jessica won't look at him any more."
+
+"Reddy is laboring under a false impression," said Anne. "He is head
+over heels in football practice and has forgotten he ever knew Jessica.
+As for Hippy, Nora says that he is studying night and day, and that he
+is actually wearing himself away by burning midnight oil."
+
+"Yes, Hippy is studying some this year," replied David. "You see this is
+our senior year, and we are going to enter the same college next year,
+if all goes well. You know Hippy never bothered himself much about
+study, just managed to scrape through. But now he'll have to hustle if
+he gets through with High School this year, and he's wide awake to that
+fact."
+
+"Under those circumstances, Hippy is forgiven, but not you and Reddy!"
+said Grace severely. "You'll have to have better excuses than football
+and experiments."
+
+"I'll tell you what we'll do to square ourselves," said David, smiling.
+"We'll take you girls to the football game next Thursday. It's
+Thanksgiving Day, you know, and Oakdale is going to play Georgetown
+College. Reddy's on the team, but Hippy and I will do the honors."
+
+"Fine," replied Grace. "But are you willing to burden yourselves with
+some extra girls? You see it's this way. One of the things that our
+sorority has pledged itself to do this year is to look up the stray
+girls in High School, and see that they are not lonely and homesick
+during holiday seasons. I used to know nearly all the girls in school,
+but ever so many new ones have crept in, and some of them have come here
+from quite a distance, on account of the excellence of our High School.
+After we adopted Mabel Allison, we began looking about us for other fish
+to fry, and found out about these girls. So every girl in the sorority
+has invited one or more of these lonely ones for Thanksgiving Day. They
+are to come in the morning and stay until the lights go out, which will
+be late, for mother has consented to let me have a party and all those
+new girls are to be the guests of honor.
+
+"Mrs. Gray is in it, too. She insists on having Anne with her on
+Thanksgiving, although Anne had invited two girls to her house,"
+continued Grace. "Mrs. Gray had planned a party for us, but when we told
+her what we were about to do, she gave up her party and agreed to go to
+mine instead, on condition that Anne's family, plus Anne's two guests,
+should have dinner with her."
+
+"Bless her dear heart," said David, "she is always thinking of the
+pleasure of others. Now about the football game. Bring your girls along
+and I'll do my best to give them a good time, although I'm generally
+anything but a success with new girls. However, Hippy makes up for what
+I lack. He can entertain a regiment of them, and not even exert himself.
+Now I must leave you, for I have a very important engagement at home."
+
+"In the laboratory, I suppose," said Anne teasingly.
+
+"Just so," replied David. "Good-bye, girls. Let me know how many tickets
+you want for the game." He raised his cap, mounted his machine and was
+off down the street.
+
+"It will seem good to have a frolic with the boys again, won't it?" said
+Grace to Anne as they strolled along.
+
+"We do seem to be getting awfully serious and settled of late," replied
+Anne. "Why, this sorority business has taken up all our spare time
+lately. We've had so many special meetings."
+
+"I know it," replied Grace, "but after Thanksgiving we'll only meet once
+in two weeks, for I must get my basketball team in shape, and you see
+all the members belong to the society."
+
+"You ought to do extra good work this year," observed Anne, "for the
+team is absolutely harmonious. Last season seems like a dream to me
+now."
+
+"It was real enough then," replied Grace grimly. "I have forgiven, long
+ago, but I have not forgotten the way some of those girls performed last
+year. It was remarkable that things ever straightened themselves. The
+clouds looked black for a while, didn't they?"
+
+Anne pressed Grace's hand by way of answer. The sophomore year had been
+crowded with many trials, some of them positive school tragedies, in
+which Anne and Grace had been the principal actors.
+
+"What are you two mooning over?" asked a gay voice, and the two girls
+turned with a start to find Julia Crosby grinning cheerfully at them.
+
+"O Julia, how glad I am to see you at close range!" exclaimed Grace.
+"Admiring you from a distance isn't a bit satisfactory."
+
+"Business, children, business," said Julia briskly. "That's the only
+thing that keeps me from your side. The duties of the class president
+are many and irksome. At the present moment I've a duty on hand that
+I don't in the least relish, and I want your august assistance. Will you
+promise to help before I tell you?"
+
+"Why, of course," answered Grace and Anne in the same breath. "What is
+it you want us to do?"
+
+"Well, it seems that some of your juniors are still in need of
+discipline. You remember the hatchet that we buried last year with such
+pomp and ceremony?"
+
+"Yes, yes," was the answer.
+
+"This morning I overheard certain girls planning to go out to the
+Omnibus House after school to-morrow and dig up the poor hatchet and
+flaunt it in the seniors' faces the day of the opening basketball game,
+simply to rattle us. Just as though it wouldn't upset your team as much
+as ours. It's an idiotic trick, at any rate, and anything but funny. Now
+I propose to take four of our class, and you must select four of yours.
+We'll hustle out there the minute school is over to-morrow, and be ready
+to receive the marauders when they arrive. Select your girls, but don't
+tell them what you want or they may tell some one about it beforehand."
+
+"Well, of all impudence!" exclaimed Anne. "Who are the girls, Julia? Are
+you sure they're juniors?"
+
+"The two I heard talking are juniors. I don't know who else is in it.
+They'll be very much astonished to find us 'waiting at the
+church'--Omnibus House, I mean," said Julia, "and I imagine they'll feel
+rather silly, too."
+
+"Tell us who they are, Julia," said Grace. "We don't want to go into
+this blindfolded."
+
+"Wait and see," replied Julia tantalizingly. "Then you'll feel more
+indignant and can help my cause along all the better. I give you my word
+that the girls I overheard talking are not particular friends of yours.
+You aren't going to back out, are you, and leave me without proper
+support?"
+
+"Of course not," laughed Grace. "Don't worry. We'll support you, only
+you must agree to do all the talking."
+
+"I shall endeavor to overcome their insane freshness with a few
+well-chosen words," Julia promised. "Be sure and be on hand early."
+
+Grace chose Anne, Nora, Jessica and Marian Barber, the latter three
+being considerably mystified at her request, but nevertheless agreeing
+to be on hand when school closed. They were met at the gate by Julia and
+four other seniors, and the whole party set out for the Omnibus House
+without delay.
+
+Grace walked with Julia, and the two girls found plenty to say to each
+other during the walk. Julia was studying hard, she told Grace. She
+wanted to enter Smith next year.
+
+"I don't know where I shall go after I finish High School," said Grace.
+"Ethel Post wants me to go to Wellesley. She'll be a junior when I'm a
+freshman. You know, she was graduated from High School last June and she
+could help me a lot in getting used to college. But I don't know
+whether I should like Wellesley. I shall not try to decide where I want
+to go for a while yet."
+
+"Wherever we are we'll write and always be friends," said Julia, and
+Grace warmly acquiesced.
+
+As they neared the old Omnibus House they could see no one about.
+
+"We're early!" exclaimed Julia. "The enemy has not arrived. Thank
+goodness, it's not cold to-day or we might have a chilly vigil. Now
+listen, all ye faithful, while I set forth the object of this walk." She
+thereupon related what Grace and Anne already knew.
+
+"What a shame!" cried Marian Barber. "It isn't the hatchet we care for,
+it's the principle of the thing. Give them what they deserve, Julia."
+
+"Never fear," replied Julia. "I'll effectually attend to their case. Now
+we'd better dodge around the corner and keep out of sight until they get
+here. Then we'll swoop down upon them unawares."
+
+The avengers hurriedly concealed themselves at the side of the old house
+where they could not be seen by an approaching party.
+
+They had not waited long before they heard voices.
+
+"They're coming," whispered Julia. "There are eight of them. Form in
+line and when they get nicely started, we'll circle about them and hem
+them in. I'll give you the signal."
+
+The girls waited in silence. "They have trowels," Julia informed them
+from time to time. "They have a spade. They've begun to dig, and they
+are having their own troubles, for the ground is hard. All ready!
+March!"
+
+Softly the procession approached the spot where the marauders were
+energetically digging. Grace gave a little gasp, and reaching back
+caught Anne's hand.
+
+The girl using the spade was Eleanor.
+
+"Now I'm in for it," groaned Grace. "She's down on me now, and she'll be
+sure to think I organized the whole thing." For an instant Grace
+regretted making the promise to Julia, before learning the situation;
+then, holding her head a trifle more erect, she decided to make the best
+of her unfortunate predicament.
+
+"It isn't Julia's fault," she thought. "She probably knows nothing about
+our acquaintance with Eleanor; besides, Eleanor has no business to play
+such tricks. Edna Wright must have told her all about last year."
+
+Her reflections were cut short, for one of the girls glanced up from her
+digging with a sudden exclamation which drew all eyes toward Julia and
+her party.
+
+"Well, little folks," said Julia in mock surprise, "what sort of a party
+is this? Are you making mud pies or are you pretending you are at the
+seashore?"
+
+At Julia's first words Eleanor dropped the small spade she held and
+straightened up, the picture of defiance. Her glance traveled from girl
+to girl, and she curled her lip contemptuously as her eye rested on
+Grace and Anne. The other diggers looked sheepishly at Julia, who stood
+eyeing them in a way that made them feel "too foolish for anything," as
+one of them afterwards expressed it.
+
+"Why don't you answer me, little girls?" asked Julia. "Has the kitty
+stolen your tongue?"
+
+This was too much for Eleanor.
+
+"How dare you speak to us in that manner and treat us as though we were
+children?" she burst forth. "What business is it of yours why we are
+here? Do you own this property?"
+
+"Mercy, no," replied Julia composedly. "Do you?"
+
+"No," replied Eleanor a trifle less rudely, "but we have as much right
+here as you have."
+
+"Granted," replied Julia calmly. "However, there is this difference.
+You are here to make mischief and we are here to prevent it, and,
+furthermore, are going to do so."
+
+"What do you mean?" retorted Eleanor, her eyes flashing.
+
+"Just this," replied Julia. "Last year the girls belonging to the
+present senior and junior classes met on this very spot and amicably
+disposed of a two-year-old class grudge. Emblematic of this they buried
+a hatchet, once occupying a humble though honorable position in the
+Crosby family, but cheerfully sacrificed for the good of the cause.
+
+"Yesterday," continued Julia, "I overheard two juniors plotting to get
+possession of this same hatchet for the purpose of flaunting it in the
+faces of the seniors at the opening basketball game. Therefore I decided
+to take a hand in things, and here I am, backed by girls from both
+classes, who are of the self-same mind."
+
+"Really, Miss Crosby," said Edna Wright, "you are very amusing."
+
+"My friends all think so," returned Julia sweetly, "but never mind now
+about my amusing qualities, Edna. Let's talk about the present
+situation."
+
+She looked at Edna with the old-time aggravating smile that was always
+warranted to further incense her opponent. It had its desired effect,
+for Edna fairly bristled with indignation and was about to make a
+furious reply when she was pushed aside by Eleanor, who said loftily,
+"Allow me to talk to this person, Edna."
+
+"No," said Julia resolutely, every vestige of a smile leaving her face
+at Eleanor's words. "It would be useless for you to attempt to be
+spokesman in this matter, because you are a new girl in High School and
+know nothing of past class matters except from hearsay. But you have
+with you seven girls who do know all about the enmity that was buried
+here last spring, and who ought to have enough good sense to know that
+this afternoon's performance is liable to bring it to life again.
+
+"If you girls carry this hatchet to school and exhibit it to the seniors
+on the day of the game you are apt to start bad feeling all over again,"
+she said, turning to the others. "There are sure to be some girls in the
+senior class who would resent it. Neither class has played tricks on the
+other since peace was declared, and we don't want to begin now.
+
+"That's the reason I asked Grace to appoint a committee of juniors and
+come out here with me. I feel sure that under the circumstances the
+absent members of both classes would agree with us if they were present.
+Digging up a rusty old hatchet is nothing, but digging up a rusty old
+grudge is quite another matter. We didn't come here to quarrel, but I
+appeal to you, as members of the junior class, to think before you do
+something that is bound to cause us all annoyance and perhaps
+unhappiness."
+
+There was complete silence after Julia finished speaking. What she had
+said evidently impressed them. Eleanor alone looked belligerent.
+
+"Perhaps we'd better let the old hatchet alone," Daisy Culver said
+sullenly. "The fun is all spoiled now, and everyone will know about it
+before school begins to-morrow."
+
+"Daisy, how can you say so?" exclaimed Grace, who, fearing a scene with
+Eleanor, had hitherto remained silent. "You know perfectly well that
+none of us will say anything about it. Why, we came out here simply to
+try to prevent your doing something that might stir up trouble again
+between the senior and junior classes. There isn't a girl here who would
+be so contemptible as to tell any one outside about what has happened
+to-day."
+
+This was Eleanor's opportunity. Turning furiously on Grace, her eyes
+flashing, she exclaimed: "Yes, there is one girl who would tell
+anything, and that girl is you! You pretend to be honorable and
+high-principled, but you are nothing but a hypocrite and a sneak.
+I would not trust you as far as I could see you. I have no doubt Miss
+Crosby obtained her information about this affair to-day from you, and
+that everyone in school will hear it from the same source. You seem
+determined to meddle with matters that do not concern you, and I warn
+you that if you do not change your tactics you may regret it.
+
+"You seem to think yourself the idol of your class, but there are some
+of the girls who are too clever to be deceived. They do not belong among
+the number who trail tamely after you, either. And now I wish to say
+that I despise you and all your friends, and wish never to speak to any
+of you again. Come on, girls," she said, turning to the members of her
+party, who had listened in silent amazement to her attack upon Grace.
+"Let us go. Let them keep their trumpery hatchet."
+
+With these words she turned and stalked across the field to the road,
+where her runabout stood. After an instant's hesitation, she was
+followed by Edna, Daisy Culver and those who had come with her.
+Henceforth there would again be two distinct factions in the junior
+class.
+
+"Good gracious," exclaimed Julia Crosby. "Talk about your human
+whirlwinds! What on earth did you ever do to her, Grace?"
+
+But Grace could not answer. She was winking hard to keep back the tears.
+Twice she attempted to speak and failed. "Never mind her, dear," said
+Julia, slipping her arm about Grace, while the other girls gathered
+round with many expressions of displeasure at Eleanor's cruel speech.
+
+"I can't help feeling badly," said Grace, with a sob. "She said such
+dreadful things."
+
+"No one who knows you would believe them," replied Julia. "By the way,
+who is she? I know her name is Savell and that she's a recent arrival in
+Oakdale, but considering the plain and uncomplimentary manner in which
+she addressed you, you must have seriously offended her ladyship."
+
+"I'll tell you about her as we walk along," replied Grace, wiping her
+eyes and smiling a little.
+
+"Yes, we had better be moving," said Julia. "The battle is over. No one
+has been killed and only one wounded. Nevertheless, the enemy has
+retired in confusion."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+WORRIES AND PLANS
+
+
+Although the girls belonging to Julia's party were silent concerning
+what happened at the Omnibus House, the story leaked out, creating
+considerable discussion among the members of the two upper classes.
+Julia Crosby had a shrewd suspicion that Edna Wright had been the
+original purveyor of the news, and in this she was right. Edna had,
+under pledge of secrecy, told it to a sophomore, who immediately told it
+to her dearest friend, and so the tale traveled until it reached
+Eleanor, with numerous additions, far from pleasing to her. She was
+thoroughly angry, and at once laid the matter at Grace's door, while her
+animosity toward Grace grew daily.
+
+But Grace was not the only person that Eleanor disliked. From the day
+that Miss Thompson had taken her to task for absence, she had
+entertained a supreme contempt for the principal of which Miss Thompson
+was wholly unaware until, encountering Eleanor one morning in the
+corridor, the latter had stared at her with an expression of such open
+scorn and dislike that Miss Thompson felt her color rise. A direct slap
+in the face could scarcely have conveyed greater insult than did that
+one insolent glance. The principal was at a loss as to its import. She
+wisely decided to ignore it, but stored it up in her memory for future
+reference.
+
+The sorority that Eleanor had mentioned in her letter to the Phi Sigma
+Tau, was now in full flower. The seven girls who had accompanied her to
+the Omnibus House were the chosen members. They wore pins in the shape
+of skulls and cross bones, and went about making mysterious signs to
+each other whenever they met. The very name of the society was shrouded
+in mystery, though Nora O'Malley was heard to declare that she had no
+doubt it was a branch of the "Black Hand."
+
+Eleanor was the acknowledged leader, but Edna Wright became a close
+second, and between them they managed to disseminate a spirit of
+mischief throughout the school that the teachers found hard to combat.
+
+Grace Harlowe watched the trend that affairs were taking with
+considerable anxiety. Like herself, there were plenty of girls in school
+to whom mischief did not appeal, but Eleanor's beauty, wealth and
+fascinating personality were found to dazzle some of the girls, who
+would follow her about like sheep, and it was over these girls that
+Grace felt worried. If Eleanor were to organize and carry out any
+malicious piece of mischief and they were implicated, they would all
+have to suffer for what she would be directly responsible. Grace's heart
+was with her class. She wished it to be a class among classes, and felt
+an almost motherly anxiety for its success.
+
+"What does ail some of our class?" she exclaimed to Anne and Nora one
+day as they left the school building. "They seem possessed with imps.
+The Phi Sigma Tau girls and a few of the grinds are really the only ones
+who behave lately."
+
+"It's largely due to Eleanor, I think," replied Anne. "She seems to have
+become quite a power among some of the girls in the class. She is
+helping to destroy that spirit of earnestness that you have tried so
+hard to cultivate. I think it's a shame, too. The upper class girls
+ought to set the example for the two lower classes."
+
+"That's just what worries me," said Grace earnestly. "Hardly a
+recitation passes in my class without some kind of disturbance, and it
+is always traced to one of the girls in that crowd. The juniors will get
+the reputation among the teachers this year that the junior class had
+last, and it seems such a pity. I overheard Miss Chester tell Miss Kane
+the other day that her junior classes were the most trying of the day,
+because she had to work harder to maintain discipline than to teach her
+subject."
+
+"That's a nice reputation to carry around, isn't it!" remarked Nora
+indignantly. "But all we can do is to try harder than ever to make
+things go smoothly. I don't believe their society will last long, at any
+rate. Those girls are sure to quarrel among themselves, and that will
+end the whole thing. Or they may go too far and have Miss Thompson to
+reckon with, and that would probably cool their ardor."
+
+"O girls!" exclaimed Grace. "Speaking of Miss Thompson, reminds me that
+I have something to tell you. What do you suppose the latest is?"
+
+"If you know anything new, it is your duty to tell us at once, without
+making us beg for it," said Nora reprovingly.
+
+"All right; I accept the reproof," said Grace. "Now for my news. There
+is talk of giving a Shakespearian play, with Miss Tebbs to engineer it,
+and the cast to be chosen from the three lower classes. The seniors, of
+course, will give their own play later."
+
+"How did you find out?" asked Anne.
+
+"Miss Thompson herself told me about it," replied Grace. "She called on
+mother yesterday afternoon, and, for a wonder, I was at home. She said
+that it was not positively decided yet, but if the girls did well with
+the mid-year tests, then directly after there would be a try out for
+parts, and rehearsals would begin without delay."
+
+"How splendid!" exclaimed Anne, clasping her hands. "How I would love to
+take part in it!"
+
+"You will, without doubt, if there is a try out," replied Grace. "There
+is no one in school who can recite as you do; besides, you have been on
+the stage."
+
+"I shall try awfully hard for a part, even if it is only two lines,"
+said Anne earnestly. "I wonder what play is to be chosen, and if it is
+to be given for the school only?"
+
+"The play hasn't been decided upon yet," replied Grace, "but the object
+of it is to get some money for new books for the school library. The
+plan is to charge fifty cents a piece for the tickets and to give each
+girl a certain number of them to sell. However, I'm not going to bother
+much about the play now, for the senior team has just sent me a
+challenge to play them Saturday, December 12th. So I'll have to get the
+team together and go to work."
+
+"We're awfully late this year about starting. Don't you think so?" asked
+Nora.
+
+"Yes," admitted Grace. "I am just as enthusiastic over basketball as
+ever, only I haven't had the time to devote to it that I did last year."
+
+"Never mind, you'll make up for lost time after Thanksgiving," said Anne
+soothingly. "As for me, I'm going to dream about the play."
+
+"Anne, I believe you have more love for the stage than you will admit,"
+said Grace, laughing. "You are all taken up with the idea of this play."
+
+"If one could live in the same atmosphere as that of home, then there
+could be no profession more delightful than that of the actor," replied
+Anne thoughtfully. "It is wonderful to feel that one is able to forget
+one's self and become some one else. But it is more wonderful to make
+one's audience feel it, too. To have them forget that one is anything
+except the living, breathing person whose character one is trying to
+portray. I suppose it's the sense of power that one has over people's
+emotions that makes acting so fascinating. It is the other side that
+I hate," she added, with a slight shudder.
+
+"I suppose theatrical people do undergo many hardships," said Grace,
+who, now that the subject had been opened, wanted to hear more of Anne's
+views of the stage.
+
+"Unless any girl has remarkable talent, I should advise her to keep off
+the stage," said Anne decidedly. "Of course when a girl comes of a
+theatrical family for generations, like Maud Adams or Ethel Barrymore,
+then that is different. She is practically born, bred and brought up in
+the theatre. She is as carefully guarded as though she lived in a little
+village, simply because she knows from babyhood all the unpleasant
+features of the profession and how to avoid them. There is some chance
+of her becoming great, too. Of course real stars do appear once in a
+while, who are too talented to be kept down. However, the really great
+ones are few and far between. When I compare my life before I came here
+with the good times I have had since I met you girls, I hate the very
+idea of the stage.
+
+"Only," she concluded with a shame-faced air, "there are times when the
+desire to act is irresistible, and it did make my heart beat a little
+bit faster when I heard about the play."
+
+"You dear little mouse," said Grace, putting her arm around Anne. "I
+was only jesting when I spoke about your love for the stage. I think
+I understand how you feel, and I hope you get the best part in the play.
+I know you'll make good."
+
+"She certainly will," said Nora. "But, to give the play a rest and come
+down to everyday affairs, where shall we meet to go to the football
+game?"
+
+"Let me see," said Grace. "The game is to be called at three o'clock.
+I suppose we shall all be through dinner by half past two. You had better
+bring your girls to my house. Each of you is to have two and Jessica has
+one besides Mabel. I am to have three; I found another yesterday. David
+promised to get me the tickets. I wonder how he and Hippy will enjoy
+chaperoning thirteen girls?"
+
+"I won't have the slightest chance to talk to Hippy," grumbled Nora,
+"and he has neglected us shamefully of late, too."
+
+"Never mind, you can have him all to yourself at my party," consoled
+Grace. "By the way, girls, do you think it would be of any use to invite
+Eleanor?"
+
+"Eleanor?" exclaimed Nora. "After what she has said to you! You might as
+well throw your invitation into the fire, for it's safe to say that she
+will do so when she receives it."
+
+Nevertheless, Grace wrote a cordial little note to Eleanor that evening,
+and two days later she received Eleanor's reply through the mail. On
+opening the envelope the pieces of her own note fell out, with a half
+sheet of paper containing the words, "Declined with thanks."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+A RECKLESS CHAUFFEUR
+
+
+Thanksgiving Day dawned bright and clear, with just enough frost in the
+air to make one's blood tingle. It had been a mild fall, with a late
+Indian summer, and only one or two snow flurries that had lasted but a
+few hours. This was unusual for Oakdale, as winter generally came with a
+rush before the middle of November, and treated the inhabitants of that
+northern city to a taste of zero weather long before the Christmas
+holidays.
+
+It was with a light heart that Grace Harlowe ate her breakfast and
+flitted about the house, putting a final touch here and there before
+receiving her guests. Before eleven o'clock everything was finished, and
+as she arranged the last flower in its vase she felt a little thrill of
+pride as she looked about the pretty drawing room. Before going upstairs
+to dress, she ran into the reception hall for the fourth time to feast
+her eyes upon a huge bunch of tall chrysanthemums in the beautiful
+Japanese vase that stood in the alcove under the stairs. They had come
+about an hour before with a note from Tom Gray saying that he had
+arrived in Oakdale that morning, had seen the boys and would be around
+to help David and Reddy at the "girl convention," as he termed it.
+
+Grace was overjoyed at the idea of seeing Tom Gray again. They had been
+firm friends since her freshman year, and had entertained a wholesome,
+boy-and-girl preference for each other untinged by any trace of foolish
+sentimentality.
+
+As she dressed for dinner, Grace felt perfectly happy except for one
+thing. She still smarted a little at Eleanor's rude reply to her
+invitation. She was one of those tender-hearted girls who disliked being
+on bad terms with any one, and she really liked Eleanor still, in spite
+of the fact that Eleanor did not in the least return the sentiment.
+
+Grace sighed a little over the rebuff, and then completely forgot her
+trouble as she donned the new gown that had just come from the
+dressmaker. It was of Italian cloth in a beautiful shade of dark red,
+made in one piece, with a yoke of red and gold net, and trimmed with
+tiny enameled buttons. It fitted her straight, slender figure perfectly
+and she decided that for once she had been wise in foregoing her
+favorite blue and choosing red.
+
+The party that evening was to be a strictly informal affair. Grace had
+suspected that the girls whom the members of the Phi Sigma Tau were to
+entertain were not likely to possess evening gowns. In order to avoid
+any possibility of hurt feelings, she had quietly requested those
+invited to wear the afternoon gowns in which they would appear at the
+game.
+
+Before one o'clock her guests had arrived. They were three shy, quiet
+girls who had worshiped Grace from a distance, and who had been
+surprised almost to tears by her invitation. Two of them were from
+Portville, a small town about seventy miles from Oakdale, and had begun
+High School with Grace, who had been too busy with her own affairs up to
+the present to find out much about them.
+
+The other girl, Marie Bateman, had entered the class that year. She had
+come from a little village forty miles south of Oakdale, was the oldest
+of a large family, her mother being a widow of very small means. As her
+mother was unable to send her away to school, she had done clerical work
+for the only lawyer in the home town for the previous two years,
+studying between whiles. She had entered the High School in the junior
+class, determining to graduate and then to work her way through Normal
+School. By dint of questioning, Grace had discovered that she lived in a
+shabby little room in the suburbs, never went anywhere and did anything
+honest in the way of earning money that she could find to do.
+
+The realization of what some of these girls were willing to endure for
+the sake of getting an education made Grace feel guilty at being so
+comfortably situated. She determined that the holidays that year should
+not find them without friends and cheer.
+
+After a rousing Thanksgiving dinner, in which the inevitable turkey,
+with all its toothsome accompaniments, played a prominent part, the
+girls retired to Grace's room for a final adjustment of hair and a last
+survey in the mirror before going to the game. High School matters
+formed the principal theme of conversation, and Grace was not surprised
+to learn that Eleanor had been carrying things with a high hand in
+third-year French class, in which Ellen Holt, one of the Portville
+girls, recited.
+
+"She speaks French as well as Professor La Roche," said Miss Holt, "but
+she nearly drives him crazy sometimes. She will pretend she doesn't
+understand him and will make him explain the construction of a sentence
+over and over again, or she will argue with him about a point until he
+loses his temper completely. She makes perfectly ridiculous caricatures
+of him, and leaves them on his desk when class is over, and she asks him
+to translate impertinent slang phrases, which he does, sometimes,
+before he realizes how they are going to sound. Then the whole class
+laughs at him. She certainly makes things lively in that class."
+
+The sound of the bell cut short the chat and the four girls hurried
+downstairs to greet Jessica, Mabel and the girls who were the Bright's
+guests. Nora and Anne, with their charges, came next, and last of all
+David, Tom and Hippy paraded up the walk, in single file, blowing
+lustily on tin horns and waving blue and white banners. A brief season
+of introduction followed, then Grace distributed blue and white rosettes
+with long streamers that she had made for the occasion, to each member
+of the party. Well supplied with Oakdale colors, they set out for the
+football grounds, where an immense crowd of people had gathered to see
+the big game of the season.
+
+"I shall never forget the first football game I saw in Oakdale," said
+Anne to David as they made their way to the grandstand. "It ended very
+sensationally for me."
+
+"I should say it did," replied David, smiling. "Confidentially, Anne, do
+you ever hear from your father?"
+
+"Not very often," replied Anne. "He is not liable to trouble me again,
+however, because he knows that I will not go back to the stage, no
+matter what he says. He was with the western company of 'True Hearts'
+last year, but I don't know where he is now, and I don't care. Don't
+think I'm unfeeling; but it is impossible for me to care for him, even
+though he is my father."
+
+"I understand," said David sympathetically. "Now let's forget him and
+have a good time."
+
+"Hurrah! Here comes the band!" shouted Hippy.
+
+The "Oakdale Military Band" took their places in the improvised
+bandstand and began a short concert before the game with the "Stars and
+Stripes," while the spectators unconsciously kept time with their feet
+to the inspiring strains.
+
+When the two teams appeared on the field there were shouts of enthusiasm
+from the friends of the players, and the band burst forth with the High
+School song, in which the students joined.
+
+After the usual preliminaries, the game began, and for the next hour
+everything else was forgotten save the battle that waged between the two
+teams.
+
+Miriam Nesbit, Eva Allen and Marian Barber, with their guests, joined
+Grace's party, and soon the place they occupied became the very center
+of enthusiasm. Reddy, who was playing left end on the home team,
+received an ovation every time he made a move, and when towards the end
+of the game he made a touchdown, his friends nearly split their loyal
+throats in expressing their approval.
+
+It was over at last, and Oakdale had won a complete victory over the
+Georgetown foe, who took their defeat with becoming grace. As soon as
+Reddy could free himself from the grasp of his school fellows, who would
+have borne him from the field in triumph if he had not stoutly resisted,
+he hurried to his friends, who showered him with congratulations.
+
+"O you Titian-haired star!" cried Hippy, clasping his hands in mock
+admiration. "You are the rarest jewel in the casket. Words fail to
+express my feelings.
+
+          "'O joy, O bliss, O rapture! Let happiness now hap!
+            I am a sea of gurgling glee, with ecstacy on tap.'"
+
+Hippy recited this effusion in a killing falsetto voice, and endeavored
+to embrace Reddy fervently, but was dragged back by Tom and David, to
+Reddy's visible relief.
+
+"He's the idol of the hour. Don't put your irreverent hands on him," was
+David's injunction.
+
+"But I adore idols," persisted Hippy. "Let me at him."
+
+"Quit it, fat one!" growled Reddy, with a grin. "I'll settle with you
+later."
+
+With gay laughter and jest, the young folks made their way from the
+grounds and started down the road toward home.
+
+The whole party, walking four abreast, had just turned the curve where
+the road ended and Main Street began, when there was a hoarse honk!
+honk! and a runabout decorated in blue and white, containing Eleanor and
+Edna Wright, bore down upon them at lightning speed. The girls, uttering
+little cries of alarm, scattered to both sides of the road, with the
+exception of Mabel Allison, who, in her hurry to get out of the way,
+stumbled and fell directly in the path of the oncoming machine.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+A THANKSGIVING FROLIC
+
+
+But sudden as had been Mabel's fall, Grace Harlowe was equal to the
+emergency. With a bound she reached the middle of the road, seized Mabel
+and dragged her back just as the runabout passed over the place where
+she had fallen. It almost grazed her outstretched hand, then shot on
+down the road without slackening its speed for an instant.
+
+There was a cry of horror from the young folks that ended in a sigh of
+relief. David and Tom Gray quickly raised Mabel to her feet and turned
+to Grace, whose face was ghastly, while she trembled like a leaf. The
+reaction had set in the moment she realized that Mabel was safe. Jessica
+and Nora had both begun to cry, while the faces of the others fully
+expressed their feelings.
+
+"Grace," said Tom in a husky voice, "that was the quickest move I ever
+saw any one make."
+
+Grace drew a long breath, the color returned to her pale face and in a
+measure she recovered herself.
+
+"Some one had to do something," she said weakly. "I was the nearest to
+her, that's all. Are you hurt, Mabel, dear?" she asked, turning to the
+young girl, who stood by Jessica, looking white and dazed.
+
+"It came so suddenly," she faltered, "I couldn't get up. It was awful!"
+She shuddered, then burst into tears, burying her face in Jessica's
+shoulder.
+
+"There, there," soothed Jessica, wiping her own eyes. "It's all right
+now. Stand up straight and let me brush your coat. You are all mud."
+
+"Here come the would-be murderesses now," cried Hippy. "They actually
+managed to stop and turn around, and now they are coming this way. One
+of them is my pet abomination--Miss Wright. She used to call me 'fatty'
+when I was little, and I've never forgiven her. But who is the reckless
+young person playing chauffeur? She ought to be put in jail for
+exceeding the speed limit."
+
+"Hush!" said Grace. "Here she is."
+
+The runabout had stopped and Eleanor alighted. Ignoring the four chums,
+she walked up to Miriam Nesbit.
+
+"Will you please tell me if any one is hurt?" she asked pettishly.
+"I saw some one fall, but couldn't stop the machine. I supposed the
+highway was for vehicles, not pedestrians four abreast."
+
+"Miss Savell, you have just missed running over Miss Allison," said
+Miriam coldly. "Had it not been for Miss Harlowe, there would have been
+a serious accident. I should advise you to drive more carefully in
+future, or you may not escape so easily another time."
+
+Eleanor flushed at these words and said haughtily, "I did not ask for
+advice, I asked for information."
+
+"Very true," replied Miriam calmly, "but you see I have given you both."
+
+"You are the most ill-bred lot of girls I have ever seen," returned
+Eleanor crossly, "and I think you are making a great deal of unnecessary
+fuss over a small matter. Why didn't your prize orphan get out of the
+way with the rest of you? Besides, you have no right to block a public
+highway, as you did. I am very sorry I came back at all."
+
+Turning on her heel, she walked back to the runabout, climbed in and
+drove down the road like the wind, apparently indifferent as to what
+comment her heartless behavior might create.
+
+"Who on earth is that girl?" inquired Reddy Brooks. "She has about as
+much sympathy as a stone."
+
+"That is Eleanor Savell," replied Anne Pierson, "and she can be nice if
+she wishes, but she doesn't like us very well. That's why she was so
+hateful."
+
+"So that's the famous Eleanor?" said Tom Gray in a low tone to
+Grace. "Aunt Rose was telling me about her this morning at breakfast.
+I supposed she was a great friend of yours."
+
+"She was, but she isn't," returned Grace. "That's rather indefinite.
+However, I'll tell you about it as we go back."
+
+"She certainly can't complain as far as looks are concerned," said
+Hippy. "She must have yards of blue ribbon that she won at baby shows
+when but a mere infant."
+
+"Attention, boys and girls," cried Grace. "Let us forget what has
+happened and have just as good a time to-night as we can. We mustn't
+spoil the party."
+
+"I move that we give Grace Harlowe a special round of applause for being
+a heroine," cried Hippy. "Hurrah!"
+
+His example was quickly followed and the noise of the cheering brought
+people to their doors to see what the excitement was about.
+
+"Do stop," protested Grace. "People will begin asking all sorts of
+questions."
+
+"Don't interfere with our simple pleasures," expostulated Hippy. "Let us
+howl in peace. High School yell next, please."
+
+By the time the party had reached the center of the town where their
+ways parted, the shadow cast by the near accident had almost
+disappeared.
+
+By eight o'clock that evening the last guest had arrived, and the
+Harlowe's hospitable home was the scene of radiant good cheer. Mrs.
+Gray, enthroned in a big chair in one corner of the drawing room, was in
+her element, and the young folks vied with each other in doing her
+homage. The sprightly old lady was never so happy as when surrounded by
+young folks. She had a word or smile for each one, and the new girls who
+had at first felt rather timid about meeting her, were soon entirely at
+ease in her presence.
+
+The greater part of the furniture had been removed from the big living
+room and the floor had been crashed; while a string orchestra that made
+a specialty of playing for parties had been hired for the pleasure of
+those who cared to dance.
+
+As dancing was the chief amusement at nearly all of the young people's
+parties in Oakdale, the floor was filled from the beginning of the first
+waltz until supper was announced. This was served at two long tables in
+the dining room, Mrs. Gray occupying the seat of honor at the head of
+one, and Miss Thompson, who was a favorite at High School parties, the
+other. There were miniature ears of corn, turkeys, pumpkins and various
+other favors appropriate to Thanksgiving at each one's place. In the
+center of one table stood two dolls dressed in the style of costume worn
+by the Pilgrim fathers and mothers. They held a scroll between them on
+which was printed the Thanksgiving Proclamation. In the center of the
+other table were two dolls, one dressed in football uniform, a miniature
+football under its arm, while the other, dressed as a High School girl,
+held up a blue banner with O. H. S. on it in big, white letters.
+
+This had been Grace's idea. She had dressed the dolls with the idea of
+contrasting the first Thanksgiving with that of to-day. There was a
+great craning of necks from those at the one table to see the central
+figures on the other, but soon every one settled down to the discussion
+of the dainties provided for them.
+
+The supper ended with a toast to their young hostess, which was drunk
+standing, and then the guests repaired to the drawing room, where
+impromptu stunts were in order. Every one was obliged to do something,
+if only to make a remark appropriate to the occasion. Nora sang, Anne
+recited, Grace and Miriam did a Spanish dance that they had practised
+during vacation with remarkable spirit and effect. Jessica was then
+detailed to play, and under cover of her music, Tom, Reddy, David and
+Hippy left the room, Tom returning presently to announce solemnly that
+an original one-act drama, entitled "The Suffragette," written by Mr.
+Wingate and presented by a notable cast, would be the next offering.
+
+After a moment's wait, Hippy, Reddy and David appeared, and were greeted
+with shouts of laughter. Reddy minced along in a bonnet and skirt
+belonging to Mrs. Harlowe, while Hippy wore a long-sleeved gingham
+pinafore of Grace's, which lacked considerable of meeting in the back,
+and was kept on by means of a sash. After deliberately setting their
+stage in full view of the audience at one end of the room, the play
+began, with David as the meek, hen-pecked husband, Hippy as the
+neglected child, who wept and howled continuously, while Reddy played
+the unnatural wife and mother, who neglected her family and held woman's
+suffrage meetings in the street.
+
+The dialogue was clever, and the action of the sketch so ridiculous that
+the audience laughed from the first line until the climax, especially
+when the suffragette was hustled off to jail by Tom Gray, in the rôle of
+a policeman, for disturbing the peace, while her husband and child
+executed a wild dance of joy as she was hauled off the scene, protesting
+vigorously.
+
+The applause was tremendous and the cast were obliged to bow their
+thanks several times before it subsided. Songs, speeches and recitations
+followed rapidly until everyone had contributed something in the way of
+a stunt. Then the guests formed two long lines from the living room
+straight through the big archway into the drawing room, and soon a
+Virginia reel was in full swing, led off by Mr. Harlowe and Mrs. Gray,
+who took her steps as daintily as when she had danced at her first party
+so many years before.
+
+After the reel, the young folks romped through "Paul Jones," and then
+the party broke up, all declaring that never before had they had quite
+such a good time.
+
+As Grace sleepily prepared for bed, she felt a little thrill of pride at
+the success of her party, and her only regret was the fact that of all
+those invited, Eleanor was the only one who had refused to be present.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+ELEANOR FINDS A WAY
+
+
+Now that Thanksgiving was past, basketball became the topic of the hour.
+The juniors had accepted the challenge of the senior class, and had
+agreed to play them on Saturday, December 12, at two o'clock, in the
+gymnasium. Only two weeks remained in which to practise. Their sorority
+enthusiasm had so completely run away with them that they had even
+neglected basketball until now. Therefore Grace Harlowe lost no time
+in getting Miss Thompson's permission to use the gymnasium, and promptly
+notified her team and the subs. to meet there, in gymnasium suits,
+prepared to play, that afternoon.
+
+The instant the last bell sounded on lessons, ten girls made for their
+lockers, and fifteen minutes later the first team and the subs. were
+moving toward the gymnasium deep in the discussion of the coming game
+and their chances for success over their opponents.
+
+A brief meeting was held, and the girls were assigned to their
+positions. Grace had fully intended that Miriam should play center, but
+when she proposed it, Miriam flatly refused to do so, and asked for her
+old position of right forward.
+
+"You are our captain," she declared to Grace, "and the best center
+I ever saw on a girls' team. It would be folly to change now. Don't
+you agree with me, girls?"
+
+Nora was detailed as left forward, while Marian Barber and Eva Allen
+played right and left guards. The substitutes were also assigned their
+positions and practice began.
+
+Before they had been on the floor twenty minutes the girls were
+thoroughly alive to the joy of the game and worked with the old-time
+dash and spirit that had won them the championship the previous year.
+Now that they were in harmony with each other, they played with
+remarkable unity, and after an hour's practice Grace decided that they
+were in a fair way to "whip the seniors off the face of the earth."
+
+"I never saw you girls work better!" she exclaimed. "It will be a sorry
+day for the seniors when we line up on the twelfth."
+
+"There'll be a great gnashing of senior teeth after the game," remarked
+Nora confidently.
+
+"Do you know, girls," said Grace, as they left the gymnasium that
+afternoon, "I am sorry that Eleanor won't be peaceable. I wanted her to
+like every bit of our school life and thought she'd surely be interested
+in basketball. I suppose she will stay away from the game merely
+because we are on the team. It is really a shame for her to be so
+unreasonable."
+
+"Grace Harlowe, are you ever going to stop mourning over Eleanor?" cried
+Miriam impatiently. "She doesn't deserve your regret and is too selfish
+to appreciate it. I know what I am talking about because I used to be
+just as ridiculous as she is, and knowing what you suffered through me,
+I can't bear to see you unhappy again over some one who is too trivial
+to be taken seriously."
+
+"You're a dear, Miriam!" exclaimed Nora impulsively.
+
+It was the first time that the once haughty Miriam had ever referred
+publicly to past shortcomings, although from the time she and Grace had
+settled their difficulties at the close of the sophomore year, she had
+been a changed girl.
+
+"Where are Anne and Jessica to-day?" asked Eva Allen.
+
+"Anne and Jessica have refused point blank to honor us with their
+presence during practice," announced Nora. "I asked Jessica to-day, and
+she said that they didn't want to know how we intended to play, for then
+they could wax enthusiastic and make a great deal more noise. It is
+their ambition to become loud and loyal fans."
+
+"What a worthy ambition," said Marian Barber, with a giggle. "They are
+such noisy creatures already."
+
+There was more laughing at this, as Anne and Jessica were by far the
+quietest members of the sorority.
+
+"Remember, we practise to-morrow after school," called Grace as she
+separated from her team at her street.
+
+As she walked slowly down the quiet street, deep in thought, her ear
+caught the sound of an approaching automobile, and she looked up just in
+time to see Eleanor drive by in her machine. Grace nodded to her, but
+her salutation met with a chilly stare.
+
+"How childish she is," thought Grace. "I suppose she thinks that hurts
+me. Of course it isn't exactly pleasant, but I'm going to keep on
+speaking to her, just the same. I am not angry, even if she is; although
+I have far greater cause to be."
+
+But before the close of the week Grace was destined to cross swords with
+Eleanor in earnest, and the toleration she had felt was swallowed up in
+righteous indignation.
+
+During the winter, theatrical companies sometimes visited Oakdale for a
+week at a time, presenting, at popular prices, old worn-out plays and
+cheap melodramas. These companies gave daily matinées as well as
+evening performances, and the more frivolous element of High School
+girls had in time past occasionally "skipped school" to spend the
+afternoon in the theatre. By the girls, this form of truancy was
+considered a "lark," but Miss Thompson did not look at the matter in the
+same light, and disciplined the culprit so severely whenever she found
+this to be the cause of an afternoon's absence that the girls were slow
+to offend in this respect.
+
+All this Eleanor had heard, among other things, from Edna Wright, but
+had paid little attention to it when Edna had told her. Directly after
+cutting Grace Harlowe, she had turned her runabout into Main Street,
+where a billboard had caught her eye, displaying in glaring red and blue
+lettering the fact that the "Peerless Dramatic Company" would open a
+week's engagement in Oakdale with daily matinées.
+
+Eleanor's eyes sparkled. She halted her machine, scanning curiously the
+list of plays on the billboard. "The Nihilist's Daughter" was scheduled
+for Thursday afternoon, and Eleanor decided to go. She wasn't afraid of
+Miss Thompson. Then, possessed with a sudden idea, she laughed
+gleefully. At last she had found a way to effectually annoy the
+principal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A WOULD-BE "LARK"
+
+
+Eleanor Savell and the seven girls who formed their sorority were the
+first to enter the study hall on Tuesday morning. As soon as a girl from
+any of the three lower classes appeared she was approached by some of
+the former and a great deal of whispering and subdued laughter went on.
+A few girls were seen to shake their heads dubiously, and a number of
+those termed "grinds" were not interviewed. The majority, however,
+appeared to be highly delighted over what they heard, one group standing
+near one of the windows, of which Eleanor was the center, laughed so
+loudly that they were sent to their seats.
+
+Among the number to whom nothing was said were the members of the Phi
+Sigma Tau, and as the morning advanced they became fully aware that
+something unusual was in the wind. Several times they caught sight of a
+folded paper being stealthily passed from one desk to another, but as to
+its contents they had no idea, as it was not handed to any one of them.
+
+At recess there was more grouping and whispering, and Grace was puzzled
+and not a little hurt over the way in which she and her friends were
+ignored. Such a thing had not happened since the basketball trouble the
+previous year.
+
+"Eleanor started that paper, whatever it is," said Nora O'Malley to the
+Phi Sigma Tau, who stood in a group around her desk. "She was here when
+I came in this morning, and I was early, too. It is some masterpiece of
+mischief on her part, or she wouldn't take the trouble to get here on
+time."
+
+"Here comes Mabel," said Jessica. "Maybe she has seen the paper. Mabel,
+dear, did you see that paper that has been going the rounds this
+morning?"
+
+Mabel nodded.
+
+"What was written on it, Mabel?" asked Grace curiously.
+
+Mabel looked distressed for a moment then she said, "I wish I might
+tell you all about it, but I gave my word of honor before I read it
+that I wouldn't mention the contents to any one."
+
+"Then, of course, we won't ask you," said Anne Pierson quickly. "But
+tell us this much--is it about any of us?"
+
+"No," replied Mabel. "It isn't. It is something I was asked to sign."
+
+"And did you sign it?" asked Jessica.
+
+"I certainly did not," responded Mabel. "It was----" she stopped, then
+flushed. She had been on the point of telling. "I am sorry I ever saw
+it," she continued. "I can't bear to have secrets and not tell you."
+
+"That's all right, Mabel," said Marian Barber, patting her on the
+shoulder. "We don't want you to tell. If it doesn't concern us we don't
+care, do we, girls?"
+
+"No, indeed," was the reply.
+
+Just then the bell sounded and the girls returned to their seats with
+the riddle still unsolved. Nothing more was seen of the mysterious
+paper, and Grace came to the conclusion that it had been nothing
+important, after all.
+
+On Wednesday, aside from a little more whispering and significant
+glances exchanged among the pupils, not a ripple disturbed the calm of
+the study hall. It was therefore a distinct and not altogether pleasant
+surprise when Miss Thompson walked into the room, dismissed the senior
+class and requested the three lower classes to remain in their seats.
+
+After the seniors had quietly left the study hall, Miss Thompson stood
+gravely regarding the rows of girls before her. Her eyes wandered toward
+where Eleanor sat, looking bored and indifferent, and then she looked
+toward Grace, whose steady gray eyes were fixed on the principal's face
+with respectful attention.
+
+"I don't believe Grace is guilty, at any rate," thought Miss Thompson;
+then she addressed the assembled girls.
+
+"Something has come to my ears, girls," said the principal, "that I find
+hard to credit, but before you leave here this afternoon I must know who
+is innocent and who is guilty."
+
+Miss Thompson paused and a number of girls stirred uneasily in their
+seats, while a few glanced quickly toward Eleanor, who was looking
+straight ahead, the picture of innocence.
+
+"You all know," continued the principal, "that it is strictly forbidden
+for any pupil to absent herself from school for the purpose of attending
+a circus, matinée or any public performance of this nature. I have so
+severely disciplined pupils for this offence that for a long time no one
+has disobeyed me. I was, therefore, astonished to learn that a number of
+girls, regardless of rules, have taken matters into their own hands and
+have decided to absent themselves from school to-morrow in order to
+attend the matinée to be given in the theatre. Such a decision is worse
+than disobedience--it is lawlessness. Unless a severe example is made of
+the offenders, the standard of the school will be lowered. Therefore,
+I intend to sift this matter to the bottom and find out what mischievous
+influence prompted this act of insubordination.
+
+"Report says that this movement originated in the junior class, and that
+a paper has been circulated and signed by certain pupils, who pledged
+themselves to play truant and attend the matinée to-morrow."
+
+The eyes of Grace and her chums turned questioningly toward Mabel
+Allison, who nodded slightly in the affirmative.
+
+So that was what all the whispering and mystery had meant. Grace
+inwardly congratulated herself on having kept clear of the whole thing.
+None of her friends were implicated, either. Even Mabel had refused to
+sign.
+
+"I have dismissed the senior class, because I have been assured of their
+entire ignorance of the plot. What I insist upon knowing now, is who are
+the real culprits, beginning with the girl who originated the paper to
+the last one who signed it. I am going to put every girl on her honor,
+and I expect absolutely truthful answers. The girls who signed the paper
+I have mentioned will rise."
+
+There was a moment of suspense, then Eleanor Savell proudly rose from
+her seat. Her example was followed, until two thirds of the girls
+present were standing. The principal stood silently regarding them with
+an expression of severity that was decidedly discomfitting.
+
+"That will do," she said curtly, after they had stood for what seemed
+to them an age, but was really only a couple of minutes.
+
+"You may be seated. The girl who composed and wrote that agreement will
+now rise and explain herself."
+
+Without hesitating, Eleanor rose and regarded the principal with an
+insolent smile. "I wrote it, Miss Thompson," she said clearly. "I wrote
+it because I wished to. I am sorry you found out about it, because it
+has spoiled all our fun."
+
+There was a gasp of horror at Eleanor's assertion. No one had ever
+before spoken so disrespectfully to their revered principal.
+
+"Miss Savell," said the principal quietly, although her flashing eyes
+and set lips showed that she was very angry, "if you have that paper in
+your possession, bring it to me at once, and never answer me again as
+you did just now. You are both disrespectful and impertinent."
+
+But Miss Thompson's anger toward Eleanor was nothing compared with the
+tempest that the principal had aroused in Eleanor. The latter flushed,
+then turned perfectly white with rage. Still standing, she reached down,
+picked up a book from her desk and took from it a paper. "This," she
+said, in a low tense voice, "is the paper you wish to see. I do not
+choose to let you see it, therefore I shall destroy it."
+
+[Illustration: "I Do Not Choose to Let You See This Paper."]
+
+Then she deliberately tore the offending paper into shreds and scattered
+them broadcast.
+
+"I hope you understand that I am not afraid of you or any other teacher
+in this school," she continued. "I have never been punished in my life,
+therefore I am not liable to give you the first opportunity. I despise
+you, because you are a ridiculous prig, and I am glad of an opportunity
+to tell you so. As for the persons who told you about our plan, words
+cannot express my contempt for them, and right here I accuse Grace
+Harlowe and her sorority of getting the information from Mabel Allison
+yesterday and carrying it to you. They are all tale-bearers and sneaks."
+
+With these words, Eleanor angrily flung the book she held on the desk
+and walked down the aisle toward the door, but Miss Thompson barred her
+way.
+
+"Stop, Miss Savell," she commanded. "You shall not leave this room until
+you have apologized to the girls whom you have unjustly accused and to
+me. I will not tolerate such behavior."
+
+Eleanor glared at the principal, whose face was rigid in its purpose,
+then sank into the nearest vacant seat, saying defiantly: "You may keep
+me here all night if you like, but, I meant what I said, and I shall
+retract nothing."
+
+Nevertheless she did not again attempt to leave the room. She had met
+with a will stronger than her own and she realized it.
+
+Ignoring Eleanor's final remark, Miss Thompson once more turned her
+attention to the matter in hand.
+
+"Those girls who are not in any way implicated in this matter are
+dismissed," she said.
+
+About one third of the girls arose and prepared to leave the study hall,
+the Phi Sigma Tau being among the number. Grace motioned the girls to
+hurry. She wished to leave the room with her friends before Miss
+Thompson noticed them. She knew the principal would insist on an apology
+from Eleanor, and neither she nor her friends wished it. For the first
+time since Eleanor had chosen to cut their acquaintance Grace was
+thoroughly angry with her. She could not forgive Eleanor for having
+accused her and her friends of carrying tales before almost the entire
+school; therefore a forced apology would not appease her wounded pride.
+She drew a breath of relief when the eight girls were safely outside the
+study hall door.
+
+"Hurry up," she said. "We'll talk when we get outside school. Don't stop
+for a minute. If Miss Thompson notices that we are gone, she'll send
+after us."
+
+The girls silently donned their wraps and fled from the building like
+fugitives from justice. Once on the street a lively confab ensued, all
+talking at once.
+
+"Let's take turns talking," cried Grace, laughing. "We shall understand
+each other a little better."
+
+"Now, what do you think of Miss Eleanor?" cried Nora. "She has certainly
+shown her true colors this time."
+
+"I never heard of anything more unjust than the way she accused us, when
+we knew nothing about her old plan," said Marian Barber.
+
+"It was abominable," said Eva Allen.
+
+The other girls expressed their disapproval in equally frank terms.
+
+"I suppose it did look as though I told you girls," said Mabel Allison,
+who had joined them at the gate. "You know I was with you at recess,
+right after the paper had been passed to me. I don't think Miss Savell
+intended me to see it. It was passed to me by mistake."
+
+"Very likely," agreed Grace. "I wonder who did tell Miss Thompson. I saw
+several girls with the paper, but hadn't the remotest idea what it was
+all about. You know Miss Thompson is awfully down on 'skipping school.'
+She threatened last year to suspend Edna Wright for it."
+
+"There will be weeping and wailing in the 'Skull and Crossbones'
+crowd,'" exclaimed Nora. "They are all in this mix-up, and if they
+aren't suspended, they'll be lucky."
+
+"Are you going to stand up for Eleanor now, in the face of what she said
+about all of us before those girls, Grace?" asked Marian Barber hotly.
+
+"No," said Grace shortly. "She deserves to be punished. The things she
+said to Miss Thompson were disgraceful, and I shall never forgive her
+for the way she spoke of us."
+
+"I wouldn't say that, Grace," remarked Anne. "You can never tell what
+may happen to change your views."
+
+"It will have to be something remarkable in this instance," replied
+Grace grimly, as she bade the girls good-bye. "Remember, girls,
+basketball practice again to-morrow, and the rest of the week. Miss
+Thompson has promised me the gymnasium. Please make it a point to be on
+hand."
+
+"Good-bye, Grace," chorused her friends, and went on down the street
+discussing the probable fate of the would-be truants.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To return to those youthful transgressors. They were spending a most
+uncomfortable half hour with Miss Thompson. She was merciless in her
+denunciation of their conduct, and the terror of suspension arose in
+more than one mind, as they listened to her scathing remarks. It had all
+seemed a huge joke when they planned it, but there was nothing funny
+about it now. When, with the exception of Eleanor, the principal
+dismissed them, they filed decorously out, very uneasy in mind. Miss
+Thompson had taken their names, but had not stated their punishment and
+it was certain that they would be made to feel the full weight of her
+displeasure.
+
+When the last girl had disappeared the principal turned to Eleanor.
+"I will listen to your apology, Miss Savell," she said coldly.
+
+Eleanor looked scornfully at the principal, and was silent.
+
+"Do you intend to obey me, Miss Savell?" asked Miss Thompson.
+
+Still there was no answer.
+
+"Very well," continued Miss Thompson. "Your silence indicates that you
+are still insubordinate. You may, therefore, choose between two things.
+You may apologize to me now, and to-morrow to the girls you have accused
+of treachery, or you may leave this school, not to return to it unless
+permitted to do so by the Board of Education."
+
+Without a word Eleanor rose and walked haughtily out of the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE JUNIORS FOREVER
+
+
+When the four classes assembled Thursday morning, every girl, with the
+exception of Eleanor, was in her seat. Her absence created considerable
+comment, and it was a matter of speculation as to whether she had
+purposely absented herself or really had been suspended.
+
+After conducting opening exercises, Miss Thompson pronounced sentence on
+the culprits. They were to forfeit their recess, library and all other
+privileges until the end of the term. They must turn in two themes every
+week of not less than six hundred words on certain subjects to be
+assigned to them. If, during this time, any one of them should be
+reported for a misdemeanor, they were to be suspended without delay.
+
+Their penalty was far from light, but they had not been suspended, and
+so they resolved to endure it as best they might.
+
+Grace Harlowe felt a load lifted from her mind when Miss Thompson
+publicly announced that she had not received any information from either
+Mabel Allison or the Phi Sigma Tau.
+
+"Thank goodness, none of us were concerned in that affair," she told the
+members of her basketball team at recess. "There are two girls on the
+sophomore and three on the freshman team whose basketball ardor will
+have to cool until after the mid-year exams."
+
+"You might know that some of those silly freshmen would get into
+trouble," said Nora scornfully.
+
+          "'Twas many and many a year ago,
+              In an age beyond recall,
+            That Nora, the freshman, lowly sat
+              At one end of the study hall."
+
+recited Anne Pierson in dramatic tones.
+
+There was a burst of laughter from the girls at this effusion, in which
+Nora herself joined.
+
+"What a delicate way of reminding me that I once was a freshman!" she
+exclaimed.
+
+"Anne has a new accomplishment," said Grace. "She can spout poetry
+without trying."
+
+"Small credit is due me," said Anne, smiling. "Anyone can twist 'Annabel
+Lee' to suit the occasion."
+
+"By the way, Anne," said Grace, "as you are a poet, you must compose a
+basketball song to-day, and I'll see that the juniors all have copies.
+It's time we had one. Let me see what would be a good tune?"
+
+"'Rally Round the Flag,'" suggested Miriam Nesbit. "That has a dandy
+swing to it."
+
+Grace hummed a few bars.
+
+"The very thing," she exclaimed. "Now, Anne, get busy at once. You'd
+better sing the tune to yourself all the time you're writing it, then
+you'll be sure to put more dash and spirit into it."
+
+"I wish the day of the game were here," said Jessica plaintively.
+"I have been practising a most encouraging howl. Hippy, David and
+Reddy have a new one, too. Reddy says it's 'marvelously extraordinary
+and appallingly great.'"
+
+"I can imagine it to be all that and more if Hippy had anything to do
+with its origin," said Nora.
+
+"Wasn't it nice of Miss Thompson to exonerate us publicly?" asked Anne.
+
+"She is always just," replied Grace. "I can't understand how Eleanor
+could be so rude and disagreeable to her. She has disliked Miss Thompson
+from the first."
+
+"I wonder whether she apologized to Miss Thompson last night," mused
+Grace.
+
+"I feel sure that she didn't, and I am just as sure that she won't get
+back until she does."
+
+"We shall manage to exist if she doesn't," said Jessica dryly. She felt
+a personal grudge against Eleanor for her accusation against Mabel, who
+had grown very dear to her and whom she mothered like a hen with one
+chicken.
+
+"She'll probably appear at the game in all her glory," said Miriam
+Nesbit. "She can go to that, even though she is on bad terms with the
+school."
+
+The recess bell cut short the conversation and the girls returned to
+their desks with far better ideas of the coming game than of the
+afternoon's lessons.
+
+Saturday, December 12, dawned cold and clear, and the girls on both
+teams were in high spirits as they hustled into their respective
+locker-rooms and rapidly donned their gymnasium suits. The spectators
+had not yet begun to arrive, as it was still early, so the girls
+indulged in a little warming-up practice, did a few stunts and skipped
+about, overflowing with animal spirits.
+
+Julia Crosby and Grace took turns sprinting around the gymnasium three
+times in succession, while Miriam Nesbit timed them, Grace finishing
+just two seconds ahead of Julia.
+
+By a quarter of two the gallery was fairly well filled and by five
+minutes of two it was crowded. The juniors, with the exception of
+Eleanor Savell's faction, arrived in a body, gave the High School yell
+the moment they spied their team, and then burst forth with the
+basketball song, led by Ruth Deane, a tall junior, who stood up and beat
+time with both hands. Anne had composed the song the week before. The
+juniors had all received copies of the words and had learned them by
+heart. They now sang with the utmost glee, and came out particularly
+strong on the chorus, which ran:
+
+          "The juniors forever, hurrah, fans, hurrah!
+           Our team is a winner, our captain's a star.
+           And we'll drive the senior foe, from the basket every time.
+           Shouting the war cry of the juniors."
+
+There was a great clapping of hands from the admirers of the juniors at
+this effort, but the seniors promptly responded from the other end of
+the gallery to the tune of Dixie, with:
+
+          "The seniors are the real thing.
+           Hurrah! Hurrah!
+           Our gallant team now takes its stand,
+           And all the baskets soon will land.
+           We shout, we sing, the praises of the seniors."
+
+Hardly had the last notes died away, when the referee blew the whistle
+and the teams hustled to their positions. Grace and Julia Crosby faced
+each other, beamed amiably and shook hands, then stood vigilant, eyes on
+the ball that the referee balanced in her hands. Up it went, the whistle
+sounded and the two captains sprang straight for it. Grace captured it,
+however, and sent it flying toward Miriam, who was so carefully guarded
+that she dared not attempt to make the basket, and after a feint managed
+to throw it to Nora, who tried for the basket at long range and missed.
+
+There was a general scramble for the ball, and for five minutes neither
+team scored; then Marian Barber dropped a neat field goal, and soon
+after Grace scored on a foul. The junior fans howled joyfully at the
+good work of their team. The seniors did not intend to allow them to
+score again in a hurry. They played such a close guarding game that, try
+as they might, the juniors made no headway. Then Julia Crosby scored on
+a field goal, making the score 3 to 2. This spurred the junior team on
+to greater effort, and Miriam made a brilliant throw to basket that
+brought forth an ovation from the gallery. This ended the first half,
+with the score 5 to 2 in favor of the juniors.
+
+"They'll have to work to catch up with us now," said Nora O'Malley
+triumphantly to the members of the team, who sat resting in the little
+side room off the gymnasium.
+
+"We have the lead, but we can't afford to boast yet," replied Grace.
+"The seniors played a fine game last half, and they'll strain every
+nerve to pile up their score next half."
+
+"We shall win," said Miriam Nesbit confidently. "I feel it in my bones."
+
+"Let's hope that your bones are true prophets," laughed Marian Barber.
+
+"O girls!" exclaimed Eva Allen from the open door, in which she had been
+standing looking up at the gallery. "Eleanor is here. She and her
+satellites are sitting away up on the back seat of the gallery."
+
+"Where?" asked Nora, going to the door. "Oh, yes, I see her. She looks
+as haughty as ever. It's a wonder she'd condescend to come and watch her
+mortal enemies play."
+
+"I suppose she hopes we'll lose," said Marian Barber. "That would fill
+her with joy."
+
+"Then we'll see that she goes away in a gloomy frame of mind," said
+Nora, "for we're going to win, and don't you forget to remember it."
+
+Just then the whistle blew, and there was a scramble for places. This
+time Julia Crosby won the toss-up, and followed it up with a field goal.
+Then the seniors scored twice on fouls, tying the score. The juniors
+set their teeth and waded in with all their might and main, setting a
+whirlwind pace that caused their fans to shout with wild enthusiasm and
+fairly dazed their opponents. Grace alone netted four foul goals, and
+the sensational playing of Nora and Miriam was a matter of wonder to the
+spectators, who conceded it to be the fastest, most brilliant half ever
+played by an Oakdale team. The game ended with the score 15 to 6 in
+favor of the juniors, whose loyal supporters swooped down upon them the
+moment the whistle blew and pranced about, whooping like savages.
+
+"That was the greatest game I ever saw played under this roof," cried
+David, wringing Grace's hand, while Hippy hopped about, uttering little
+yelps of joy. Reddy circled about the victors almost too delighted for
+words. He was filled with profound admiration for them.
+
+"The boys' crack team couldn't have played a better game," he said
+solemnly, and the girls knew that he could pay them no higher
+compliment, for this team was considered invincible by the High School
+boys.
+
+"Perhaps we'll challenge you some day, Reddy," said Grace mischievously.
+
+"I believe you'd win at that," he said so earnestly that every one
+laughed.
+
+"It was a great triumph," said Jessica proudly, as she stood with Mabel
+and Anne in the locker-room while the girls resumed street clothing.
+"And my new howl was a success, too."
+
+"Glad to know that," said Grace. "There were so many different kinds of
+noises I couldn't distinguish it."
+
+"There was one noise that started that was promptly hushed," said Anne.
+"You heard it, too, didn't you Jessica?"
+
+"Oh, yes, girls, I intended telling you before this," replied Jessica.
+"Just before the last half started, Miss Thompson and Miss Kane came in
+and walked to the other end of the gallery. Well, Eleanor and her crowd
+saw them, and what do you suppose they did?"
+
+"Hard to tell," said Nora.
+
+"They hissed Miss Thompson. Very softly, you may be sure," continued
+Jessica, "but it was hissing, just the same. For a wonder, she didn't
+hear it, but every girl in the junior class did. They were sitting down
+front on the same side as Eleanor's crowd. You know what a temper Ruth
+Deane has and how ferocious she can look? Well, the minute she heard it
+she went back there like a flash, looking for all the world like a
+thunder cloud. She talked for a moment to Edna and Eleanor. They tossed
+their heads, but they didn't hiss any more."
+
+"What did Ruth say to them?" asked Grace curiously. "It must have been
+something remarkable, or they wouldn't have subsided so suddenly."
+
+"It was," giggled Jessica. "She told them that if they didn't stop it
+instantly, the juniors would pick them up bodily, carry them downstairs
+to the classroom and lock them in until the game was over."
+
+"How absurd!" exclaimed Grace. "They would never have dared to go that
+far."
+
+"I don't know about that," said Nora O'Malley. "Ruth Deane is a terror
+when she gets fairly started. Besides, she would have had both High
+Schools on her side. Even the boys like Miss Thompson."
+
+"It was an effectual threat at any rate," said Jessica. "They left
+before the game was over. Perhaps they were afraid of being waylaid."
+
+"I suppose they couldn't bear to see us win," said Grace. "But,
+O girls, I am so proud of our invincible team. It was a great game
+and a well-earned victory."
+
+"We ought to celebrate," said Miriam. "Come on. Here we are at
+Stillman's."
+
+Without waiting for a second invitation, the Phi Sigma Tau trooped
+joyfully into the drug store.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE LAST STRAW
+
+
+The days glided by rapidly. The Christmas holidays came, bringing with
+them the usual round of gayeties. Thanks to the Phi Sigma Tau, the
+lonely element of High School girls did not lack for good cheer. As at
+Thanksgiving, each member of the sorority entertained two or more girls
+on Christmas and New Year's, and were amply repaid for their good deed
+by the warm appreciation of their guests.
+
+Tom Gray came down for the holidays, bringing with him his roommate,
+Arnold Evans, a fair-haired, blue-eyed young man of twenty, who proved
+himself thoroughly likable in every respect. He lost no time in
+cultivating Miriam's acquaintance, and the two soon became firm friends.
+
+Tom gave a dinner to his roommate, inviting "the seven originals," as he
+expressed it, and Miriam, who felt that at last she really belonged in
+the charmed circle. David was even more pleased than his sister over the
+turn affairs had taken. To have Miriam a member of his own particular
+"crowd" had always been David's dearest wish, and the advent of Arnold
+Evans had done away with Miriam being the odd one. So the circle was
+enlarged to ten young people, who managed to crowd the two weeks'
+vacation with all sorts of healthful pleasures.
+
+There were coasting and sleighing parties, and on one occasion a walk to
+old Jean's hut in Upton Wood, where they were hospitably entertained by
+the old hunter, who had smilingly pointed to the wolf skins on the wall,
+asking them if they remembered the winter day two years before when
+those same skins held wolves who were far too lively for comfort. Then
+the story of their escape had to be gone over again for Arnold's
+benefit.
+
+They had stayed until the moon came up, and, accompanied by the old
+hunter, had walked back to Oakdale in the moonlight.
+
+After the holidays came the brief period of hard study before the
+dreaded mid-year examinations. Basketball enthusiasm declined rapidly
+and a remarkable devotion to study ensued that lasted until examinations
+began. By the last week in January, the ordeal was past.
+
+Eleanor Savell had not yet returned to school. Whether or not she would
+be allowed to return was a question that occasioned a great deal of
+discussion among three lower classes of girls. Edna Wright and the other
+members of the sorority organized by Eleanor were loud in their
+expressions of disapproval as to Miss Thompson's "severity" toward
+Eleanor. They talked so freely about it, that it reached the principal's
+ears. She lost no time in sending for them, and after a session in the
+office, they emerged looking subdued and crestfallen; and after that it
+was noted that when in conversation with their schoolmates, they made no
+further allusion to Miss Thompson's methods of discipline.
+
+There was a faint murmur of surprise around the study hall one
+morning, however, when Miss Thompson walked in to conduct the opening
+exercises, accompanied by Eleanor, who, without looking at the school,
+seated herself at the desk nearest to where the principal stood.
+
+When the morning exercises were concluded, Miss Thompson nodded slightly
+to Eleanor, who turned rather pale, then rose, and, facing the school,
+said in a clear voice:
+
+"I wish to apologize to Miss Thompson for impertinence and
+insubordination. I also wish to publicly apologize to the members of the
+Phi Sigma Tau for having accused them of treachery concerning a certain
+matter that recently came up in this school."
+
+"Your apology is accepted, Miss Savell. You may take your own seat,"
+said the principal.
+
+Without looking to the right or left, Eleanor walked proudly up the
+aisle to her seat, followed by the gaze of those girls who could not
+refrain from watching her. The Phi Sigma Tau, to a member, sat with eyes
+straight to the front. They had no desire to increase Eleanor's
+discomfiture, for they realized what this public apology must have cost
+her, although they were all equally puzzled as to what had prompted her
+to humble herself.
+
+Eleanor's apology was not due, however, to a change of heart. She still
+despised Miss Thompson as thoroughly as on the day that she had
+manifested her open scorn and dislike for the principal.
+
+As for Grace and her friends, Eleanor was particularly bitter against
+them, and laid at their door a charge of which they were entirely
+innocent.
+
+Eleanor had told her aunt nothing of her recent trouble in school, but
+had feigned illness as an excuse for remaining at home. After attending
+the basketball game her aunt had told her rather sharply that if she
+were able to attend basketball games, she was certainly able to continue
+her studies. Eleanor had agreed to return to school the following
+Monday, and had started from home at the usual time with no intention
+whatever of honoring the High School with her presence. She passed the
+morning in the various stores, lunched in town and went to a matinée in
+the afternoon. In this manner she idled the days away until the holiday
+vacation came, congratulating herself upon her success in pulling wool
+over the eyes of her long-suffering aunt.
+
+But a day of reckoning was at hand, for just before the close of
+vacation Miss Thompson chanced to call at Mrs. Gray's home while Mrs.
+Gray was entertaining Miss Nevin, and the truth came out.
+
+When Miss Nevin confronted her niece with the deception Eleanor had
+practised upon her, a stormy scene had followed, and Eleanor had accused
+Grace Harlowe of telling tales to Mrs. Gray, and Mrs. Gray of carrying
+them to her aunt. This had angered Miss Nevin to the extent that she had
+immediately ordered Eleanor to her room without telling her from whom
+she had received her information.
+
+For three days Eleanor had remained in her room, refusing to speak to
+her aunt, who, at the end of that time, decreed that if she did not at
+once apologize roundly and return to school her violin and piano would
+both be taken from her until she should again become reasonable.
+
+In the face of this new punishment, which was the severest penalty that
+could be imposed upon her, Eleanor remained obdurate. Her violin and
+piano were removed from her room and the piano in the drawing room was
+closed. Still she stubbornly held out, and it was not until the day
+before the beginning of the new term that she went to her aunt and
+coldly agreed to comply with her wishes, providing she might have her
+violin and piano once more.
+
+Aside from this conversation they had exchanged no words, and Eleanor
+therefore entered school that morning still believing the Phi Sigma Tau
+to be at the bottom of her misfortune.
+
+In spite of her recent assertion that she could not forgive Eleanor,
+Grace's resentment vanished at sight of her enemy's humiliation. A
+public apology was the last thing that either she or her friends
+desired. Her promise to Mrs. Gray loomed up before her. If Eleanor
+really did believe the Phi Sigma Tau innocent, then perhaps this would
+be the opportunity for reconciliation. After a little thought, she tore
+a sheet of paper from her notebook and wrote:
+
+          "DEAR ELEANOR:
+
+          "The members of the Phi Sigma Tau are very sorry
+          about your having to make an apology. We did not
+          wish it. We think you showed a great deal of the
+          right kind of courage in making the public apology
+          you did both to Miss Thompson and to us. Won't
+          you come back to the Phi Sigma Tau?
+
+                                    "YOUR SINCERE FRIENDS."
+
+At recess Grace showed the note to her friends. She had signed her name
+to the note and requested the others to do the same. Here she met with
+some opposition. Nora, Marian Barber and Eva Allen were strongly opposed
+to sending it. But Jessica, Anne and Miriam agreed with Grace that it
+would be in fulfillment of the original promise to Mrs. Gray to help
+Eleanor whenever they could do so. So the Phi Sigma Tau signed their
+names and the note was passed to Eleanor directly after recess.
+
+She opened it, read it through, and an expression of such intense scorn
+passed over her face that Nora, who sat near her and who was covertly
+watching her, knew at once that Grace's flag of truce had been trampled
+in the dust.
+
+Picking up her pen, Eleanor wrote rapidly for a brief space, underlined
+what she had written, signed her name with a flourish, and, folding and
+addressing her note, sent it to Grace.
+
+Rather surprised at receiving an answer so quickly, Grace unfolded the
+note. Then she colored, looked grave and, putting the note in the back
+of the text-book she was holding, went on studying.
+
+By the time school was over for the day, the girls of the Phi Sigma Tau
+knew that Eleanor had once more repudiated their overtures of friendship
+and were curious to see what she had written.
+
+"Don't keep us in suspense. Let us see what she wrote," exclaimed Nora
+O'Malley as the seven girls crossed the campus together.
+
+"Here it is," said Grace, handing Nora the note.
+
+Nora eagerly unfolded the paper and the girls crowded around, reading
+over her shoulder, Grace walking a little apart from them. Then Nora
+read aloud:
+
+          "TO THE PHI SIGMA TAU:
+
+          "Your kind appreciation of my conduct in the
+          matter of apology is really remarkable, coupled
+          with the fact that your inability to refrain from
+          discussing my personal affairs with Mrs. Gray
+          forced this recent humiliation upon me. To ask me
+          to return to your society is only adding insult to
+          injury. I am not particularly surprised at this,
+          however. It merely proves you to be greater
+          hypocrites than you at first seemed.
+
+                                           "ELEANOR SAVELL."
+
+"Well, of all things!" exclaimed Marian Barber. "Grace Harlowe, if you
+ever attempt to conciliate her again, I'll disown you."
+
+"What does she mean by saying that we discussed her affairs with Mrs.
+Gray?" cried Jessica impatiently. "We have always tried to put her best
+side out to dear Mrs. Gray, and you all know it."
+
+"The best thing to do," said Anne, smiling a little, "is to tell Mrs.
+Gray all about it. We might as well live up to the reputation Eleanor
+has thrust upon us. It isn't pleasant to admit that we have failed with
+Eleanor, but it isn't our fault, at any rate. I am going there this
+afternoon. I'll tell her."
+
+"May I go with you, Anne?" asked Grace.
+
+"You know I'd love to have you," Anne replied.
+
+"As long as I was the first to agree to look out for Eleanor, I have
+decided I had better be with you at the finish," said Grace, as the two
+girls walked slowly up the drive.
+
+"The finish?" asked Anne. "Why do you say that, Grace?"
+
+"You've heard about the last straw that broke the camel's back, haven't
+you?" asked Grace. "Well, Eleanor's note is the last straw. I know I
+said that once before, and I broke my word. I don't intend to break it
+again, however. I am going to ask Mrs. Gray to release me from my
+promise."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE PLAY'S THE THING
+
+
+Excitement ran high in the three lower classes one morning in early
+February when Miss Thompson requested that those interested in the
+production of a Shakespearian play go to the library directly after
+school, there to discuss the situation.
+
+When the gong sounded dismissal, about sixty girls with dramatic
+aspirations made for the library. The Phi Sigma Tau entered in a body.
+They had decided at recess to carry away as many laurels as possible,
+providing they could get into the cast.
+
+Miss Tebbs, teacher of elocution; Miss Kane, teacher of gymnastics, and
+Miss Thompson stood at one side of the library talking earnestly as they
+noted each newcomer.
+
+"Oh, look!" whispered Jessica, clutching Nora's arm. "There's Eleanor
+and her crowd."
+
+"Then look out for squalls," replied Nora. "She'll try to be the whole
+cast, and will get a magnificent case of sulks if she can't have her own
+way."
+
+"Sh-h-h," warned Eva Allen. "She'll hear you. Besides, Miss Thompson is
+going to speak."
+
+The principal held up her hand for silence and the groups of girls
+engaged in subdued conversation ceased talking and turned their
+attention toward her.
+
+"You are all aware that each year the senior class gives a play, which
+they choose, manage and produce with no assistance save that given by
+Miss Tebbs," said the principal. "So far the three lower classes have
+never given a play. Some time ago Miss Tebbs suggested that as we need
+money for special books in the library which our yearly appropriation
+does not cover, we might present a Shakespearian play with good effect,
+choosing the cast from the freshman, sophomore and junior classes.
+
+"The first thing to be thought of is the play itself. After due
+consideration, we decided that 'As You Like It' is better suited to our
+needs than any of the other Shakespearian dramas. In it are twenty-one
+speaking characters, besides numerous lords, pages and attendants. We
+shall probably use about fifty girls, thus making it an elaborate
+production. By the attendance this afternoon I should imagine that you
+are heartily in favor of our project and that we shall have no trouble
+in making up the cast. As Miss Tebbs has charge of the situation, I
+yield the floor to her. She will explain to you about the giving out of
+the parts."
+
+There was an enthusiastic clapping of hands as Miss Thompson smiled and
+nodded to the girls, then left the room. Miss Tebbs then stated that on
+Friday afternoon after school there would be a "try out" for parts in
+the gymnasium, in order to find out what girls were most capable of
+doing good work in the cast. Just what the test would be had not been
+decided. It would be well, however, to study the chosen play and become
+familiar with it; also each girl must bring a copy of the play with her.
+If the girls wished to ask any questions, she would answer them as far
+as possible. Miss Kane would help with the posing and coaching when the
+thing was fairly started.
+
+The girls crowded around Miss Tebbs and Miss Kane, asking all sorts of
+questions.
+
+"One at a time, girls," laughed Miss Tebbs. "I have not asked you to
+enact a mob scene."
+
+Under cover of the confusion, Grace and her three friends slipped out of
+the library.
+
+"'The play's the thing,'" quoted Nora, "and me for it."
+
+"That is for the judges to decide," said Jessica sagely. "Perhaps they
+won't even look at you."
+
+"Do you think any one could see my Irish countenance and fail to be
+impressed?" demanded Nora.
+
+"Really and truly, Nora, the more you travel with Hippy, the more you
+talk like him," remarked Grace.
+
+"I consider that a compliment," replied Nora, laughing. "Hippy says
+awfully funny things."
+
+"Look at our little Anne," said Jessica. "She is actually dreaming. Tell
+us about it, dear."
+
+"I was thinking of the play," said Anne dreamily. "I do so want a part,
+if only a little one."
+
+"You'll be chosen for Rosalind, see if you aren't," predicted Grace.
+
+"Oh, no," said Anne. "Some one else will be sure to get that. Besides,
+I'm too short."
+
+"But, Anne, you've had stage experience," said Jessica. "You ought to
+get it."
+
+"Not in a Shakespearian play," replied Anne, shaking her head. "I might
+not do well at all with that kind of part."
+
+"Never fear, you'll be the star before you know it," said Nora.
+
+By Friday, there was nothing on the school horizon save the cherished
+play. Before school, at recess, and even in classes it was the topic of
+the hour. To the eager girls the day seemed particularly long, and a
+heartfelt sigh went up when the dismissal gong rang.
+
+As the four chums hurried toward the gymnasium, Anne suddenly caught
+Grace by the arm with a faint gasp of surprise. Glancing quickly down at
+her friend to ascertain the cause of Anne's sudden agitation, Grace saw
+her friend's eyes following the figure of a tall, distinguished-looking
+man who was just disappearing down the corridor leading to the
+gymnasium.
+
+"What's the matter, Anne?" asked Grace. "Do you know that man?"
+
+"No," replied Anne, "but I know who he is."
+
+"He must be a remarkable person, considering the way you gasped and
+clutched me," laughed Grace.
+
+"That man is Everett Southard, the great Shakespearian actor," said Anne
+almost reverently. "I saw him in 'Hamlet' and his acting is wonderful."
+
+"No wonder you were surprised," said Grace.
+
+"It fairly takes my breath. I've seen ever so many pictures of him and
+read magazine articles about him. What do you suppose he is doing in
+Oakdale, and at the High School--of all places?"
+
+"Time will tell," said Nora. Then she suddenly clasped her hands. "O
+girls, I know! He's here for the try-out!"
+
+"Why of course he is," exclaimed Grace. "Now I remember Miss Tebbs
+showed me a magazine picture of him one day last year, and told me that
+she had known him since childhood. Besides, he is playing a three-night
+engagement in Albany. I read it in the paper last night. It's as plain
+as can be. Miss Tebbs has asked him to run up here and pick out the
+cast."
+
+"Good gracious," said Jessica. "I shall retire in confusion if he looks
+at me. I won't dare aspire to a part now, and I had designs on the part
+of Phebe."
+
+"Don't be a goose," said Nora. "He's only a man. He can't hurt you.
+I think having him here will be a lark. Won't some of those girls put
+on airs, though. There he is talking with Miss Tebbs now."
+
+The girls entered the gymnasium to find there nearly all of those who
+had attended the first meeting in the library increased by about a score
+of girls who had decided at the last minute to try for parts. Eleanor
+stood at one end of the great room, with Edna Wright and Daisy Culver.
+Grace thought she had never seen Eleanor looking more beautiful. She was
+wearing a fur coat and hat far too costly for a school girl, and carried
+a huge muff. Her coat was thrown open, disclosing a perfectly tailored
+gown of brown, with trimmings of dull gold braid. She was talking
+animatedly and her two friends were apparently hanging on every word she
+uttered.
+
+"No wonder Eleanor has an opinion of herself," said Nora. "Look at Daisy
+and Edna. They act as though Eleanor were the Sultan of Turkey or the
+Shah of Persia, or some other high and mighty dignitary. They almost
+grovel before her."
+
+"Never mind, Nora," said Grace. "As long as you retain your Irish
+independence what do you care about what other girls do?"
+
+"I don't care. Only they do act so silly," said Nora, with a sniff of
+contempt.
+
+"Sh-h-h!" said Jessica softly. "Miss Tebbs is going to call the meeting
+to order."
+
+A hush fell over the assembled girls as Miss Tebbs stepped forward to
+address them.
+
+"I am very glad to see so many girls here," she said. "It shows that you
+are all interested in the coming play. Although you cannot all have
+parts, I hope that you will feel satisfied with the selection made this
+afternoon. In order that each member of the cast may be chosen on her
+merit alone, my old friend, Mr. Southard, kindly consented to come from
+Albany for the sole purpose of giving us the benefit of his great
+Shakespearian experience. Allow me to introduce Mr. Everett Southard."
+
+He was greeted with a round of applause, and after bowing his thanks,
+the eminent actor plunged at once into the business at hand.
+
+He spoke favorably of the idea of an all-girl cast, saying that each
+year many girls' colleges presented Shakespearian plays with marked
+success. The main thing to be considered was the intelligent delivery of
+the great dramatist's lines. The thing to do would be to find out what
+girls could most ably portray the various characters, it would be
+necessary to try each girl separately with a few lines from the play. In
+order to facilitate matters, he suggested that those girls who really
+desired speaking parts step to one side of the room, while those who
+wished merely to make the stage pictures, step to the other.
+
+Out of the eighty girls, about thirty-five only stepped over to the side
+from which the principal characters were to be chosen. Many of the girls
+had no serious intentions whatever regarding the play, and the awe
+inspired by Mr. Southard's presence made them too timid to venture to
+open their mouths before him. Jessica, whose courage had fled, would
+have been among the latter if Nora had not seized her firmly by the arm
+as she prepared to flee and marched her over with the rest of the Phi
+Sigma Tau. Eleanor and Edna Wright were among the junior contestants,
+while there was a good showing of sophomores and freshmen.
+
+Mr. Southard took in the aspirants with keen, comprehensive glance. His
+eyes rested a shade longer on Eleanor. She made a striking picture as
+she stood looking with apparent indifference at the girls about her.
+Then his quick eye traveled to Grace's fine face and graceful figure,
+and then on to Anne, whose small face was alive with the excitement of
+the moment.
+
+A breathless silence had fallen over the room. Every eye was fixed on
+the actor, who stood with a small leather-covered edition of "As You
+Like It" in his hand. Miss Tebbs stood by with a pencil and pad. The
+great try-out was about to begin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE TRY OUT
+
+
+"Will the young lady on the extreme right please come forward?" said Mr.
+Southard pleasantly, indicating Marian Barber, who rather timidly
+obeyed, taking the book he held out to her. At his request, she began to
+read from Orlando's entrance, in the first scene of the fourth act. She
+faltered a little on the first two lines, but shortly regained her
+courage and read on in her best manner. When she had read about a dozen
+lines he motioned for her to cease reading, said something to Miss
+Tebbs, who made an entry on her pad, and beckoned to the girl next to
+Marian to come forward.
+
+Straight down the line he went, sometimes stopping a girl at her third
+or fourth line, rarely allowing them to read farther than the eleventh
+or twelfth.
+
+Nora was the second Phi Sigma Tau to undergo the ordeal. As she briskly
+delivered the opening lines, the actor stopped her. Taking the book from
+her, he turned to the part where Touchstone, quaintly humorous, holds
+forth upon "the lie seven times removed."
+
+"Read this," he said briefly, holding out the book to Nora.
+
+Nora began and read glibly on, unconsciously emphasizing as she did so.
+Down one page she read and half way through the next before Mr. Southard
+seemed satisfied.
+
+Then he again held conversation with Miss Tebbs, who nodded and looked
+smilingly toward Nora, who stood scowling faintly, rather ill-pleased at
+attracting so much attention.
+
+"It looks as though Nora had made an impression, doesn't it!" whispered
+Jessica to Grace, who was about to reply when Mr. Southard motioned to
+her. Grace, who knew the scene by heart, went fearlessly forward, and
+read the lines with splendid emphasis. Marian and Eva Allen followed
+her, and acquitted themselves with credit. Then Eleanor's turn came.
+Handing her coat, which she had taken off and carried upon her arm, to
+Edna Wright, she walked proudly over, then, without a trace of
+self-consciousness, began the reading of the designated lines. Her voice
+sounded unusually clear and sweet, yet lacked something of the power of
+expression displayed by Grace in her rendering of the same scene. When
+she had finished she handed the book back with an air of studied
+indifference she was far from feeling. She had decided in her own mind
+that Rosalind was the part best suited to her, and felt that the honor
+now lay between herself and Grace. No other girls, with the exception of
+Nora, had been allowed to read as much of any scene as they two had been
+requested to read.
+
+But Eleanor had reckoned without her host, for there was one girl who
+had not as yet come to the front. The girl was Anne Pierson, who in some
+mysterious manner had been all but overlooked, until Miss Tebbs spied
+her standing between Grace and Nora.
+
+"Can you spare us a moment more, Mr. Southard?" said Miss Tebbs to the
+actor, who was preparing to leave. "You have almost missed hearing one
+of my best girls. Come here, Anne, and prove the truth of my words."
+
+Grace drew a long breath of relief. She had eagerly awaited Anne's turn
+and was about to call Miss Tebbs's attention to Anne, just as that
+teacher had observed her.
+
+As most of the girls present had heard Anne recite, there was a great
+craning of necks and a faint murmur of expectancy as she took her place.
+They expected her to live up to her reputation and she had scarcely
+delivered the opening line before they realized that she would not
+disappoint them.
+
+Her musical voice vibrated with expression and the mock-serious
+bantering tones in which she delivered Rosalind's witty speeches caused
+Mr. Southard to smile and nod approvingly as she gave full value to the
+immortal lines. Her change of voice from Rosalind to Orlando was wholly
+delightful, and so charmingly did she depict both characters that when
+she ended with Orlando's exit she received a little ovation from the
+listening girls, in which Mr. Southard and Miss Tebbs joined.
+
+"She's won! She's won! I'm so glad," Grace said softly to Nora and
+Jessica. "I wanted her to play Rosalind, and I knew she could do it.
+Look, girls! Mr. Southard is shaking hands with her."
+
+True enough, Anne was shyly shaking hands with the great actor, who was
+congratulating her warmly upon her recent effort.
+
+"I have never before heard an amateur read those lines as well as you
+have to-day, Miss Pierson," he said. "I am sure Rosalind will be safe
+with you, for few professional women could have done better. If I am
+anywhere near here when your play is enacted, I shall make it a point to
+come and see it."
+
+Shaking hands warmly with Miss Tebbs and bowing to the admiring girls,
+Mr. Southard hurriedly departed, leaving his audience devoured with
+curiosity as to the chosen ones.
+
+Anne stood perfectly still, looking rather dazed. The unexpected had
+happened. She was to have not only a part, but the best part, at that.
+The girls gathered eagerly about her, congratulating her on her success,
+but she was too overcome to thank them, and smiled at them through a
+mist of tears.
+
+"Look at Eleanor," whispered Nora to Grace. "She's so angry she can't
+see straight. She must have wanted to play Rosalind herself. I told you
+she'd sulk if she couldn't be the leading lady."
+
+Grace glanced over toward Eleanor, who stood biting her lip, her hands
+clenched and her face set in angry lines.
+
+"She looks like the 'Vendetta' or the 'Camorra' or some other Italian
+vengeance agency, doesn't she?" said Nora with a giggle.
+
+Grace laughed in spite of herself at Nora's remark, but regretted it the
+next moment, for Eleanor saw the glances directed toward her and heard
+Nora's giggle. She turned white and half started toward Grace, then
+stopped, and, turning her back upon the Phi Sigma Tau, began talking to
+Edna Wright.
+
+Just then Miss Tebbs, who had been busy with her list, announced that
+she would now name the cast, and all conversation ceased as by magic.
+
+Miriam Nesbit was intrusted with the "Duke," while Marian Barber was to
+play "Frederick," his brother. Jessica was in raptures over "Phebe,"
+while Nora had captured "Touchstone," Eva Allen, "Audrey," and, to her
+great delight, Grace was told that she was to play "Orlando," with
+Eleanor as "Celia." The other parts were assigned among the sophomores
+and freshmen who had made the best showing, Mabel Allison getting the
+part of Jaques.
+
+"You will report for rehearsal next Tuesday afternoon after school, when
+typewritten copies of your parts will be handed you," said Miss Tebbs,
+as she was about to leave the room.
+
+The moment Miss Tebbs ceased talking the girls began, as they gathered
+in little groups around the lucky ones and gave vent to their feelings
+with many exclamations of approval and congratulation. Several girls
+approached Eleanor, but she fairly ran from them and hurried out of the
+gymnasium after Miss Tebbs with Edna Wright and Daisy Culver at her
+heels.
+
+"There goes Eleanor after Miss Tebbs," observed Marian Barber. "What do
+you suppose she's up to now?"
+
+"Oh, never mind her," said Nora impatiently. "You'll see enough of her
+during rehearsal. It will be so pleasant to rehearse with her,
+considering that she isn't on speaking terms with any of us."
+
+Had the girl chums known then what Eleanor "was up to," it would have
+been a matter of surprise and indignation to all of them. After
+imperiously commanding her satellites to wait for her in the corridor,
+Eleanor overtook Miss Tebbs just outside Miss Thompson's office.
+
+"I want to speak to you, Miss Tebbs," said Eleanor as the teacher
+paused, her hand on the doorknob.
+
+"Well, what can I do for you, Miss Savell?"
+
+"I want to speak to you about the play. I wish to play Rosalind," said
+Eleanor with calm assurance.
+
+"But, my dear child, Anne Pierson is to play Rosalind," replied Miss
+Tebbs. "Mr. Southard particularly commended her work. Did you not hear
+what he said?"
+
+"Oh, yes; I heard him complimenting her," replied Eleanor complacently,
+"but I feel sure that I can do more with it than she can. I did not do
+my best work to-day. Besides, Miss Pierson is too short. I am certain of
+making a better appearance."
+
+"What you say about appearance is quite true, Miss Savell," replied Miss
+Tebbs frankly. "Beyond a doubt you would make a beautiful Rosalind; but
+I am convinced that no other girl can enact the part with the spirit and
+dash that Miss Pierson can. Your part of Celia is very well suited to
+you, and you can win plenty of applause playing it. You must understand,
+however, that once having given out a part, I should not attempt to take
+it from the girl I had given it to simply because some other girl
+desired it. That would be both unfair and unjust. The only thing I could
+promise you would be to allow you to understudy Rosalind in case
+anything happened to Miss Pierson. Would you care to understudy the
+part?"
+
+Eleanor was silent for a moment. Miss Tebbs, looking a trifle impatient,
+stood awaiting her reply.
+
+"I should like to do that," Eleanor said slowly, a curious light in her
+eyes. "Thank you very much, Miss Tebbs."
+
+"You are welcome," replied the teacher. "Be sure and be prompt at
+rehearsal next Tuesday."
+
+As Miss Tebbs entered the office, Eleanor turned and walked slowly down
+the corridor.
+
+"So Miss Tebbs thinks I ought to be satisfied with 'Celia,'" she
+muttered. "Very well, I'll rehearse Celia, but I'll understudy Rosalind,
+and it will be very strange if something doesn't happen to Miss
+Pierson."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE ANONYMOUS LETTER
+
+
+After the parts had been given out, rehearsals for the play went merrily
+on. There were many hitches at first, but finally things settled down to
+smooth running order, and as the time for its presentation approached
+Miss Tebbs had good reason to feel jubilant. Each girl seemed bent on
+distinguishing herself, and that teacher was heard laughingly to declare
+that she had an "all star cast."
+
+In spite of rehearsals, Grace Harlowe's team found time for a few
+basketball games, and whipped the senior team twice in succession, much
+to the disgust of Captain Julia Crosby, who threatened to go into deep
+mourning over what she called "her dead and gone team." She even
+composed a mournful ditty, which she sang in their ears in a wailing
+minor key whenever she passed any of them, and practically tormented
+them, until they actually did win one hard-fought victory over the
+juniors, "just to keep Julia from perpetrating her eternal chant," as
+one of them remarked.
+
+Eleanor had outwardly settled down to the routine of school work in a
+way that surprised even her aunt. But inwardly she was seething with
+rebellion toward Miss Thompson and hatred of the Phi Sigma Tau. She had
+fully determined that Anne Pierson should never play Rosalind, and had
+hit upon a plan by which she hoped to accomplish her ends. The Phi Sigma
+Tau were completely carried away with Anne's impersonation of
+Shakespeare's heroine, and any blow struck at Anne would be equally felt
+by the others. Anne had been absent from one rehearsal and thus Eleanor
+had had an opportunity to show her ability. She had done very well and
+Miss Tebbs had praised her work, though in her secret heart Eleanor knew
+that Anne's work was finer than her own. But the means of gratifying her
+own personal vanity blinded her to everything except the fact that she
+wanted to play Rosalind regardless of Anne's superior ability.
+
+To settle Miss Thompson was not so easy a matter, and though Eleanor
+racked her brain for some telling method of vengeance, no inspiration
+came until one afternoon in early March. Professor La Roche, irritated
+to the point of frenzy, ordered her from his class, with instructions to
+report herself to Miss Thompson. As she entered the open door of the
+principal's office she noticed that the room was empty of occupants. She
+stopped, hesitated, then went softly in, a half-formed idea in her mind
+that did not at first assume definite shape.
+
+"If Miss Thompson comes in, I suppose I shall have to report myself,"
+thought Eleanor. "While I'm here, I'll just look about and see if
+I can't find some way to even up that public apology she made me make."
+
+Gliding over to the open desk, she ran her eye hastily over the various
+papers spread out upon it. At first she found nothing of importance, but
+suddenly she began to laugh softly, her face lighted with malicious
+glee.
+
+"Here's the wonderful paper that Miss Tabby Cat Thompson is going to read
+before the 'Arts and Crafts Club' to-morrow," she murmured. "I heard her
+telling Miss Chester about it yesterday. She said it took her six weeks
+to prepare it on account of the time she spent in looking up her facts.
+It will take me less than six minutes to dispose of it."
+
+Seizing the essay with both hands, she tore it across, and then tore it
+again and again, until it was literally reduced to shreds. These she
+gathered into a heap and left in the middle of the desk. Glancing about
+to see that no one was near, she was about to step into the corridor
+when she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Quick as a flash she
+flung open the door of the little lavatory just outside the office and
+concealed herself just as a girl turned from the main corridor into the
+short passage leading to the principal's office. Eleanor, holding the
+door slightly ajar, peered stealthily out at the new-comer, who was none
+other than Grace Harlowe.
+
+Having no recitation that hour, Grace had run up to the office to obtain
+Miss Thompson's permission to use the gymnasium that afternoon for
+basketball practice. A hasty glance inside the office revealed to Grace
+that the principal was not there. She hesitated a moment, walked toward
+the desk, then turned and went out again.
+
+The moment she turned the corner, Eleanor darted out of the lavatory and
+fled down the corridor, just as the bell rang for the end of the period.
+In a moment the main corridor was filled with girls from the various
+classrooms, and, joining them, Eleanor entered the study hall without
+reporting her dismissal from French class.
+
+She was somewhat nervous and trembled a little at the thought of her
+near discovery, but felt not the slightest qualm of conscience at her
+ruthless destruction of another's property. On the contrary, she
+experienced a wicked satisfaction, and smiled to herself as she pictured
+Miss Thompson's consternation when the latter should discover her loss.
+Best of all, the principal would never find out who did it, for Eleanor
+vowed never to admit her guilt.
+
+She decided to go at once to Professor La Roche and apologize, so that
+he would not report her to Miss Thompson. Without a doubt an effort
+would be made to find the culprit, and if it were proven that she did
+not return to the study hall as soon as dismissed from French, she might
+be asked to account for it, and thus call down suspicion upon herself.
+
+On her way to rhetoric recitation, she stopped at Professor La Roche's
+door, greatly astonishing him by a prettily worded apology, which he
+readily accepted and beamed upon her with forgiving good-nature. Feeling
+that she had bridged that difficulty, Eleanor entered the classroom to
+find Miss Thompson talking in low, guarded tones to Miss Chester, who
+looked both, shocked and surprised. She caught the words "entirely
+destroyed," "serious offence" and "investigate at once," Then the
+principal left the room and Miss Chester turned to the class and began
+the recitation.
+
+To Eleanor's surprise, nothing was said of the matter that day. School
+was dismissed as usual, and the girls went out without dreaming that on
+the morrow they would all be placed under suspicion until the person
+guilty of the outrage was found.
+
+The following morning, after opening exercises, Miss Thompson stated
+briefly the destruction of her paper.
+
+"I was out of my office barely ten minutes," she said, "yet when I
+returned some one had ruthlessly torn the essay to bits and left the
+pieces piled in the middle of my desk. As I had spent considerable time
+and research in getting the subject matter together, the destruction of
+the paper is particularly annoying. Whoever was contemptible enough to
+engage in such mischief must have known this. It looks like a deliberate
+attempt to insult me. It is hard to believe one of my girls guilty, yet
+it is not probable that any one outside could be responsible. A girl who
+would wilfully do such a thing is a menace to the school and should be
+removed from it. I am not going to any extreme measures to find the
+miscreant. Were I to question each girl in turn I fear the offender
+might perjure herself rather than admit her guilt. But I am confident
+that sooner or later I shall know the truth of the matter."
+
+As Miss Thompson concluded, she looked over the roomful of girls who sat
+watching her with serious faces. Which one of them was guilty? Time
+alone would tell.
+
+At recess that morning the subject of the play was for once forgotten in
+the excitement occasioned by the principal's recent disclosure. Groups
+of girls indignantly denied even the thought of such mischief.
+
+"I don't believe Miss Thompson would ever suspect us of any such thing,"
+remarked Jessica to her friends.
+
+"Of course not, goose," replied Grace. "She knows us too well for that."
+
+But it was with a peculiar apprehension of something unpleasant that
+Grace answered a summons to the principal's office just before school
+closed for the day.
+
+"Grace," she said, as the young girl entered the office, "were you in my
+office yesterday afternoon between half past one and a quarter of two?"
+
+"Why, yes, Miss Thompson. I came to ask permission to use the gymnasium,
+but you were out, so I came back and asked you just before school
+closed."
+
+"Yes, I remember that you did," replied the principal. "However, I want
+you to read this."
+
+Grace took the paper, looking rather perplexed, and read:
+
+          "Ask Miss Harlowe what she was doing in your
+          office between half past one and a quarter of two
+          yesterday."
+
+                                              "A PASSERBY."
+
+"Why--why----" stammered Grace, her eyes growing large with wonder.
+"I don't understand. I came here at that time, for I looked at the
+clock as I came in, but I was only here for a second."
+
+Then the truth dawned upon her. "Why, Miss Thompson," she cried, "you
+surely don't think I tore up your essay?"
+
+"No, Grace, I don't," replied the principal. "But I believe that the one
+who wrote this note is the one who did do it, and evidently wishes to
+fasten the guilt upon you. It looks to me as though we had a common
+enemy. Do you recognize either the paper or the writing?"
+
+"No," replied Grace slowly, shaking her head. "Vertical writing all
+looks alike. The paper is peculiar. It is note paper, but different from
+any I ever saw before. It looks like----"
+
+She stopped suddenly, a shocked look creeping into her eyes.
+
+"What is it, Grace?" said Miss Thompson, who had been closely watching
+her.
+
+"I--just--had a queer idea," faltered Grace.
+
+"If you suspect any one, Grace, it is your duty to tell me," said the
+principal. "I cannot pass lightly over such a piece of wanton
+destruction. To clear up this mystery, should be a matter of vital
+interest to you, too, as this letter is really an insinuation against
+you."
+
+Grace was silent.
+
+"I am waiting for you, Grace," said the principal. "Will you do as
+I wish?"
+
+The tears rushed to Grace's eyes. "Forgive me, Miss Thompson," she said
+tremulously, "but I can tell you nothing."
+
+"You are doing wrong, Grace, in withholding your knowledge," said the
+older woman rather sternly, "and I am greatly displeased at your
+stubbornness. Ordinarily I would not ask you to betray any of your
+schoolmates, but in this instance I am justified, and you are making a
+serious mistake in sacrificing your duty upon the altar of school-girl
+honor."
+
+"I am sorry, Miss Thompson," said Grace, striving to steady her voice.
+"I value your good opinion above everything, but I can tell you nothing
+you wish to know. Please, please don't ask me."
+
+"Very well," responded the principal in a tone of cold dismissal,
+turning to her desk.
+
+With a half-stifled sob, Grace hurried from the room. For the first
+time, since entering High School, she had incurred the displeasure of
+her beloved principal, and all for the sake of a girl who was unworthy
+of the sacrifice. For Grace had recognized the paper. It was precisely
+the same style of paper on which Eleanor Savell had declined her
+Thanksgiving invitation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+BREAKERS AHEAD
+
+
+The dress rehearsal for "As You Like It" was over. It had been well nigh
+perfect. The costumes had for the most part been on hand, as the senior
+class of five years previous had given the same play and bequeathed
+their paraphernalia to those who should come after. Rosalind's costumes
+had to be altered to fit Anne, however, on account of her lack of
+stature. Also the lines in the text where Rosalind refers to her height
+underwent some changes. The final details having been attended to, Miss
+Tebbs and Miss Kane found time to congratulate each other on the
+smoothness of the production, which bade fair to surpass anything of the
+kind ever before given. There was not a weak spot in the cast. Anne's
+work had seemed to grow finer with every rehearsal.
+
+She had won the repeated applause of the group of teachers who had been
+invited to witness this trial performance. Grace, Nora, Eleanor and
+Miriam had ably supported her and there had been tears of proud joy in
+Miss Tebbs's eyes as she had watched the clever and spirited acting of
+these girls.
+
+"Be sure and put your costumes exactly where they belong," called Miss
+Tebbs as the girls filed off the stage into the dressing room after the
+final curtain. "Then you will have no trouble to-morrow night. We want
+to avoid all eleventh-hour scrambling and exciting costume hunts."
+
+Laughing merrily, the girls began choosing places to hang their costumes
+in the big room off the stage where they were to dress. Anne, careful
+little soul that she was, piled her paraphernalia neatly in one corner,
+and taking a slip of paper from her bag wrote "Rosalind" upon it,
+pinning it to her first-act costume.
+
+"The eternal labeler," said Nora, with her ever-ready giggle, as she
+watched Anne. "Are you afraid it will run away, little Miss Fussbudget!"
+
+"No; of course not," said Anne, smiling. "I just marked it because----"
+
+"You have the marking habit," finished Jessica. "Come on, girls. Don't
+tease Anne. Let her put tags on herself if she wants to. Then a certain
+young man who is waiting outside for her will be sure to recognize her.
+Has anyone seen that Allison child? It's time she put in an appearance."
+
+"Just listen to Grandmother Bright," teased Anne. "She is hunting her
+lost chick, as usual."
+
+With merry laugh and jest the girls prepared for the street. Grace and
+her friends were among the first to leave, and hurried to the street,
+where the boys awaited them.
+
+"Hurrah for the only original ranters and barnstormers on exhibition in
+this country," cried Hippy, waving his hat in the air.
+
+"Cease, Hippopotamus," said Nora. "You are mistaken. We are stars, but
+we shall refuse to twinkle in your sky unless you suddenly become more
+respectful."
+
+"He doesn't know the definition of the word," said David.
+
+"How cruelly you misjudge me," said Hippy. "I meant no disrespect. It
+was a sudden attack of enthusiasm. I get them spasmodically."
+
+"So we have observed," said Nora dryly. "Let's not stand here discussing
+you all night. Come on up to my house, and we'll make fudge and have
+things to eat."
+
+"I have my car here," said David. "Pile into it and we'll be up there in
+a jiffy."
+
+"It's awfully late," demurred Grace. "After ten o'clock."
+
+"Never mind that," said Nora. "Your mother knows you can take care of
+yourself. You can 'phone to her from my house."
+
+In another minute the young people had seated themselves in the big car
+and were off.
+
+"Did you see Eleanor's runabout standing there?" Nora asked Grace.
+
+"Yes," replied Grace. "I was rather surprised, too. She hasn't used it
+much of late."
+
+"How beautiful she looked to-night, didn't she?" interposed Jessica.
+
+"Are you talking of the would-be murderess, who froze us all out
+Thanksgiving Day?" asked Hippy. "What is her latest crime?"
+
+Grace felt like saying "Destroying other people's property and getting
+innocent folks disliked," but refrained. She had told no one of her
+interview with Miss Thompson. Grace knew that the principal was still
+displeased with her. She was no longer on the old terms of intimacy with
+Miss Thompson. A barrier seemed to have sprung up between them, that
+only one thing could remove, but Grace was resolved not to expose
+Eleanor--not that she felt that Eleanor did not richly deserve it, but
+she knew that it would mean instant expulsion from school. She believed
+that Eleanor had acted on the impulse of the moment, and was without
+doubt bitterly sorry for it, and she felt that as long as Eleanor had at
+last begun to be interested in school, the thing to do was to keep her
+there, particularly as Mrs. Gray had recently told her of Miss Nevin's
+pleasure at the change that the school had apparently wrought in
+Eleanor.
+
+Could Grace have known what Eleanor was engaged in at the moment she
+would have felt like exposing her without mercy.
+
+During the first rehearsals Grace, secretly fearing an outbreak on
+Eleanor's part, had been on the alert, but as rehearsals progressed and
+Eleanor kept strictly to herself, Grace relaxed her vigilance.
+
+Directly after the chums had hurried out of the hall to meet the boys,
+Miss Tebbs had decided that opening the dressing room on the other side
+of the stage would relieve the congestion and insure a better chance for
+all to dress. Calling to the girls who still remained to move their
+belongings to that side, Miss Tebbs hurried across the stage to find the
+janitor and see that the door was at once unlocked. By the time the door
+was opened and the lights turned on the remaining girls flocked in,
+their arms piled high with costumes.
+
+Foremost among them was Eleanor. Hastily depositing her own costumes in
+one corner of the dressing room, she darted across the stage and into
+the room from which she had just moved her effects.
+
+It was empty. She glanced quickly about. Like a flash she gathered up a
+pile of costumes marked "Rosalind," covered them with her long fur coat
+and ran through the hall and down the steps to where her runabout was
+stationed. Crowding them hastily into the bottom of the machine, she
+slipped on her coat, made ready her runabout and drove down the street
+like the wind, not lessening her speed until she reached the drive at
+"Heartsease."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The young people passed a merry hour at Nora's, indulging in one of
+their old-time frolics, that only lacked Tom Gray's presence to make the
+original octette complete.
+
+"We'll be in the front row to-morrow night," said Hippy, as the young
+folks trooped out to the car. "I have engaged a beautiful bunch of green
+onions from the truck florist, Reddy has put all his money into carrots
+of a nice lively color, the exact shade of his hair, while I have
+advised Davy here to invest in turnips. They are nice and round and
+hard, and will hit the stage with a resounding whack, providing he can
+throw straight enough to hit anything. He can carry them in a paper bag
+and----"
+
+But before he could say more he was seized by David and Reddy and rushed
+unceremoniously into the street, while the girls signified their
+approbation by cries of "good enough for him" and "make him promise to
+behave to-morrow night."
+
+"I will. I swear it," panted Hippy. "Only don't rush me over the ground
+so fast. I might lose my breath and never, never catch it again."
+
+"Oh, let him go," said Nora, who had accompanied them down the walk.
+"I'll have a private interview with him to-morrow and that will insure
+his good behavior."
+
+"Thank you, angel Nora," replied Hippy gratefully. "You will be spared
+any obnoxious vegetables, even though the others may suffer."
+
+"For that you walk," said David, who had dropped Hippy and was engaged
+in helping the girls into the machine.
+
+"Never," replied Hippy, making a dive for the automobile. "I shall sit
+at the feet of the fair Jessica. Reddy will be so pleased."
+
+"Every one ready?" sang out David, as he took his place at the wheel
+after cranking up the machine.
+
+"All ready, let her go," was the chorus, and the machine whizzed down
+the street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+AS YOU LIKE IT
+
+
+The big dressing rooms on each side of the stage at Assembly Hall were
+ablaze with light. There was a hum of girlish voices and gay laughter,
+and all the pleasant excitement attending an amateur production
+prevailed. The dressing had been going on for the last hour, and now a
+goodly company of courtiers and dames stood about waiting while Miss
+Tebbs and Miss Kane rapidly "made up their faces" with rouge and powder.
+This being done to prevent them from looking too pale when in the white
+glare of the footlights.
+
+Miriam Nesbit as the "Duke" looked particularly fine, and the girls
+gathered around her with many exclamations of admiration. Nora's roguish
+face looked out from her fool's cap in saucy fashion as she flitted
+about jingling her bells. Grace made a handsome Orlando, while Jessica
+looked an ideal shepherdess.
+
+"Where's Anne?" said Grace as Nora paused in front of her. "I haven't
+see her to-night. I suppose she's over in the other dressing room.
+Miss Tebbs said that some of the costumes were moved over there after
+we left last night. What time is it? I didn't wear my watch to-night
+because I didn't want to risk losing it."
+
+"It's almost half past seven," said Jessica. "I asked Miss Tebbs for the
+time just a few minutes ago."
+
+"Let's go and find Anne at once, then," said Nora. "It's getting late,
+and she surely is dressed by this time. Then we'll look through the hole
+in the curtain at the house. People are beginning to arrive."
+
+"Wait a minute," said Jessica. "There's Mabel. Doesn't she look great as
+Jaques? Come here, dear," called Jessica.
+
+Mabel Allison joined the three girls, who hurried across the stage to
+the other dressing room in search of Anne Pierson.
+
+"Why, I don't see her here," cried Grace, making a quick survey of the
+room. "She must be somewhere about, for----"
+
+"There she goes now," exclaimed Nora, who stood in the door, looking out
+on the stage, "and she has her hat and coat on. How strange. I wonder if
+she knows how late it is?"
+
+Sure enough, Anne was hurrying toward the opposite dressing room.
+
+The three girls made a rush for her.
+
+"Why, Anne," said Grace. "What is the matter? We thought you had dressed
+over here and were looking for you."
+
+"Girls," replied Anne, "I've been on a wild-goose chase. I can't stop to
+tell you about it now, but you shall hear as soon as I have a chance.
+Will you help me with my costume and make-up? I'm awfully late, and
+haven't a minute to spare."
+
+"Why of course we will," said Grace. "Give me your hat and coat, dear.
+Where did you put your costumes? It won't take you long to dress, for
+most of the girls are dressed and over on the other side, so you have
+the place to yourself."
+
+"Over in that corner," replied Anne, taking off her collar and
+unfastening her white shirt waist. "Don't you remember, I labeled them
+and you laughed at me for doing so?"
+
+"Of course we do," said Nora, making a dive for the corner where Anne
+had piled her costumes the previous night. "They're not here," she
+announced after a brief but thorough search. "Miss Tebbs must have had
+them moved to the other room. She opened it last night after we left.
+Grace, you help Anne, and Jessica and Mabel and I will run across and
+look for them." With these words, Nora was off, the other two girls at
+her heels.
+
+"Tell me what kept you, Anne," said Grace, as the latter began arranging
+her hair for the first act.
+
+"Grace," said Anne rather tremulously, "I won't wait until the others
+come back to tell you why I came so late. Just after I had finished my
+supper and was putting on my wraps a boy came to the door with this
+note." Anne went over to where her coat hung and took out an envelope.
+Drawing a note from it, she silently handed it to Grace, who read:
+
+          "MY DEAR ANNE:
+
+          "Will you come up to my house before going to the
+          hall? I wish to give you something to wear in the
+          play.
+
+                             "Yours affectionately,
+                                          "ROSE R. GRAY."
+
+"Why, how unlike Mrs. Gray to send for you at the eleventh hour," said
+Grace in a puzzled tone. "No wonder you were late. What did she give
+you?"
+
+"Nothing," replied Anne. "It was a trick. She never wrote the note,
+although the writing looks like hers, and so does the paper. She was
+very indignant over it and sent me back in the carriage, telling the
+coachman to return for her, for of course she will be here to-night.
+I would have arrived much later if I had been obliged to walk. I ran
+almost all the way up there. You know Chapel Hill is quite a distance
+from my house."
+
+"I should say so," replied Grace. "Who could have been so mean? Anne,
+why do you suppose----" Grace stopped suddenly and stared at Anne. "Anne
+do you think that Eleanor could have written it?" she said slowly, as
+though reluctant to give voice to her suspicion.
+
+"I am afraid so," replied Anne. "She is the only one who could profit by
+my being late. Yet if she did write the note, she should have realized
+that going to Mrs. Gray's would scarcely keep me away long enough to
+miss my first entrance. You know I don't come on until the second
+scene."
+
+"There is something more behind this," said Grace, "and I'm going to
+find out, too." She darted to the door and opened it upon Nora and
+Jessica, who were on the threshold.
+
+"We can't find them," they cried in alarm, "but we told Miss Tebbs and
+she'll be here in a minute."
+
+"We didn't say a word to any one else," said Nora, "because they must be
+somewhere about, and there is no use in stirring up a lot of unnecessary
+excitement."
+
+"Wise little Nora," said Grace, patting her on the shoulder. "Here comes
+Miss Tebbs now." She stepped courteously aside to allow the teacher to
+enter the dressing room, then, following her, closed the door.
+
+"What is this I hear about losing your costumes, Anne?" asked Miss Tebbs
+rather impatiently. "I cautioned the girls last night about taking care
+of their things."
+
+Anne flushed at the teacher's curt tones.
+
+"I put them all in that corner, plainly marked, before I left here last
+night," she answered. "When I came here to-night they were gone."
+
+"That is strange," said the elder woman. "Have you made a thorough
+search for them in the other room?"
+
+"We've gone over every inch of the ground," exclaimed Jessica, "and we
+can't find a trace of them. We didn't ask any of the girls about them,
+because if we couldn't find them we feel sure the others couldn't. So we
+just kept quiet."
+
+"I don't know what is to be done, I'm sure," said Miss Tebbs in an
+anxious tone. "It is eight o'clock now and the curtain is supposed to
+run up at 8.15. I can hold it until 8.30, but no longer. The house is
+already well filled. You might get through the first act in a borrowed
+gown, Anne, but what can you do in the second? You know how that costume
+had to be altered to fit you. If it can be found before the second act,
+all will be well, but suppose you go on in the first act, and it can't
+be found, what then? You will spoil the whole production by appearing
+in an incorrect or misfit costume, besides bitterly disappointing the
+two girls who will have to give up their costumes to you. It is doubly
+provoking, because Mr. Southard is here to-night, and is particularly
+anxious to see your work."
+
+"Miss Tebbs," exclaimed Grace, "Eleanor Savell has a complete 'Rosalind'
+outfit. She had it made purposely. One of the girls told me so. You know
+she understudies Anne. Couldn't Anne use that?"
+
+"Impossible, Grace," said Miss Tebbs. "Eleanor is taller than Anne.
+Anne's lack of height is her one drawback. If she had not shown such
+exceptional talent, 'Rosalind' would have certainly fallen to Miss
+Savell or yourself. I am very sorry, but it looks as though Miss Savell
+will have to play Rosalind after all, and she must be notified at once."
+
+The three chums turned to Anne, who was biting her lip and trying hard
+to keep back her tears. Nora and Jessica looked their silent sympathy,
+but Grace stood apparently wrapped in thought.
+
+Miss Tebbs moved toward the door, but as she placed her hand on the knob
+Grace sprang eagerly forward.
+
+"Miss Tebbs," she cried, "don't ask Miss Savell. I believe I can find
+those costumes yet. Wait here and in five minutes I'll tell you whether
+I have succeeded. Please don't ask me what I am going to do. Just trust
+me and wait. You will let me try, won't you?" she pleaded.
+
+"Certainly, my child," said Miss Tebbs, "but remember time is precious.
+I'll give you five minutes, but if----"
+
+"I'll be back in that time," cried Grace, and was gone, leaving Miss
+Tebbs and the three chums mystified but faintly hopeful.
+
+Across the stage she flew and into the other dressing room. The object
+of her search was not there. Out she rushed and collided with a girl who
+was about to enter.
+
+"Pardon me," said Grace, glancing up, then seized the girl by the arm.
+"Eleanor Savell," she exclaimed sternly. "You know where Anne's costumes
+are. Don't attempt to deny it."
+
+Eleanor looked contemptuously at Grace and tried to shake herself free,
+but Grace's grasp tightened.
+
+"Answer me," she said. "Where are they?"
+
+[Illustration: "Where Are Anne's Costumes?" Cried Grace.]
+
+"Let me go," said Eleanor angrily. "You are hurting my arm. What do
+I care about Miss Pierson's costumes?"
+
+"You will care," replied Grace. "For if you don't instantly tell me
+where they are, I shall call the whole cast and expose you."
+
+"If you do, you will merely make yourself ridiculous," hissed
+Eleanor, her eyes blazing. "What grounds have you for such an
+accusation?"
+
+"I can't prove that you are responsible for their disappearance, but
+I do know that you shall not play 'Rosalind,' if the costumes are never
+found."
+
+"How can you prevent me!" asked Eleanor in insolent tones. "You are not
+running this production."
+
+"I have no time to waste in arguing the matter," returned Grace with
+admirable self-control. "What I want is the truth about the costumes and
+you must answer me."
+
+"'Must,'" repeated Eleanor, raising her eyebrows. "That is putting it
+rather strongly. No one ever says 'must' to me."
+
+"I say it to you now, Eleanor, and I mean it," said Grace. "I am fully
+convinced that you have hidden Anne's costumes and I am equally certain
+that you are going to produce them at once."
+
+"Then you are laboring under a delusion," replied Eleanor, with a
+disagreeable laugh, "and I should advise you to devote that tireless
+energy of yours, to minding your own business."
+
+"This is my business," replied Grace evenly, "and if you wish to avoid
+any unpleasantness you will make it yours."
+
+"Your threats do not alarm me," sneered Eleanor. "I am not easily
+frightened."
+
+"Very well," replied Grace, looking steadily at her enemy. "I see that
+I shall be obliged to call Miss Thompson back here and tell her who
+destroyed her essay. Knowing that, do you suppose you can make her
+believe that you did not hide Anne's costumes?"
+
+Eleanor's insolent expression turned to one of fear. "No," she gasped,
+"don't call Miss Thompson. You know she hates me, and will disgrace me
+in the eyes of the girls."
+
+"And you richly deserve it, Eleanor," replied Grace, "but if you produce
+Anne's costumes at once, I'll agree to say nothing. Hurry, for every
+second is precious."
+
+"I can't get them," wailed Eleanor. "What shall I do?"
+
+"Where are they?" asked Grace, with compressed lips.
+
+"At--'Heartsease,'" said Eleanor, and burst into tears.
+
+"Oh, what a mess," groaned Grace. "It will take an hour to go there and
+back. Oh, I must act quickly. Let me think. Mrs. Gray's coachman would
+drive me out, but those horses are so slow. Eleanor," she exclaimed,
+turning to the weeping girl, "is your runabout outside?"
+
+"Yes," sobbed Eleanor.
+
+"Then that settles it," cried Grace. "I will go after the things. Tell
+me where to find them. Have you a latch key? I can't bother to ring
+after I get there."
+
+"I'll go and get my key," said Eleanor, wiping her eyes. "They're in the
+wardrobe in my bedroom."
+
+"All right, wait for me at the door and don't say a word. Here come some
+of the girls."
+
+Though the time had seemed hours to Grace, her interview with Eleanor
+had lasted barely five minutes. She hurried back to where Miss Tebbs and
+the three chums awaited her, followed by the curious eyes of a number of
+the cast, who wondered vaguely why Grace Harlowe was rushing around at
+such a rate.
+
+"Borrow a gown for Anne, Miss Tebbs, for the first act," she cried.
+"I'll have the missing costumes here in time for the second. Only
+I can't play Orlando. Miriam will have to play it; she's my understudy,
+you know. Ethel Dumont can play Miriam's part. They've rehearsed both
+parts, and will be all right. Please don't refuse me, Miss Tebbs, but
+let me go. It's for Anne's sake. Nora, please bring me my street
+clothes."
+
+As she spoke, Grace began rapidly divesting herself of her costume.
+
+"Very well, Grace, have your own way," replied the teacher reluctantly.
+"I'll go at once and get a gown for Anne. But don't dare to fail me."
+
+"Thank you, Miss Tebbs. I'll not fail." Slipping into her long coat and
+seizing her fur hat, Grace made for the street, stopping for an instant
+to take the key from Eleanor, who stood waiting at the door.
+
+"Can you manage the machine?" faltered Eleanor.
+
+"Yes," said Grace curtly. "Go in at once. If you are seen, the girls are
+apt to ask questions that you may find hard to answer truthfully."
+
+"Thank goodness, David and Tom taught me something about automobiles
+last summer," thought Grace as she prepared to start, "or I should have
+been powerless to help Anne to-night. I am going to exceed the speed
+limit, that's certain." A moment later she was well into the street and
+on her way to "Heartsease." It was a memorable ride to Grace. It seemed
+as though the runabout fairly flew over the ground.
+
+"I've only been ten minutes on the way," she breathed as she neared her
+destination. Leaving the runabout outside the grounds, she ran up the
+drive, and, inserting her key in the door, opened it softly and entered
+the wide, old-fashioned hall. Up the steps she hurried, meeting no one,
+for Miss Nevin was at Assembly Hall and the servants' quarters were at
+the back of the house. Knowing the house as she did, Grace went straight
+to Eleanor's room and to the wardrobe. Sure enough, Anne's missing
+costumes were lying in a neat heap on the floor. Assuring herself that
+everything was there, Grace piled them up in her arms and sped softly
+down the stairs, opened the door, and in a twinkling was down the drive
+and into the runabout.
+
+She drove back even faster than she had come. As she passed the city
+hall clock she drew a breath of relief. It was ten minutes of nine. The
+first act was hardly half over. Leaping from the machine with the lost
+costumes she ran triumphantly into the dressing room.
+
+"Here she is," shrieked Nora in delight. "I knew she'd make good."
+
+"Are they all there, Grace," anxiously inquired Miss Tebbs. "You dear,
+good child. Where did you find them?"
+
+"That is a mystery which even Sherlock Holmes can never solve," replied
+Grace, laughing. "Where's Anne?"
+
+"She's on just now with Celia," replied Miss Tebbs, "and is playing up
+to her usual form, but she is very nervous and almost broke down after
+you left. She feels that you made too great a sacrifice for her in
+giving up your part."
+
+"Nonsense," said Grace. "Why should I have sacrificed the star to my own
+personal vanity? Miriam Nesbit can play Orlando as well as I, and makes
+a more striking appearance at that."
+
+"I don't agree with you, Grace, for you were an ideal 'Orlando,'"
+replied Miss Tebbs. "However it's too late for regret, and the best
+I can do now is to make you assistant stage manager. Some of those girls
+need looking after. Miss Savell had a bad case of stage fright and
+almost had to be dragged on. She forgot her lines and had to be
+prompted. She's all right now, but I am devoutly thankful she didn't
+play 'Rosalind,' for she certainly would not have done justice to it."
+
+Grace smiled grimly as she listened to Miss Tebbs. She could not feel
+sorry at Eleanor's recent agitation. Now that the excitement was over,
+Grace felt her anger rising. Eleanor's thirst for glory and revenge had
+been the means of losing Grace the part that she had so eagerly looked
+forward to playing, not to mention the narrow escape Anne had run.
+Still, on the whole, Grace felt glad that so far no one knew the truth.
+
+"I think I'll go into the wings. It's almost time for the curtain," she
+said to Miss Tebbs. But before she could reach there, the curtain had
+rung down and the audience were calling for Celia and Rosalind, who
+took the call hand in hand. Then Rosalind took two calls and bowed
+herself into the wings and straight into Grace's arms.
+
+"O Grace, how could you do it?" said Anne, with a half sob. "You gave
+up your part for me. It's too much. I shan't----"
+
+"You shall," replied Grace, hugging her. "Run along and put on male
+attire. I found your stuff and some time I'll tell you where, but not
+now."
+
+The play progressed with remarkable smoothness, and the various actors
+received unstinted applause from the audience, but from first to last
+Anne was the star. Her portrayal of Rosalind left little to be desired.
+Time after time Mr. Southard led the applause, and was ably seconded by
+Hippy, Reddy, David and Tom, who fairly wriggled with enthusiasm.
+
+Next to Anne, Nora, perhaps, came second. Her delivery of Touchstone's
+lines was delightful and she kept the audience in a gale of mirth
+whenever she appeared.
+
+It was over at last. The closing line of the Epilogue had been spoken by
+Rosalind, and she had taken five curtain calls and retired with her arms
+full of flowers. The principal actors in the play had been well
+remembered by friends, and the dressing rooms looked like a florist's
+shop.
+
+"I'm so sorry. I'd like to begin all over again," said Nora, as she
+rubbed her face with cold cream to take off her make-up.
+
+"There's an end to all things," said Jessica practically, "and really
+I'm glad to get back into everyday clothes."
+
+"Hurry up, slowpokes," said Grace Harlowe, popping her head in the door.
+"Tom Gray is here. He and David are waiting outside with their cars. We
+are all going up to Nesbit's for a jollification given in honor of
+Rosalind, who is at present dressed in everyday clothes and shaking
+hands with the great Southard. He and Miss Tebbs are going, too, and so
+is Mrs. Gray."
+
+"Come in, Grace, and tell us where you found Anne's costumes," said
+Nora, giving her cheeks a final rub. "We're devoured with curiosity."
+
+"'Thereby hangs a tale,'" replied Grace, "but I refuse to be interviewed
+to-night. I'll see you outside. If you're not there in three minutes,
+I'll put Hippy on your trail."
+
+Closing the door, Grace walked slowly toward the entrance. The majority
+of the girls had gone. Anne still stood talking with Mr. Southard and
+Miss Tebbs.
+
+"Grace, come here and speak to Mr. Southard," called Miss Tebbs. "Has
+Nora gone? Mr. Southard wishes to congratulate her and you, too."
+
+"She'll be out in a couple of minutes," said Grace, as she advanced to
+greet the great actor. "But I am not in line for congratulations, as
+I was not in the play."
+
+"I am very sorry that you could not play Orlando to-night. I remember
+your work at the try-out," said Mr. Southard in his deep, musical voice.
+"Miss Tebbs has told me of the sacrifice you made. You deserve double
+congratulations for the part you played behind the scenes."
+
+"It was nothing," murmured Grace, her color rising. "If you are ready,
+suppose we go. Mrs. Gray wishes you and Mr. Southard to go in her
+carriage, Miss Tebbs. The rest of us will go in the two automobiles."
+
+As they moved toward the door, Grace left them. Going back to the
+dressing room, she rapped sharply on the door. "Last call! Look out for
+Hippy!" she cried, then hurried to catch up with the others. But before
+she reached them she was confronted by Eleanor.
+
+"I've been waiting to see you ever since the play was over," said
+Eleanor sullenly.
+
+Grace looked at her in silence. "Well?" she said coldly.
+
+"What are you going to do about to-night--and everything?" asked
+Eleanor. "Are you going to tell Miss Thompson?"
+
+"So far I have told nothing, Eleanor," said Grace sternly. "You deserve
+no clemency at my hands, however, for you have repeatedly accused myself
+and my friends of carrying tales. Something we are above doing. You have
+refused our friendship and have been the means of estranging Miss
+Thompson and myself.
+
+"When first you came to High School, I promised Mrs. Gray that I would
+help you to like High School life. For that reason I have overlooked
+lots of things, but to-night caps the climax, and I tell you frankly
+that I thoroughly despise your conduct, and if ever again you do
+anything to injure myself or my friends, I shall not hesitate to bring
+you to book for it."
+
+Eleanor stood clenching her hands in impotent rage. Grace's plain
+speaking had roused a tempest in her.
+
+"I hate you, Grace Harlowe, fifty times more than ever before," she
+said, her voice shaking with anger. "I intended to leave this miserable
+school at the end of the year, but now I shall stay and show you that
+you cannot trample upon me with impunity."
+
+Without answering, Grace walked away, leaving Eleanor to stare moodily
+after her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE JUNIOR PICNIC
+
+
+With the first days of spring, the longing to throw down her books and
+fairly live in the open returned to Grace Harlowe with renewed force.
+
+"I do wish school were over," she said with a sigh to her three chums,
+as they strolled home one afternoon in May. "I don't mind studying in
+the winter, but when the spring comes, then it's another matter. I long
+to golf and play tennis, and picnic in the woods and----"
+
+"That reminds me," said Nora, interrupting her, "that last fall the
+juniors talked about giving a picnic instead of a ball. We didn't give
+the ball, so it's up to us to go picnicking."
+
+"That's a fine suggestion, Nora," said Jessica. "I move we post a notice
+in the locker-room and have a meeting to-morrow after school.
+
+"I can't be there," said Anne regretfully. "To-morrow is one of my days
+at Mrs. Gray's, but whatever you do will suit me."
+
+"Awfully sorry, Anne," said Grace. "We might call it for the day after
+to-morrow."
+
+"No, no," protested Anne. "Please don't postpone it on my account."
+
+The notice was duly posted in a conspicuous place in the locker-room the
+next day, and the entire class, with the exception of Anne, met in one
+of the smaller rooms off the gymnasium at the close of the afternoon
+session.
+
+"Esteemed juniors and fellow-citizens," said Grace, after calling the
+meeting to order. "It is true that no one has particularly requested me
+to take charge of this meeting, but as I posted the notice, I feel that
+I am responsible for your presence here to-day. We have before us two
+matters that need attention. One is the annual entertainment that the
+junior class always gives, the other the election of class officers.
+Last year we gave a ball, but this year so far we have done nothing.
+I move that we proceed at once to elect our president, vice president,
+secretary and treasurer, and then decide what form of entertainment
+would be advisable."
+
+"Second the motion," said Nora.
+
+"All those in favor say 'aye,' contrary, 'no.'"
+
+"Carried," said Grace, as no dissenting voices arose. "Nominations for
+president are now in order."
+
+"I nominate Grace Harlowe for president," exclaimed Miriam Nesbit,
+springing from her seat.
+
+"Second the motion," said Eva Allen.
+
+It was carried with enthusiasm before Grace had time to protest.
+
+"I nominate Miriam Nesbit for president," said Grace.
+
+This was also seconded and carried. Then Edna Wright rose and nominated
+Eleanor Savell. This closed the nominations for president, and the
+matter when put to vote resulted in Grace's election by a majority of
+ten votes over Miriam, Eleanor having received only five. It was plain
+to be seen that in spite of the rival faction, Grace held first place in
+the hearts of most of her class. Miriam Nesbit was elected vice
+president, Marian Barber treasurer, and, rather to Grace's surprise,
+Eleanor was chosen as secretary, Edna Wright again nominating her after
+doing some vigorous whispering among the two back rows of girls. The
+only other girl proposed being one who was not particularly popular in
+the class.
+
+"I always suspected Edna Wright's lack of sense," whispered Nora to
+Jessica. "The idea of nominating Eleanor for secretary when she knows
+how Eleanor hates the Phi Sigma Tau, and doesn't speak to any of us.
+I certainly didn't vote for her."
+
+"Nor I," responded Jessica. "Funny Grace would never tell us about that
+costume business. I know Eleanor was mixed up in it."
+
+"Of course," nodded Nora, and turned her attention to the meeting just
+in time to hear Grace put the motion for the picnic and say "aye" with
+the others.
+
+The date for the affair was set for the following Saturday, the weather
+permitting, and it was generally agreed that Forest Park, a natural park
+about twelve miles from Oakdale, would be an ideal place to picnic. A
+refreshment committee was appointed, also a transportation committee.
+The girls were requested to pay fifty cents apiece to the treasurer.
+
+"If we find that this is not enough, we will levy another tax," Grace
+announced.
+
+"I'm not positive about the first collection," muttered Nora. "I'm
+perpetually broke."
+
+"So am I," said Jessica. "My allowance lasts about two days, and then
+I am penniless for the rest of the month."
+
+The details having been disposed of, the members decided to meet in
+front of the High School the following Saturday morning at nine o'clock.
+The transportation committee was to have two big picnic wagons in
+readiness and the juniors went home with pleasant anticipations of a day
+in the woods.
+
+"Won't it be fun?" exclaimed Grace joyously, as she walked down the
+street, the center of the Phi Sigma Tau.
+
+"Great," said Miriam Nesbit. "I suppose we could all squeeze into
+David's automobile."
+
+"I believe we'd better not," replied Grace. "It might create bad feeling
+among the girls. We don't want them to feel that we think ourselves too
+exclusive to ride with them."
+
+"I'll wager anything Eleanor and Edna won't go with the crowd," said Eva
+Allen.
+
+"I don't know about that," remarked Nora O'Malley. "Eleanor has just
+been elected secretary, therefore it behooves her to keep on the right
+side of those who elected her."
+
+"She owes her office to Edna Wright," said Marian Barber, "and also to
+the fact that her opponent, Miss Wells, is not popular. For my part,
+I think Miss Wells would have been a better secretary. We could at least
+have gotten along peaceably with her. I can't see why Eleanor accepted,
+knowing she would have to act with us in class matters."
+
+"I have noticed that ever since the play she has been trying to gain a
+footing in the class," said Miriam Nesbit thoughtfully. "She has gone
+out of her way to be nice to girls that she used to snub unmercifully.
+We are the only ones she keeps away from. I believe she will try to
+influence the rest of the class against us."
+
+"She'll have to hurry up if she does it this term," said Nora.
+
+"Perhaps she won't come back to school next year, she is so changeable,"
+said Jessica hopefully.
+
+"Yes, she will," said Grace, taking part in the discussion for the first
+time since it had touched on Eleanor.
+
+"How do you know?" was the question.
+
+"She told me so the night of the play," was Grace's answer. "Girls,
+I have never told you about what happened that night. Anne knows, but,
+you see, it particularly concerned her. I was too angry at the time to
+trust myself to tell any one else. As members of the same sorority, I
+know that you can be trusted not to repeat what I shall tell you."
+
+In a few words Grace told the story of Eleanor's treachery, omitting,
+however, the part concerning Miss Thompson. She had decided to reveal
+that to no one.
+
+"Well, of all things," said Nora O'Malley. "I knew she was to blame. So
+she threatened revenge, did she?"
+
+"Yes," replied Grace. "That is why I have told you this. Be careful what
+you do. Never give her a chance to take advantage of you in any way, for
+she is determined to make mischief. Now let us forget her, and talk
+about the picnic."
+
+With the talk of the picnic, Grace's warning soon passed from the girls'
+minds. They had no knowledge of the trials that their senior year was
+to bring them or how fully the truth of Grace's words was to be proved.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The day of the picnic dawned fair and cloudless. By nine o'clock a merry
+party of laughing, chattering girls had gathered in front of the High
+School, where the two immense wagons generally used by Oakdale
+picnickers, each drawn by four horses, awaited them. For a wonder every
+one was on time, and the start was made with a great fluttering of
+handkerchiefs, accompanied by enthusiastic cheers and High School yells.
+As they rattled down the street people paused and looked smilingly after
+them. Oakdale was very proud of her High School boys and girls, and
+enjoyed seeing them happy.
+
+The Phi Sigma Tau were seated in one end of the second wagon, with the
+exception of Grace, who had perched herself on the driver's seat, and
+was holding an animated conversation with the driver, old Jerry Flynn,
+whom every one knew and liked. Grace always cultivated old Jerry's
+acquaintance whenever she had the chance. To-day he was allowing her to
+drive, while, with folded hands, he directed her management of the
+lines. Grace was in her element and gave a sigh of regret as they
+sighted the park. "I could go on driving four horses forever, Mr.
+Flynn," she exclaimed. "Do let me drive going back?"
+
+"Sure yez can, miss," said the good-natured Irishman, "and it's
+meself'll hellup yez, and show yez how to do it."
+
+The committee on entertainment had provided a series of races and
+contests for the morning. After lunch there would be a tennis match, and
+then the girls could amuse themselves as they chose; the start home to
+be made about six o'clock.
+
+Grace and Nora decided to enter the hundred-yard dash. "The prize is a
+box of stationery bought at the ten-cent store, so I am anxious to win
+it," Nora informed them. "In fact, all the prizes came from that useful
+and overworked place. I was on the purchasing committee."
+
+"I shall enter the one-legged race. I always could stand on one foot
+like a crane," announced Jessica, "and hopping is my specialty."
+
+There was an egg and spoon race, a walking match, an apple-eating
+contest, with the apples suspended by strings from the low branch of a
+tree, to be eaten without aid from the hands, and various other stunts
+of a similar nature.
+
+The morning passed like magic. Each new set of contestants seemed
+funnier than the preceding one. Nora won the coveted box of stationery.
+Jessica ably demonstrated her ability to outhop her competitors, while
+Eva Allen covered herself with glory in the apple contest.
+
+Grace, after losing the hundred-yard dash, laughingly refused to enter
+the other contests. "I mean to win at tennis this afternoon," she said,
+"so I'm not going to waste my precious energy on such little stunts."
+
+After the midday luncheon had been disposed of, the entire class
+repaired to the tennis court at the east end of the park. A match had
+been arranged in which Grace and Miriam Nesbit were to play against Ruth
+Deane and Edna Wright, who was an indefatigable tennis player, and
+therefore figured frequently in tennis matches held in Oakdale. At the
+last minute, however, Edna pleaded a severe headache and recommended
+Eleanor in her place.
+
+"But I never have played with her," protested Ruth Deane, "and how do
+I know whether she can play?"
+
+"Try her," begged Edna. "I have played with her and she is a wonder."
+
+It was with considerable surprise and some misgiving that Grace
+discovered that Eleanor was to play. "I seem fated to oppose her," Grace
+thought. "I wonder at her consenting to play against us. I'll keep my
+eye on her, at any rate, for I don't trust her."
+
+Grace's fears were, in this instance, groundless, for Eleanor played a
+perfectly fair game from start to finish, and proved herself a powerful
+antagonist. Her serves were as straight and accurate as a boy's, and she
+played with great spirit and agility. Indeed, the sides were so evenly
+matched that junior excitement rose high and numerous boxes of Huyler's
+were wagered against the result. The game stood forty-all. Two vantages
+scored in succession were needed by one side to win. Grace forgot
+everything but the fact that she desired the victory. With her, going
+into a game meant winning it. Five minutes later the match was over. She
+and Miriam had won against worthy opponents.
+
+"That was an evenly matched game," exclaimed Nora, as Grace and Miriam
+strolled to where their friends were seated upon the grass. "You played
+like professionals."
+
+"Eleanor is a better player than Edna Wright," said Grace. "Her serves
+are wonderful. We had all we could do to hold our own."
+
+"There's a trout brook over there," said Nora, "and I had forethought
+enough to borrow a fishing rod and line from Hippy. It is jointed, so it
+didn't get in any one's way. I left it with the lunch baskets.
+Therefore, as I'm not afraid of angle worms, I'm going to dig some bait
+and fish. Want to come?"
+
+"Not I," laughed Anne. "Miriam and I are going up under the trees and
+read Browning."
+
+"The idea of going to a picnic and reading!" exclaimed Jessica. "Come
+on, girls, let's go with Nora." She hastily rose, brushed off her gown
+and followed in Nora's wake, accompanied by Eva and Marian.
+
+"Come with us, dear," said Anne to Grace, who stood looking dreamily
+toward a patch of woods to the left.
+
+"No indeed," replied Grace. "I'm going to explore a little in those
+woods yonder."
+
+"Don't go far," called Anne anxiously, as Grace turned to go.
+
+"I won't," she answered. "See you later."
+
+As she reached the cool shadows of the little strip of woods she drew a
+long breath. How delightful it was to hear the rustle of the leaves over
+her head, and tread upon Nature's green carpet of soft, thick moss.
+Forgetful of her promise, Grace wandered farther and farther on,
+gathering the wild flowers as she went. She found plenty of trilliums
+and violets, and pounced with a cry of delight upon some wild pink
+honeysuckle just opening. After stripping the bush, she turned into a
+bypath that led straight up a little hill which rose before her.
+Scrambling up the hill, Grace reached the top and looked about her.
+Nestling at the foot of the elevation on the side opposite to the one
+she had climbed stood a small one-story cottage.
+
+"How funny," thought Grace. "I didn't know there was a house anywhere
+near here. I'm going down there for a drink of water. I'm awfully
+thirsty."
+
+Suiting the action to the words, Grace hurried toward the cottage. As
+she neared it she noticed that the door was wide open. "Some one is at
+home, that's certain," she said to herself. "I hope they won't be cross
+at my asking for a drink. Why," she exclaimed, "there's no one living
+here at all. I think I'll venture in, perhaps there's a well at the back
+of the house."
+
+Entering, she found that the cottage consisted of but two rooms. The
+front one was absolutely bare, but the back one contained an old stove,
+a broken-down sink and a rickety chair. At one side was a good-sized
+closet. Opening it, Grace found nothing save a dilapidated old coat.
+Just then she caught the sound of rough voices just outside the cottage.
+
+"I tell ye, Bill, we've got to do the job to-night and hike for the West
+on that train that goes through Oakdale at 3.15 in the morning," said a
+voice that was almost a growl.
+
+"I'm wid yer, Jim," answered another voice in correspondingly savage
+tones. "Even to layin' a few out stiff if dey gets in de way."
+
+Grace listened. She heard heavy footsteps, and, peeping into the room,
+she saw a burly figure outlined in the front door in the act of
+entering. She glanced toward the back door. It was closed and fastened
+with a bolt. If she could slip out that way, she could make a run for
+the picnic grounds, but she dared not try to pass the two men who had
+just appeared. The few words of their conversation proved them to be
+lawless. Noiselessly she slipped into the closet and drew the door
+almost shut. She would hide until they had gone. They were not likely to
+linger long in the cottage.
+
+Minute after minute went by, but the intruders showed no signs of
+leaving.
+
+"What shall I do?" Grace breathed, wringing her hands. "They're real,
+downright burglars of the worst sort, and they're planning a robbery.
+It's getting late, too, and the girls will soon be going back. Oh,
+I must get out of here, but I won't try to go until I find out whose
+house they're going to rob."
+
+The men talked on, but, listen as she might, Grace could get no clue.
+
+"There ain't a soul on the joint except the judge and one old servant,"
+growled Bill. "The rest o' the bunch'll be at the weddin' of one o' the
+girls. I laid low and heard 'em talkin' about it to-day. The judge's got
+money in the house, too. He always keeps it around, and that old Putnam
+place is pretty well back from the road."
+
+Grace waited to hear no more. She had obtained the information she
+sought. They were going to rob and perhaps murder good old Judge Putnam.
+
+Slipping quietly out of the closet, she approached the back door and
+cautiously took hold of the bolt. To her joy it moved easily. Exercising
+the greatest care in sliding it back, she lifted the latch. It made no
+sound, and, holding her breath, she softly swung open the door and ran
+on tiptoe around the corner of the house. Throwing away her bouquet as
+she ran, she made for a clump of underbrush at one side of the cottage.
+Here she paused, and hearing no disturbance from inside, she continued
+her flight. But she had lost her sense of direction, and after fifteen
+minutes' wandering was about to despair of finding her way, when she
+espied the honeysuckle bush that she had stripped earlier in the
+afternoon. This put her on the right track, but she was farther away
+from the picnic grounds than she had supposed, and when tired and
+breathless she at last reached them, it was only to find them deserted.
+The party had gone back to town without her.
+
+Grace stood staring about her in blank dismay. It was nearing seven
+o'clock, and she was twelve miles from Oakdale. Why hadn't the girls
+waited? Grace felt ready to cry, then the vision of the poor old judge,
+alone and at the mercy of the two ruffians, flashed before her.
+
+"I'll walk to Oakdale," she said, with a determined nod of her head.
+"And I'll not stop for an instant until I notify the police."
+
+Grace never forgot that lonely walk. The darkness of a moonless night
+settled down upon her before she had gone three miles, but she would not
+allow herself to think of fear. She stumbled frequently as she neared
+her journey's end, and her tired body cried out for rest, but she pushed
+resolutely on, almost sobbing with relief as she entered the suburbs of
+the town. It was nearly eleven by the city hall clock when she hurried
+up the steps of the police station.
+
+"Well, well!" said Chief Burroughs, as Grace rushed unceremoniously into
+his office. "Here's the lost girl now. I just received word that you
+were missing. Your father and one of my men left here not five minutes
+ago. They went to the livery to hire a rig."
+
+"Oh, try and stop them, Mr. Burroughs," cried Grace excitedly. "'Phone
+the livery and tell them that I'm here. Then listen to me, for I've
+walked all the way from Forest Park and there's no time to lose."
+
+"Walked from Forest Park?" exclaimed the chief, as he turned to the
+'phone. "Why that's a good twelve miles and----"
+
+"I know," interrupted Grace, then was silent, for the chief had begun
+talking to the livery.
+
+"It's all right," he said, hanging up. "They'll be here directly. Caught
+them just in the nick of time, however. Now what's on your mind, Grace?"
+
+"They're going to rob old Judge Putnam," Grace burst forth incoherently.
+"He's all alone. Oh, do send some one out there quickly, or it may be
+too late. Isn't there a telephone in the judge's house? He ought to be
+warned."
+
+"Who's going to rob the judge? What are you talking about, my child?"
+asked the chief. "No, the judge has no 'phone. He thinks them a
+nuisance."
+
+Grace rapidly told of her adventure in the woods, and her escape from
+the cottage. Before she had finished Chief Burroughs had begun to act.
+Summoning three special policemen, he narrated briefly what he had just
+heard, and five minutes later Grace had the satisfaction of knowing
+that, fully armed, they were well on their way to the Putnam estate.
+
+"I can't understand why the girls didn't miss me," she said to the
+chief, as she sat awaiting her father's appearance.
+
+"Miss Bright and Miss O'Malley, who were in the second wagon, thought
+you were in the first with Miss Pierson and Miss Nesbit, and vice
+versa," replied the chief. "The second wagon broke down when about half
+way home. It took over half an hour to get it fixed, so when it did
+arrive the girls in the head wagon had all gone home. Your mother grew
+uneasy when ten o'clock came, so she telephoned your friends, and on
+comparing notes you were found to be among the missing."
+
+"What a mix-up," laughed Grace. "No wonder I wasn't missed. I'm sorry
+mother was uneasy, but she'll forgive me when she hears my tale. Oh,
+I hope nothing has happened to the poor old judge."
+
+"Well, we'll soon know," replied the chief. "Now, you just take it easy
+and rest until your father comes. You need it after a twelve-mile walk.
+Of all the brave little girls----"
+
+The ringing of the telephone cut the chief short.
+
+Grace gave a long sigh and leaned back in the big chair. She was so
+tired. Her eyelids drooped----
+
+"Well, I declare!" said the chief, as he turned from the telephone, for
+Grace was fast asleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+The special policemen sent out to the Putnam estate were not doomed to
+disappointment. After an hour's waiting, their patience was rewarded,
+and the two housebreakers appeared upon the scene. Before they could do
+any damage they were apprehended and a bag containing a complete outfit
+of burglar's tools was taken away from them. They fought desperately,
+but without avail, and were marched to jail to await their hearing.
+
+Judge Putnam was greatly agitated over the affair. He had a large sum of
+money in the house, not to mention old family silver and other
+valuables.
+
+"I realize I've had a narrow escape," he exclaimed to the chief the next
+day. "I might have been murdered in cold blood. I'll have a burglar
+alarm put in at once and a telephone, too. I had no business to let all
+the servants except old James go for the night. Who did you say brought
+the news? Tom Harlowe's little girl? She always was a wide awake
+youngster. I wonder what I can do for her to show her that I appreciate
+her bravery?"
+
+"I don't believe she'd accept anything, Judge," replied the chief.
+"She's not that sort."
+
+"We shall see. We shall see," said the judge, rubbing his hands. "I have
+a plan I think she'll listen to."
+
+In the meantime, on reaching home Grace had been cried over by her
+mother and put to bed as though she were a baby. The story had been told
+by her chums throughout the school the next day, and Grace found herself
+the "observed of all observers."
+
+"Any of you would have done the same," she said when surrounded by a
+bevy of admiring schoolmates.
+
+"That's what you always say," exclaimed Nora. "But let me tell you
+I should have been in hysterics if I had been left alone in the dark
+twelve miles from nowhere."
+
+Judge Putnam did not at once make his plan known to Grace. He called,
+thanking her and complimenting her on her bravery and presence of mind.
+
+"I shall have something to ask you when school closes, my dear child,"
+he said as he rose to go. "Something that concerns you and your friends,
+and you mustn't say 'no' to an old man."
+
+"What on earth does he mean?" said Grace to her chums, as she repeated
+the judge's words. "I shall be eaten up with curiosity until school
+closes."
+
+"Wish to goodness it was over now," growled Nora O'Malley. "I don't
+believe the last of June will ever come."
+
+The morning after commencement, eight highly excited girls gathered on
+the Harlowe's veranda. Grace had received a note from Judge Putnam
+requesting that the Phi Sigma Tau call upon him at ten o'clock that
+morning.
+
+"Do hurry," said Jessica, as they neared the judge's beautiful home.
+"The sooner we get there the sooner we'll know."
+
+"Good morning, young ladies," said the judge, bowing with old-time
+gallantry as James ushered the eight girls into the library. "You look
+like a garden of roses. There's nothing like youth; nothing like it. Sit
+down and make yourselves comfortable while I tell you why I asked you to
+come and see an old man."
+
+"You are just like Mrs. Gray, Judge," said Grace, "always imagining
+yourself old, when you know you're just a great big boy."
+
+"Very pretty, my dear," chuckled the judge. "But if I am as young as you
+say, then I must do something to keep young. Now, the way I propose
+doing it is this: I have a camp up in the Adirondacks that needs
+attention, so I wrote my youngest sister about it and she agrees with
+me. She is going up there this week with a couple of servants to open
+the bungalow and put it in readiness for eight girls who call themselves
+the Phi Sigma Tau, providing their fathers and mothers can spare them
+for a few weeks. Do you think they will care to go?"
+
+"Oh-h-h-h! How lovely!" breathed the eight girls in concert.
+
+"Care to go? Well I should say so. It will be the greatest lark ever,"
+cried Grace.
+
+"If you know any young men who can make themselves useful, we might
+invite them. I don't like the idea of being the only boy, you know."
+
+"David and Tom," said Grace and Anne.
+
+"Hippy can go, I'm sure," said Nora.
+
+"Not to mention Reddy and Arnold Evans," murmured Jessica, with a glance
+at Miriam.
+
+"It looks as though I shall not lack masculine company," remarked the
+judge, with twinkling eyes. "Tell your parents that my sister will write
+them."
+
+"I move that we give three cheers and the High School yell for Judge
+Putnam, and then go straight home and get proper permission," cried
+Grace.
+
+The cheers were given with a will, and after shaking hands with the
+judge, the girls said good-bye.
+
+"How did Judge Putnam know about the Phi Sigma Tau; even to its name?"
+asked Marian Barber curiously.
+
+"Lots of people know of it," remarked Eva Allen.
+
+"Girls," said Grace earnestly, "don't you think our society has been a
+success so far?"
+
+"Yes, indeed," was the united answer.
+
+"Our sorority has made us fast friends, loyal to each other, through
+good and evil report," she continued. "Let us resolve now, that during
+our senior year we will stand firmly together, and make the Phi Sigma
+Tau represent all that is best and most worthy in High School life."
+
+When next we meet Grace Harlowe and her girl chums, they will have
+entered upon their senior year at High School. In "GRACE HARLOWE'S
+SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the Ways," we shall learn
+how the Phi Sigma Tau kept their sorority pledge. Eleanor Savell will
+again seek revenge, and Grace Harlowe will once more prove herself equal
+to the occasion. Those who have followed the "High School Girls" through
+three years of school life cannot fail to be interested in what befell
+these lovable everyday girls during their senior year.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S
+CATALOGUE OF
+
+The Best and Least Expensive
+
+Books for Real Boys
+and Girls
+
+
+Really good and new stories for boys and girls are not plentiful. Many
+stories, too, are so highly improbable as to bring a grin of derision to
+the young reader's face before he has gone far. The name of ALTEMUS is a
+distinctive brand on the cover of a book, always ensuring the buyer of
+having a book that is up-to-date and fine throughout. No buyer of an
+ALTEMUS book is ever disappointed.
+
+Many are the claims made as to the inexpensiveness of books. Go into any
+bookstore and ask for an Altemus book. Compare the price charged you for
+Altemus books with the price demanded for other juvenile books. You will
+at once discover that a given outlay of money will buy more of the
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+
+Every dealer in books carries the ALTEMUS books.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price
+
+=Henry Altemus Company=
+
+507-513 Cherry Street, Philadelphia
+
+
+
+
+The Motor Boat Club Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are wonderfully
+entertaining, and they are at the same time sound and wholesome. No boy
+will willingly lay down an unfinished book in this series.
+
+1 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, The Secret of Smugglers'
+Island.
+
+2 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir.
+
+3 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; Or, A Daring Marine Game at
+Racing Speed.
+
+4 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; Or, The Dot, Dash and Dare
+Cruise.
+
+5 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; Or, Laying the Ghost of Alligator
+Swamp.
+
+6 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; Or, A Thrilling Capture in the
+Great Fog.
+
+7 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES; Or, The Flying Dutchman of the
+Big Fresh Water.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+The Range and Grange Hustlers
+
+=By FRANK GEE PATCHIN=
+
+Have you any idea of the excitements, the glories of life on great
+ranches in the West? Any bright boy will "devour" the books of this
+series, once he has made a start with the first volume.
+
+1 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE RANCH; Or, The Boy Shepherds of
+the Great Divide.
+
+2 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST ROUND-UP; Or, Pitting Their
+Wits Against a Packers' Combine.
+
+3 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE PLAINS; Or, Following the Steam
+Plows Across the Prairie.
+
+4 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS AT CHICAGO; Or, The Conspiracy of the
+Wheat Pit.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+Submarine Boys Series
+
+=By VICTOR G. DURHAM=
+
+These splendid books for boys and girls deal with life aboard submarine
+torpedo boats, and with the adventures of the young crew, and possess,
+in addition to the author's surpassing knack of storytelling, a great
+educational value for all young readers.
+
+1 THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat.
+
+2 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as Young Experts.
+
+3 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis.
+
+4 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep.
+
+5 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings of the Deep.
+
+6 THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam.
+
+7 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; Or, Breaking Up the New Jersey
+Customs Frauds.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+The Square Dollar Boys Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+The reading boy will be a voter within a few years; these books are
+bound to make him think, and when he casts his vote he will do it more
+intelligently for having read these volumes.
+
+1 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS WAKE UP; Or, Fighting the Trolley Franchise
+Steal.
+
+2 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING; Or, In the Lists Against the
+Crooked Land Deal.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+Ben Lightbody Series
+
+=By WALTER BENHAM=
+
+1 BEN LIGHTBODY, SPECIAL; Or, Seizing His First Chance to Make Good.
+
+2 BEN LIGHTBODY'S BIGGEST PUZZLE; Or, Running the Double Ghost to Earth.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+Pony Rider Boys Series
+
+=By FRANK GEE PATCHIN=
+
+These tales may be aptly described as those of a new Cooper. In every
+sense they belong to the best class of books for boys and girls.
+
+1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the Lost Claim.
+
+2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains.
+
+3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer
+Trail.
+
+4 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby Mountain.
+
+5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; Or, Finding a Key to the Desert
+Maze.
+
+6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the Silver Trail.
+
+7 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; Or, The Mystery of Bright
+Angel Gulch.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+The Boys of Steel Series
+
+=By JAMES R. MEARS=
+
+The author has made of these volumes a series of romances with scenes
+laid in the iron and steel world. Each book presents a vivid picture of
+some phase of this great industry. The information given is exact and
+truthful; above all, each story is full of adventure and fascination.
+
+1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft.
+
+2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift.
+
+3 THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS; Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes.
+
+4 THE IRON BOYS IN THE STEEL MILLS; Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder
+Pits.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+West Point Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young Americans
+whose doings will inspire all boy readers.
+
+1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the Cadet
+Gray.
+
+2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory of
+the Soldier's Life.
+
+3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for Flag
+and Honor.
+
+4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the Gray
+for Shoulder Straps.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+Annapolis Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted in
+these volumes.
+
+1 DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the
+U. S. Naval Academy.
+
+2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval
+Academy "Youngsters."
+
+3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the Second Class
+Midshipmen.
+
+4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation and
+the Big Cruise.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+=The Young Engineers Series=
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High School Boys
+Series. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton prove worthy of
+all the traditions of Dick & Co.
+
+1 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest.
+
+2 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks on the "Man-Killer"
+Quicksand.
+
+3 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; Or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of a
+Pick.
+
+4 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+Boys of the Army Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States Army of
+to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master pen.
+
+1 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the United States
+Army.
+
+2 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons.
+
+3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First Real Commands.
+
+4 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; Or, Following the Flag Against
+the Moros.
+
+(_Other volumes to follow rapidly._)
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+Battleship Boys Series
+
+=By FRANK GEE PATCHIN=
+
+These stories throb with the life of young Americans on to-day's huge
+drab Dreadnaughts.
+
+1 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy.
+
+2 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, Winning Their Grades as
+Petty Officers.
+
+3 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, Earning New Ratings in
+European Seas.
+
+4 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS; Or, Upholding the American Flag in
+a Honduras Revolution.
+
+(_Other volumes to follow rapidly._)
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+The Meadow-Brook Girls Series
+
+=By JANET ALDRIDGE=
+
+Real live stories pulsing with the vibrant atmosphere of outdoor life.
+
+1 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS; Or, Fun and Frolic in the Summer
+Camp.
+
+2 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY; Or, The Young Pathfinders on a
+Summer Hike.
+
+3 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT; Or, The Stormy Cruise of the Red Rover.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+High School Boys Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck.
+
+Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating
+volumes.
+
+1 THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and
+Sports.
+
+2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond.
+
+3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football
+Gridiron.
+
+4 THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading the
+Athletic Vanguard.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+Grammar School Boys Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar school
+boys, comes near to the heart of the average American boy.
+
+1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start Things
+Moving.
+
+2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at Winter Sports.
+
+3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and
+Knowledge.
+
+4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make Their
+Fame Secure.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+High School Boys' Vacation Series
+
+=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=
+
+"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"
+
+This has been the burden of the cry from young readers of the country
+over. Almost numberless letters have been received by the publishers,
+making this eager demand; for Dick Prescott, Dave Darrin, Tom Reade, and
+the other members of Dick & Co. are the most popular high school boys in
+the land. Boys will alternately thrill and chuckle when reading these
+splendid narratives.
+
+1 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB; Or, Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake
+Pleasant.
+
+2 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; Or, The Dick Prescott Six
+Training for the Gridley Eleven.
+
+3 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; Or, Dick & Co. in the Wilderness.
+
+4 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; Or, Dick & Co. Making Themselves
+"Hard as Nails."
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+The Circus Boys Series
+
+=By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON=
+
+Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely
+interesting and exciting life.
+
+1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the
+Sawdust Life.
+
+2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on the
+Tanbark.
+
+3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny
+South.
+
+4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show on
+the Big River.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+
+The High School Girls Series
+
+=By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M.=
+
+These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader
+fairly by storm.
+
+1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of the
+Oakdale Freshman Girls.
+
+2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the
+Girl Chums in Work and Athletics.
+
+3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the
+Sororities.
+
+4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the
+Ways.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+
+
+
+The Automobile Girls Series
+
+=By LAURA DENT CRANE=
+
+No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all complete
+unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books.
+
+1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade.
+
+2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's
+Trail.
+
+3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy
+Hollow.
+
+4 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds
+
+5 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM BEACH; Or, Proving Their Mettle Under
+Southern Skies.
+
+          Cloth, Illustrated        Price, per Volume, 50c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Obvious printer's punctuation errors corrected. Varied hyphenation where
+a consensus could not be ascertained, retained.
+
+Page 9, "friend" changed to "friends" (became the firm friends)
+
+Page 49, "its" changed to "it's" (I think it's high)
+
+Page 54, word "were" inserted into text (thought were the)
+
+Page 74, word "a" inserted into the text (You have everything a)
+
+Page 111, removed double word "to to" (want to go)
+
+Page 143, "entiled" changed to "entitled".
+
+Page 145, "Harlowe's" changed to "Harlowe" (Harlowe lost no)
+
+Page 175, word "ran" removed from text. Original read "surprise ran
+around" (surprise around)
+
+Page 254, "your" changed to "you're" (you know you're)
+
+The Boys of Steel Series: Book list was missing the numerals 3 and 4.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at High
+School, by Jessie Graham Flower
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR ***
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