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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/20474-h.zip b/20474-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e605fbf --- /dev/null +++ b/20474-h.zip diff --git a/20474-h/20474-h.htm b/20474-h/20474-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..be5e1cc --- /dev/null +++ b/20474-h/20474-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6797 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year At Overton College, by JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year at Overton +College, 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 Fourth Year at Overton College + +Author: Jessie Graham Flower + +Release Date: January 28, 2007 [EBook #20474] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR *** + + + + +Produced by David Newman, Sigal Alon, Mary Meehan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/cover.jpg"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt=""/></a> +</div> +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + +<h1>Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year at Overton College</h1> + +<h3>By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M.</h3> + +<h4>Author of The Grace Harlowe High School Girls Series, Grace Harlowe's +First Year at Overton College, Grace Harlowe's Second Year at Overton +College, Grace Harlowe's Third Year at Overton College.</h4> + +<h4>PHILADELPHIA<br /> +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY<br /> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1914</span></h4> + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="img1" id="img1"></a> +<img src="images/img1.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>Grace Paused in the Doorway.</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> +<p> +<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I. <span class="smcap">A Semper Fidelis Luncheon</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II. <span class="smcap">The Last Freshman</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III. <span class="smcap">An Accident and a Surprise</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV. <span class="smcap">Patience Promises to Stand By</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V. <span class="smcap">A Declaration of War</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI. <span class="smcap">A Face to Face Talk</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII. <span class="smcap">When Friends Fall Out</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII. <span class="smcap">A Leaf from the Past</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX. <span class="smcap">A Thanksgiving Invitation</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X. <span class="smcap">Kathleen's Promise</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI. <span class="smcap">Kathleen's Great Story</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII. <span class="smcap">Treachery</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII. <span class="smcap">The Invitation</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV. <span class="smcap">A Congenial Sextette</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV. <span class="smcap">A Firelight Council</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI. <span class="smcap">Elfreda Shows Grace the Way</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII. <span class="smcap">What the Seniors Thought of the Plan</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII. <span class="smcap">The Fairy Godmother's Visit</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX. <span class="smcap">What Patience Overheard</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX. <span class="smcap">The Mysterious "Peter Rabbit"</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI. <span class="smcap">Who Will Win the Honor Pin?</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII. <span class="smcap">Kathleen's Great Moment</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII. <span class="smcap">Grace Finds Her Work</span></a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV. <span class="smcap">Conclusion</span></a><br /><br /> +<a href="#HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS">Other Books Published by HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY</a><br /> + +</p> +<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + +<p><a href="#img1">Grace Paused in the Doorway.</a></p> + +<p><a href="#img2">Grace Stepped Behind a Tree.</a></p> + +<p><a href="#img3">They Clustered About the Fireplace.</a></p> + +<p><a href="#img4">The Four Friends Were Strolling Across the Campus.</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year at Overton College</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>A SEMPER FIDELIS LUNCHEON</h3> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"The skies must smile and the sun must shine<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Semper Fidelis goes out to dine,"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>sang Arline Thayer joyously as she rearranged her sofa pillows for the +eighth time, patting each one energetically before placing it, then +stepping back to view the effect. "Aren't you glad every one's here, and +things have begun to happen again, Ruth?" she asked blithely. "I hope no +one disappoints us. I wish this room were larger. Still, it held +eighteen girls one night last year. Don't you remember my Hallowe'en +party, and what a time we had squeezing in here?"</p> + +<p>"It is so good in Mrs. Kane to let us have the dining room with Mary to +serve the oysters," said Ruth. "We never could do things properly up +here."</p> + +<p>"I know it. Oysters are such slippery old things, even on the half +shell," returned Arline, who was not specially fond of them. "Let me +see. The girls will be here at four o'clock. We are to have oysters, +soup, a meat course, salad and dessert. That makes five different +courses in five different houses. It will be eight o'clock before we +reach the dessert. I am glad that is to be served in Grace's room. We +always have a good time at Wayne Hall."</p> + +<p>To the readers of "<span class="smcap">Grace Harlowe's First Year at Overton +College</span>," "<span class="smcap">Grace Harlowe's Second Year at Overton College</span>" +and "<span class="smcap">Grace Harlowe's Third Year at Overton College</span>," Grace +Harlowe and her various intimate associates have become familiar +figures. Those who made her acquaintance, together with that of her +three friends, Nora O'Malley, Jessica Bright and Anne Pierson, during +her high school days will recall with pleasure the many eventful +happenings of these four happy years as set forth in "<span class="smcap">Grace +Harlowe's Plebe Year at High School</span>," "<span class="smcap">Grace Harlowe's +Sophomore Year at High School</span>," "<span class="smcap">Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at +High School</span>" and "<span class="smcap">Grace Harlowe's Senior Year at High +School</span>."</p> + +<p>The September following the graduation of the four friends from high +school had seen their paths diverge widely, for Nora and Jessica had +entered an eastern conservatory of music, while Anne and Grace, after +due deliberation, had decided upon Overton College. Miriam Nesbit, of +Oakdale fame, had entered college with them, and the trio of friends had +spent three eventful years at Overton.</p> + +<p>"It is time we gathered home," grumbled Arline. "I have hardly seen +Grace or any of the Semper Fidelis girls this week. They have all been +so popular that they haven't given a thought to their neglected little +friends."</p> + +<p>"Let me see," returned Ruth slyly. "How many nights have you stayed +quietly at home this week?"</p> + +<p>"Not one, you rascal," retorted Arline, laughing. "I ought to be the +last one to grumble. But in spite of all the rush, I have missed the +dear old quartette."</p> + +<p>"So have I," declared Ruth earnestly. "Twenty minutes to four. They will +soon be here."</p> + +<p>"Yes. I asked Grace to come as early as possible," said Arline. "There, +I hear the bell now." Arline whisked out of the room and peered +anxiously over the baluster. "Hello, Grace," she called joyously. "Hurry +as fast as ever you can. Where are your faithful three?"</p> + +<p>"I came on ahead," laughed Grace. "I had promised you that I would, and +being a person of my word, I didn't wish to disappoint you. When I left +Wayne Hall Miriam was playing maid to Elfreda. The new gown she had made +for the luncheon didn't arrive until the last minute. So Miriam stayed +to help her dress. It is a perfectly darling gown. Just wait until you +see Elfreda in it. She hasn't gained an ounce since she went home last +spring. She has had a strenuous time all summer to keep her weight down. +You must ask her to tell you about it."</p> + +<p>"I will," promised Arline, with an anticipatory smile. "But where is +Anne?"</p> + +<p>"I left Anne finishing a letter to her mother. She will be here with +Miriam and Elfreda. Isn't it splendid to think you and Ruth can be +together this year?"</p> + +<p>Grace ran lightly up the stairs in Arline's wake, and a moment later +greeted Ruth with outstretched hands.</p> + +<p>"Take the seat of honor, Grace," directed Arline, gently propelling her +toward her best leather upholstered armchair. "Isn't it obliging of the +weather to stay so nice and warm? We don't need hats or coats. You were +sensible and didn't wear either. Not having to bother with wraps will +save time, too."</p> + +<p>"I am highly impressed with this house-to-house luncheon," declared +Grace. "It was clever in you to suggest it, Arline."</p> + +<p>"Oh, these progressive luncheons are nothing new," returned Arline +quickly. "I have read that they are extremely popular among college and +high school girls. I am sure I don't know why I never before proposed +that we give one. It is going to be lots of fun, isn't it? There's the +bell again. I hope that maid hasn't gone on a vacation. It usually takes +her forever." Arline darted out of the room to hang over the baluster +once more.</p> + +<p>This time it was the Emerson twins, and by four o'clock the last member +of the club had taken her place beside her sisters in Arline's room.</p> + +<p>"As we are all here," announced Arline, "we might as well begin. The +feast awaits you downstairs in the dining room; that is, a very small +part of it. There is one beautiful feature about this luncheon, we are +to have plenty of exercise between each course. Are all of you hungry?"</p> + +<p>There was a lively chorus of affirmatives.</p> + +<p>"Then choose your partners and come along," ordered the little +curly-haired girl.</p> + +<p>It did not take long to dispose of the oysters, and, headed by Sara and +Julia Emerson, the little procession of girls moved on to Ralston House, +where the twins were to play hostess and serve the soup.</p> + +<p>"You can thank your stars and me that you don't have to squeeze into our +room and eat your soup from cups instead of Mrs. Bryant's best soup +plates," Julia informed her guests as they swarmed up the steps. "Mrs. +Bryant couldn't see this luncheon at first. She had no appreciation of +what a really important affair it was to be. I had to use all my +persuasive powers on her. But I won, and she descended to the kitchen +and made the soup herself."</p> + +<p>"I think we owe Julia a special vote of thanks," declared Miriam Nesbit +a little later, as she finished her soup. "This vermicelli soup is the +best I ever tasted."</p> + +<p>"It can't be beaten, can it?" asked Sara Emerson eagerly. "That was why +we were so anxious to take the soup course on our shoulders. We knew +what was in store for us if we could make Mrs. Bryant see things in our +light."</p> + +<p>"S-h-h, she's coming!" warned Julia. "For goodness' sake, Sara, be +careful."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bryant, a rather austere person and not in the least like her +sister, Mrs. Elwood, who managed Wayne Hall, walked into the dining room +at this juncture, apparently in the best of humors.</p> + +<p>Arline glanced inquiringly at Grace, who nodded slightly, whereupon the +dainty president of the Semper Fidelis Club rose and made the matron a +pretty little speech of thanks in behalf of the club. Then the luncheon +party started on their way again, Mrs. Bryant hospitably seeing them to +the door and extending a smiling invitation to come again.</p> + +<p>"I knew she couldn't resist us," chuckled Sara Emerson, as the girls +filed down the walk. "A combination like ours is safe to make its way +anywhere. Come on, Marian and Elizabeth, you are the hostesses now. +Shall we head for Livingstone Hall?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed," smiled Marian. "Bess and I are not so lucky. It is +Vinton's for ours. But we can assure you that you won't be disappointed +in the layout."</p> + +<p>One of the features of the luncheon was the fact that no one knew until +the moment of serving what the various courses were to be. When it was +discovered that Marian and Elizabeth had ordered fried chicken, for +which Vinton's was famous, with potatoes au gratin and tiny French peas, +there was general rejoicing. It took the better part of an hour to eat +these good things, and the guests, feeling that they were on familiar +ground, enjoyed themselves hugely.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" groaned Elfreda, "I know I have gained a pound since I +started out this afternoon. I haven't eaten so much at one time for +ages. There is still the salad and dessert to come. I can't possibly +miss either one of them."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Elfreda," soothed Emma Dean; "we won't invite you to the +next luncheon, then you can——"</p> + +<p>"Just try leaving me out and see what happens," retorted Elfreda +threateningly. "You may find yourself locked in your room on that +self-same day with the key missing."</p> + +<p>"Be good, both of you," admonished Miriam, "or I'll see that neither of +you get any dessert."</p> + +<p>"Grace and Anne wouldn't be so mean," returned Elfreda with supreme +self-assurance.</p> + +<p>"How could we blast such touching faith?" laughed Anne.</p> + +<p>"There, what did I tell you?" asked Elfreda, turning triumphant eyes on +Emma. "Now, leave me out if you dare."</p> + +<p>"I don't dare. I don't want to," declared Emma affably. "I was merely +trying to be pleasant and helpful. If you were not invited to the +spread, naturally you wouldn't eat, and if you didn't eat, then you +wouldn't have to worry about that extra pound. It is all very simple."</p> + +<p>"Very!" agreed Elfreda, with such scathing emphasis that the exchange of +words ended in a general giggle at Emma's expense.</p> + +<p>"Now that you've all finished laughing at me," she declared +good-naturedly, "I hereby invite all of you, even Elfreda, to Martell's +for the salad, which is my part of the ceremony."</p> + +<p>"Oh, goody, it's Waldorf!" exclaimed Elfreda delightedly, as, seated +about the big corner table at Martell's, perhaps twenty minutes later, +they saw the salad brought on. "You knew what we liked, didn't you, +Emma?"</p> + +<p>"I did, in spite of my simple tendencies," murmured Emma.</p> + +<p>"That was a well merited thrust," laughed Elfreda, laying her hand +lightly over her heart.</p> + +<p>"And now Wayne Hall and our humble apartment await you," proclaimed +Grace when the last vestige of salad had disappeared. "Anne and I extend +you a pressing invitation to dessert and conversation. Although this is +to be a strictly informal session of the club, we may wish to discuss +certain club business. The evening is before us. We ought to make good +use of it."</p> + +<p>"And so we shall," returned Emma Dean, as they rose to go. "The affairs +of the nation shall be discussed and adjusted to-night."</p> + +<p>"And the world will be upside down forever after," predicted Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"Don't croak," reproved Emma. "Who knows what this night may bring +forth? It may engender indigestion, or a stern injunction to make less +noise on the part of Mrs. Elwood, but whatever the future has in store +for us, we shall have had at least one luncheon worth remembering."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>THE LAST FRESHMAN</h3> + + +<p>It was ten minutes past seven when the club settled down to the frozen +custard and delicious cakes that Grace and Anne had provided for them. +Then Elfreda, who had taken upon herself the making and serving of the +coffee, returned after a brief absence with a percolator of steaming +coffee, Miriam following with the sugar and cream.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it too bad we never thought of doing this before?" said Marian +Cummings.</p> + +<p>"Something had to be left for our senior year," said Anne Pierson.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, I am anything but joyful at being a senior," announced +Elfreda Briggs. "Of course, it is a satisfaction to know that one has +weathered the last three years' examinations and is practically on Easy +Street as far as studies go, but every now and then comes the awful +feeling, 'only a little while and it will all be over'—college, I +mean."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'Yet a few days, and thee the all-beholding sun shall see no +more.'"</p></div> + +<p>quoted Emma Dean lugubriously.</p> + +<p>"Not quite so bad as that," returned Elfreda with an appreciative grin.</p> + +<p>"Even we juniors feel more or less that way," said Laura Atkins. "I +never had any real fun until I came to Overton. The time has gone so +fast I can't believe that it is two years since I locked Grace and Anne +out of their room and behaved like a savage. I don't wonder Elfreda +named me the Anarchist. I did my best to live up to the name."</p> + +<p>"Oh, forget about that," murmured Elfreda, looking embarrassed.</p> + +<p>The members of the club were wholly familiar with the history of Laura +Atkins's freshman year and admired her for the matter-of-fact way in +which she was wont to discuss her early short-comings. Under the sunny +influence of the four girls who had helped her to find herself, she had +developed into a gracious and likeable young woman. She and Mildred +Taylor were the guests of the club that afternoon.</p> + +<p>"What is the latest word from erring freshmen? Has any one heard?" asked +Grace. Laura's reference to herself had set Grace to thinking of +freshmen in general.</p> + +<p>"We've six at Ralston," groaned Julia Emerson. "The usual +variety—neither rich nor poor, brilliant nor dull, amiable nor +perverse, goody-goody nor lawless. Just that comfortable, maddeningly +commonplace variety of girls who never go to extremes."</p> + +<p>"Extremes are dangerous," declared Elfreda judicially.</p> + +<p>"Better be an extremist than nothing at all," grumbled Julia.</p> + +<p>"For the first time since we came here, there isn't a single freshman at +Wayne Hall," announced Miriam.</p> + +<p>"Are all the rooms taken?" asked Marian Cummings.</p> + +<p>"All but half of one room," replied Emma Dean. "The illustrious Miss +West is alone in her glory. I heard Mrs. Elwood lamenting to-day because +that particular half was still vacant."</p> + +<p>"Some one may take it yet," said Arline Thayer. "This is only the second +week of the term. Only yesterday a freshman arrived at Morton House. +Girls have been known to drift into Overton a whole month after the +beginning of the term."</p> + +<p>"Did Miss West ask for a single?" questioned Grace of Emma.</p> + +<p>"No, she doesn't in the least yearn for one. You know she is paying her +own way through college. She told Mrs. Elwood that it was all she could +do to keep her head above water as it was and couldn't afford to think +of a single. Of course, Mrs. Elwood hasn't charged her single rates yet, +but if no one else appears she will either have to pay the advanced +price or make other arrangements. Mrs. Elwood knows of two girls who +have been trying to get into Wayne Hall for a long time, and who will +come bag and baggage the moment she says the word."</p> + +<p>"That is too bad," said Miriam slowly—"for Miss West, I mean."</p> + +<p>A significant silence fell upon the company of girls. The same thought +was in each one's mind. It was Elfreda who finally voiced it. "It looks +as though the S. F.'s ought to get busy," she said slangily. "We might +lend her the money to make up the difference."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid that wouldn't do," objected Anne, whose practical +experience with poverty had made her wise. "I imagine with her it is a +question of being economical. It wouldn't be fair to tempt her to +extravagance, for a single would be the height of improvidence, +particularly if she had to go in debt for it."</p> + +<p>"Anne is right," declared Gertrude Wells decidedly. "But to be perfectly +frank, I am not in favor of the club taking up Miss West's case. You all +know how badly she behaved toward us last year, particularly toward +Grace. If we offered her help, no doubt we should be ridiculed for our +pains. I think the best thing for us to do is to let her alone."</p> + +<p>"So do I," echoed Sarah Emerson.</p> + +<p>Several affirmative murmurs went up from various girls.</p> + +<p>"Now, see here," began Elfreda Briggs emphatically. "What is the use in +our calling ourselves Semper Fidelis and then going back on our +principles? When we organized this club, we didn't make any conditions +as to who should be helped and who shouldn't, did we? Whoever needed +help was to have it. If there is anyway in which we can be of assistance +to Miss West, then it is our duty to respond cheerfully."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for you, Elfreda!" cried Arline. "You're an honor to the Sempers +and your own sweet native land. Of course we aren't going to pick and +choose whom we shall help. I think we had better appoint a committee to +call on Miss West and find out if we can render her any financial +assistance."</p> + +<p>"I'm in favor of that committee," declared Emma Dean, "only don't ask me +to serve on it."</p> + +<p>"Grace and Arline are the very ones for that stunt," proposed Julia +Emerson. "They can do it to perfection."</p> + +<p>"Please don't ask me," said Grace with sudden earnestness. "I just +can't, that's all." Her face flushed, and a distressed look crept into +her eyes which her friends were quick to note.</p> + +<p>"Suppose you and Elfreda call on her, Miriam?" proposed Arline. "You two +are very valiant."</p> + +<p>"Excuse me," said Elfreda so promptly that everyone laughed. "I may look +valiant, but to every woman her own fear, you know."</p> + +<p>"Oh, look, girls!" The sudden exclamation came from Gertrude Wells, who +was sitting near the open window. "There's the automobile bus from the +station. It's stopping in front of Wayne Hall, too."</p> + +<p>There was a concerted rush for the two windows.</p> + +<p>"I wonder who it can be!" cried Emma Dean. "Wouldn't it be funny if it +were the greatly desired freshman, Miss West's other half?"</p> + +<p>The watchers saw the bus door open. Then out of it stepped the tallest +girl they had ever seen.</p> + +<p>"I believe she is seven feet tall," muttered Emma Dean. "I am sure of +it."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense," laughed Miriam. "But she is not far from six. I wish it were +daylight, then we could see her face."</p> + +<p>"I wonder who she can be," mused Arline.</p> + +<p>"There is only one answer," smiled Miriam Nesbit. "As Emma just stated, +she must be Miss West's other half. However, we shall know before long."</p> + +<p>A moment later they heard the bell ring, then up from the hall came the +sound of Mrs. Elwood's voice speaking in surprised but pleased tones. A +voice almost masculine in its depth answered. There was a tramp of feet +up the stairs and down the hall. In the next instant the door of the end +room had opened and closed upon the newcomer.</p> + +<p>"Girls, you are saved," proclaimed Gertrude Wells dramatically. "We have +been wasting our valuable time to-night trying to solve Miss West's +problem, while all the time the queen of the giants was hurrying as fast +as ever she could to the rescue."</p> + +<p>There was a faint general laugh at the remark, then Elfreda said +severely, "Young women, do you consider making uncomplimentary remarks +about new students in the line of true Overton spirit?"</p> + +<p>"But she did look seven feet tall," persisted Emma Dean.</p> + +<p>"Think how deceitful appearances sometimes are," reminded Miriam.</p> + +<p>"Never judge a person by moonlight," added Ruth Denton.</p> + +<p>"Never judge them at all," smiled Grace. "Let the poor freshman rest in +peace. I have a last sweet surprise for you. Name it and you can have +it."</p> + +<p>"Caramels," guessed Julia Emerson.</p> + +<p>"Marshmallows," said Gertrude Wells.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know," cried Arline. "Nut chocolates; the delicious kind that old +candy man in Oakdale makes."</p> + +<p>"Some one must have told you," said Grace, going to the closet and +returning with a huge box. "You are all to stay here until the last +chocolate is eaten."</p> + +<p>It was on the ragged edge of half-past ten when the Semper Fidelis Club +trooped happily across the campus to their various houses, but, faithful +to their duty, the big candy box reposed in Grace's waste basket, quite +empty.</p> + +<p>"I wonder how Kathleen West received her roommate," observed Miriam. She +and Elfreda had lingered for a moment in Grace's room after the others +had gone.</p> + +<p>"It is fortunate for her that a belated freshman happened along," was +Grace's serious reply.</p> + +<p>"But most unfortunate for the freshman," added Elfreda. "However, this +one looks perfectly capable of fighting her own battles."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>AN ACCIDENT AND A SURPRISE</h3> + + +<p>"Well, what do you think of her?" inquired Elfreda Briggs the following +morning, poking her head in at Grace's door, a quizzical smile on her +round face. Grace and Anne had left the breakfast table a few minutes +before Elfreda, who had foregone finishing her breakfast and rushed +upstairs to hear her friends' opinion of the tall freshman, who had +seemed taller than ever as she stalked uncompromisingly into the dining +room that morning in Kathleen West's wake. The newspaper girl looked +anything but in a happy frame of mind, and after several covert glances +in her direction, Grace decided that the new arrival had not been met +with open arms on the part of Kathleen.</p> + +<p>"What do I think of her?" repeated Grace. "A good many things, I should +say. What do you think?"</p> + +<p>"I think she is the most interesting and entertaining person I've seen +in years," declared Elfreda exaggeratingly.</p> + +<p>"Then her entertaining powers do not lie in speech," laughed Anne. "I +heard her say three things this morning at the table. They were, 'yes,' +'thank you' and 'I believe so.'"</p> + +<p>"She didn't talk, that's a fact," admitted Elfreda, "but she looked as +though she was keeping up an awful thinking. Does any one know from +whence she came, and why?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about her," said Grace, shaking her head, "but I +am sure that you will find out everything worth knowing before night. +You will be able to see a great deal, you know."</p> + +<p>"Don't flatter me," grinned Elfreda. "That's no joke, though," she added +hastily. "I'll find out, never fear, and then I'll tell you girls."</p> + +<p>"What a comfort it is to have the latest news brought to one's door +every morning," jeered Anne.</p> + +<p>"You'll find yourself without that comfort if you are not more +respectful," threatened Elfreda. "I'll carry my news to other doors +where it will be more highly appreciated."</p> + +<p>"Your threats fail to impress me," retorted Anne. "You know that you +couldn't bear to ignore us."</p> + +<p>"I know I shall be late to chapel, and that you will be later," replied +Elfreda significantly. "Tardiness is unbecoming in a senior. I am sorry +to be obliged to remind you of it."</p> + +<p>"Save your sorrow and come along," called Miriam Nesbit from the +doorway. "Aren't you going to chapel this morning, Grace?"</p> + +<p>"Not this morning," replied Grace, not raising her eyes from the book +over which she was poring. "This is psychology morning and I'm very +shaky on the lesson. I feel in my bones that I'll be called upon to +recite, so please go away, all of you, and don't bother me," she +finished with an affectionate smile that did not accord with her blunt +words.</p> + +<p>"Going, going, gone!" flung back Elfreda over her shoulder as she left +the room, followed by Miriam and Anne.</p> + +<p>Grace glanced anxiously at the clock, then concentrated her mind anew +upon her reading. The sound of hurried feet on the stairs and through +the halls, accompanied by an occasional murmur of voices as the students +left Wayne Hall, was borne to her ears as she read and tried to +familiarize herself with the main points of the lesson. Gradually the +house settled down to quiet, and Grace, becoming thoroughly interested +in her work, lost all track of time.</p> + +<p>The sound of a terrific crash, apparently just outside the half-opened +door, brought her to her feet in alarm. "What was that?" she exclaimed. +Stepping to the door she looked up and down the hall. From the room at +the end, the door of which was ajar, came a jingling sound as of dishes +being piled together. For a moment Grace hesitated, then walked toward +the sound. At the doorway she paused again; then the sight that met her +eyes caused her to spring forward with an impulsive, "What a dreadful +smash! Do let me help you."</p> + +<p>The extremely tall young woman who sat on the edge of her bed surveying +the wreck of her washbowl, pitcher and every other piece of china that +five minutes before had reposed confidently on the top of her washstand +regarded Grace ruefully. There was a twinkle in her eyes, however, that +belied her regret. "It did make considerable noise, I imagine," she said +crisply. "Strange the rest of the students here haven't appeared on the +scene."</p> + +<p>Grace involuntarily retreated a step or two, her face flushing. She +could not endure the idea of being thought an intruder.</p> + +<p>"Don't go," said the tall young woman, in the same crisp tone. "I didn't +mean that you were an intruder. I only wonder that no one else came. The +wreck of the Hesperus wasn't serious compared with this," she said +dryly, indicating the littered floor. "I tried to move my wash stand. It +stuck. Then all of a sudden it gave way and I fell back, dragging it +with me. I had hold of one end of it with both hands, and I was stronger +than I thought, for I just missed sitting on the floor and receiving all +that china in my lap. I was horrified for a second, but all of a sudden +the funny side of it struck me, and I sat down on my couch and laughed +until I cried. I was just wiping my eyes and preparing to pick up the +pieces when you came in. Perhaps you thought I was crying over it. Can +you imagine me in tears?" she added humorously.</p> + +<p>"Hardly," said Grace with a frank smile that was reflected on the tall +young woman's face.</p> + +<p>"No, I am not one of the weeping kind," she declared sturdily. "I come +of good, old, undaunted New England stock. My name is Patience Eliot and +I live just outside Boston. I might as well tell you all about myself in +the first place, because I decided at breakfast that I liked you. I know +your Christian name because I heard your friends addressing you as +"Grace" this morning, but I don't know your surname."</p> + +<p>"I am Grace Harlowe, at your service," replied Grace lightly, "and it is +always gratifying to be liked. I saw you last night when you arrived. I +was entertaining a crowd of girls, and, of course, we couldn't resist +running to the window when one of the girls happened to see the bus +stopping in front of the house."</p> + +<p>"Were you at the window?" asked Miss Eliot unconcernedly. "I didn't see +you. In fact, I wasn't thinking of anything but getting into my room and +to bed. I had been on the train long enough to become thoroughly tired +of it. It was two hours late, too. We should have arrived at Overton at +half-past seven, but it was half-past nine when the train pulled into +the Overton station."</p> + +<p>"You must have been very tired," sympathized Grace. "I hope you rested +well last night. If there is anything I can do for you in the way of +showing you to the registrar's office or wherever you may wish to go, I +shall be only too glad to do so. My first recitation happens to be at +ten o'clock this morning, so I have plenty of time."</p> + +<p>"My first duty lies before me," returned Miss Eliot grimly, pointing to +the floor. "I think you had better direct me to a store where I can +replace this. If I ask Mrs. Elwood to set a price on it, she will cheat +herself."</p> + +<p>"Why, how did you know that?" asked Grace in surprise. "You only saw her +for a few minutes last night."</p> + +<p>"That was long enough to discover several things concerning her greatly +to her credit," was the calm answer. "However, as you have been so kind +as to offer to direct me, I think I will ask you to take me to the +registrar's office. She has been expecting me ever since college opened. +I imagine she has given me up by this time." Stepping over the wreck of +broken china to the closet, she took her hat from its hook on the inner +side of the door, and, putting it on without glancing into the mirror, +announced herself in readiness to depart. "I'll lock the door on this +wreck and have it removed when I return," she said.</p> + +<p>The registrar was writing busily, her head bent intently over her work, +when Grace led the way into her office. "Good morning, Miss Sheldon," +she began. "This is Miss Eliot of the——" Grace was about to say +freshman class when the registrar rose and came toward them with +outstretched hand.</p> + +<p>"My dear Patience!" she exclaimed cordially, "I am so glad you arrived +at last. How is your father?"</p> + +<p>"Much better, thank you," replied the tall girl. "We still have two +nurses, but I think he is out of danger now. I hated to leave him, but +he was so worried because I had missed the first two weeks of college, +that he insisted I should come on here at once. I arrived last night and +went directly to Holland House, but the matron there thought I had given +up coming, and the room I engaged by letter had been given to some one +else only yesterday morning. She directed me to Wayne Hall, where, by +the merest luck, I managed to secure half a room."</p> + +<p>During this flow of explanations, delivered in Miss Eliot's crisp, +business-like tones, Grace had listened in open amazement. This tall +freshman's manner of addressing Miss Sheldon, the dignified registrar, +betokened long acquaintance, while the registrar looked as delighted as +though she had found a long-lost relative.</p> + +<p>"I see you have fallen into good hands," said the registrar, a pleasant +smile lighting her rather austere face as she glanced at Grace.</p> + +<p>"I am quite sure of that," responded Miss Eliot heartily. "I also +brought disaster upon myself." An account of the morning's accident +followed.</p> + +<p>"I believe you were born to disaster, Patience Eliot," laughed Miss +Sheldon.</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't be at all surprised," was the dry response.</p> + +<p>"Miss Harlowe, I have known Miss Eliot since she was a little girl," +explained Miss Sheldon. "I am pleased to know that she is to live at +Wayne Hall. I am sure she will be happy there. I understand that the +Wayne Hall girls make a very congenial household."</p> + +<p>"We try to," said Grace with a frank smile. "My three friends and I have +never lived in any other house since our freshman days. Perhaps Miss +Eliot will find her freshman year there as delightful as we found ours."</p> + +<p>"My freshman year!" exclaimed Miss Eliot in evident surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned Grace rather blankly. "Aren't you a freshman? I don't +know why I thought so, but I supposed, of course, that——" She paused +irresolutely.</p> + +<p>Miss Sheldon and the tall girl exchanged openly smiling glances, then +the latter turned toward Grace almost apologetically. "I am a freshman +in one sense," she said. "I have never before been to college, but as +far as work goes I studied with my father and was lucky enough to pass +up the freshman year. I ran down here last June to talk things over and +find where I stood. I'm a sophomore, if you please."</p> + +<p>Grace burst into merry laughter. "Won't the girls be surprised!" she +exclaimed. "We all thought you were a freshman."</p> + +<p>"I hadn't stopped to think of what any one else thought of me," said +Patience, "or I might have enlightened the girls at the breakfast table +as to my superior sophomore estate. They'll find out soon enough. I have +a great mind to let them stumble upon the truth gradually."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do," begged Grace gleefully. "It will be great fun to let matters +take their own course."</p> + +<p>Miss Sheldon smiled indulgently, but made no comment. She was versed in +the ways of college girls. She, too, had been a student at Overton.</p> + +<p>"I should like to stay longer, Miss Sheldon, but I know you are very +busy." Patience rose at last to go, Grace following her example. "Now +that I have come to headquarters, been identified, had my thumb marks +registered and become a unit in this great and glorious organization," +went on the tall girl calmly, "I shall feel free to go forth and replace +Mrs. Elwood's demolished china. I should like to put the new set on the +washstand before I tell her of the accident. Good-bye, Miss Sheldon." +She held out her hand. "May I come to see you soon?"</p> + +<p>"You know you will always be welcome, my dear."</p> + +<p>"I wish you wouldn't tell even your roommate that I am a sophomore," +said Patience Eliot as they left the campus and turned into College +Street.</p> + +<p>"I won't," promised Grace. "I'll be a positive clam. But what about your +roommate? She will be sure to find out first, and then——" Remembering +Patience Eliot's roommate Grace broke off suddenly.</p> + +<p>"And then what?" asked the tall girl with disconcerting directness.</p> + +<p>"Nothing," murmured Grace.</p> + +<p>"Then we don't need to become alarmed, do we?" was the next question.</p> + +<p>"No, not in the least," said Grace, smiling faintly. She was trying to +decide whether or not she ought even to intimate to the tall, +matter-of-fact girl, whom she already liked, that Kathleen West was +likely to prove a disappointment in the way of a roommate.</p> + +<p>But the decision was not left to her, for Patience Eliot said with calm +amusement in her tones: "I have a better idea of what you are thinking +than you know. All I have to say is, don't waste a minute worrying over +me. Patience Eliot will take care of herself regardless of who her +roommate may be."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>PATIENCE PROMISES TO STAND BY</h3> + + +<p>For the next three days Patience Eliot passed successfully for a +freshman. Then came the sudden dismaying rumor that she was registered +in the sophomore theme class. A little later it was announced positively +that she had passed up freshman French. The truth suddenly burst upon +certain members of the sophomore class who had selected Miss Eliot as a +splendid subject for sophomore grinds, when, on the occasion of their +first class meeting, she walked quietly into the class room where it was +to be held, and took her place with a cheerful, matter-of-course air +that was very disturbing to various abashed sophomores who had planned +mischief.</p> + +<p>Far from being angry, the astonished sophomores treated the New England +girl's mild deception as a joke, and by it she sprang into instant +popularity with her class. There were a few disgruntled students who +criticized her, but these were so far in the minority that they counted +for little. Kathleen West was among this minority. On the evening when +the girl from New England had been shown into the room at the end of the +hall, Kathleen had conceived a strong dislike for this calm-faced, +independent young woman, whose quiet self-assurance nettled her, and +mentally decided that she belonged to the preaching, narrow-minded class +of girls who made life a burden for those who did not live up to a +certain impossible standard. Patience Eliot had been even less favorably +impressed with the newspaper girl. "She has a frightful temper," had +been her mental observation, "and looks the reverse of agreeable." Aside +from a brief exchange of conversation, silence had reigned in the room, +and remembering the happy faces of the girls she had seen at the +breakfast table that morning, Patience had felt not wholly pleased with +her new quarters and not a little lonely.</p> + +<p>The incident of the broken china had been fortunate in that it had +brought about a friendly, informal meeting between Grace and herself. +After that everything had glided smoothly along. Patience and Grace +received an invitation to take dinner with Miss Sheldon the following +Sunday, and this occasion served to strengthen the New England girl's +favorable impression of Grace to such an extent that by the end of the +week the knot of friendship between them had been firmly tied.</p> + +<p>From the moment of Kathleen West's discovery that her roommate was fast +becoming friendly with the very girls she affected to despise, she +adopted an aggressive manner toward the New England girl which the +latter was quick to perceive and tactfully ignore. Patience had an +unusually keen insight into character, and she had made up her mind not +to get beyond the point of exchanging common civilities with the +disgruntled young woman who seemed determined to go through college with +her eyes tightly closed to her own interests.</p> + +<p>That the newspaper girl possessed a fondness for study and never +neglected her lessons was a point in her favor, in Patience's eyes. As +the daughter of a well-known man of letters she had inherited her +father's love of study and an appreciation of that same love in others. +She frequently smiled at the clever, caustic remarks the strange, moody +girl was wont to make about everything and everybody, and occasionally +she surprised even Kathleen herself by her ready appreciation of the +themes the latter wrote.</p> + +<p>It was several weeks before the two young women even became accustomed +to each other. During that time Kathleen learned that Patience was proof +against her aggressiveness, and not half so narrow-minded as she had +thought; while Patience discovered, to her dismay, that in spite of +Kathleen's undoubted wit and brilliancy, she disliked her rather more, +if anything, than on first acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"I feel quite conscience-stricken over it," she confided to Grace one +afternoon as they started down College Street for a short walk before +dinner. "I wouldn't tell any one else, Grace, but I simply can't like +Miss West. I've tried, and I can't. I am equally sure she doesn't like +me. Imagine us sharing the intimacy of one room, and at the same time +disliking each other cordially. I suppose there isn't the slightest +chance for me to make a change this year. Besides, I don't wish to leave +Wayne Hall."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you mustn't think of leaving Wayne Hall!" exclaimed Grace in +dismay. "I am so sorry about Miss West. She is a peculiar girl. None of +the girls here pretend to understand her. When first she came here as a +freshman she was friendly enough with us. Then something occurred for +which we were not to blame, or rather, we did not know that Miss West +considered us at fault," corrected Grace conscientiously. "At any rate, +she suddenly began to avoid us. For a long time we didn't know the +reason." Grace paused for an instant. "By the time we found out, it was +too late. Other things had happened. I can't really tell you much about +that part of it," she added, reddening, "but in fairness to myself and +my friends I will say that we were not to blame for what followed. +There, that isn't very definite, is it? But I know you won't ask any +questions."</p> + +<p>"Not one," returned Patience gravely. "I knew, of course, that relations +between you two were strained, but hadn't the slightest idea of the +cause of it all. I believe I understand something of the situation now."</p> + +<p>They tramped along in silence for a time. Grace was thinking almost +resentfully that even in her senior year she seemed unable to free +herself from a sense of responsibility toward Kathleen West. Her great +affection for Mabel Ashe had undoubtedly been at the bottom of it, but, +deep in her heart, Grace knew that had there been no Mabel to pave the +way for Kathleen, she would have done whatever lay in her power to help +this strange girl, who had no conception of, and was not likely ever to +imbibe, that intangible and yet wholly necessary principle, college +spirit. She wondered a little sadly why Mabel Ashe had not written her. +Could it be possible that Mabel had heard unkind, untruthful tales of +her from the newspaper girl? Grace impatiently accused herself of being +suspicious and tried to shake off the impression.</p> + +<p>While she was pursuing this uncomfortable train of thought, Patience +Eliot was covertly watching her companion's face. The expression she saw +there evidently did not please her, and with a slightly determined set +of her lips and a gleam of sudden purpose in her frank eyes, she +promised herself that, beginning that very day, she would try to study +Kathleen from an entirely different standpoint than heretofore. Laying +her hand on Grace's shoulder she said warmly: "Don't worry, Grace. I +will take back what I said about leaving Wayne Hall. I'm going to stay +there until the last day of my sophomore year, at least. And as long as +I stay I shall no doubt go on rooming with Miss West. There, does that +make you feel better?"</p> + +<p>"It is positively noble in you to say that, Patience," responded Grace +gratefully. "I know you are bound to be put to endless personal +inconvenience on account of it. I feel peculiarly responsible for Miss +West, because I promised Mabel Ashe, who knows her, that I would help +her to like college. I have told you all about Mabel before. Next to +Anne and Miriam, Mabel was my best friend here at Overton. I can't begin +to tell you how I missed her last year. When Miss West first came to +Overton I thought it would be perfectly splendid to have a real +newspaper reporter with us, and because she was Mabel's friend I felt +doubly sure of liking her.</p> + +<p>"Mabel had sent me a telegram asking me to go to the station to meet +her. Anne and I didn't allow any grass to grow under our feet. We rushed +off post haste to the station. Confidentially, we were dreadfully +disappointed in her. She was not in the least the sort of girl that I +had expected to meet. I suppose I entertained an almost exaggerated idea +of what a newspaper woman should be. I've always enjoyed reading stories +about clever women who covered important assignments and made good on +newspapers. You know the kind of stories I mean."</p> + +<p>Patience nodded understandingly. "Real people are never like people in +books," she commented. "Usually the real folks do far more startling +things than the book people ever thought of doing."</p> + +<p>"I know it," agreed Grace, with a rueful smile. "Suppose I say what you +just said happens to apply to this case, and leave the rest to your +imagination."</p> + +<p>"Very neatly put," was Patience's grim answer. "My imagination is quite +equal to the strain. As her roommate, I can draw upon fact rather than +imagination."</p> + +<p>"Yet I have a curious feeling that you are going to succeed where we +have failed. You are so strong and capable and——" Grace's earnest eyes +looked their confidence in Patience, as she groped for the word that +would describe her friend. "I can't think of the right word now, but you +understand me. What I mean is that once you had made up your mind to do +something, you'd do it or die."</p> + +<p>"'Tis the blood of my Revolutionary ancestors that spurs me on to deeds +of might," declaimed Patience. "Don't give up the ship—girl, I mean," +she finished humorously.</p> + +<p>"That looks like Miss West just ahead of us!" exclaimed Grace. "She came +from that house at the end of the row. A crowd of freshmen live there +and one of them seems to be a particular friend of hers."</p> + +<p>"You mean Miss Rawle?" replied Patience. "I have named her my daily +affliction. She haunts Wayne Hall with a persistency worthy of a better +cause. She adores Miss West, and tells me all about it while she is +waiting for Kathleen, who, I suspect, runs away from her more than once. +She refers to little Miss Rawle as 'my crush,' but her tone is +unpleasantly sarcastic. Miss Rawle honestly admires Miss West and seems +to have a great deal of faith in her ability to write. Sometimes +Kathleen is the soul of hospitality. At other times she barely responds +to Miss Rawle's timid remarks. When she behaves in that fashion I feel +tempted to give her a good shaking. More than once I have seen Miss +Rawle say good night when she looked ready to cry."</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew how to get hold of Kathleen," said Grace, looking +troubled. "It is simply a case of good material going to waste, isn't +it?"</p> + +<p>Patience shrugged her square shoulders. "I had a glimmer of hope that, +once she and I became accustomed to each other, we might at least dwell +together in peace. So far peace has been maintained by great effort on +my part. How much longer it will endure is a question."</p> + +<p>At the door of Wayne Hall Grace paused irresolutely. "Oh, dear!" she +exclaimed, "I forgot to stop at the stationer's, and I need a lot of +little things, too. I must go back and get them. Will you come with me, +Patience?"</p> + +<p>Patience shook her head. "I want to read for a few minutes before +dinner. It is almost the only time I have to read for pleasure. You +won't care if I go on upstairs, will you, Grace?"</p> + +<p>"Of course not. I wish I didn't have to go. I'll see you at dinner."</p> + +<p>Grace hurried down the walk on her errand, while Patience went on into +the house and to her room.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>A DECLARATION OF WAR</h3> + + +<p>The October twilight had fallen before the two girls finished their +walk. When Patience opened her door she did not at first glance see the +huddled figure crouched close to the window. A sound, half sob, half +sigh, caused her to cross the room in an instant.</p> + +<p>"Who are you, and what is the trouble?" were her blunt questions.</p> + +<p>The girl burrowed her face in her arm and made no answer.</p> + +<p>"Get up!" commanded Patience, an imperative note in her voice that +caused the girl to half struggle to her feet, then sink sobbing to her +old position.</p> + +<p>"This won't do at all," remonstrated Patience. "You mustn't sit here. +Stop crying instantly." She purposely made her voice coldly +unsympathetic with a view toward summoning the weeper's pride to her +aid.</p> + +<p>It had the desired effect. The girl rose from the floor and stumbled +toward the door, her head still hidden on her arm.</p> + +<p>With a cry of, "Why, it is Miss Rawle!" Patience sprang forward and +caught the girl by the hand. "You poor child! What has happened to you +to make you cry so?"</p> + +<p>"Please don't sympathize with me, Miss Eliot, or I'll break down and cry +again. It isn't anything in particular. I'm just a silly goose, that's +all. Miss West promised to be here this afternoon, and I've been waiting +for her ever since half-past four. I suppose she forgot all about it." +Miss Rawle made a valiant attempt to smile. "Please tell her I was here, +and—and was very sorry I didn't see her." Her lip quivered like that of +a grieved child.</p> + +<p>Patience turned on the light, then went over to where Miss Rawle stood. +"Do you wish me to give you a piece of good advice?" she asked with +abrupt frankness, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded Miss Rawle in a halfhearted manner.</p> + +<p>"Then don't leave any word for Miss West, and don't put yourself within +speaking distance of her for at least a week."</p> + +<p>"But—I can't do that. She wouldn't understand——"</p> + +<p>"All the better for you," cut in Patience's crisp voice. "You are very +fond of Miss West, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>Miss Rawle nodded. "She is so bright and clever and says such smart +things, and can write. I adore cleverness. I'm not a bit clever. I work +dreadfully hard to keep up in my classes. But Kathleen is actually +brilliant, and, besides, she took me to the sophomore reception."</p> + +<p>The tall girl listened gravely to this enthusiastic tribute to her +captious roommate. "Very good reasons," she agreed. "Still, I wish you +would try to do what I just suggested. Miss West is like a great many +other clever people, she doesn't appreciate what is easily won."</p> + +<p>A deep flush overspread Miss Rawle's face. An angry light leaped into +her blue eyes. Then, meeting Patience's calm glance, she said slowly, +"Do you mean that I force myself upon her?"</p> + +<p>"In a measure, yes," was the cool reply. "You are very fond of her and +she knows it, consequently she doesn't value your friendship half as +highly as though she weren't sure of it. You must meet her on her own +ground, and make her realize that you are of as much importance in the +world as she. It may be hard at first, but it will be best for both of +you. Miss West stands in need of a friend, and I am sure you would be +loyal to her."</p> + +<p>"How nice in you to say so," returned Miss Rawle, brightening. "I +thought I was angry with you for saying what you did about my forcing +myself upon Kathleen, but I'm not. I am going straight home, now, and +I'll do as you say. Would you mind if I were to come and see you some +time, and won't you take luncheon with me some day at Vinton's?"</p> + +<p>Patience smilingly acquiesced to both eager requests, and little Miss +Rawle descended the steps of Wayne Hall and set off for Livingston Hall, +where she lived, looking anything but sorrowful.</p> + +<p>"I'll try her way," she planned as she sped along through the soft fall +darkness. "It is worth trying. But I wonder what made her say that +Kathleen stood in need of a friend."</p> + +<p>After Miss Rawle had departed, armed and equipped with her newly-born +independence, Patience smiled whimsically to herself as she brushed her +long, fair hair, rebraided it and wound it about her head. It was a +coiffure she had recently adopted at Elfreda's suggestion, and it went +far toward softening the severe outline of her face. "I didn't come to +college to play mentor to any one," she said, half aloud, "nor to give +advice, for that matter. Perhaps I should not have told Miss Rawle to +stay away from Kathleen. It isn't really any of my business. Wouldn't +she be angry if she knew? Shall I tell her? No, I don't believe I will. +If, during a season of adoration, Miss Rawle is indiscreet enough to +tell her, then that is a different matter. But I don't believe she +will."</p> + +<p>Patience had just finished doing her hair when the object of her +monologue appeared in the door and after a quick survey of the room +stepped inside.</p> + +<p>"Was Miss Rawle here?" she asked abruptly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Patience, noncommittally.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad I wasn't. She is such a frightful bore. What did she say?"</p> + +<p>"She asked me to tell you she was here and was very sorry she missed +you."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad I missed her," declared Kathleen, with a shrug. "Deliver +me from 'crushes' of her sort, at least. There are several girls in the +freshman class who look rather interesting, but they are evidently not +anxious to know me," she added, her face darkening.</p> + +<p>"Whose fault is it?" asked Patience pointedly.</p> + +<p>"Not mine," retorted Kathleen with asperity. Then, turning upon +Patience, she said in a voice shaking with sudden anger: "What do you +mean by asking me such a question? I did not realize the insult it +contained or I wouldn't have answered you."</p> + +<p>"I did not intend to be insulting," said Patience, "but candidly I think +you are to blame for whatever attitude the girls here maintain toward +you. Then, again, you do not value your friends. For instance, there is +little Miss Rawle who is really fond of you. Yet you are continually +running away from her. If I were Miss Rawle I would let you severely +alone; you don't deserve her friendship. You don't and can't appreciate +it."</p> + +<p>Kathleen stared at Patience in angry amazement. No one had ever before +spoken to her quite so plainly. Then she found her voice.</p> + +<p>"I think you are not only insulting, but impertinent and meddlesome as +well. I suppose Miss Rawle complained to you because I didn't keep my +engagement with her and you thought it your duty to take me to task for +it. Understand, once and for all, you are not to interfere in my +affairs. I shall answer to no one for my actions. I did not choose you +for a roommate. You are the last girl I would choose. I won't stand +being criticized and lectured at every turn. Save your criticisms for +those who are silly enough to take them seriously, but please don't +imagine for an instant that what you may think or say carries the +slightest weight with me."</p> + +<p>Before Patience could frame a reply the newspaper girl had rushed from +the room, slamming the door with a vehemence that fairly shook the +walls.</p> + +<p>She did not return to the room until after dinner, and then only long +enough to slip into her coat and hat. During that brief moment she +neither spoke to nor noticed Patience, who went quietly on with her +studying as though nothing had happened. Kathleen's outburst had made no +impression upon this calm-faced girl, but Patience's all too truthful +words had sunk deeper into the newspaper girl's mind than she cared to +admit.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>A FACE TO FACE TALK</h3> + + +<p>For a week at least Alice Rawle stayed religiously away from Wayne Hall +and her idol, during which time Kathleen went serenely about her +business, apparently undisturbed by the lull in the attentions of her +one "crush." Then a certain sharp-eyed sophomore noted the fact and, +happening to run across the newspaper girl in the gymnasium one +afternoon, remarked laughingly, "I hear your little friend, Miss Rawle, +has transferred her allegiance to Miss Eliot."</p> + +<p>"What utter nonsense," declared Kathleen. Yet she frowned her +displeasure at the intimation, and immediately held Patience responsible +for Miss Rawle's deflection. She decided to look into the matter that +very afternoon and found time to stop and see Alice on her way home from +her class. She rang the bell at Livingston Hall a little before five +o'clock, only to find that Miss Rawle had not yet come in. The newspaper +girl turned her steps toward Wayne Hall, feeling slightly disappointed +and vexed. Arrived at the Hall, she slipped upstairs with the cat-like +quiet and ease that always characterized her movements. At the door of +her room she paused for a moment, listening to the sound of voices that +came from within. Then, with a vehement exclamation, she flung wide the +door and darted into the room.</p> + +<p>"Whatever you have to say of me you can say in my presence," she +stormed. "Do you hear? I said, 'In my presence,'" she repeated, her +voice rising.</p> + +<p>The two astonished occupants of the room regarded the angry girl in +silent astonishment. Then the tension of the moment relaxed, and Alice +Rawle found her voice. "You are right," she said to Kathleen, with a +scornful little gesture. "We were talking of you. Evidently you heard +what we said. I am glad you did. Until this moment I liked you better +than any other girl in Overton. If you had come sooner, you would have +heard me say so. But now I think you are unjust and contemptible and I +shall never speak to you again." Turning to Patience, who had stood +impassive during this outburst, she said with sudden penitence: "I'm +sorry I lost my temper. I will come again to see you at some other time. +Good-bye."</p> + +<p>As the door closed on Alice, Kathleen confronted Patience with blazing +eyes. "It is all your fault," she accused wildly. "I hate you! You are +one of the superior, narrow-minded sort of girls who will excuse +nothing. You imagine yourself to be perfect, but you can always discover +faults in others. You don't like me. I know it. I have those dear +friends of yours to thank for it, too. I know that Miss Harlowe has +taken particular pains to strengthen your first impression of me, which +wasn't favorable. It is very unfortunate that we are obliged to room +together. I suppose it is useless to ask you to mind your own business +and let me alone."</p> + +<p>Kathleen walked moodily to the window and stood looking out, her +favorite attitude when greatly disturbed in spirit. Crossing swiftly to +where the newspaper girl stood, Patience laid two firm hands on +Kathleen's shoulders. She whirled at the touch, her eyes flashing.</p> + +<p>"That's right," commented Patience. "I want you to look at me. The time +has come for you and me to have an understanding. I've been putting off +the evil day, and there have been times when I have even dreamed that we +might dispense with it altogether. But now we must face it. I am going +to tell you exactly what I think of you and why I think it, and you are +going to perform the same kind office for me. Will you please begin?"</p> + +<p>Kathleen's face set in sullen lines. "You know what I think of you," she +muttered. "I just finished telling you. I told you last week, too."</p> + +<p>"So you did," smiled Patience, "but surely you must think other +uncomplimentary things of me."</p> + +<p>"Will you kindly take your hands off my shoulders and attend to your own +affairs?" Kathleen's voice choked with renewed anger.</p> + +<p>Patience's hands dropped to her sides. "Very well. If you haven't +anything further to say on the subject of my short-comings, I'll proceed +to yours," was her brisk declaration.</p> + +<p>"I won't listen to you," cried Kathleen passionately. "I won't stay here +and allow you to insult me."</p> + +<p>She sprang toward the door, but Patience, divining her intention, turned +the key in the lock and calmly pocketed it. "Don't be a goose," she +advised. "You are too clever to be so childish. You are deliberately +trying to shut yourself out of all the pleasant part of college by going +about with a grievance on your shoulder. If you weren't so clever I +shouldn't take the trouble to say what I think. Why, you could be one of +the foremost girls in the sophomore class if you wished."</p> + +<p>"I haven't seen any particular indication of admiration on the part of +my class," sneered Kathleen.</p> + +<p>"You haven't given your class cause to admire you, have you?" asked +Patience imperturbably.</p> + +<p>Sheer inability to reply to this unwelcome assertion held Kathleen +silent.</p> + +<p>"Please don't misunderstand me," went on Patience. "I know I have no +right to criticize you, but as your roommate, I feel a certain interest +in your welfare."</p> + +<p>"Very kind in you, I am sure," muttered Kathleen sarcastically.</p> + +<p>Unmindful of the sarcasm, Patience continued: "I believe your chief +trouble lies in the fact that newspaper standards are so different from +those of a college. On a newspaper it is a case of get the story and no +questions asked. It isn't honor that counts. It is shrewdness, +determination, dogged persistence, hardness of head, and deafness to +personal appeal that wins the day."</p> + +<p>A curious light leaped into the other girl's eyes. "How do you happen to +know so much about what counts on a newspaper?" she questioned sharply.</p> + +<p>"Because my father edited one for years. All the newspaper folks know +James Merton Eliot. You must have heard of him," replied Patience with +grim satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean it! I never dreamed you could be his daughter," gasped +Kathleen, regarding her tall roommate with positive awe. Then she said, +almost humbly: "Say what you like to me. I'll listen to it, no matter +how much it hurts."</p> + +<p>"But I don't wish to hurt you," remonstrated Patience, "nor to preach. I +do wish you to know, however, that I am quite familiar with the inside +workings of a newspaper. I have haunted Father's office since I was a +little girl. I was bitterly resentful of being packed off to a +preparatory school when I yearned to be a reporter. Father didn't resign +his editorship of a Boston paper until last year. He overworked and has +been very ill since then. That is the reason I was not here when college +opened. I waited until I was sure he was really convalescent. Had my +affairs shaped themselves differently, you would not now be obliged to +endure me as a roommate."</p> + +<p>Kathleen continued to survey Patience with wondering eyes. It was simply +incredible that this brusque, matter-of-fact young woman whom she had +held in secret contempt should be the daughter of a man whose name was +known and honored throughout the newspaper world. Sheer astonishment +tied her tongue.</p> + +<p>"I would have told you in the beginning," continued Patience, "but I did +not wish to travel on my father's passport. When I saw what an +unfavorable impression I had made on you I was tempted to tell you. It +would at least have given me a certain prestige in your eyes. Then I +decided never to tell you. But to-day it seemed the only way. None of +the girls know it. Miss Sheldon and Miss Wilder know. They are personal +friends of Father's."</p> + +<p>"If I had only known when first you came to Wayne Hall," was Kathleen's +regretful cry.</p> + +<p>"But I didn't wish you to know," returned Patience. "I wished you to +like me for myself, and you wouldn't. You thought me pedantic and +narrow-minded, and set me down as a typical New England woman of the +grim, uncompromising type, who boasts of her Puritan ancestry, and goes +through life ungracious and forbidding. I don't believe I am pedantic or +narrow-minded or small-souled, but I have plenty of other faults, as +you'll learn before the year is over. I meant what I said about your +standing in your own light. You'll have to learn the difference between +college and newspaper standards, too."</p> + +<p>Kathleen's face reddened. She understood all that the sharp criticism +implied. "I know I haven't lived up to——" she began.</p> + +<p>Patience shook her head vigorously. "Don't tell me," she said. "Just +decide that hereafter you are going to cultivate Overton as your Alma +Mater for all you're worth. You'll find you can adapt Overton standards +to your paper more successfully than you can adapt newspaper tactics +here. At least it will do no harm to try out my suggestion and see how +far it will carry you."</p> + +<p>"I will try," responded Kathleen with a suddenness that surprised even +herself. "Only," her eyes grew resentful, "you mustn't expect me to be +an angel all in a twinkling, or even like certain girls you and I know. +I can't, and that settles it."</p> + +<p>"I shall have no expectations in the matter," smiled Patience. "Your +likes and dislikes concern no one save yourself. Please forgive me for +locking the door and speaking so candidly."</p> + +<p>Patience stepped to the door and unlocked it. Kathleen took an uncertain +step forward, wavered, then, advancing almost timidly, held out her +hand.</p> + +<p>"Will you shake hands?" she asked. "I am glad you did it, and I am going +to be different—if I can," she added moodily.</p> + +<p>"Be fair to yourself and give the clever, capable Kathleen West a +chance," was the New England girl's advice. "This little talk of ours +has served to clear the atmosphere of this room. Let us be friends and +keep it clear."</p> + +<p>"I will try," Kathleen repeated, but Patience was obliged to confess to +herself that she had very little faith in the newspaper girl's promise. +She felt that the fact that James Merton Eliot was her father had made +far more impression upon Kathleen than had her little lecture on +standards.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>WHEN FRIENDS FALL OUT</h3> + + +<p>"What has happened to the Semper Fidelis Club? Did such a worthy +organization ever exist, or did I merely dream?" inquired Arline Thayer, +walking suddenly into the living room at Wayne Hall one evening, where +Grace sat idly turning the pages of a magazine, at the same time trying +to decide the best possible way of spending her evening.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Arline!" she exclaimed. "I am so glad you came. You are just +in time. I was trying to decide what I had better do this evening. +For a wonder, I haven't a line of studying to worry me. But there are +so many other things I ought and wish to do. My correspondence is fast +going to rack and ruin, and I owe at least a dozen calls, the +drop-in-in-the-evening kind. Anne wants me to go for a walk, and Elfreda +and Miriam are determined I shall go to see 'Les Miserables' at the +motion picture theatre on Main Street. They saw 'The Taming of the +Shrew' one evening last week, and came home ardent moving picture fans."</p> + +<p>"I saw it, too," replied Arline. "It was wonderfully well acted, and the +photography and arrangement of the scenes were excellent. Suppose we +gather the club in, and go to see 'Les Miserables' in a body?"</p> + +<p>"I could please the populace and myself at the same time by taking your +advice, couldn't I?" Grace cast a laughing glance toward Arline.</p> + +<p>"Of course you could," urged Arline. "Don't stand upon the order of your +going, but go at once and tell Elfreda and Miriam what we propose doing. +Anne can take her walk some other time, and your letters can languish +unanswered a little longer. I'm going to hurry back to Morton House for +Ruth and Gertrude. We will pick up the Emerson twins on our way here, +and also Elizabeth Wade and Marian. You can ask Emma and the others."</p> + +<p>"What about Patience?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"By all means ask her. We want her in the club, too. The only objection +is that she will be the thirteenth member. That is the reason I haven't +proposed her name before this. We shall be obliged to ask some one else +to make fourteen."</p> + +<p>"Arline," Grace's tone caused her friend to eye her sharply, "do you +suppose we ought to ask Kathleen West to join our club?"</p> + +<p>"No." Arline's blue eyes grew resentful. Her "no" was coldly incisive. +"If she is asked to join the club, I shall immediately resign."</p> + +<p>Grace looked her surprise at this uncompromising statement. She had not +reckoned on Arline's opposition to an idea which had been steadily +forcing itself upon her since the beginning of her senior year. Ever +since the last days of her junior year, when Alberta Wicks had made +plain what seemed obscure in the case of Kathleen West, Grace had +experienced a generous desire to recompense the newspaper girl for the +fancied slight she had received at their hands.</p> + +<p>Toward Grace and her three friends Kathleen still preserved the same +antagonistic attitude. So far Grace had been unable to discover any way +in which at least a semblance of friendly relations might be +established. The idea of asking Kathleen to join the club had suddenly +occurred to her, and in her usual impetuous fashion she had given voice +to it. Arline's sharp "no" was in the nature of a dash of cold water to +impulsive Grace, and she now regarded her friend with troubled eyes.</p> + +<p>"Why are you so bitter against Kathleen?" she asked. "You have no +personal grievance against her, have you?"</p> + +<p>"You know perfectly well that she tried to prevent the club from giving +the bazaar, and you know of other contemptible things she has done. A +girl who would work directly against Semper Fidelis on the outside, +wouldn't make a particularly desirable member. At least that is my +opinion." Arline compressed her lips, looking very dignified.</p> + +<p>"I didn't dream you felt so opposed to her," said Grace quietly. "Still, +it will do no particular hurt to ask her to go with us to-night. I hate +to go to her room to invite Patience and leave her out. Besides, I think +Patience would wish her to go. Confidentially, Arline, she and Patience +had some sort of understanding the other day and now they appear to be +almost friends."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry, Grace, but I won't go to-night if you invite Miss West. I am +willing to do almost anything else to please you, but I simply can't +endure her, and I don't intend to have my evening spoiled. I should +prefer not to go. After all, I don't know that it matters much whether I +go or not." With a gesture of superb indifference Arline rose to depart.</p> + +<p>Grace was at her side in an instant. "Daffydowndilly Thayer, you know +you care," she smiled, putting her finger under Arline's chin. "You are +not half as hard-hearted as you would have me think."</p> + +<p>Arline drew away from her with a pettish little shrug. "You can't make +me feel differently about her, Grace. Please don't try. If she goes +to-night, I shan't. You may choose between us. If you are afraid of +offending her by asking Patience to go and leaving her out, then I will +invite Patience to go."</p> + +<p>"I am not afraid to ask Patience to go with us in Miss West's presence," +was Grace's proud response, "although I believe it would be kinder not +to ask either of them as long as they appear to be friends. Patience +wouldn't feel hurt or slighted, and that would make the party strictly +Semper Fidelis." Grace spoke evenly, although there was a note of +constraint in her voice. "But, please, don't misinterpret my feeling in +the matter as one of fear."</p> + +<p>Arline made no answer, and the two girls left the living room in +silence.</p> + +<p>"I'll see you in half an hour," was Arline's sole comment.</p> + +<p>"Shall we meet here?" asked Grace. "It is nearer the theatre and quite +central."</p> + +<p>"Very well." Arline walked to the hall door, her golden head held very +high. Grace took a half step toward her, hesitated, then turned and +walked quietly up the stairs to carry the invitation to the Semper +Fidelis girls.</p> + +<p>She stopped first at the door of Emma Dean's room. Emma answered her +knock with a cheerful "Come in."</p> + +<p>"As a loyal member of Semper Fidelis it is your duty to turn out with +your sisters and attend a motion picture show," declaimed Grace from the +threshold.</p> + +<p>"No urging is necessary," responded Emma, rising from her chair and +going to the closet for her wraps. "I am nothing if not loyal, and I +adore picture shows."</p> + +<p>"Meet me in the living room in five minutes, then. I must see Patience," +returned Grace, but she could not help hoping as she walked down the +hall that she would find Patience alone.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>A LEAF FROM THE PAST</h3> + + +<p>At Patience's door she paused. It stood partly open, and peeping in she +saw that her friend was alone. Rapping softly, she announced with a +laugh, "The Honorable Grace Harlowe."</p> + +<p>"Enter without further ceremony," was the quick reply. "To what do I owe +my good fortune?"</p> + +<p>"To the absence of your roommate," answered Grace dryly. "Where is she?"</p> + +<p>"At the library. She left the house directly after dinner to look up a +number of references. She is infinitely more industrious than I."</p> + +<p>"The Semper Fidelis crowd are going down to that new motion picture +theatre to see 'Les Miserables.' We want you to go with us," invited +Grace, looking relieved at having been able to deliver the invitation so +easily.</p> + +<p>"Let me think. Is there any reason why I can't go? I have a hazy +recollection of having something else on hand to-night, but I can't +remember what it is."</p> + +<p>"Is it anything about lessons?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"No." Patience glanced perplexedly about her. "I can't recall it. It +isn't anything of importance or I certainly would have no difficulty in +remembering it. Perhaps it will come to me suddenly."</p> + +<p>"I must make the round of the house and ask the other girls. Be ready +and downstairs, within the next fifteen minutes."</p> + +<p>By the time Grace had collected the Semper Fidelis girls of Wayne Hall, +Arline had returned with the other members of the club, and the party +set out for the theatre. Grace walked with Anne and Patience, who, +unable to remember any other engagement, had dismissed the disturbing +thought from her mind and prepared to enjoy her evening.</p> + +<p>At the entrance of the theatre, the party halted for a moment while +Arline bought the tickets. Grace looked interestedly about her. Even in +quiet, staid old Overton she derived an active pleasure from scanning +the faces of the passersby. She tried to read their thoughts from their +expressions, and her habit of observation had on more than one occasion +proved of value to her.</p> + +<p>"All right," called Arline, holding up the tickets. "Come on."</p> + +<p>Grace turned her eyes toward Arline, then some unaccountable influence +caused her to turn her head and glance again in the direction of the +street. A roughly-dressed man had stopped on the sidewalk directly in +front of the theatre to stare at one of the gayly colored lithographs. +Grace stopped short, seized with a peculiar feeling of apprehension. Why +was the face of this man so familiar to her? Surely she had seen it +somewhere under decidedly unpleasant circumstances. Was it at Overton +she had seen him? No, it was further back than that.</p> + +<p>During the first part of Hugo's famous novel, which had been filmed to +perfection, Grace was obsessed with the question: "Where have I seen +him?" The stranger's face haunted her. It was a low-browed, sullen face. +She could not keep her mind on the story that was being unfolded on the +screen. She watched the ill-fated Jean Valjean being led off to prison +for stealing a loaf of bread almost without seeing him. It was not until +the scene where, bruised in spirit and prison-warped, Jean steals the +good priest's candlesticks and makes off with them, that full +remembrance came to Grace. Now she knew why that face was strangely +familiar. The man she had seen was none other than "Larry, the +Locksmith." In her mind's eye Grace saw him sitting in the court room +with humped shoulders, his eyes bent fiercely upon her, as she related +what she had seen with her face pressed close to the window pane of the +haunted house. It had all happened during her senior year at high +school. To Grace it seemed but yesterday since she had given the +testimony that sent Henry Hammond's accomplice to prison for a term of +seven years in the state penitentiary. Seven years! It had been only +four years since that memorable occasion. Perhaps the man had been +released earlier for good behavior, or perhaps—Grace's heart beat a +trifle faster—he had escaped.</p> + +<p>She paid but scant attention to the rest of the performance, and when +Jean had died in the arms of his devoted foster daughter, the lights had +appeared, and the crowd began filing out of the theatre, she scanned it +eagerly. There was no sign of the disturbing face of "Larry, the +Locksmith."</p> + +<p>The little company of girls made their way to the street, discussing the +merits of the various actors who had portrayed so admirably the roles +assigned to them. Arline, feeling rather ashamed of her brusque refusal +to countenance Kathleen West as a possible member of the club, slipped +her arm through Grace's, saying contritely, "I am awfully sorry I was so +cross, Grace."</p> + +<p>Grace, whose mind was still fully occupied with the thought of the man +she had good reason to recognize, did not answer. Arline glanced +reproachfully at her, then withdrew her arm from Grace's with an +offended suddenness that caused Grace to cry apologetically: "Please +pardon me, Arline. What did you say?"</p> + +<p>Arline, however, was now thoroughly incensed. She had apologized, and +Grace had not even taken the trouble to listen. Without answering, save +by an angry flash of her blue eyes, she walked on rapidly, overtaking +the Emerson twins, who were heading the little procession. Grace sprang +impulsively forward. Then, as Arline slipped between the twins, +laughingly taking hold of an arm of each, Grace fell back, deciding that +she would say nothing. She would write Arline a note that very night.</p> + +<p>True to her resolve, the note was written and sent. At the end of a week +she had received no answer. Later she was greeted with a cold "good +afternoon" and a stiff little bow when she chanced to encounter Arline +on the campus. Remembering Arline's stubborn stand in regard to Ruth +during their sophomore year, Grace knew the dainty little girl's +resentment to be very real and lasting. She was also reasonably sure +that not even Ruth was aware of their estrangement. She wished she had +not seen that disturbing face. She wondered if she had been mistaken. No +doubt there were men in the world who bore a strong resemblance to +"Larry, the Locksmith." She blamed herself entirely for Arline's +withdrawal of friendship. If she had only heard and accepted the +apology! It was humiliating indeed to make an earnest apology to +unhearing ears.</p> + +<p>"It serves you right, Grace Harlowe," she reflected, coming into the +living room late one afternoon. "I'm not sorry for you. I hope Arline +won't be too haughty at the club meeting to-morrow. It is such a shame. +I wanted to propose the 'Famous Fiction' dance as a Semper Fidelis +merry-making this year, and I can never talk enthusiastically of it +knowing she disapproves. Of course, I'll pretend I don't care, but it +hurts, just the same."</p> + +<p>With a sigh Grace reached for the evening paper which lay on the library +table. She glanced over the headlines without any special interest until +a single sentence in large black type caused her to stare, then give +voice to a surprised, "I knew it!" The headline read, "Larry, the +Locksmith, Still at Large."</p> + +<p>Grace sat down heavily in the nearest chair, the newspaper still +clutched in one hand. She had not been mistaken. The man for whom the +authorities were searching was the man she had seen in front of the +moving picture theatre. It was evident that he had very little fear of +being recognized in Overton, or he would not have risked appearing in +the streets of the college town. "He must have friends here, who are +sheltering him," sprang into her mind, "or he may be passing through the +town. The question is, ought I to make my discovery known to the +police?"</p> + +<p>"Here you are!" called a familiar voice, "I've been looking for you." +Patience Eliot entered the living room, and seated herself opposite +Grace. "Do you remember my saying when you asked me to go to the theater +that I had a faint recollection of having another engagement last +night?"</p> + +<p>Grace nodded.</p> + +<p>"My faint recollection was perfectly correct. I had promised to go for a +walk with Kathleen, and consequently she wouldn't speak to me when I +came in last night. She wouldn't accept my humble apologies. Just when I +thought I was making a little progress with her, too. I am the most +unfortunate mortal," sighed Patience. "I know she imagines I did it +purposely."</p> + +<p>Patience's recital of her woes brought back the subject of Arline's +displeasure to Grace's mind, and when, a little later, the two girls +went upstairs arm in arm, the important question of whether or not to +inform the Overton police of her discovery had slipped, for the time +being, from Grace's mind.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>A THANKSGIVING INVITATION</h3> + + +<p>"At last!" exclaimed Grace triumphantly, as she extracted a letter from +the Wayne Hall bulletin board addressed to her in Mabel Ashe's +unmistakable handwriting. "Oh, I am so glad! I thought she had forgotten +me."</p> + +<p>"Or had been persuaded to forget you," put in Elfreda Briggs, who had +come downstairs to breakfast directly behind Grace.</p> + +<p>Grace looked frankly amazed. "How did you know?"</p> + +<p>"How do I find out everything I know?" demanded Elfreda. "Don't you +suppose I noticed that you were worried about not hearing from Mabel? I +could see you thought some one had made mischief."</p> + +<p>"Elfreda Briggs, will you please tell me your exact method of +deduction!" exclaimed Grace in a half vexed tone. "Your ability for +'seeing things' is positively uncanny."</p> + +<p>"There was nothing very uncanny about seeing you look ready to cry every +time Mabel's name was mentioned," retorted Elfreda. "We all knew that +you hadn't received a letter from her. Put two and two together, what is +the result? Ask me something harder. That's easy."</p> + +<p>"I make my bow to you, most observing of all observers," laughed Grace. +"I have been worried over not receiving a letter from Mabel, but I +hadn't breathed it to any one. Come into the living room before +breakfast. No; let us have breakfast first. It is early yet and we shall +have time to read the letter afterward in my room. Then Anne and Miriam +can hear it, too. Here they come, the slow pokes."</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"A dillar, a dollar, a ten-o'clock scholar,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, why did you come so soon?"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>chanted Elfreda as Anne, followed by Miriam, appeared at the head of the +stairs.</p> + +<p>"A ten-minutes-to-eight-o'clock scholar," calmly corrected Miriam. "We +are early, but you and Grace are distressingly early. I suppose you +found the fabled worm."</p> + +<p>"Here it is." Grace held up the letter. "If you are pleasant and +respectful to us during breakfast, I will invite you to my room to hear +it read."</p> + +<p>"Your half of the room," reminded Anne, with emphasis.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon, my half of the room," corrected Grace. "I might +lease your half for the occasion, then I could turn you out if you +proved a disturbing factor."</p> + +<p>"But I could refuse to lease my half," declared Anne.</p> + +<p>"Then I should be obliged to turn you out, at any rate. I am much +stronger than you."</p> + +<p>"It sounds like a discussion between the March Hare and the Mad Hatter, +doesn't it?" commented Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"It has a true Alice in Wonderland tang," agreed Miriam solemnly. "In +the meantime I am growing hungrier. On to breakfast!"</p> + +<p>After breakfast, the quartette lost no time in going upstairs to Grace's +room to listen to Mabel's letter. Grace opened it, glanced hastily over +the first page, then read:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">My Dear Grace</span>:—</p> + +<p>"Your faith in me as a correspondent must be shattered by this +time. I've intended to write, but my days and nights, too, have +been so crowded with work that I have almost forgotten that I am +entitled to a little recreation. I'll try not to let it happen +again, Grace, dear. I hoped to be able to run down for +Thanksgiving, but I am afraid it won't be possible.</p> + +<p>"I am doing the clubs now, and there will be so much to write about +them during Thanksgiving week that I am afraid I shall have to stay +in town all week. Next week the opera begins, and, oh, joy! I am to +help write it—along with my club duties. I went to almost every +performance last year and loved them all. Why couldn't you girls +make up a party and spend Thanksgiving with me? Isn't that a +brilliant idea? I might succeed in getting a day off.</p> + +<p>"You might ask Miss West to come with you. Last summer I asked her +all about you but could get no particular information regarding +you. I saw very little of her during the summer, as she was given a +number of important assignments and covered them splendidly. I am +sorry to say she is not well liked among the other reporters. They +say she is too hard and merciless and that she is terribly +unfeeling. Of course, you would hardly see that side of her. I +should imagine she must have quite a reputation at Overton by this +time, she writes so well. Remember me to her when you see her and +deliver my invitation.</p> + +<p>"I must stop instantly or lose my train home. Let me hear from you +about Thanksgiving. Love to you and Elfreda, Miriam and Anne.</p> + +<p>"Yours, as ever,</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Mabel</span>.</p> + +<p>"P. S.—I saw Frances last week. She is engaged to be married. More +about her when I see you."</p></div> + +<p>"Doesn't it sound exactly as she talks?" smiled Anne.</p> + +<p>"I like the Thanksgiving idea," declared Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"Of course, we'll go," said Grace, looking questioningly at her friends.</p> + +<p>"Of course," repeated Miriam. "But what of Miss West?"</p> + +<p>"We might ask Patience to break the news to her," proposed Anne.</p> + +<p>"She would be doubly angry with us and say we were afraid of her," said +Elfreda. "I'll tell her if you want me to. Nothing she can say will +injure my castiron feelings."</p> + +<p>"Why not put off the evil day? It is still three weeks until +Thanksgiving. We can give her two weeks' notice, as they do in +theatrical companies," laughed Anne. "Something might happen in the +meantime to make us her bosom friends."</p> + +<p>Elfreda giggled derisively. "I'd like to see it happen, then. We could +all pursue our favorite phantoms in peace for the rest of our senior +year. She is the only disturber left. Mabel says she imagines Kathleen +must have quite a reputation at Overton by this time. She has. There +isn't a doubt of it."</p> + +<p>"Elfreda, be good," admonished Grace, laughing a little.</p> + +<p>"Be good, bad child, and let who will be naughty," paraphrased Elfreda +in a piping, affected voice.</p> + +<p>"That sounded exactly like Hippy, didn't it?" said Miriam.</p> + +<p>Grace and Anne nodded.</p> + +<p>"We ought to call her Hippy the Second," suggested Anne.</p> + +<p>"Good gracious!" gasped Elfreda, pointing a warning finger at the +mission clock on the wall. "Half-past eight, and here I sit gayly +loitering as though I had nothing else to do. How about chapel this +morning? I know you are going, Miriam. How about you, Grace and Anne?"</p> + +<p>"I am," said Anne. "Run along and get your wraps. I'll meet you +downstairs."</p> + +<p>After the three girls had gone off to chapel Grace pulled her favorite +chair over to the window and sat down to think things over. First of all +came the disturbing problem of the newspaper girl and Mabel's +invitation. From the tone of the letter it was evident that Mabel knew +nothing of the real state of affairs. Kathleen had maintained a discreet +silence. Grace felt dimly that the hard, self-centered girl had taken at +least one step in the right direction. She had gone from her freshman +year to her paper without telling tales. "I wish she'd hurry and take a +whole lot more," Grace reflected moodily, as she tried to decide whether +to write Mabel, asking her to send Kathleen a separate invitation, or to +take matters into her own hands and deliver the invitation in person. "I +know she won't go if we ask her. I can't settle that to-day. I shall +have to see Patience first. She may be able to suggest something."</p> + +<p>Grace passed on to the next worry, which was over her misunderstanding +with Arline. It was so extremely unfortunate that it should have +happened just when they had begun to talk of the Semper Fidelis fancy +dress party. She could not carry out her ideas successfully without +Arline's co-operation and help. After changing her mind several times, +Grace decided to go to Morton House and see Arline.</p> + +<p>"It really isn't my place," she ruminated, "but I can't bear to have +Arline angry with me."</p> + +<p>Last of all, Grace was troubled over the notice she had read in the +paper concerning "Larry, the Locksmith." She was certain that the man +she had seen in front of the moving picture theatre on the evening of +their little theatre party was none other than the robber in whose +capture she had been instrumental during her senior year at high school. +Should she notify the Overton authorities of her discovery? Perhaps by +this time the thief was many miles from Overton. Grace disliked the idea +of figuring even privately in the affair. Yet was it right to withhold +her knowledge? She could not determine on any particular course of +action, and with an impatient sigh at her own lack of decision in the +matter she rose from her chair and prepared to go to her first class in +anything but a cheerful frame of mind.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>KATHLEEN'S PROMISE</h3> + + +<p>"Not in, Miss," was the disappointing information Grace received from +the maid who answered the door at Morton House.</p> + +<p>"Did she leave word when she would return?" questioned Grace.</p> + +<p>"She did not, Miss. She went out with Miss Denton, and didn't say +nothin', Miss," was the discouraging reply. "An' will I tell her you was +askin' for her, Miss?"</p> + +<p>"No; I may come again this evening."</p> + +<p>Grace walked slowly down the steps and across the campus. She was not at +all sure that she would repeat her call. Dear as was Arline to her, the +inevitable reaction had set in. Now Grace's pride whispered to her that +there was no real reason why she should humble herself to her +too-easily-offended friend. It was Arline, not she, who was in the +wrong, she mused resentfully. She was rather glad, after all, that +Arline had not been at home.</p> + +<p>Glancing undecidedly toward Wayne Hall, then at her watch, Grace set off +in the opposite direction at a rapid walk. It was five o'clock. She +would have time to do a little shopping in the Overton stores before +they closed. She hurried toward the nearest dry goods store, so intent +upon reaching there that she paid little or no attention to the people +she passed in the street.</p> + +<p>Shopping at this late hour proved a comparatively easy matter. Here and +there a belated customer might be seen wandering from counter to +counter, but the day's business was practically finished and the +saleswomen were busily counting their sales or conversing with their +nearest neighbors in low tones. It was ten minutes to six when Grace, +inwardly congratulating herself on having been able to do so much +shopping in so short a space of time, hurried to the ribbon counter. +Blue velvet ribbon was the last item on her list. Then she could go home +feeling that her hour had been well spent.</p> + +<p>"We're out of that shade of blue velvet ribbon," said the saleswoman, +glancing at the sample Grace held out to her. "Everybody's been buying +it. It's on order. Have it in next week."</p> + +<p>Grace left the store almost on the run and hurried into a shop farther +down the street, only to meet with the same disappointing reply. Three +blocks farther on was the "French Shop." Grace was sure of finding it +there, but was equally sure it would be infinitely more expensive. +Still, she only needed a yard and a half. She was about to enter the +shop, when the stocky figure of a man just ahead of her sent a sudden +thrill of apprehension through her. There was something unpleasantly +familiar about the round shoulders and slouching walk. Forgetting her +errand, Grace began following him, keeping not more than twenty feet +behind him. As he neared the first cross street the man glanced +furtively about him, then, turning into the intersecting street, hurried +on, almost at a run. Grace, bent only on seeing the stranger's face, +unhesitatingly dogged his footsteps. It was now after six o 'clock and +growing darker with every moment. Block after block they went, but now +Grace kept a distance of a hundred feet or more between herself and the +man she was following. She observed rather anxiously that they were +nearing the end of Main Street, where the houses were fewer and farther +apart.</p> + +<p>All at once her quarry stopped short and peered sharply about him +through the gathering twilight. Grace strolled on at a leisurely pace, +though her heart beat violently. Suppose instead of going on he were to +turn and walk toward her. Grace trembled a little. She was drawing +altogether too near to him to suit her. She was now positive that he was +"Larry, the Locksmith." Suddenly the man left the sidewalk and started +across a field used in the summer by the small boys of Overton as a +playground.</p> + +<p>This ended the pursuit as far as Grace was concerned. Stepping behind a +tree at the edge of the field she strained her eyes to watch the hulking +figure as it moved swiftly on. Then she gave a little exclamation of +surprise and triumph. The man was hurrying up the steps of a dingy +little house that stood at the end of a row of similar houses which +bounded the side of the field directly opposite where she stood. Again +consulting her watch, she hesitated. It was almost seven o'clock, and +she was at least a mile from Wayne Hall. Anne would wonder at her +absence, for she had left no word regarding her call upon Arline. She +would be more than likely to miss her dinner. Mrs. Elwood's dinner hour +was from half-past five until seven o'clock. She rigidly refused to +serve meals to those who came later.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="img2" id="img2"></a> +<img src="images/img2.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>Grace Stepped Behind a Tree.</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>"I can't possibly make it," mused Grace. "I'll run into Vinton's for +dinner. All this comes of playing sleuth." She laughed softly at her own +remark, then her face grew grave. "What shall I do?" she thought. "It is +my duty to tell the authorities, but I promised Father after the class +money was found that I'd never meddle in any such affair again. Yet here +I am, on the outskirts of Overton, trailing an escaped convict as though +my bread and butter depended upon it. If I could only turn over this +affair to some one else, and let him do the rest, I'd be perfectly +satisfied."</p> + +<p>On the way to Vinton's, Grace reluctantly decided to go in person to the +police station and report her discovery to the Chief of Police. "It is +only right," she argued. "I will simply tell them the facts and ask them +to keep my part in the affair a secret. Then I'll write Father and tell +him about it. Perhaps I ought to write him first. But if I wait for his +answer it may be too late. I'll go and report my news as soon as I have +had my dinner."</p> + +<p>Grace did not enjoy her solitary meal. To her, the chief charm of a +dinner at Vinton's consisted in eating it with her friends. The smart +little restaurant seemed unusually quiet. There were not more than half +a dozen persons dining there and only two of the half dozen were Overton +girls. It was less than a week until Thanksgiving. It looked as though +the girls were practicing economy. This accounted for the slim +patronage. Grace ate her dinner with one eye on the door, vainly hoping +for the entrance of some one she knew. But no one of her friends +appeared, and without waiting for dessert she asked the waitress for her +check and left the restaurant to go on her disagreeable errand.</p> + +<p>It was not a long walk to the police station, and Grace resolved to go +there with all possible speed. She wished to be able to dismiss the +affair from her mind at the earliest moment. She had reached the cross +street on which the station house was situated and was about to turn +into it when she almost collided with a young woman who gave a smothered +exclamation of annoyance and hurried on. As they came together directly +under the rays of the arc light, they could scarcely help recognizing +each other.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon," called Grace after the hurrying figure. Then with a +sudden flash of inspiration she called, "Miss West, please wait a +minute."</p> + +<p>The figure halted, and in the next second Grace confronted the coldly +inquiring eyes of the newspaper girl.</p> + +<p>"Would you like a real news item for your paper?" she asked impulsively.</p> + +<p>Kathleen regarded her with an expression of mingled incredulity and +contempt which changed to one of lively displeasure. "Do you believe +that I would accept anything from you?" she asked tensely.</p> + +<p>"I never thought of that," returned Grace, her color rising. "I was +thinking only of the story. Suppose for once we put aside everything +personal. I have something to tell you that cannot fail to be of +interest to you. Will you forget that I am Grace Harlowe and listen to +me?"</p> + +<p>Grace's earnestness impressed Kathleen against her will. She hesitated +briefly, then said in a low voice, "I will listen to you."</p> + +<p>Grace began with the story of the bazaar given on the Thanksgiving +afternoon and evening of her senior year in high school. She related +briefly the theft of the strong box containing the bazaar money, the +unsuccessful attempts of the police to apprehend the thief, the finding +of the money by her and Eleanor Savelli and the capture of the thief by +the Oakdale police in the haunted house.</p> + +<p>Kathleen listened to Grace's rapidly told narrative with growing +interest.</p> + +<p>When she came to the trial of the thief and his recognition by the +officers as "Larry, the Locksmith," Kathleen interrupted excitedly: +"Why, that's the man who has escaped from prison. The police of all the +large cities have been ordered to watch for him. He is an exceptionally +clever criminal who has always escaped until that time in Oakdale. And +to think it was you who were responsible for his capture! I remember the +affair. It was my first year on the paper. One of our reporters was sent +on to interview this Larry. He laid his capture to the fact of his +having been foolish enough to waste his time in a small town."</p> + +<p>The newspaper girl had now become eager and animated. Her black eyes +gleamed with excitement. "Did you know he had escaped?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Grace. "That is the part I am going to tell you. He is +here in Overton. I saw him to-night."</p> + +<p>"You saw him?" questioned Kathleen, her eyes wide with astonishment.</p> + +<p>Grace nodded. "To-night and one evening last week, too. I wasn't sure +then. But to-night I knew him. I followed him to a house on the +outskirts of Overton. Then I came back to notify the police. I was on my +way to the station when I met you. Don't you imagine it will make a good +newspaper story if the police capture him?"</p> + +<p>"Great!" exclaimed Kathleen.</p> + +<p>"Then come with me to the station house while I make my report. The +officers will surely visit the house where he is hiding at once. If they +do, you can telegraph your story to-night in time for the first edition +in the morning." Grace had started toward the station house while she +was speaking. Kathleen kept close at her side.</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment," said Grace, as they ascended the stone steps of the +station house. "I almost forgot to tell you. You may use the Oakdale +part of the story as you heard it at the time it happened, but my name +must not be used in your write-up. I shall, of course, tell the chief +the whole story in confidence. Nor do I wish my name used in the story +of the man's apprehension, provided he is captured. It ought to make a +good story in itself without any reference to me. I wish you to give the +chief the first information, then you can truthfully say that you did so +when you write it."</p> + +<p>"But it won't sound half so exciting as it would with you in it," +protested Kathleen. "I need all the data concerning you to make a big +story of it."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry," declared Grace, "but I promised Father never to become +involved in any such affair again. He and Mother would be dreadfully +displeased if my name appeared in the newspapers in connection with +anything of that sort."</p> + +<p>"But I shall use my name," argued Kathleen. "It will be a great help to +me in my profession."</p> + +<p>"That is different. If I were interested in newspaper work I shouldn't +care, either. I must ask you on your honor not to use my name."</p> + +<p>"Very well," answered Kathleen slowly, a curious light leaping into her +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," replied Grace, with a friendly smile. "Remember, you are to +be the first to tell the news."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>KATHLEEN'S GREAT STORY</h3> + + +<p>The inside of the Overton police station closely resembled that of +Oakdale. There was the same style of high desk, the same row of chairs +against the wall. Grace hoped the chief would be as easy to approach as +was her old friend, Chief Burroughs, at home. There was but one man to +be seen, an officer, who sat writing at a small table in one corner of +the room.</p> + +<p>Kathleen pointed to a half-open door leading into an inner room on which +appeared the word "Private."</p> + +<p>Grace nodded: then, confidently approaching the officer, asked if the +Chief of Police were in. For answer the officer simply motioned with one +hand toward the half-open door and went on with his writing.</p> + +<p>Chief of Police Ellis glanced up in surprise to see two strange young +women standing in the door of his private office.</p> + +<p>"Are you the Chief of Police, and may we come into your office for a +moment?" questioned Grace politely.</p> + +<p>"Come in, by all means," responded the chief heartily. He was a kindly, +middle-age man, whose voice and manner invited confidence. "What can I +do for you, young ladies?"</p> + +<p>Grace turned to Kathleen, who at once poured forth the story of the +appearance of "Larry, the Locksmith" in Overton, of his recognition and +of how he had been traced to his hiding place.</p> + +<p>At first Chief Ellis had looked incredulous over Kathleen's strange +statement.</p> + +<p>"How can you be sure he is the man if you have never seen him?" he asked +shrewdly. "We can't afford to arrest the wrong man, you know."</p> + +<p>Kathleen looked appealingly at Grace.</p> + +<p>"You have a daughter in the freshman class, haven't you, Chief!" asked +Grace, coming to the newspaper girl's rescue.</p> + +<p>"Yes," smiled the chief. "I thought you were Overton girls."</p> + +<p>"I am Miss Harlowe of the senior class. This is Miss West, a sophomore. +You would not wish your daughter's name to be used in police court news, +would you?"</p> + +<p>Chief Ellis made an emphatic gesture of negation. "No!" he answered.</p> + +<p>"Then I am sure you will keep secret what I am about to tell you." Grace +then explained the situation, beginning with the theft of the class +money in Oakdale and ending with her trailing of the thief to his hiding +place.</p> + +<p>"Well, I declare!" exclaimed the chief. "This is a most remarkable +story. However, I am willing to proceed on the strength of it. I'll have +three men on the way to capture 'Larry' within the next fifteen minutes. +You young ladies had better go home. You can call me on the telephone +every half hour until the men come in. I'll keep you posted. If they get +him at once, you can get word to your paper to-night," he assured +Kathleen. "You must be a pretty smart girl to be going to college and +holding a newspaper job at the same time."</p> + +<p>Instead of going to Wayne Hall to await word from the chief, the two +girls first made arrangements with the telegraph operator at the depot +office to wire the story. Kathleen also sent a telegram to her paper. +Then they had begun their anxious vigil in the drug store on the corner +above the station. An hour later their watch ended. The three officers +returned with a snarling, raging prisoner securely handcuffed to one of +their number.</p> + +<p>"They've captured him!" cried Kathleen, "and now my work begins in +earnest." While they had been waiting the newspaper girl had employed +the time in writing rapidly in a note book she carried. Grace would have +liked to see what she wrote, but now that the first excitement had +passed she felt the old constraint rising between them like a wall.</p> + +<p>"Do you care if I don't wait for you in the telegraph office?" asked +Grace. "I'll go as far as the door with you. Then I think I had better +go on to the Hall. Anne will be worried about me."</p> + +<p>Kathleen assented to her plan with a look of immeasurable relief which +Grace was not slow to observe, but misconstrued entirely. "I suppose she +doesn't wish to be bothered while she sends in her story," was Grace's +thought as they left the drug store.</p> + +<p>"Good night. I thank you for helping me," said Kathleen in a perfunctory +tone as she turned to go into the office. "It is going to be a great +story."</p> + +<p>"You are very welcome," responded Grace. "Good night, and good luck to +you."</p> + +<p>Three anxious-faced girls were waiting for Grace in her room, and as she +opened the door they pounced upon her in a body.</p> + +<p>"Grace, Grace, you naughty girl, where have you been?" cried Anne. "I am +sure my hair has turned gray watching for you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, give an account of yourself," commanded Elfreda. "Have you no +respect for our feelings?"</p> + +<p>"Did you imagine no one would miss you?" was Miriam's question.</p> + +<p>"I will answer your questions in order," laughed Grace. "I've been out +on important business, I have the deepest respect for your feelings, and +I know that my friends always miss me."</p> + +<p>"Spoken like a soldier and a gentleman," commended Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"Which is quite remarkable, considering the fact that I am neither," +retorted Grace.</p> + +<p>"Grace, what on earth have you been doing?" Anne's face grew sober. +There was a subdued excitement in her friend's manner that had not +escaped her notice.</p> + +<p>"Anne, I cannot tell a lie," returned Grace lightly. "I've been to the +police station."</p> + +<p>The three girls stared at Grace in amazement.</p> + +<p>"Let me see," mumbled Elfreda. "Have I transgressed the law lately, or +had any arguments with Grace? This looks suspicious."</p> + +<p>"Don't tease me, and promise you will never tell any one what I'm about +to say. Hold up your right hands, all of you."</p> + +<p>Three right hands were promptly raised.</p> + +<p>"Now, I'll tell you about it," declared Grace, "and please bear in mind, +before I begin, that venerable old saw about truth being stranger than +fiction."</p> + +<p>"I knew something startling had happened," declared Anne, when Grace had +concluded. "I read it in your face."</p> + +<p>"Oh, why wasn't I with you?" was Elfreda's regretful cry. "I have always +longed to be concerned in a real melodrama."</p> + +<p>Miriam, alone, made no comment. She regarded Grace with an intent gaze +that made the latter ask quickly: "What is the matter, Miriam? Don't you +approve of my evening's work? I know Father and Mother won't. I must +write them to-morrow. Still, I could hardly have done otherwise."</p> + +<p>"Of course you couldn't," assured Miriam. "I don't disapprove of what +you did. You behaved in true Grace Harlowe fashion."</p> + +<p>"Then what made you look at me so strangely?" persisted Grace.</p> + +<p>"If I looked at you strangely, then I beg your pardon," smiled Miriam. +"It shall not happen again."</p> + +<p>Grace smiled faintly, yet her intuition told her that Miriam had +purposely turned her question aside.</p> + +<p>No account of the recapture of "Larry, the Locksmith" appeared in the +morning paper. But in the evening paper a full account was published. +Grace had waited apprehensively for the evening edition, which was +usually out by four o 'clock in the afternoon. She purchased a paper of +the boy who stationed himself daily at the southeast corner of the +campus, but purposely delayed opening it until she reached her room. +Then almost fearfully she unfolded it, with her three friends looking +over her shoulder.</p> + +<p>The article began with the flaring headline, "A Desperate Criminal +Recaptured." Grace glanced rapidly down the column, then gave an audible +murmur of relief. "We aren't mentioned. I shall always have a +superlatively good opinion of Chief Ellis. He kept his word to me +absolutely. Now I shan't mind writing Father."</p> + +<p>"If I had done what you did, I'd insist upon having my name in extra +large type, and a portrait and biographical sketch of myself as well," +was Elfreda's modest declaration.</p> + +<p>"No, you wouldn't, and you know it," contradicted Grace.</p> + +<p>"Well, I might not go as far as the portrait, but I should certainly +have the biographical sketch."</p> + +<p>"I am going to entertain to-night in honor of Grace," announced Miriam. +"Shall I invite some of the other girls, or shall we four celebrate in +solitary state?"</p> + +<p>"Don't invite any outsiders this time," said Elfreda. "Then we'll be +free to talk over our visit to Mabel and anything else we choose."</p> + +<p>"There is one person who really ought to be invited," broke in Grace, +with conviction. "I mean Kathleen West. Then we can deliver Mabel's +invitation to her. I have an idea that she won't refuse to go to New +York with us. I hope she will be different from now on. It would be +simply splendid to glide peacefully through the rest of one's senior +year without a single hitch, wouldn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Have you seen her since last night?" asked Anne.</p> + +<p>Grace shook her head. "I knocked on her door at noon, but neither she +nor Patience was in. I saw Patience afterward, and she said Kathleen had +hurried through her luncheon and gone. I don't think Patience knew +anything about last night. If she had known, she would have mentioned +it. I will try to see Kathleen before dinner."</p> + +<p>"You will have to hurry if you do. It is almost time for the dinner bell +now," said Elfreda. "You might ask Patience, too."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll go at once. Wait for me. I'll be back in a minute. Then +we can go down to dinner together."</p> + +<p>Grace knocked lightly upon the door of the end room. It was opened by +Kathleen herself.</p> + +<p>"Good evening. Won't you come in?" Kathleen's voice was as cold and +unfriendly as it had formerly been.</p> + +<p>"Good evening." Somewhat puzzled at Kathleen's return to her old, +cavalier manner, Grace hardly knew how to proceed. "Did you see today's +paper?" she asked, by way of beginning.</p> + +<p>"Which paper?" was the brusque inquiry.</p> + +<p>"Why, the 'Evening Journal,' of course."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" Kathleen's tense expression relaxed a trifle. "Yes, I saw it."</p> + +<p>"I am so glad Chief Ellis kept his word. I hope you were on time with +your New York story."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. It went through nicely!" Kathleen answered in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"I just stopped for a moment to ask you to come to a little +jollification in Miriam's room to-night. We want Patience, too."</p> + +<p>"Miss Eliot went to Westbrook this afternoon. She will not return until +to-morrow morning. As for me, I thank you, but it will be impossible for +me to come. I have another engagement."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry," returned Grace. "Perhaps, under the circumstances, I had +better deliver another invitation I have for you at once. I recently +received a letter from Miss Ashe inviting us to spend Thanksgiving at +her home in New York. She wished me to extend her invitation to you, +also. Mabel does not know——" began Grace. Then her face reddened and +she ceased abruptly.</p> + +<p>Kathleen, understanding the flush, said dryly: "Miss Ashe is very kind +to think of me. However, it is out of the question for me to accept her +invitation. I will write her to-night. It is strange she did not write +me, too."</p> + +<p>"She has been extremely busy," retorted Grace, her face flushing a still +deeper red at Kathleen's rudeness. "She invited Miriam, Elfreda and Anne +the same way."</p> + +<p>"That has nothing to do with me," declared Kathleen. "If you will be so +kind, you might say in your letter to her that I will write her within a +few days." She kept her face half averted, her eyes refusing to meet +Grace's.</p> + +<p>"Very well." Grace felt her anger rising. She turned from the door, +which closed almost in her face, and went back to her room hurt and +indignant.</p> + +<p>"Refused and trampled upon as well," declared Elfreda after one glance +at Grace's stormy eyes. "Never mind, Grace. I wouldn't let a little +thing like that worry me. I wouldn't even think about it."</p> + +<p>Grace gave a short laugh. "Of course 'you could see,'" she mimicked.</p> + +<p>"I'd be blind if I couldn't," grinned Elfreda. "The look in your eyes +tells the story."</p> + +<p>"You are right, as usual. She has frozen again. She is icier than ever."</p> + +<p>"Where's Patience?" asked Anne.</p> + +<p>"Gone to Westbrook. Won't be back until to-morrow. If she were here she +might prevail upon Kathleen to behave reasonably."</p> + +<p>"We four have been known to enjoy ourselves together without adding to +our number," observed Elfreda in a dry tone. "I think I could live +without her."</p> + +<p>Grace brightened. "Oh, wise and superwise Elfreda, in your words lurk +the essence of truth. We four will have one of our own special brand of +good times to-night. See, I throw all my cares to the winds." Grace +waved her arms as though to cast Care from her. "I have tried to solve +the mystery of the mysterious Kathleen and it is beyond me. I hoped +after last night that she would be different from then on, but to-day +she is more provoking than ever. I shall say nothing of her in my letter +to Mabel, except that I delivered the invitation, but when we go to +Mabel's for Thanksgiving if she asks for an explanation of certain +things I shall not hesitate to give it."</p> + +<p>"That is the way I like to hear you talk," approved Elfreda. "I don't +mean the 'wise and superwise Elfreda' part. I'm not so conceited, I +hope. But it is high time you let that Kathleen West meander along to +suit her own tricky little self. She hasn't an iota of Overton spirit +nor a shred of conscience, and instead of appreciating your kind offices +she is far more likely to repay you by dragging you into something +unpleasant. I could see by Miriam's expression when you told us about +the capture of that man that she thought you had trusted Kathleen too +far, too."</p> + +<p>"I confess I was thinking that very thing," laughed Miriam, "but how +Elfreda guessed it is more than I can see."</p> + +<p>"But the man has been captured, the story has appeared in the Overton +paper and Kathleen has kept her word about not mentioning me in +connection with the affair," protested Grace. "Nothing unpleasant can +possibly happen now."</p> + +<p>But Grace was destined to realize before many hours passed that she had +been over-confident.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>TREACHERY</h3> + + +<p>The morning after the party in Miriam's room Grace lingered in the +living room at Wayne Hall long enough to dash off her letter of +acceptance of Mabel Ashe's invitation for Thanksgiving. She was on the +point of slipping it into the envelope when the loud ringing of the door +bell caused her to start. A moment later she heard the maid say: "Miss +Harlowe? I'll see if she's in her room."</p> + +<p>"Here I am," called Grace, stepping into the hall. "Oh, I see. A special +delivery letter for me from Mabel." Grace signed the postman's book, +then, closing the hall door, hurried into the living room to read her +letter. Opening it, she drew out not only the letter but a folded +newspaper clipping as well. The clipping fluttered to the floor. Grace +stooped mechanically to pick it up, her eyes on the open letter. A +mystified expression crept into her face as she read that gradually +changed to one of consternation. With a sharp cry of dismay, she let the +letter fall from her hands, while she fumbled with the clipping in a +nervous effort to unfold it.</p> + +<p>One glance at the headline that confronted her and Grace's gray eyes +grew black with anger. "How dared she do it! How could she be so +contemptible!" Snatching the letter from the table Grace dashed up the +stairs to her room. Tears of rage glistened in her eyes. She stood in +the middle of the floor with set teeth, closing and unclosing her +fingers in an effort to regain her self-control. "I won't cry over it. I +won't. I won't," she kept repeating to herself. "She isn't worth my +tears. But Father and Mother will be so hurt and displeased. I ought +never to have tried to help her. I might have known she wouldn't play +fairly."</p> + +<p>Grace flung herself into a chair and again began a perusal of the +disturbing clipping. "Pretty Senior Plays Sleuth," she read. "Larry, the +Locksmith, Captured." A tide of crimson swept over her face as she read +further. "Overton College Girl Tracks Dangerous Criminal to His Lair. If +Miss Grace Harlowe, a senior at Overton College, had not been possessed +of a remarkably good memory for faces, Lawrence Baines, known to the +underworld as 'Larry, the Locksmith,' would undoubtedly be at large +to-day. Miss Harlowe, whose home is in Oakdale——"</p> + +<p>With a despairing groan, Grace dashed the clipping to the floor, and +springing to her feet began walking nervously up and down the room. She +had not dreamed that Kathleen could find it in her heart to behave so +despicably. She had shamefully abused the confidence that Grace had +reposed in her for what seemed in Grace's eyes to be an infinitesimally +small gain. Her cheeks burned as she thought of the thousands of people +who had seen her name blazoned at the head of a column of police court +news. Her father always bought the very paper in which it stood on his +way to the office in the morning. He had, of course, seen it. He now +knew that she had broken her word.</p> + +<p>A sob rose to her lips, then she threw back her head with an air of +resolution and, hastily drawing her chair in front of the table, seized +her fountain pen, and opening it with an energy that left several ink +spots on her white silk blouse, began a letter to her father. For an +hour she continued to write steadily, covering sheet after sheet of +paper. At last she signed her name, and with a mournful sigh folded her +letter, slipping it into the envelope without reading it. Putting on her +wraps, she left the house and hurried to the post office, where she sent +her letter by special delivery.</p> + +<p>But another task still lay before her. Grace's fine face hardened. It +was not a pleasant task, but it would have to be done. She hoped the +newspaper girl would be in her room, and she hoped Patience had not yet +returned from Westbrook. Grace rang the bell at Wayne Hall with more +zeal than was strictly necessary, thereby exciting a scowl from the maid +who answered the door. She peeped into the living room, but Kathleen was +not among the girls there.</p> + +<p>At the head of the stairs she halted. The door of Kathleen's room was +closed. "Is she at home, or not?" Grace paused before the door and +rapped sharply. There was a moment of silence, then a quick, light step +sounded inside and the door was opened by Kathleen herself. Her usually +pale face became flooded with color as she met the steady light of +Grace's scornful eyes. Rallying all her forces, she returned the +disconcerting gaze with one of defiant bravado. "Oh, good afternoon," +she said, setting her lips in a straight line, a veritable danger +signal.</p> + +<p>Without stopping to choose her words, Grace cried out: "How could you do +it? You knew I wished no mention to be made of my name. You promised not +to use it."</p> + +<p>Kathleen eyed her with a contemptuous smile. "My dear Miss Harlowe, you +must be very obtuse to imagine even for an instant that I would spoil a +good story by writing only what you gave me permission to write. What do +you know of the requirements of my paper, or of the style in which a +story should be written? The story was too good to let pass. I knew, +though, that you would never consent to allowing me to use your name. So +I said 'Very well,' and used it. 'Very well' can hardly be construed as +a promise."</p> + +<p>The smiling insolence of the other girl's manner was almost too much for +Grace's self-control. Twice she essayed to speak, but the words would +not come. When she did find her voice she was dimly surprised at its +tense evenness.</p> + +<p>"Miss West, I made clear to you in the beginning my reason for not +wishing you to use my name in connection with what occurred in Oakdale +or in any other story you might write. I gave you the news I had +stumbled upon willingly. Why could you not have written a clever, +interesting story without betraying my confidence?"</p> + +<p>"Don't attempt to take me to task for not living up to some ridiculous +standard of yours," returned Kathleen savagely. "If you did not wish to +see yourself in print, you were extremely silly to tell your tale to a +representative of the press. To gather news for my paper is my business. +Do you understand? I shall use whatever information comes my way, unless +some good reason arises for not using it."</p> + +<p>"As in the case of your Christmas story last year, which you decided at +the last moment not to send," supplemented Grace with quiet contempt.</p> + +<p>Kathleen did not reply. Grace's remark had struck home. She had not +forgotten her treacherous attempt to spoil Arline's and Grace's +Christmas plans of the year before.</p> + +<p>"Even in the face of last year I did not believe you capable of such +treachery," continued Grace, her youthful voice very stern. "I am in a +measure to blame for having trusted you. I should have known better."</p> + +<p>The newspaper girl winced at this thrust, but said nothing.</p> + +<p>"And to think," Grace went on bitterly, "that I broke my promise to my +father for a girl so devoid of loyalty and honor that she could not +understand the first principle of fair play!"</p> + +<p>Grace's bitter denunciation aroused fully the other girl's deep-seated +resentment against her. "Leave this room," she cried out, her voice +rising, her eyes snapping with rage. "Don't ever come here again. This +room belongs to me——"</p> + +<p>"And also to me," said a quiet voice from the doorway. "What seems to be +the trouble here?" Patience Eliot walked into the room, traveling bag in +hand. She surveyed the two girls with considerable curiosity.</p> + +<p>Without answering, Kathleen turned abruptly and walked to the window, +her favorite method of showing her utter contempt of a situation. +Patience bent an inquiring gaze on Grace, whose eyes met hers +unflinchingly.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, Patience, if I don't answer your question," returned Grace. +"Perhaps Miss West will answer you after I am gone. This much I may say. +She has ordered me not to come again to this room. Therefore, although I +am very fond of you, I feel that it won't be right for me to come here +to see you. Will you come into our room as often as you can and forgive +me for staying away from yours?"</p> + +<p>Without waiting for an answer, Grace slipped from the room, leaving +Patience to stare speculatively after her, then at the tense little +figure in the window.</p> + +<p>Before she had time to address Kathleen, the latter wheeled about, +sneering and defiant. "If you are so anxious to know what the trouble is +go and ask your dear friend, Miss Harlowe. She will tell you quickly +enough behind my back. Oh, I despise a hypocrite!"</p> + +<p>"I cannot allow you to call Grace Harlowe a hypocrite," said Patience +evenly, though her blue eyes flashed. "Whatever has happened I am quite +sure is not Grace's fault."</p> + +<p>"Then it must be mine," was Kathleen's contemptuous retort. "Why don't +you speak plainly and say what you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Very well, I will speak plainly," declared Patience. "I am sure you +must have insulted Grace deeply or she would not refuse to come to my +room again. I am not going to ask you to tell me what has happened, and +I know that I shall not hear it from Grace unless I insist on knowing +the truth. The very fact that you are at fault will be sufficient to tie +Grace's tongue. However, I shall ask Grace to tell me, as her refusal to +come to this room again, is my affair, too."</p> + +<p>"Your faith in Miss Harlowe is touching," sneered the newspaper girl.</p> + +<p>"I only wish I had the same faith in you," returned Patience gravely. +And Kathleen could think of no answer to Patience's significant words.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>THE INVITATION</h3> + + +<p>Neither Grace nor Kathleen went to their classes that morning. Feeling +reasonably certain that the newspaper girl was in the wrong, Patience +made no further effort toward discovering the nature of the quarrel. She +unpacked her bag, putting away its contents in her usual methodical +manner without so much as a glance in Kathleen's direction. Then, taking +her note book, she went quietly out to her class in English, leaving her +roommate still standing at the window, her very back expressing defiant +animosity.</p> + +<p>Once in her room, Grace reread Mabel Ashe's note. She now understood its +import.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">"My Dear Grace</span>:—</p> + +<p>"Words cannot tell you how sorry I am for what has occurred. I did +not know until it was too late. The edition had gone to press. I am +afraid I couldn't have helped much, for the powers that be were +delighted with the story, and that little traitor, Kathleen West, +scored a triumph. Knowing you as I do, I am sure you never gave her +permission to publish that story.</p> + +<p>"Of course, you were simply a great heroine in it, but having heard +the Oakdale part of the tale from you, and knowing of your promise +to your father, it is plain to be seen that she took advantage of +you in some way. If you haven't already delivered my invitation to +her, then don't do so. I feel deeply resentful toward her. You can +tell me the whole thing when you are with me. I shall expect you +and the girls on Wednesday evening on the train that leaves Overton +between two and three o'clock in the afternoon. You know the one I +mean. I'll look it up in the time table before Wednesday.</p> + +<p>"If you happen to know one extra-delightful girl who has no +Thanksgiving plans ask her to come, too. Frances can't arrange to +be with us, so we need one more girl to do away with the problem of +the 'lonely fifth.' Three pairs are much nicer than two and a half. +The half always seems out of things. Of course, I am proceeding in +the belief that K. W. won't come now, even if you have invited her. +If she has a shred of delicacy in her cheeky little composition, +she will stay away.</p> + +<p>"I must stop now and rush off on the trail of a much-feted +debutante of whose engagement I have heard canny rumors. Until +Wednesday.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">"Mabel."</span></p></div> + +<p>"What a darling Mabel is," said Grace half aloud. "I wonder who I had +better invite." Arline's pretty, wilful face rose before her. She would +have liked to ask Arline, but that was out of the question. There was +Ruth, but Ruth and Arline were too closely associated to be separated. +Suddenly she remembered Patience. "The very girl!" she exclaimed. "I'll +go and ask her now. Oh, no, I can't. I said I wouldn't go into her room +again. Never mind, I will see her at luncheon."</p> + +<p>Grace made it a point to be the first girl in the dining room at +luncheon, and when Patience appeared beckoned her to the seat beside +her. "Sit here," she invited. "Emma won't be in. She is going to Morton +House for luncheon; she told me so."</p> + +<p>Patience slipped into the vacant seat. "I would like to have a talk with +you after luncheon," she said in a guarded voice.</p> + +<p>"Then come into my room," returned Grace softly.</p> + +<p>During the progress of the meal Kathleen West appeared, silent and +morose. She nodded slightly to several girls, favored Grace and Patience +with an unspeakably insolent glance, then turned her undivided attention +to her luncheon.</p> + +<p>"Why won't you tell me what happened?" was Patience's abrupt question +when Grace had beckoned her into her room and closed the door. "She is +my roommate, you see, and unless you enlighten me as to the nature of +her crime I shall not know just how to proceed with her."</p> + +<p>"I don't like to tell tales," demurred Grace. "Still, I believe I am +justified in repeating the story to you, Patience. You have no illusions +regarding Kathleen."</p> + +<p>"None whatever," smiled Patience, but a disapproving frown wrinkled her +forehead at the recital of Kathleen's treachery. "It was abominable in +her," she said when Grace had finished. "And I had begun to assure +myself that she was improving daily, too."</p> + +<p>"She came out of her shell so beautifully the night we went to the +station house," sighed Grace. "I never dreamed she was planning +mischief. However, I have something to ask you. Here, read this letter; +then I'll talk." She tendered Mabel's letter to her friend.</p> + +<p>Patience held out her hand for it, then glanced rapidly through it. +"This is from the much-worshipped Miss Ashe, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. We four are going to spend Thanksgiving with her, and, Patience, I +should like to have you go with us. Won't you please be the +'extra-delightful girl' and say you'll go?"</p> + +<p>"Why—why!" Patience, usually cool and unemotional, colored with +pleasure. "Are you sure you really want me? I should be delighted to go. +It is very sweet in you to ask me, Grace."</p> + +<p>"Not in the least. It's very jolly in you to accept so promptly. There +is now only one hitch in the programme. I have already delivered Mabel's +invitation to Kathleen."</p> + +<p>"She won't go," predicted Patience. "She may be lawless, but she is too +wise to make any such mistake."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Patience's prediction, however, seemed destined not to carry far. To the +amazement of the five young women who waited on the station platform for +the coming of the New York train on Wednesday afternoon, the newspaper +girl, suit case in hand, walked serenely into view just as the train was +heard whistling around a bend half a mile below the station.</p> + +<p>"She is actually going to inflict herself upon us," muttered Elfreda in +disgust. Grace had briefly explained the situation to her three friends.</p> + +<p>Just then Kathleen's eyes came to rest on the little group. A flash of +surprised anger flitted across her moody face as she espied Patience, +then, with an eloquent shrug of her shoulders, she marched off toward +the other end of the train.</p> + +<p>"My doom is sealed," remarked Patience dryly. "Nothing can put our +shattered acquaintance together again."</p> + +<p>"I knew she wouldn't go with us even for spite," declared Grace wearily. +"Now, suppose we dismiss her from our minds. I, for one, wish to enjoy +our Thanksgiving vacation with Mabel. I may as well tell you that I am +still very angry with Miss West, and for the first time in my life I +know what it means to be unforgiving."</p> + +<p>Grace spoke with bitterness. In her letter to her father she had asked +him to telegraph her that he forgave her. She had lingered at Wayne Hall +until the last moment, but had received no word from him. Now she would +not know until she returned from New York. To be sure, she would try to +dismiss the whole thing from her mind, but at times it rose before her +like a dark shadow, shutting out for the moment the pleasure of her +holiday, and causing her to feel gloomy and depressed.</p> + +<p>During the journey to New York nothing was seen of Kathleen, who had +taken good care not to enter the same car in which the five girls had +secured seats. Grace saw her again for an instant when, at the end of +the journey, the throng of passengers surged toward the iron gates that +separated them from the friends who stood anxiously awaiting their +arrival.</p> + +<p>Elfreda's keen eyes were the first to catch sight of Mabel. "There she +is, girls! Doesn't she look beautiful?"</p> + +<p>Mabel Ashe's charming face smiled an eager welcome as she hurried +forward with both hands outstretched to greet the travelers.</p> + +<p>"You dear things!" she cried; "I began to believe I should never see any +of you again. Hurry right along. Our car is waiting and we are going to +break all the speed laws and be home in time for dinner."</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment," laughed Grace. "This is the 'extra-delightful girl.'" +Grace introduced Patience to Mabel. A long, searching glance passed +between the two young women, then their hands met in a strong clasp that +betokened mutual liking.</p> + +<p>"I am sure we shall be friends," declared Mabel.</p> + +<p>"No surer than I am," smiled Patience. "I have heard so much about you."</p> + +<p>"Grace wrote me about you, too," returned Mabel warmly. "I am so pleased +that you could come. This way to the car, everyone." She led them +through the station to where numerous automobiles were drawn up to the +sidewalk. "There is our car." She pointed to a roomy dark blue car. "Hop +in," she directed. "The sooner we reach home the longer we'll have to +talk. I am not going to the office again until the afternoon following +Thanksgiving. I begged so hard I was allowed a vacation for once."</p> + +<p>In what seemed to Grace an incredibly brief space of time, the distance +between the station and the Ashes' winter home far out on Riverside +Drive was covered. The five guests could not help feeling a trifle +impressed at sight of the great stone house which Mabel called home. +During her college days it was Mabel's lovable personality that had +enshrined her so deeply in the hearts of the students at Overton. The +knowledge that her father was a millionaire carried little weight. This +thought occurred to Grace as they filed through the massive door of the +vestibule and into the beautiful hall furnished in English fashion. A +back log glowed ruddily in the big open fireplace, and the flickering +flames crackled a welcome.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't allow James to turn on the lights. I wished you to see the +hall just as it is. I love it when the shadows begin to gather, and only +the firelight glows and gleams! Those andirons are very old. They +belonged to one of my ancestors. There are a lot of old things in the +garret. What garret is not full of antiques?"</p> + +<p>"Ours," returned Elfreda promptly. "We belong to that despised class, +'nouveau riche,' therefore we are extremely short on noted ancestors and +relics and things."</p> + +<p>"There is nothing like perfect frankness, is there?" laughed Patience. +"Never mind, Elfreda, it isn't ancestors that count."</p> + +<p>"It is dinner that counts, or ought to count, just now. I am going to +whisk you upstairs to your rooms, and give you ten minutes for repairs, +then, 'down to dinner you must go, you must go,'" chanted Mabel, winding +her arm about Grace's waist and drawing her toward the stairway. "Follow +us and you won't be sorry. We have a lift if two flights of stairs +dismay you."</p> + +<p>"Lead on," commanded Miriam.</p> + +<p>"Which will you choose, to room together or alone?"</p> + +<p>"Together!" was the united response.</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment," said Anne. "I wish to ask you, Mabel, if you would +object to rooming with Grace. I have roomed with her so long that I feel +as though I"—with a mischievous glance at Grace's amazed face, Anne +finished in a deliberate tone—"were very selfish. So I thought perhaps +you would appreciate an opportunity to have her to yourself, too."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" ejaculated Elfreda. "I thought you were going to say you were +tired of Grace."</p> + +<p>"So did I." A smile gave place to the peculiar expression on Grace's +face. "I might have known better, though."</p> + +<p>"That is generous in you, Anne," declared Mabel "As hostess I wouldn't +have been so selfish as to propose it, but——"</p> + +<p>"Anne, if you really don't care, I would like to room with Mabel," +interposed Grace. "I have so much to tell her that the rest of you have +already heard. We can have lengthy midnight confabs without disturbing +any one but ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Then, that settles it. Room together you shall," averred Anne. "There +is no use in breaking up the Nesbit-Briggs Association. Patience, will +you accept me for a roommate?"</p> + +<p>Patience bowed exaggeratedly and offered her arm to Anne.</p> + +<p>"Come on, Grace, we'll lead the way," proposed Mabel. "I am so anxious +for you to meet Father. I expect him home at any moment." Tucking her +arm in Grace's, she led the party up the stairs and, pausing before a +half-open door, said hospitably: "Welcome all over again, children. This +room is for Elfreda and Miriam. Enter and make yourselves comfy. You and +Anne are to have the next one, Patience. My quarters are at the end of +the hall. I am going to see Grace safely there, then I'll send my maid +to you. She will be delighted to be of service to some one. I have +needed her very little since I turned newspaper woman, and she spends +the greater part of her time lamenting over the fact. Oh, I forgot to +tell you, don't trouble to dress for dinner to-night. We shall be +strictly informal. I have ordered an early dinner. We will dress +afterward. Father is going to take us to the theatre."</p> + +<p>The mere mention of Mabel's father brought to Grace's mind that which +she had been making a determined effort to forget, her father's +displeasure. Her face clouded with pain and resentment as she thought of +the girl whose treachery had brought about the first misunderstanding of +her life between her and her father.</p> + +<p>"If Father had only written me a line or sent me a telegram," she +thought sadly, winking back the tears that threatened to fall. "I must +not let Mabel imagine for a minute that I am anything but happy for +to-night, at least. If she knew how dreadfully I felt about Father it +would partly spoil her pleasure this evening. I'll try to act as though +nothing unpleasant had happened," decided Grace as she followed Mabel +into what she had termed her "quarters."</p> + +<p>Grace could not refrain from giving a soft exclamation of delight as she +gazed admiringly about the beautiful room into which she was ushered.</p> + +<p>"This is my own particular hanging-out place," laughed Mabel "When I am +at home, which is seldom, I spend most of my time in here. See my desk! +I'll tell you a secret, Grace. I am writing a novel. It's more than half +done, too. I haven't told any one else, not even Father. My greatest +trouble is not having the time to work on it. My newspaper work keeps me +busy, early and late, but I can't complain, because I am gaining all +sorts of valuable experience." Mabel talked on about her work, and as +Grace watched the sparkling, animated face of her lovely friend she felt +very sure that Mabel Ashe, at least, would never sacrifice a friend in +the interest of her paper.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>A CONGENIAL SEXTETTE</h3> + + +<p>As the five girls, escorted by Mabel, descended the broad stairs to the +hall, a tall, rather stern-faced man, whose dark hair had just a +sprinkling of gray at the temples, came forward from one end of the room +to meet them. Mabel made a joyful little rush toward him, holding his +hand in both her own. "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Girls, this is +my father. Father, let me introduce you to the nicest girls in Overton."</p> + +<p>Robert Ashe's sombre eyes smiled a kindly welcome as he looked into the +radiant young faces of his daughter's guests. As each girl was presented +to him he shook hands with her in a hearty, whole-souled way that +completely dispelled any feeling of constraint on her part.</p> + +<p>"Father, you may take Elfreda in to dinner to-night. To-morrow it will +be some one else's turn. I hope you will be here to enough meals to go +the round."</p> + +<p>"So do I," laughed Mr. Ashe, the stern look on his face disappearing, +his brown eyes looking almost boyish.</p> + +<p>Dinner proved a merry meal. The usually quiet room rang with the gay +laughter of the happy girls, who had planned to enjoy every hour of +their holiday. When dinner was over, Mr. Ashe ceremoniously invited them +to be his guests at a theatre party that night.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to make one evening dress do duty while we are here, Mabel. +We had room in our suit cases for only one, and didn't want to bring +trunks," explained Grace, as they lingered in the hall to talk for a +moment before going to their rooms to dress.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, if you run out of gowns you can wear mine," offered Mabel. +"That is, you and Miriam can. I'm not so sure of Anne and Elfreda and +Patience."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The play Mr. Ashe had selected for his guests' entertainment was one +whose strong element of human interest had early carried it into favor +with the New York audience that nightly crowded the theatre in which it +was being presented. The star, a young woman of exceptional talent, +almost a great artist, had by her remarkable portrayal of the leading +role sprung from obscurity to fame in a single night.</p> + +<p>"I am so glad we are going to see her!" exclaimed Anne, when Mabel had +announced her father's choice of play for them. "Miss Southard wrote me +about her. She played small parts in Mr. Southard's company two years +ago. He prophesied that she would some day be heard from."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it a pity the Southards aren't here this winter?" sighed Grace. +"Mr. Southard was not anxious to go to England, but he could not help +himself. It's one of the vicissitudes of an actor's life, isn't it, +Anne?"</p> + +<p>Anne nodded gravely. "It is pleasant to travel about and see what the +rest of the world is doing, but it is hard to leave home, too."</p> + +<p>"Still, you are thinking of doing it when your senior days are over, you +bad child," interposed Grace slyly. "I warn you, you will meet with +strenuous opposition."</p> + +<p>"From you?" asked Anne, a little flush creeping into her pale face.</p> + +<p>"No, not from me," retorted Grace with significant emphasis.</p> + +<p>"Don't tease Anne," laughed Mabel. "Let Genius do as it chooses."</p> + +<p>"If you mean me, I choose to go and dress this instant. Come on, +Patience. We will hurry our dressing and be downstairs first. Then we +can monopolize Mr. Ashe."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, you won't," contradicted Elfreda. "I have reserved that +privilege for myself."</p> + +<p>"We are ready," exulted Anne outside Elfreda's door half an hour later. +"What did I tell you?"</p> + +<p>"So am I," replied Elfreda, opening the door. "And so is Miriam."</p> + +<p>Elfreda was looking particularly handsome in her evening gown of golden +brown messaline, trimmed with dull gold embroidery. By constant training +and self-denial she had reduced her weight to one hundred and +thirty-five pounds and could not be truthfully called stout. Her fair +hair was piled high upon her head, and one dull gold butterfly gleamed +in its wavy meshes. Miriam's gown was in her favorite apricot shade of +crepe de chine and brought out fully the beauty of her black hair and +eyes and her exquisite coloring. Mabel had chosen black silk net over +delft blue, while Patience wore a gray chiffon frock over gray silk with +touches of old rose, a frock exactly suited to her calm, high-bred type +of face. Anne's dainty white crepe de chine frock made her look anything +but a theatrical star. Grace, however, had for once departed from her +favorite blue and wore a white chiffon gown whose exquisitely simple +lines made the most of her slender, supple figure. The charm of early +sixteen radiated from her youthful person, and she looked no older than +when she had led the freshman basketball team on to victory in Oakdale +High School.</p> + +<p>"Grace can't grow up in spite of her long skirts and done-up hair," +smiled Miriam.</p> + +<p>"That is precisely what I was thinking," agreed Anne. "Is she sixteen or +twenty-three?"</p> + +<p>"Aren't you pleased with us, Father, and won't you feel inordinately +proud of your theatre party?" called Mabel from the stairway as they +descended to the hall, where Mr. Ashe stood looking reflectively into +the fire as he waited for his charges.</p> + +<p>"Mere words fail to express my admiration," he laughed, bowing to the +sextette of pretty girls, who smilingly nodded their appreciation of his +speech.</p> + +<p>"Isn't he a perfect angel?" asked Mabel, sidling up to him and slipping +within the circle of his arm. "I don't see how I ever had the heart to +go to college and leave him."</p> + +<p>"She has no compunction about rushing off to work on a newspaper, day +after day, and leaving me daughterless," complained Mr. Ashe lightly. +Yet a shadow so slight as to be hardly noticeable crossed his face, +which no one save the lynx-eyed Elfreda saw, who made mental note of it. +"He doesn't want her to work," was her shrewd conclusion.</p> + +<p>"But I am here to-night," protested Mabel, catching his hand in hers +almost appealingly, "and I'm going to be at home for a whole day and +evening. Will you forswear business and help me entertain the girls +to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"I promise to devote myself heart and soul to their cause," said Mr. +Ashe solemnly, raising his hand. "Only you must allow me to go down to +the office for a little while in the morning."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Remember, all telegrams and telephone messages are to be +tabooed after you leave there."</p> + +<p>"Granted. What about all newspaper assignments?"</p> + +<p>"Turn about is fair play," returned Mabel, flushing. "They can keep the +telephone messages and telegrams company."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>A FIRELIGHT COUNCIL</h3> + + +<p>It was well after midnight when the theatre party returned to Mabel's +home, rather sleepy, but delighted with their glimpse of pleasure-loving +New York by night. After the theatre they were invited to be Mr. Ashe's +guests at supper, and were promptly whisked away in their motor car to +one of New York's particularly exclusive hotels, where a delicious +little supper was served to them in one of the hotel's private dining +rooms.</p> + +<p>Half-past eight o'clock Thanksgiving morning found the six girls +downstairs and seated at the breakfast table. Mr. Ashe, who made it an +ironclad rule always to be in his office at half-past eight o'clock, +even on holidays, had time for only a hasty good morning all around +before his man announced that his car was at the door.</p> + +<p>"Remember, Mab, you are to bring the girls down to my office after +Thanksgiving services this morning," he called back as he paused on the +threshold of the dining room.</p> + +<p>"I'll remember, General," called Mabel, with a military salute.</p> + +<p>"Oh, are we going to church this morning?" asked Elfreda quickly.</p> + +<p>"Yes. There is to be a short but beautiful service in the church Father +and I attend. You will hear some wonderful music, too."</p> + +<p>"We went to church here in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, three +years ago," said Grace. "Anne, Miriam and I were visiting the Southards. +We went to a church whose minister had at one time been an actor."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I know that church, and I have met the minister. I interviewed +him last fall and then wrote a story about him for the paper. He is a +fine man. I wish I knew Everett Southard and his sister."</p> + +<p>"You shall know them as soon as they return from England," promised +Anne. "I am sure they will be pleased to know you."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," returned Mabel. "It was a great honor for Mr. Southard to +have such a flattering offer from that great English manager, wasn't +it?"</p> + +<p>"Did you know that Anne could have gone with them if she had been +willing to put off her graduation for another year?" asked Miriam.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know it, but I'm not surprised," responded Mabel. "Neither +fame nor honor would tempt you to allow your chums to finish the race +without you. Isn't that true, Anne?"</p> + +<p>"True as can be," affirmed Anne. "I owe my greatest happiness to them. I +couldn't desert them if I were asked to star in the whole Shakesperian +repertoire." Her brown eyes looked tender loyalty at her three friends +as she made this assertion.</p> + +<p>"We couldn't get along without Anne," declared Miriam. "She is our +balance wheel. She doesn't say much, but whatever she says counts."</p> + +<p>"How ridiculous!" scoffed Anne. "These self-reliant persons don't need a +balance wheel, Mabel."</p> + +<p>"Some of us do," observed Grace, an expression of pain in her fine eyes.</p> + +<p>"You don't," contradicted Elfreda pointedly.</p> + +<p>Mabel eyed the two girls reflectively. "I'm a mind reader," she +announced. "I understand both of you. After church this morning I am +going to call a general welfare meeting in the library. Our universe +needs regulating." She smiled gayly upon her guests, yet there was a +hint of purpose in her tone as she added: "At least we can exchange +valuable information and get down to cause and effect."</p> + +<p>After breakfast, a great scurrying to get ready for church ensued, and +an hour later their big, faithful motor carried them off to the +Thanksgiving service.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem a bit like Thanksgiving," commented Miriam, as they +sped down Riverside Drive.</p> + +<p>"More like Indian summer," observed Patience.</p> + +<p>The day was glorious with sunshine. There was hardly a suspicion of +frost in the air and the snowy setting considered so essential to a +successful Thanksgiving Day was entirely absent.</p> + +<p>"We never have this kind of Thanksgiving weather in Oakdale, do we, +Grace?" asked Miriam.</p> + +<p>"Neither do we in Fairview," put in Elfreda. "I can recall only one +Thanksgiving that wasn't snowy, and I can remember that because I +behaved so outrageously. I was a young barbarian of eight, who screamed +and kicked my way to whatever I wanted. Two days before Thanksgiving Pa +brought me home a sled. It was red with a white deer painted on it and +underneath the deer was the word 'Fleet,' printed in big white letters. +I knew that with such a name it could hardly help being the best sled in +Fairview. The night before Thanksgiving the rain came down in torrents +and the next morning there wasn't a square inch of snow for miles around +on which to try out my beloved sled.</p> + +<p>"It was a bitter morning for me, and I proceeded to wreak my displeasure +upon my family. I behaved like a savage all day and ended by being +locked in Ma's room with my Thanksgiving dinner on a tray, minus +dessert. I got even that night, though, for Ma had invited our minister +and his wife to dinner. I waited until I had had my dinner and they had +finished, too, and were sitting in the parlor. Then I began screaming +down a register, which was right over them, my very candid opinion of +them and of Thanksgiving Day in general.</p> + +<p>"It was funny, wasn't it?" she chuckled in answer to the burst of +laughter that greeted her recital. "But it was dreadful for poor Ma. The +minister's wife never forgave me for it. She always referred to me +behind my back as that 'terrible Briggs child.'"</p> + +<p>"Another reminiscence for 'The Adventures of Elfreda,'" said Miriam.</p> + +<p>"Elfreda is going to write a book of her early adventures and +misadventures," explained Grace to Patience. "Did we ever tell you about +it?"</p> + +<p>"No; but in the event of its publication I speak now for an autographed +copy," returned Patience, with twinkling eyes.</p> + +<p>"I'll have one done up for you in crushed Levant," was Elfreda's prompt +offer.</p> + +<p>"This is our church," proclaimed Mabel. The car found a place for itself +in the long line of automobiles drawn up at the curb, and, alighting +from it, the party made their way sedately up the broad stone walk to +the main entrance of the stately, gray stone edifice.</p> + +<p>During the beautiful Thanksgiving service Grace's thoughts would drift +into the same painful channel that she had inwardly vowed to avoid. The +sweetness of the music made her think of home, and the earnest words of +the minister sank deep into her heart. She, who had so much to thank her +father and mother for, had carelessly allowed the name of Harlowe to be +dragged into the limelight of police court news. She was unworthy of her +parents' confidence. That she was unjustly severe in her +self-arraignment did not occur to Grace. It was her first experience +with real remorse and, as is usually the case, she did not allow herself +the luxury of extenuating circumstances.</p> + +<p>When she bowed her head during the concluding prayer her eyes were full +of tears and it was only by desperate effort that she managed to wink +them back.</p> + +<p>"Father wants to see us now, you know," Mabel reminded her guests, as +they took their places once more in the automobile. "To Father's +office," she directed the chauffeur, and the car with its freight of +happy girls glided down the avenue toward the section of the city in +which Mr. Ashe's office was situated.</p> + +<p>"Of course, Father's employees don't work to-day," explained Mabel as +they rolled along. "His private secretary is with him, but his offices +are closed. He wishes us to take luncheon with him, then we are to go +for a drive through Central Park. You've taken that drive before, I +suppose, but it is such a beautiful day and all New York will be in +evidence. I thought you would enjoy seeing the world and his wife out +for a holiday."</p> + +<p>"We have hardly seen enough of Central Park to grow tired of it," smiled +Grace. "Anne is a seasoned New Yorker and so is Elfreda, but Miriam and +I never stayed here for any length of time. Patience will have to answer +for herself."</p> + +<p>"My knowledge of the metropolis is vague, and my experience here has +consisted largely in being rushed from the depot to the hotel, and from +the hotel to the depot. So you can readily see that Central Park is in +the nature of an innovation, to me," responded Patience.</p> + +<p>Luncheon was eaten in a restaurant whose extreme exclusiveness made it +an especially desirable place for Mr. Ashe to entertain his daughter and +her guests. The drive through Central Park came next, and it was after +four o'clock before they turned into Riverside Drive for home.</p> + +<p>"Please come down to the library as soon as you take off your wraps," +directed Mabel. "The time for the council has arrived."</p> + +<p>"Only Campfire girls have councils," retorted Miriam.</p> + +<p>"What do you know about Campfire girls?" demanded Mabel.</p> + +<p>"A whole lot," put in Grace. "We met five girls last summer who had just +been on a trip through the White Mountains. They called themselves the +'Meadow-Brook Girls,' but they were real Campfire girls. They had spent +a summer in camp and had won whole strings of beads for their +achievements."</p> + +<p>"They spent a day or two in Oakdale," explained Miriam. "One of them, a +funny little girl who lisped, was a cousin of Hippy Wingate. Her name +was Grace Thompson, but her three chums called her Tommy. They had a +guardian with them, too, a Miss Elting."</p> + +<p>"I liked the tall one, Miss Burrell, best," continued Grace, "but they +were all interesting. The girl who owned the car was a Miss McCarthy, a +true Irish colleen and awfully witty. She and Nora O'Malley swore +friendship on sight. Then there was a stout girl whose nickname was +'Buster,' and a quiet, brown-eyed girl named Hazel Holland. They write +to me occasionally and they are all going to Overton when they have +finished high school."</p> + +<p>"Why did they call themselves the 'Meadow-Brook Girls'?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that was the name of their home town."</p> + +<p>"What good times they must have had," commented Mabel.</p> + +<p>"They did, and all sorts of hairbreadth escapes as well. They won ever +so many honor beads for bravery and prompt action in time of danger. But +to return to the subject of our council. Don't you think we had better +put our wraps away and convene? That's what councils do, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Convene is correct," Elfreda assured her gravely. "Allow me to head the +procession upstairs. The sooner we go up the sooner we shall come down."</p> + +<p>A little later they clustered about the cheerful open fireplace in the +library. Mabel, who was seated on a stool at one side of the fire, +reached forward for the poker and prodded the half-burnt log +energetically. The others watched her in silence until she laid down the +poker with a suddenness that caused them all to start, and turning about +said almost brusquely: "I wish you girls to tell me frankly everything +about Kathleen West. Until that 'Larry, the Locksmith' story came out I +hadn't the slightest idea that there was anything save the pleasantest +relations between her and Grace. That story set me to thinking. I knew +something was wrong, for Grace had told me the Oakdale part of it in +strict confidence. When I received a cold little note from Miss West +declining my invitation, I was sure of it. Whatever it is, I feel +responsible, for I asked you to look out for Miss West in the first +place. Won't you please tell me all about it?"</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="img3" id="img3"></a> +<img src="images/img3.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>They Clustered About the Fireplace..</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Mabel's frank appeal was irresistible.</p> + +<p>"I am sure it would be better to tell Mabel everything from the +beginning," said Anne in a decided tone.</p> + +<p>"I agree with Anne," came from Miriam.</p> + +<p>"Of course she ought to know it," declared Elfreda. "Didn't I say so +last year?"</p> + +<p>"Last year!" exclaimed Mabel. "How long has this unpleasant state of +affairs been going on?"</p> + +<p>"Ever since the early part of our junior year," admitted Grace. "I +disliked to write you of it. We thought she would change. We did +everything we could to please her, but she is not in the least like any +other girl I have ever known. Ask Patience about her. She rooms with +Miss West."</p> + +<p>"Do you?" Mabel turned her amazed glance upon Patience. "And not one of +you said a word to me of it."</p> + +<p>"We thought it better not to mention Miss West," said Grace slowly. "You +can readily understand our attitude, Mabel. I feel as though I ought to +tell you that she came to New York on the same train with us. She was in +the car ahead of ours."</p> + +<p>"Then I shall surely see her before she goes back to Overton. I suppose +she came down purposely to be patted on the back for her big story. Now +begin the terrible tale of how it all happened."</p> + +<p>Grace began with their meeting of Kathleen West at the Overton station +and of their ready acceptance of the newspaper girl for Mabel's sake. +When she told of Kathleen's sudden avoidance of her and the other +members of the Semper Fidelis Club, and of her subsequent intimacy with +Alberta Wicks and Mary Hampton, Mabel exclaimed impatiently: "Those +girls again! They were born trouble-makers, weren't they?"</p> + +<p>"But they turned out beautifully," defended Grace, "only I haven't +reached that part of my story yet. It is really a very nice part, only +so many disagreeable things happened before it."</p> + +<p>"I shall never notice Kathleen West again!" was Mabel's indignant cry +when Grace had finished the account of Kathleen's attempt to spoil +Arline's unselfish Christmas plan.</p> + +<p>"You mustn't say that." Grace grew very earnest. "That was just the +reason I didn't wish you to know. I can't bear to be a tale-bearer, but +still I believe it is your right to know the facts. You are one of us, +and we have no secrets from one another, yet I don't like to say any +thing that will lower her in your estimation. She may have been a true +friend to you."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about that part of it, Grace. You aren't a tale-bearer." +Mabel reached forward to pat Grace's hand. "If only you had told me long +ago."</p> + +<p>Grace continued her narrative, ending with Kathleen's final attempt to +be revenged on the Semper Fidelis Club, and the clever way in which she +had been brought to book by none other than Alberta Wicks and Mary +Hampton.</p> + +<p>"What a little villain she is, and how splendidly Alberta and Mary +turned out," interposed Mabel. "She was far too clever to give me the +faintest inkling of the truth. I used to wonder why she was always so +noncommittal about things at Overton. I laid it to her peculiar +temperament, never suspecting that she had good reason for refusing to +discuss her college life. I had an idea her cleverness would pave the +way to great things for her at Overton. I supposed her to be very +popular."</p> + +<p>"Wait until I finish my discourse," smiled Grace, "then you shall hear +what Patience, the All Wise, thinks of her." She went over rather +hurriedly her recognition of "Larry, the Locksmith" in the streets of +Overton, of how she had trailed him within sight of his hiding place, +and of her tardy remembrance of her promise to her father. "I was +uncertain what to do, when I happened to catch sight of Miss West," +continued Grace. "An evil genius must have prompted me to take her into +my confidence. But it was a good story, and Patience had told me only a +day or two before that Miss West had been mourning over her lack of news +for her paper. She made what I believed to be a promise to leave out the +Oakdale part of the story and not to use my name within it. Not a line +of the Oakdale part of the story appeared in the Overton papers. The +chief of police kept his word, at any rate.</p> + +<p>"I never dreamed of her treachery until I received your letter and the +clipping. I know Father and Mother have read it. Father always buys that +paper. I haven't heard a word from home since then." Grace's voice +faltered.</p> + +<p>"You poor, dear child!" cried Mabel, springing from her stool and going +over to Grace.</p> + +<p>"Don't sympathize with me, Mabel, or I shall cry." Grace raised her head +smilingly, but her gray eyes were full of tears.</p> + +<p>"I've vowed eternal vengeance," proclaimed Elfreda savagely. She could +not endure the thought that Grace should be made so unhappy.</p> + +<p>"It is my own fault." Grace had regained her composure. "Perhaps some +day I'll learn not to dive into things head first. I am sure I have +displeased and hurt Father, or he would have written me before this."</p> + +<p>"I think Miss West has behaved abominably, and I hope you will forgive +me for having asked you to help her. If she is still in the office on +Saturday I shall not hesitate to take her to task for her +double-dealing."</p> + +<p>"I am quite frank in saying that you may tell her whatever you choose." +Grace's voice sounded very hard.</p> + +<p>"Grace Harlowe, what has come over you?" exclaimed Elfreda. "You usually +preach moderation, but now you are as vindictive and resentful as an +Indian."</p> + +<p>"Not quite," retorted Grace, half smiling. "I am merely what one might +term 'deeply incensed.' It isn't a dangerous state, but it usually lasts +a long time. Now, I've said the very last word of my say. It is your +time to talk, Patience."</p> + +<p>"I haven't much to say," began Patience, "except that Miss West is +naturally rather hard and self-centered and her work as a reporter has +accentuated it. Her ambition blinds her sense of honor. I suppose she +has one, although I have occasionally doubted it."</p> + +<p>"Don't you approve of newspaper work for women?" asked Mabel quickly.</p> + +<p>"I ought to." The words slipped out unawares. "That is—I——"</p> + +<p>"I know why!" cried Elfreda, wagging her head in triumph. "Because she +is an editor's daughter and knows that a newspaper could not run +successfully without women. James Merton Eliot, the well-known newspaper +editor, is her father."</p> + +<p>Exclamations of surprise greeted this announcement. To Miriam, Anne and +Mabel this was news indeed, but the astonishment of Patience arose from +a far different cause.</p> + +<p>"How did you know it?" Patience asked Elfreda in open amazement.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I heard you explaining to Grace at luncheon one day just how the +Sunday section of a newspaper was put together. I could see you knew +what you were talking about, and made up my mind then that you didn't +get your information from Miss West. Then you dropped a letter one day +when we were crossing the campus addressed to James Merton Eliot, The +Elms, South Framingham, Massachusetts. I picked it up and handed it to +you, but I couldn't help seeing the address. I didn't think anything of +it until I happened to read an article in a magazine on noted men of +affairs, and found the same name staring me in the face. For a long time +I couldn't think of why that particular name seemed familiar. Then I +remembered. Still, I had never heard you say a word about your father's +business. One night I asked you about him and you didn't give me any +satisfaction. I could see that you didn't want to answer, so I didn't +say another word, but I kept on wondering. What are you all laughing +at?" she demanded, darting a suspicious glance about the circle of +smiling faces.</p> + +<p>"Elfreda, you are a wonder! I make my bow to you." Patience rose and, +walking over to where Elfreda sat, bowed low before her.</p> + +<p>Elfreda's plump hand was raised in protest, but there was curiosity +written on every feature. "What made you keep it a secret?"</p> + +<p>"I have designs on an editorial position on the 'College Herald' next +year. But I want to win my literary spurs through my own efforts. I +don't believe in reflected glory." Patience's earnestness was +convincing.</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," agreed Mabel heartily. "You won't object if the editor +of our paper knows, though, will you? He is an old friend of Father's. I +am sure he will never forgive me if I don't introduce you to him. I am +going to take you girls to the office with me on Saturday. But to go +back to the object of our council, what are we to do in the case of Miss +West?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing." Grace spoke decisively.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, we must do something, Grace dear," admonished Patience. "We +mustn't give her up in this fashion."</p> + +<p>"Then, suggest something," retorted Grace with an impatient frown.</p> + +<p>"I will before long," promised Patience. "I can't think of a single +thing now, but the inspiration will come. Will you all agree to help if +I think of something startlingly worth while?"</p> + +<p>"I'll consider the matter," was Mabel's dry comment.</p> + +<p>The other girls answered in the affirmative, but without enthusiasm. +Grace's almost hostile attitude toward Kathleen had had a potent effect +upon them. Patience, feeling their acquiescence to be perfunctory, said +no more on the subject. There was a perceptible lull in the +conversation, then Mabel proposed that Miriam play for them, and the +council broke up with alacrity and strolled off to the music room.</p> + +<p>"It's time to dress for dinner. Father will be here soon," announced +Mabel. "To-night we are to have a little dance. I have been keeping it +as a surprise for you. We have a perfectly darling ballroom in the house +and I have invited a number of my friends to meet you."</p> + +<p>Mabel's announcement was received with exclamations of delight. What +girl does not welcome the very idea of a real dance to the notes of a +real orchestra? The Overton girls went upstairs to dress for the coming +dance, and for the time being their self-imposed problem of the +newspaper girl was forgotten.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>ELFREDA SHOWS GRACE THE WAY</h3> + + +<p>Mabel's dance was an occasion long to be discussed and remembered, and +the remaining two days of the girls' Thanksgiving vacation were so +crowded with the amusements she had planned for them that the moments +flitted by on wings. Their visit to the offices of the great newspaper +on whose staff both Mabel Ashe and Kathleen West were enrolled was a +red-letter event. They had penetrated even to the fastnesses of the +local room and art department, and were duly impressed with all they +saw.</p> + +<p>In the local room they had caught a brief glimpse of Kathleen West. She +was seated at a desk at the lower end of the long room, writing +industriously. So intent was she upon her work, that, either by accident +or design, she failed to see the little group of sight-seers, who stood +watching the rows of clicking typewriters, operated by the reporters of +the various departments who were preparing copy for the composing room.</p> + +<p>At the moment Grace had spied the newspaper girl hard at work a wave of +admiration had swept over her for this strange young woman who had +treated her so badly. In spite of Kathleen's lack of principle, she had +the will to work, and she had already achieved much in her chosen field. +If only she had been like Ruth. Then the memory of Grace's own grievance +drove away the kinder thought. As they were on the point of leaving the +local room their eyes had chanced to meet, and Grace's flashed with an +unmistakable contempt that caused Kathleen to color and turn her head.</p> + +<p>On Sunday morning the dreaded good-byes were said and Mr. Ashe and Mabel +saw their guests safely aboard the train for Overton. It was late Sunday +afternoon when, tired and luggage laden, the five girls climbed into the +automobile bus at the Overton station, and were straightway conveyed to +Wayne Hall. Kathleen West had not returned on the same train with them, +nor did she appear until late the following afternoon. That she might be +reprimanded for overstaying her vacation either did not occur to her, or +else the possibility held no terror for her.</p> + +<p>The instant the door of Wayne Hall closed behind her Grace darted to the +house bulletin board. In it was a letter for Anne, one for Elfreda and +two for herself. She choked back a sob as she saw that one of the +envelopes bore her father's handwriting, the other that of Arline +Thayer.</p> + +<p>"Don't wait for me, Grace. Go on upstairs and read your letters. I must +see Mrs. Elwood about that package I expected by express." Setting down +her suit case, Anne hurried down the hall. Always thoughtful for others, +she now determined that Grace should be alone when she opened her +father's letter.</p> + +<p>With a grateful glance after Anne's retreating figure and a "see you +later" to Miriam, Elfreda and Patience, who had stopped at the living +room door to talk with Laura Atkins and Mildred Taylor, Grace went to +her room. With trembling fingers she tore open the envelope, glancing +through the first page of the letter. Then, with a little choking cry of +relief, she sank into a chair and began to cry softly.</p> + +<p>It was at least fifteen minutes before Anne appeared in the room, and +during that time Grace had wiped away her tears and calmed herself to +the point of finishing her father's letter. She looked up smilingly as +Anne entered, although her eyes were red. "It is all right, Anne! Father +is the most forgiving man! Just listen to what he says:"</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">My Dear Grace</span>:—</p> + +<p>"There is no use in scolding you. I know that your intentions were +good, above reproach, no doubt, but how many times have I cautioned +you to go slowly? I received your letter, but, deciding you +deserved a certain amount of punishment for your rashness, +purposely delayed answering you. Your fame has traveled the length +and breadth of Oakdale, however, as I am not the only man in town +who reads the New York papers. In the light of your early police +court career I might say that this last bit of sleuthing merely +adds to your reputation in Oakdale as an apostle of justice. I +forgive you, of course, and do not blame you very severely. You +were rather shabbily dealt with, but still you must consider that +if you had kept your promise to me this annoying episode would +never have taken place.</p> + +<p>"Considering your legitimate claim to senior dignity, I am not +going to lecture you any further. I am sure you will be more +careful another time. We missed our little girl more than I can say +on Thanksgiving Day. Your mother and I, who, you will remember, +were elected honorary members of the Phi Sigma Tau the summer we +went to Europe with that illustrious organization, carried out to +the best of our ability your old plan of making some one else happy +on Thanksgiving Day. With the help of Miss Thompson, who is a +frequent visitor at our house, we managed to find several high +school girls who needed cheering up. We invited them to +Thanksgiving dinner and had a little dance in the evening. Your +mother will write in a day or two and give you full particulars.</p> + +<p>"I hope you enjoyed your trip to New York. I feel rather guilty, +now, because I didn't answer your letter at once. We will have one +of our good old talks when you come home for the Christmas +holidays. Then you may scold me, if you think I deserve it.</p> + +<p>"Your mother and I are well, and are looking forward to your +home-coming next month. So is half the town, for that matter. Your +friends never forget to ask for you, and every day brings its, 'Is +Grace coming home for the holidays?' God bless you, my dear child, +and bring you safe home to us for Christmas. That is the gift we +most desire. With our dearest love,</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Father</span>."</p></div> + +<p>Grace's eyes were misty as she looked up from her letter. "Isn't he just +too splendid for words, Anne?"</p> + +<p>Anne nodded, then, slipping her arm about Grace's neck, she leaned over +and kissed her friend's cheek. "I am so glad everything is all right."</p> + +<p>"You knew better than any one else how dreadful it was for me," returned +Grace, looking up affectionately at her friend.</p> + +<p>"We all know," answered Anne. "I think Elfreda took it even more deeply +to heart than we did. She is the soul of loyalty and resents an injury +to one of us as much as though it were her own grievance."</p> + +<p>"In one way it seems a long time since J. Elfreda Briggs established +herself in my seat on the train, yet in another it seems but yesterday," +mused Grace. "Can you realize, Anne, that we are almost at the end of +our college days?"</p> + +<p>"I never allow myself to think of it," confessed Anne. "I've been so +happy at Overton I'd like to stay here forever."</p> + +<p>"Give up the stage, and apply for a place on the faculty," suggested +Grace with apparent earnestness.</p> + +<p>"You rascal! You know I couldn't do that even for the sake of being at +Overton. I am wedded to my art," proclaimed Anne dramatically.</p> + +<p>"Some day you will obtain a divorce from your art and marry a mere man, +though," predicted Grace.</p> + +<p>The color suffused Anne's white face. Her brown eyes grew troubled. "I +don't know whether I shall or not," she murmured.</p> + +<p>"Anne, would you leave the stage, give up your work, if—if—" Grace +paused.</p> + +<p>"If David asked me to marry him?" Anne finished the question calmly. "I +don't know, Grace. I've asked myself that question so many times that I +am tired of trying to answer it. In fact, I've lately decided to let +matters drift and see what happens. Although there has never been a word +of sentiment exchanged between us, I am reasonably sure that David loves +me, and I am very fond of him," confessed Anne. "In some respects I feel +years older than you girls. I believe it is due to my stage experience; +I have played so many different parts, some of them emotional roles +which have to do with love and renunciation." Anne's musical voice +trembled slightly on the last word.</p> + +<p>"I am sure David loves you with all his heart," was Grace's honest +reply. "Now that he has been graduated from college and has gone into +business for himself, I am afraid you will be called upon to decide +before long."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid so," sighed Anne. "I wish life weren't quite so +complicated."</p> + +<p>"I hope the rest of our senior year will be free from complications." +Grace spoke with grim emphasis. "Why, I forgot to open this letter!" she +exclaimed, snatching the unopened letter from the table and tearing at +the end of it.</p> + +<p>The letter proved to be a penitent little note from Arline asking Grace +to forgive her, and prove her forgiveness by taking dinner with her the +following evening at Vinton's. Grace felt a thrill of happiness swell +within her as she read the note. Her brief estrangement from Arline had +been another of her secret griefs.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to take dinner with Arline to-morrow night," she announced to +Anne.</p> + +<p>"You'd better hurry if you care to take dinner with us," called Elfreda +from the doorway, in which she had paused just in time to hear Grace's +last remark.</p> + +<p>"It isn't dinner," corrected Anne. "It is supper on Sunday, and never +very good, either."</p> + +<p>"We never have Sunday dinner in the middle of the day at home," +commented Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"When you are at Wayne Hall do as the Wayne Hallites do," quoted Miriam, +who had followed Elfreda into the room.</p> + +<p>"Where is Patience?" inquired Grace.</p> + +<p>"Enjoying the solitude of her room before the disturber arrives," +volunteered Elfreda. "She'll be along presently."</p> + +<p>Despite the fact that they had had dinner on the train, the four girls +decided that they were hungry, and on going downstairs to the dining +room where Mrs. Elwood had prepared an unusually good supper, proved it, +to their own and Mrs. Elwood's satisfaction. There were only three girls +in the dining room when they took their places, as the majority of the +"Wayne Hallites" were spending the afternoon and evening of their last +day's vacation with friends. Patience joined them as they were finishing +their dessert, and it was laughingly decided to entertain her while she +ate, and afterward go for a walk.</p> + +<p>"What style of entertainment do you prefer?" asked Elfreda, with a +deferential air. "Shall I give you an imitation of Kathleen West's +return?"</p> + +<p>"No, thank you. The reality will be sufficient," was Patience's dry +retort. "I prefer a more pleasant variety of entertainment."</p> + +<p>The ringing of the door bell caused those in the dining room to glance +expectantly through the doorway into the hall. They heard the maid's +voice, then a cry of "At last!" and Emma Dean fairly charged into their +midst.</p> + +<p>"I never was so glad to see any one in all my life," she cried, with a +joyful wave of her hand. "How I have missed you while you have been +gallivanting about New York without giving the friend of your freshman +days a thought. You might have sent me a postcard, you know."</p> + +<p>"'Gallivanting' is not the word with which to describe our triumphal +march around New York," objected Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"It's a very good word," defended Emma. "It means to roam about for +pleasure without any definite plan. It says so in the dictionary."</p> + +<p>"Every day adds to our store of knowledge," jeered Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"As I am at present overjoyed to see you, I'll try hard not to squabble +with you." Emma turned her back squarely upon Elfreda and addressed +Anne. "I heard something while you were gone that will interest you, +Anne. The senior class are talking of presenting a play. If we do, you +will star in it, of course."</p> + +<p>"I can't, Emma," returned Anne regretfully. "My professional experience +prevents me from taking part in college plays. If Semper Fidelis, or +some of the girls, were to put on a play for our own amusement, then I +could take part, but in regular college plays professionals are barred +here at Overton. It is practically the same rule that applies to college +sports."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that is too bad! But it wouldn't hinder you from writing one, would +it?"</p> + +<p>"I couldn't write a play. I used to hope that I might some day become a +writer. But I know now that it isn't in me."</p> + +<p>"But many actors and actresses have been writers, too," put in Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"I know it. Still, the most successful plays have been written by men +and women outside the profession," argued Anne. "I wish I could write, +but I know my limitations and they stop this side of authorship. But why +did you ask me if I could write a play, Emma?"</p> + +<p>"Marian Cummings gave a spread the other night to all the seniors on the +campus who weren't lucky enough to get away from Overton for +Thanksgiving. We were talking about what the senior class might do in +the way of stunts, and some one proposed that we ought to give a play +after midyears. You know our class has never done anything of the sort +since we entered college. Naturally, we were all in favor of the idea. +We all agreed that we wanted something besides Shakespeare for a change, +but no one could suggest anything else. We wanted something really +representative, and the majority of these plays for amateurs are rather +trivial. Finally, Sara Emerson suggested that the play be written by a +member of the senior class. There was a general protest, and Elizabeth +Wade asked Sara if she would mind writing it. Rather unkind in her, +wasn't it?" asked Emma, with a reminiscent chuckle.</p> + +<p>Her friends laughed with her. The mere idea of frivolous little Sara +Emerson as a playwright was distinctly amusing.</p> + +<p>"Sara didn't mind our laughing. She and Julia giggled over it, too. Then +Marian Cummings suddenly thought of a splendid plan." Emma paused in +order to impress her hearers.</p> + +<p>"For goodness' sake, go on, Emma," begged Miriam. "Don't ask us to guess +the plan, either."</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to ask you to guess it. I stopped talking merely to allow +my words to sink deeply into your minds. Marian wants to make it an +honor competition affair."</p> + +<p>"What's an 'honor competition affair'?" asked Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"I'm surprised at your question. I should think you 'could see' the +meaning from the words themselves," teased Emma. "You see almost +everything."</p> + +<p>"I'll be revenged on you for that thrust," threatened Elfreda, joining +in the laughter that greeted Emma's remark.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean that any member of the senior class may compete, not for a +money prize, but for the honor alone?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"That is precisely my meaning," said Emma. "We thought we would have an +honor pin made, something worthy of the girl who wins. The class will +give her a supper and drink her down, and there will be various +demonstrations and jollifications for her especial benefit."</p> + +<p>"Why not give the four classes a chance, and make it a competition worth +remembering?" proposed Elfreda, a peculiar expression in her shrewd +eyes. "I mean that the cast would be chosen from the senior class, but +the author might be any girl in college."</p> + +<p>No one answered for a moment. "I don't believe," began Emma doubtfully, +"that we——What do you say, Grace? Of course, we shall be obliged to +call a special class meeting, but we can decide now just how to word our +proposal. Whatever you decide will suit us."</p> + +<p>Grace's glance had remained fixed upon Elfreda as though trying to read +her thoughts. What did Elfreda have in mind! Then it dawned upon Grace +with unpleasant force. "She wants Kathleen West to have a chance to +compete." Then, "If I say I think we ought to keep the contest in the +senior class, the girls will agree with me. This is my chance. She would +dearly love to enter a contest of this kind. Very well. I'll see that +she doesn't enter it." For the first time in her life Grace's resentment +blinded her sense of fairness. Her lips tightened unpleasantly.</p> + +<p>"I say that we ought to——"</p> + +<p>But Grace did not finish her sentence. Swift and overwhelming came the +conviction that here perhaps lay the means by which Kathleen might come +into a knowledge of the real Overton spirit. In writing the play, for +Grace felt certain that the newspaper girl would enter the lists, she +might gain what her classmates had been powerless to give her. Grace's +face grew hot with shame at her own unworthiness of spirit.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you finish?" asked Emma Dean with good-natured impatience. +"What ought we to do? We shall never know unless you speak and tell us."</p> + +<p>The steady light in Grace Harlowe's gray eyes deepened. Her moment of +temptation had passed. Her love of fair play had conquered. "Include the +whole college, by all means. Let us make it an Overton rather than a +class affair, and let us call a meeting of the senior class to-morrow +afternoon," she said. "Let us settle it as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>"I'll write a notice the moment I finish my supper," declared Emma. +"Come upstairs to my room, all of you, and watch me write it. I can +always write better if I have an audience; provided it is a kindly, +uncritical audience," she added, casting a significant glance toward +Elfreda, who beamed on Emma as one who has received a compliment.</p> + +<p>As they were leaving the dining room a little later, Grace felt a plump +hand catch one of hers. She turned to find Elfreda's gaze bent earnestly +upon her. There was a significant question in the other girl's eyes. +Grace pressed the hand and said in a whisper: "I understood, Elfreda. +Thank you for showing me the way."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>WHAT THE SENIORS THOUGHT OF THE PLAN</h3> + + +<p>"I can't forgive myself for being so disagreeable," was Arline Thayer's +regretful cry. Grace had met Arline half an hour earlier than the time +appointed for the senior class meeting the following afternoon and the +two girls had hurried to the room in Overton Hall, where the meeting was +to be held, for the express purpose of having a confidential chat before +the others should arrive.</p> + +<p>"Don't think of it again, Daffydowndilly." Grace regarded Arline with +affectionate eyes. She was glad almost to the point of tears that the +cloud between her and the dainty little girl had been lifted.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I must think of it this once, Grace," persisted Arline. "I +haven't told you yet how truly sorry I am for behaving so badly toward +you. But I was so angry with you for troubling yourself about that +horrid Kathleen West. But first let me ask: Did you see that New York +newspaper story? Father sent me a copy of the paper. I showed it to +Ruth, but didn't tell any one else. It is known here, though."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I knew of it the day after it was published," answered Grace +soberly. "Mabel sent me a marked copy. I am sorry my name was used. It +was a surprise to me."</p> + +<p>Arline's eyebrows lifted. "A surprise!" she exclaimed with fine sarcasm. +"I think I can understand just how pleased you felt over that surprise. +I am not going to allow a certain person to come between our friendship +again, but I can't help saying that if ever you speak to her again, you +will be doing yourself a great injustice."</p> + +<p>"Would it surprise you to hear me say that I am inclined to endorse what +you have just said?" questioned Grace. "What I tried to do for her was +done largely to please Mabel Ashe. Mabel has released me from my +promise. I seldom take violent dislikes to persons I meet, but, to tell +the plain truth, I have never liked Miss West, although I have admired +her ability and perseverance. In fact, I have never met any one I +disliked so much," confessed Grace. "I don't know what has come over me, +but I simply can't endure the thought of her, let alone forgiving her."</p> + +<p>"I don't blame you. I hope you will continue to take that stand. You +won't, though. If you knew, to-morrow, of something that would be to her +advantage to know, you wouldn't hesitate to tell her."</p> + +<p>Grace looked rather confused. Arline's chance shot had gone home. She +had not forgiven Kathleen, yet only yesterday she had paved the way for +her to possible honor. "What did you do here on Thanksgiving?" she asked +abruptly. "Why didn't you go to New York?"</p> + +<p>Arline laughed. "I am perfectly willing to change the subject and answer +both your questions. Father was in Chicago, so we thought we'd stay here +and see what we could do for some of the girls whose good times are +limited. We did all sorts of little stunts. Thanksgiving night we gave a +party at Morton House and invited every one we could think of, and the +next night Ruth and I took our checks, we each received an extra one for +Thanksgiving, and gave a moving picture party. We made the man who owns +the place reserve the seats, and we saw 'The Merchant of Venice.' It was +beautifully done, and every one who saw it was delighted. Then we +invited several girls to Morton House for Thanksgiving dinner, too."</p> + +<p>"I wanted to ask you and Ruth to go to New York with us, but——"</p> + +<p>"Don't say a word," interrupted Arline, with a penitent little gesture. +"It was my fault. I claim the privilege of changing the subject, too. +What is the object of this class meeting?"</p> + +<p>Grace was about to explain, when a murmur of voices in the hall +announced that the seniors had begun to gather for the meeting. Within +ten minutes every seat in the room was occupied, and Arline Thayer, now +president of the senior class, called the meeting to order. "As there is +no particular business to be transacted," announced Arline, "what is the +pleasure of the class? Will the person or persons responsible for the +notice on the bulletin board please rise and enlighten the class as to +why we are here?"</p> + +<p>"Madam President," Emma Dean rose from her seat and addressed the chair, +"I wrote the notice. It was the outcome of a session in which a number +of the seniors had been discussing ways and means of making 19— famous +in the annals of Overton." Emma proceeded in her clever, humorous +fashion to lay before the class the project of a play to be written by a +member of one of the four classes and produced and enacted by the +seniors. "If we allow any girl in college who wishes to compete for the +honor pin we shall have a greater variety of plays from which to choose. +It will also be a good opportunity to discover any lights that might +otherwise be so securely hidden under bushels of modesty that no one +would ever see them.</p> + +<p>"The rules for the contestants will be very simple. The play must be +original. It must consist of not less than three acts, and all +manuscripts must be in the hands of the committee appointed by the +president of the senior class on the Tuesday before the Easter vacation. +The play may be comedy, drama, or tragedy, but it must be +representative. The duties of the committee will be to receive the +plays. As soon as they have been submitted they are to be turned over to +three members of the Overton faculty, provided they are willing to act +in the capacity of critics. I should now like an opinion from the +class."</p> + +<p>Emma sat down amid an energetic clapping of hands. To a member, the +class was in favor of the proposed contest. One after another the +members rose to voice their approval, and when the president called for +a rising vote every member was instantly on her feet.</p> + +<p>"You understand that we shall require permission from the president of +the college before we can officially announce the contest," Arline +reminded the class. "I will appoint Miss Dean, Miss Harlowe and Miss +Wade to call upon the president and obtain his permission. Then the play +committee will see to the advertising of the contest."</p> + +<p>Before the meeting closed, Anne Pierson, Miriam Nesbit, Ruth Denton and +Elfreda Briggs were appointed to serve on the play committee and the +date of the production of the play was set for the Friday of the fifth +week after the Easter vacation. It was also decided that Lecture Hall, +which boasted of a stage and several sets of scenery, and would hold a +goodly audience, should be used for the occasion.</p> + +<p>Within the next three days Miss Duncan and Dr. Hepburn, instructors, +respectively, in English and Latin, and Dr. Darrow, professor of Oratory +and Dramatic Expression, had been interviewed and had consented to act +as judges. The moment these preliminaries had been attended to, Gertrude +Wells had begun an elaborate poster to hang above the bulletin board in +Overton Hall announcing the contest. At the bottom of the poster was +fastened a card on which the rules had been painstakingly lettered in +black and red. By the end of the week there was scarcely a girl in +Overton who had not stopped before the gayly colored poster to read the +news that was being discussed long and earnestly throughout the college.</p> + +<p>Those who had acquired a certain amount of reputation in the matter of +themes boldly announced their intention of competing for the honor pin, +while there were others whose themes had never been praised, whose +ambition to show the judges what they really could do urged them on to +enter the lists.</p> + +<p>Neither Grace, Miriam nor Anne intended to try for the prize. Ruth +Denton had confided to Arline that she had an idea for a play which she +meant to work out, and Emma Dean boldly proclaimed herself to be deep in +the throes of a comedy called "Life at Wayne Hall; or, the Expressman's +Surprise." Elfreda, too, had apparently been inspired, and for a week +went about chuckling to herself and making mysterious notes in a little +black note book she now carried constantly.</p> + +<p>Grace could not help wondering now and then if Kathleen West would enter +the contest. Since the newspaper girl's return from New York she had +kept strictly to herself. She spoke to Patience only when absolutely +necessary and took not the slightest notice of Miriam, Anne or Elfreda. +Patience confided to Grace that Kathleen studied harder than ever, and +wrote for at least two hours every night, never forgetting to place her +papers carefully in her desk and to lock it securely before going out or +to bed. "I believe she is writing a play, but I don't know positively +and I wouldn't dream of asking her," had been Patience's comment.</p> + +<p>As the long intervening days that lay between the students of Overton +and "going home for Christmas" dragged by, Grace found herself more +impatient to see her father and mother than ever before. "It is on +account of that old newspaper trouble," she assured herself. "Father and +Mother were so dear and forgiving over it that I can't wait to see +them." All her thoughts were now centered on going home.</p> + +<p>"I never wanted to see Father and Mother so much in all my life as I do +this Christmas. Next week seems ages off. I am sure it is seven years +instead of seven days until vacation begins." She confided to Anne one +evening, as she sat on the floor beside her open trunk: "I'm going to +begin packing to-night and do a little each day. It will give me a +certain amount of satisfaction and make the time pass more quickly. I +wonder why Mother doesn't write? She hasn't sent me my check to go home +with yet. I can't go home until it comes, for I have spent every cent of +my allowance and my extra check, too, for Christmas presents."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry over it," advised Anne. "Your father and mother are the +most infallible persons I know. You won't be left stranded in Overton +and have to walk ties to Oakdale."</p> + +<p>"If I do, I shall take you with me. As a trouper you ought to be +proficient in that exercise," laughed Grace.</p> + +<p>"As a successful exponent of the dramatic art," began Anne pompously, +"I——"</p> + +<p>"Miss Pierson! Miss Pierson!" Mrs. Elwood's voice was heard in the hall +at the foot of the stairs.</p> + +<p>Anne sprang to the door. "Here I am, Mrs. Elwood," she called, stepping +down the hall to the head of the stairs.</p> + +<p>"Here's a telegram for you. Will you please come downstairs and sign for +it?"</p> + +<p>Anne hurried down the stairs, her heart beating violently. She signed +the messenger boy's book, shoved the pencil into his hand and ran back +to Grace as fast as her feet would carry her.</p> + +<p>"It's a telegram, Grace. It's for me. I'm afraid to open it," she cried, +dashing into the room. "Open it. I dare not. Oh, if anything has +happened to Mother or Mary!"</p> + +<p>Grace took the envelope Anne held out to her. Her own hands were +trembling with apprehension, yet she managed to tear open the envelope +and draw out the fateful message. There was the crackling sound of +unfolding paper, then Grace cried out in joyful tones: "Anne, you never +can guess! It is too good to be true!"</p> + +<p>Anne sprang to her feet, and darting to where Grace stood, the open +telegram in her hands, peered over her shoulder. A moment later she and +Grace joined hands and performed a joyful dance about the room.</p> + +<p>"What on earth is the cause of all this jubilation?" queried Miriam's +voice from the doorway. "I knocked, but no one paid any attention to me. +It sounded from the outside as though you might be engaged in deadly +conflict, so I decided to interfere."</p> + +<p>The dance ceased and Grace thrust the telegram, which she still held, +into Miram's hands. "Read it," she commanded.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Will arrive in Overton 5:30. Meet me. With love. Rose Gray."</p></div> + +<p>And, reinforced by Miriam, the dance was begun again with renewed vigor.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>THE FAIRY GODMOTHER'S VISIT</h3> + + +<p>Three excited young women burst in upon Elfreda, who, seated on the +floor before her trunk, hastily deposited a large flat package in the +tray and slammed down the lid. "Why didn't you knock!" she grumbled, +looking mild displeasure at the intruders. "If you had come five minutes +sooner you would have seen your Christmas presents, and I couldn't have +stopped you. I'm going to have a 'Busy, Keep Out' sign made to hang on +the door until Christmas."</p> + +<p>"Don't be cross, J. Elfreda Briggs," laughed Grace. "We have something +nice to show you." She handed the telegram to Elfreda with: "We want you +to go to the station with us this afternoon. The train is due at +five-thirty."</p> + +<p>Elfreda's round face flushed at this mark of thoughtfulness on the part +of the girls she adored, and agreed almost shyly to make one of the +party. She had never become quite used to the knowledge that these three +young women had long since accepted her as one of their number. +Consequently an invitation to participate in their personal good times +or to share their intimate friends was always a matter of wonder to her.</p> + +<p>The train was reported to be on time, but the quartette of happy-faced +young women who waited impatiently for its arrival from the north that +afternoon were agreed that it must be late. It was Anne who, when it +rushed into the station, first espied the familiar figure of the +snowy-haired old lady who had brought so much sunshine into her life, +and her quick eyes also discovered the identity of the tall, +broad-shouldered young man who was helping her down the car steps. "Oh, +Tom Gray is with her!" she exclaimed in delight.</p> + +<p>"How nice!" cried Grace, with frank, unembarrassed pleasure. "I never +thought that he would come with Mrs. Gray."</p> + +<p>Her three friends exchanged significant glances. It was quite evident +that Grace Harlowe's regard for Tom held nothing of the sentimental.</p> + +<p>"Here they are! Here are my dear Christmas children!" Mrs. Gray looked +no older than when she had welcomed them to her house party eight +Christmases before. She spoke in the same sprightly manner, and smiled +in the same kindly, gentle fashion that had warmed the heart of Anne +Pierson when, poor and unknown, she had placed her hand in Mrs. Gray's +at that first eventful freshman tea which was the beginning of happiness +for her. Anne's brown eyes filled with tears as she embraced her "fairy +godmother" and heard her murmur, "My own dear Anne."</p> + +<p>"Please give Aunt Rose a chance to catch her breath and turn your +attention upon me," was Tom's plaintive plea.</p> + +<p>"We are terribly, horribly, dreadfully glad to see you!" laughed Grace, +shaking Tom's hand in her boyish, energetic fashion.</p> + +<p>"'Terribly, horribly, dreadfully!'" repeated Tom. "Did you say this was +your last year in college?"</p> + +<p>"Don't be sarcastic," reproved Miriam. "Circumstances alter English. +Grace was only trying to convey to you our deep appreciation of your +arrival."</p> + +<p>Tom glanced almost wistfully at Grace, who had turned from him and was +devoting her whole attention to Mrs. Gray. "I hope you girls are as glad +to see me as I am to see you," he said, his eyes still upon Grace.</p> + +<p>"Of course we are. How did you happen to think of coming to Overton? Are +you going to stay until next Wednesday? If you do, then we can all +journey to Oakdale together."</p> + +<p>"Ask Aunt Rose. I am her faithful bodyguard. I know she intends to stay +until to-morrow at least. I hope you can persuade her to remain at +Overton until you go home. I am a working man now, you know, and +Washington is a long way from here." Tom's ambition to make forestry his +life work had been in a measure realized, and with his graduation from +college had come the offer of a position in the Department of Forestry +at Washington.</p> + +<p>"Yes, children, dear, I will remain in Overton until your vacation +begins if the town boasts of a comfortable hotel where I can not only +demand, but receive, good service."</p> + +<p>"The 'Tourraine' is the very hotel for you, Mrs. Gray," said Grace. "We +stayed there for a day or two when we first came to Overton. The service +is excellent."</p> + +<p>"Then see to my luggage, Tom, and find me a cab or an automobile. The +sooner I am settled the sooner I can hear what my girls have been doing. +I have heard very nice things of you, my dear," she said to Elfreda, +who, having shaken hands with Mrs. Gray, stood at the outer edge of the +little group, looking on with shining eyes.</p> + +<p>"She looks like a piece of Dresden china," was Elfreda's remarkable +statement to Miriam as the little company, headed by Grace and Tom, made +its way to the other side of the station in search of an automobile.</p> + +<p>"You funny girl," Miriam laughed softly, "what an idea!"</p> + +<p>"But she does," persisted Elfreda in a low tone. "She's white and pink +and fine and—and—fragile. She's dainty and exquisite, and there's a +kind of rare china look about her that——"</p> + +<p>"I am going to tell her you said she looked like a piece of Dresden +china," interposed Miriam. "Mrs. Gray——"</p> + +<p>"If you do, Miriam Nesbit, you'll be sorry," warned Elfreda, clutching +Miriam's arm.</p> + +<p>"What is it, my dear?" answered the old lady. They had come to a halt at +the end of the platform and were waiting for Tom to secure a car.</p> + +<p>Elfreda surveyed Miriam with a threatening glare.</p> + +<p>"Elfreda says that you"—she darted a mischievous glance at her +friend—"look just as she imagined you would."</p> + +<p>Elfreda's expression was a mixture of surprise and relief.</p> + +<p>"Then you are not disappointed in me," smiled the old lady.</p> + +<p>"I should say not!" was the quick response. "I only hope you will adopt +me some day as one of your children."</p> + +<p>"That is very sweet in you, my child," declared Mrs. Gray. "I hereby +adopt you on the spot. Ah, here is our car. I think we are more than +ready for it."</p> + +<p>"Now that you've been adopted," muttered Miriam in Elfreda's ear, "I +won't betray you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for nothing," flung back Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"Tell the chauffeur to drive past Overton College," Grace had requested +Tom, and Mrs. Gray had exclaimed in admiration of stately Overton Hall, +standing like a sentinel in the midst of the wide campus. The chapel, +the library, Greek Hall, Science Hall, in fact, each one of the smaller, +but equally ornamental, buildings were duly pointed out and commented +upon.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Gray insisted that they should be her guests at dinner at the +"Tourraine," and after dinner they repaired to the cozy sitting room in +her suite of rooms for a long, confidential chat, which lasted until +after ten o'clock.</p> + +<p>"Hurry, girls," urged Grace, as they set out for Wayne Hall, after +repeated promises to call the next morning and prolonged good nights, +"we may be locked out. That has never happened to me since I came to +college."</p> + +<p>"That is better than being locked in," reminded Elfreda grimly.</p> + +<p>"You mean the night of the ghost party, don't you?" asked Miriam, +referring to an incident that had occurred in Elfreda's freshman year.</p> + +<p>"I do, indeed, mean the ghost party," retorted Elfreda with grim +emphasis. "I still have a remarkably clear recollection of it."</p> + +<p>"What a lot of things have happened since then," said Anne, half +musingly.</p> + +<p>"Only a little while and our college life will be over," sighed Miriam.</p> + +<p>"And our real life begun," was Grace's hopeful reminder. "After all, +college is just a preparation for the time when we must stand upon our +own ground and assume the complete responsibility of our own lives."</p> + +<p>"You girls give me the blues," grumbled Elfreda. "I don't want to think +about my 'real life' or any other solemn old subject. There's a time to +reflect, but this isn't the time. I'd rather save all my harrowing +reflections until just before commencement. Then we might give a misery +party and invite our friends to glower and gloom with us."</p> + +<p>"That's a good idea!" exclaimed Grace. "We could all be miserable +together."</p> + +<p>"If we all met together for the express purpose of being miserable, you +can make up your mind that the party itself would defeat its object," +laughed Anne.</p> + +<p>"But just at present we had better be gay and gleeful. We must plan +something for Mrs. Gray's entertainment," suggested Miriam. "It is our +lawful senior duty to see that she enjoys her visit to Overton."</p> + +<p>"She wishes to meet Dr. Morton and Miss Wilder and Miss Duncan, too," +said Anne. "She mentioned it twice this evening. We must give a dinner +in honor of her at Vinton's, and a luncheon at Martell's. Then we ought +to drive out to Guest House for supper. Of course, we must give one +spread in either our room or Miriam's and do stunts."</p> + +<p>"Why not give the Wonderland Circus just for her?" proposed Elfreda. +"Miss Wilder will let us have the gymnasium for the evening, and by +making it strictly a senior class affair there will be no hurt feelings +on the part of the other classes. Nearly all the performers are seniors, +too. We can serve refreshments, have a dance afterward, and Mrs. Gray +will have a splendid opportunity to see 19— together. How is that for a +stunt?"</p> + +<p>Elfreda's plan was received with acclamation, and by the time they +reached Wayne Hall each girl had been assigned her part in the week's +programme.</p> + +<p>"We mustn't forget our Christmas girls," reminded Anne, as they lingered +for a brief moment in the upstairs hall.</p> + +<p>"I am glad you mentioned them," replied Grace. "I must see Arline +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>The first week of December had dragged, but the next two weeks raced by +on winged feet, and the two days before college closed for the holidays +were crowded to the brim with last duties and pleasures. Mrs. Gray won +the united regard of the Semper Fidelis Club, who immediately enlisted +themselves in her service. The genial, light-hearted old lady entered +into the life of the college with an enthusiasm that caused her at once +to be declared an honorary member of Semper Fidelis. She was the guest +of honor at luncheons and dinners, at which she was toasted and sung to +with a fervor that left no doubt in her mind as to her standing with +Grace's classmates.</p> + +<p>The Wonderland Circus had been saved as the crowning event of her visit, +and invitations had been sent to Mr. Thomas Redfield, the benefactor of +Semper Fidelis Club, Dr. Morton, Miss Wilder and the various members of +the faculty to be present at the Circus. Never had the immortal animals +been in better form. Round after round of applause greeted the +conclusion of their famous Wonderland song. The demonstration continued +until Alice stepped forward and made a funny little speech, in which she +introduced the animals, who skipped, waddled or shuffled forward +according to each one's conception of what its own peculiar gait should +be.</p> + +<p>Emma Dean, who had not taken part in the Circus, appeared in her +ridiculous Sphinx costume, and, after a monologue that elicited constant +laughter, added to her ability as a fun maker by the weirdly funny dance +that she had intended to give at the bazaar, and which she was obliged +to repeat before her audience was satisfied.</p> + +<p>A reception followed, and delicious buffet refreshments were served by +the seniors in one corner of the big gymnasium, which had been roped off +with the senior colors and made as attractive as senior hands could make +it. Mrs. Gray was in her element and held court like a veritable queen. +Before the evening was over the senior class, to a member, had vowed +eternal allegiance to her. Dr. Morton, Miss Wilder and Mr. Redfield, +too, apparently succumbed to her spell, for toward the close of the +evening they formed an interesting group about her, and, at the end of a +lengthy confab, shook her hand with an earnestness which seemed almost +to indicate a promise of loyalty. To Grace, Anne and Miriam Mrs. Gray's +long conversation with the faculty was merely a further proof of her +ability to make friends, but the watchful Elfreda regarded the matter +from a different viewpoint.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what Mrs. Gray was talking about to Professor Morton, Miss +Wilder and our fairy godfather?" she remarked in a speculative tone to +Miriam as they prepared for sleep late that night. "Fairy godfather is a +good name for Mr. Redfield, isn't it?" she laughed.</p> + +<p>"Certainly it is," returned Miriam. "I always bestow appropriate names +upon people. Isn't he the fairy godfather of Semper Fidelis and didn't I +give him that name after he sent us the first check?"</p> + +<p>"He is," admitted Elfreda, "and you did."</p> + +<p>"What is on your mind now?" asked Miriam. "What do you find so +mysterious in the fact that Mrs. Gray held discourse with the powers +that be?"</p> + +<p>"You can make fun of me if you like," said Elfreda, smiling a little, +"but I know what I saw with my own eyes. There is a conspiracy on foot +among those persons. It's a delightful conspiracy, of course, but mark +my words, they are planning something, and some day when the whole thing +comes to light you'll say, 'You were right, J. Elfreda,' see if you +won't."</p> + +<p>"I will say it now if you wish me to," laughed Miriam, "merely to show +you that I have faith in your marvelous powers of observation."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," returned Elfreda. "There is nothing like being appreciated. +But under the circumstances I am afraid I can't pursue my usual methods +of investigation. If Mrs. Gray is planning something delightful, you may +be sure it is for her Christmas children, and J. Elfreda Briggs will not +be the one to pry into the surprise."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>WHAT PATIENCE OVERHEARD</h3> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Oh, Overton, our voices clear<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ring out in reverent praise to-day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To thee, our Mother, loved and dear<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who guides us on our college way,"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>sang Grace softly as she walked about her room putting away the various +articles of wearing apparel she had taken from her trunk. The Christmas +vacation had come and gone like a glad, happy dream, and with a hundred +pleasant memories of home to sweeten the days that lay between her and +Easter, Grace cheerfully unpacked her belongings, humming as she worked +the song of Overton that she loved best.</p> + +<p>A light knock on the door, accompanied by, "May I come in?" hushed the +song on Grace's lips. "I should say so," she called, recognizing +Patience Eliot's voice. "Enter and give an account of yourself. I've +hardly seen you since I came back."</p> + +<p>"I have had more or less unpacking to do, too," said Patience, with a +comprehensive glance about the room. "Also deep in my soul lurks the +fear of the fateful midyear with its burden of exams. I am conducting a +general review every night for the benefit of Patience Eliot, but it is +rather up-hill work. I envy you high and mighty seniors, whose days and +nights of anxiety are past."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you are half as much worried as you pretend. Patience +Eliot is far too valiant to be downed by a mere examination."</p> + +<p>"It is all very well to talk," grumbled Patience, "but you know just how +footless mere talk is. I'm not at all sure that I shall not flunk."</p> + +<p>"You won't, so don't try to make me believe you will," assured Grace, +"and you are going to forget your books and have dinner with me at +Vinton's to-morrow night, too."</p> + +<p>"Am I?" asked Patience. "Let me see. Oh, yes, I am. It is on Wednesday +evening that the great event takes place."</p> + +<p>"What great event?" asked Grace with unthinking curiosity. "I beg your +pardon, Patience, I didn't mean to——"</p> + +<p>Patience dismissed Grace's attempt to apologize with a wave of her hand. +"Oh, that is all right. It is what I came here to tell you. You may +believe it or not, but Kathleen West has actually invited me to go to +that illustrated lecture on 'Mexico' at the Overton theatre on Wednesday +evening."</p> + +<p>"And you are going?" Grace could not keep a slight constraint from her +tone. Her resentment against the newspaper girl still lived. Despite the +long, intimate talk she had with her father, she could not quite forget +that Kathleen had been partly responsible for the unhappy hours she had +spent before going home to Oakdale.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Patience replied. There was a note of finality in her voice. "I +believe it is best, Grace. In fact, I am sure it is."</p> + +<p>Grace stood staring moodily at Patience. A struggle against her own +personal feelings was going on within her. Suddenly her face cleared, +and with a little, rueful smile she held out her hand to the other girl. +"I'm truly glad you are going with her, Patience. I thought I wasn't, +but I am. I can't imagine why I don't outgrow my resentment against that +girl. I don't understand myself lately."</p> + +<p>"I knew you would agree with me." Patience still held Grace's hand in +hers. "Now that the ice has been broken—you know you asked us not to +mention Kathleen to you—I can say something I've wanted to tell you for +a week. There has been a slight change for the better in Kathleen since +Christmas. I don't know what has brought it about, but she is less hard +and bitter than she used to be. She is terribly blue, though, and the +other day I came into the room and found her crying. Just imagine +Kathleen West in tears if you can. She wiped them away post haste and I +pretended I hadn't noticed that she was crying. One can't sympathize +with her, you know. She wouldn't like it. She prides herself on her +stoicism."</p> + +<p>"I wonder what happened," mused Grace.</p> + +<p>"She has been writing every evening on her play," continued Patience, +"until last night. I was hard at work on my Horace, when suddenly she +said, 'Oh, what's the use?' and began tearing up everything she'd +written. 'I could see,' to quote Elfreda, that she was in one of her +black moods, so I never said a word. I think her conscience is troubling +her. Perhaps one of these days she will find herself and surprise all of +us."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," said Grace without enthusiasm. "By the way, I meant to tell +you of Arline's and my plan. We are going to propose that the Semper +Fidelis girls give a 'Famous Fiction' masquerade and invite the college. +We won't try to make any money this time. Later on we will give a +concert. This dance will be just a college frolic, but it will be fun to +dress up and mask. There will be plenty of girls who won't attend the +affair, but there will be a great many who will come. The gymnasium is +large enough to accommodate a crowd. We'll have dancing, of course, and +Semper Fidelis is going to pay for the orchestra out of their own +pockets. There won't be any real refreshments, just lemonade and fancy +crackers. The real fun will lie in the costumes. Every one who attends +must be dressed to carry out the title of some work of fiction, either +standard or 'best sellers.'"</p> + +<p>"What a jolly idea," smiled Patience. "I know already what I shall +choose."</p> + +<p>"Good!" exclaimed Grace. "Put on your wraps and go with me to Arline's. +I feel as though I must discuss it with her to-night."</p> + +<p>Within the next five minutes Grace and Patience were crossing the campus +to Morton House.</p> + +<p>"I was just getting ready to go to Wayne Hall," declared Arline, as they +marched into her room in obedience to her rather impatient "Come in."</p> + +<p>"And didn't care to be bothered with visitors," added Patience.</p> + +<p>"I thought it was a freshman on the next floor who demands admittance at +regular hour intervals. She has the 'crush' habit to distraction. She's +a nice girl," added Arline, generously, "even though she bores me +frightfully at times, and I wouldn't for anything hurt her feelings. I +am glad you came. I was just thinking of making you a call. I want to +talk over our Famous Fiction dance."</p> + +<p>"Why, that is what brought us here!" cried Grace. "We decided that there +was no time like the present for talking it over."</p> + +<p>"Then, being of the same mind, we shall no doubt accomplish wonders," +laughed Arline. "When shall we give it?"</p> + +<p>"The sooner, the better," advised Patience. "That is, if you expect the +freshmen and sophomores to turn out to it. Midyear examinations are only +three weeks off, and by the last of next week every one will be so +desperately devoted to reviewing back lessons that the idea of a +masquerade won't create an iota of enthusiasm."</p> + +<p>"Patience is as level-headed as ever," agreed Grace. "Why not have the +masquerade next Monday evening? That will give us a week to decide on +our costumes and order our masks. Suppose we ask that poor old woman who +keeps the little shop just beyond the campus to order our masks? I'll +post a notice on the bulletin board as soon as we have secured Miss +Wilder's permission to give the masquerade to the effect that masks can +be bought at her shop. She is safe in ordering three hundred at least, +and it will mean a small profit to her."</p> + +<p>"Grace is always thinking of helping the needy and the downtrodden," +declared Arline. "You are a really truly philanthropist, Grace, and you +ought to be a fixture at Overton."</p> + +<p>"Please don't, Arline," protested Grace, frowning a little. "I'm not a +bit more interested in helping others than are you or Patience. I was +just thinking to-day that I had really been selfish. It doesn't seem +fair that I should have had such good times when so many girls here have +nothing but hard work and worry over money matters."</p> + +<p>"Who organized Semper Fidelis and who was the first person to think of +our Christmas girls?" demanded Arline.</p> + +<p>"You are the president of the Sempers and you collected almost all the +presents for our first Santa Claus venture," evaded Grace.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Let each be wise and wear the prize,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Let each divide the crown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The deeds of Harlowe and of Thayer,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are equal in renown.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stop arguing and get to work,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For that is why we're here,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Don't waste your time in idle words,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The dinner hour is near,"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>improvised Patience.</p> + +<p>Both girls looked their surprise at this outburst.</p> + +<p>"Thank you for your poetic counsel, Patience," said Grace. "Suppose we +write down the things to be done in connection with giving the dance."</p> + +<p>"Here you are." Arline opened her desk and motioned Grace to the chair +before it. "We'll suggest, and you can write."</p> + +<p>By the time the girls had finished their plans for the masquerade it was +half-past six. "Stay here for dinner," invited Arline.</p> + +<p>Grace shook her head. "Thank you, but I have studying to do and letters +to write to-night. If I stay here for dinner, I'll reach Wayne Hall at +twenty-nine minutes after ten. I know my failings."</p> + +<p>"Same here," said Patience. "I am not to be trusted, either. Thank you +for the invitation; it is a great temptation. Let us go, Grace, before +we succumb to the artful blandishments of this blonde young person and +stay in spite of ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Come over to-morrow night, Arline," called Grace as they went down the +steps of Morton House. Arline had accompanied them to the door. "Bring +Ruth with you. Tell her I am sorry I didn't see her to-night."</p> + +<p>"I'll see you later, Patience," said Grace as they separated at the head +of the stairs. Patience walked slowly down the hall to her room. The +door stood slightly ajar and the room was in darkness, but the sound of +a familiar voice caused Patience to halt abruptly.</p> + +<p>"I could see," said the voice of Elfreda Briggs, "that something worried +you. I know just how sorry you feel, because I went through the same +thing myself. But if you could make up your mind to go to her and tell +her that——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I couldn't do that." It was Kathleen's voice that interrupted the +speaker. "I am sure she must hate me. I never believed that I should +care, but I do. If only I could do something to show her that at last I +understand what college spirit means."</p> + +<p>"Do you really mean that?" There was a note of excitement in Elfreda's +voice. "Because, if you do, I have the most splendid idea, and the +beauty of it is that you are the only one who can carry it out. Will +you——"</p> + +<p>But Patience, realizing with a start that she was eavesdropping, waited +to hear no more.</p> + +<p>Turning about she stepped noiselessly along the hall and down the +stairs. Entering the living room she found Emma Dean entertaining three +girls who were laughing immoderately.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Patience!" called Emma. "Come in and listen to my tale of woe. +Where was I? Oh, yes, the minute I stepped off the car I realized that I +had left my silk umbrella in it. The car started about five seconds +before I did. It was a beautiful race. I passed a fat policeman on the +corner, and waved my hand reassuringly at him merely to show that I was +not fleeing from Justice. Talk about fast running! I actually surprised +myself. I caught up with the car just as it was turning that curve on +High Street, and floundered into it, puffing like a steam engine. I made +one dash past the conductor, reached the seat where my cherished +umbrella still reposed and captured it. The conductor must have thought +me hopelessly demented, for I dashed out as the car stopped at the next +corner without having paid a cent of carfare or offered a sign of an +explanation.</p> + +<p>"When I passed the corner where the fat policeman stood, he looked at me +with respectful admiration, and said: 'You got that car, lady, didn't +you?' and I proudly acknowledged that I did. I was only sorry that there +weren't more persons about to appreciate Emma Dean's Two Block Dash."</p> + +<p>Patience joined in the laughter that had accompanied Emma's narrative. +"How are you getting on with your play, Emma?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I still have the title," returned Emma blandly, "but I can't decide +upon my characters. There are so many shining lights at Wayne Hall. You +know my play is entitled "Life at Wayne Hall; Or, the Expressman's +Surprise." The only character I've actually decided upon is the +expressman. I am obliged to have him because he is in the sub-title. I +decided long ago on my opening speech, however. The expressman opens the +play by saying, 'I can't wait all day, lady.' Isn't that realistic? So +true to life!"</p> + +<p>"In the face of such an offering, Emma, I am satisfied that it would be +sheer folly for any of us to enter the lists," assured Patience.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I don't wish to discourage any of you," deprecated Emma with +the droll little smile for which she was noted. "But to give Emma Dean +and her wonderful ability as a playwright a rest, what is new?"</p> + +<p>"We are talking of giving a masquerade," volunteered Patience.</p> + +<p>"Who is included in 'we'?" asked Laura Atkins.</p> + +<p>"Grace, Arline and I were talking it over to-day. We thought of giving a +Famous Fiction masquerade."</p> + +<p>"What is a Famous Fiction masquerade?" asked Emma curiously.</p> + +<p>Whereupon Patience entered into an explanation of the proposed gayety +while the girls listened with willing ears. While they were discussing +it, Elfreda Briggs appeared in the doorway and Patience knew that she +could now return to her room without running the risk of interrupting a +heart-to-heart talk. But she smiled to herself as she thought that while +she had been casting about for some way to help Kathleen, Elfreda had +found it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>THE MYSTERIOUS "PETER RABBIT"</h3> + + +<p>The gymnasium had, perhaps, never held a more motley crowd of revelers +than on the night of the Famous Fiction masquerade. The faculty, who had +been particularly interested in the idea of the masquerade, declared +that for originality it was in line with 19—'s usual efforts. They +occupied seats in the gallery and amused themselves with trying to guess +the identity of the various maskers and the books or famous book +characters which they represented.</p> + +<p>It had been decided that as so many of the famous book titles did not +lend themselves to impersonation, famous characters in fiction might +also be impersonated. Therefore, when the longed-for night came round, +heroes and heroines, with whose adventures and doings the book-lover's +world is familiar, walked about, arm in arm, collected in little groups, +or danced gayly together to the music of the eight-piece Overton +orchestra, whose members appeared to appreciate the humor of the +occasion as keenly as did the faculty.</p> + +<p>It was an inspiring sight to watch "Hamlet" parading calmly about the +gymnasium with "Beverly of Graustark," or to watch "Mrs. Wiggs of the +Cabbage Patch" waltz merrily off with "Rip Van Winkle." Every one +immediately recognized "The Bow of Orange Ribbon" and "Robinson Crusoe." +Meek little Oliver Twist, with his big porridge bowl decorated by a wide +white band bearing the legend, "I want some more," was also easy to +guess. So were "Evangeline," "Carmen," "The Little Lame Prince," +"Ivanhoe," "Janice Meredith," and scores of other book ladies and +gentlemen.</p> + +<p>There were a few masqueraders, however, whose fictitious identity was +shrouded in mystery. No one could fathom the significance of a certain +tall figure, dressed in rags, who stopped short in her tracks at +frequent intervals, and, producing a needle and thread, sewed +industriously at her tattered garments. A black-robed sister of charity, +accompanied by a strange figure who wore a shapeless garment painted in +dull gray squares to represent stone, and wearing a narrow leather belt +about its waist from which was suspended on either side two small +andirons, were also sources of speculative curiosity. So was a young +woman in white with a towering headdress composed of a combination of +the Stars and Stripes and the flag of France. And no one had the +remotest idea concerning the eight white figures who marched four +abreast and would not condescend to break ranks even to dance.</p> + +<p>"Sherlock Holmes" was there with his violin tucked under one arm and a +volume of his memoirs under the other. He evinced a strong preference +for the society of "Joan of Arc," while "Sarah Crewe," "Little Lord +Fauntleroy," and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook" traveled about together, a +seemingly contented trio. "The Three Musketeers" were gorgeous to behold +in their square-cut costumes, high boots and wide feathered hats, but +the sensation of the evening was "Peter Rabbit," who came to the dance +attired in his little blue, brass-buttoned jacket, brown khaki +pantaloons and what seemed to be the identical shoes he lost in Mr. +McGregor's garden. His mask was a cunning rabbit's head that was drawn +down and fastened at the neck by a funny soft tie. Who "Peter Rabbit" +was and where he had managed to lay hands on his costume was a matter +for discussion that night.</p> + +<p>The suspense of not knowing who was who ended with the unmasking after +the eighth dance, and amid exclamations and little shrieks of laughter +the masqueraders stood face to face.</p> + +<p>"Elfreda Briggs! I might have known you would," laughed Arline Thayer, +shaking hands with "Sherlock Holmes," while Miriam Nesbit thankfully +lifted "Joan of Arc's" helmet and took off her mask.</p> + +<p>"You're a perfectly darling 'Fauntleroy,'" admired Elfreda. "I suppose +Ruth was 'Sara Crewe.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned Arline Thayer. "Here come those eight white figures!" +she exclaimed. "Why, it is Miss Barlowe and her crowd. I don't know yet +what they were representing."</p> + +<p>"The 'White Company,' of course," declared Elfreda. "There would be no +satisfaction in being 'Sherlock Holmes' if I couldn't solve all these +puzzles."</p> + +<p>"Then live up to your reputation and tell me what famous work of fiction +this approaching rag-bag represents," laughed Miriam.</p> + +<p>"My powers of deduction were strong enough to pierce the identity of +that bundle of rags," grinned Elfreda. "I knew Emma Dean by her walk, +but I don't know what she represents. Who and what are you, Emma?" she +hailed.</p> + +<p>"'Never too Late to Mend,'" chanted Emma, flourishing a large darning +needle and attacking her rags anew. A shout arose from the little circle +of girls who had formed about her. "There is another still harder to +guess than mine. Over there," pointed Emma. "Look, girls!"</p> + +<p>"What is it?" chorused half a dozen voices. "Well, I never! If it isn't +Grace and Patience!"</p> + +<p>There was a concerted rush toward the two girls. "What in the name of +common sense is this illustrious combination?" asked Emma. "Why didn't +you choose something a little harder."</p> + +<p>"We are easy enough to guess," returned Patience loftily. "That is, if +you are familiar with standard fiction."</p> + +<p>"I'm not. I never was," declared Emma. "Tell us instanter!"</p> + +<p>"Allow me to introduce you to the 'Cloister.'" Patience bowed low. "And +the 'Hearth.'" Grace saluted the company with a loud jingling of her +andirons.</p> + +<p>"Oh," groaned Elfreda. "No wonder my powers of deduction failed. Who +could guess that Grace was representing a hearth? She looks more like a +section of a garden wall or the stone foundation for a new house, +or——"</p> + +<p>"If my costume looks as stony as that, then I do look like a hearth, and +either your eyesight or your imagination is defective," declared Grace +in triumph.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, you resemble a hearth," agreed Emma Dean. "Now tell me how +you like my costume. It took me hours to reduce my wearing apparel to +its present picturesque state. All you girls are screaming successes. +But who is 'Peter Rabbit'?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, but I'm going to find out," declared Elfreda. "He, or +rather she, carried a package of little cards with a cunning rabbit's +head and the name 'Peter Rabbit' on them. I have one here."</p> + +<p>"So have I," came from every member of the group.</p> + +<p>"Let us find the famous Peter, then offer our congratulations," proposed +Patience, with a searching glance at the company.</p> + +<p>But the "famous Peter" was not to be found among the throng of gayly +attired girls, and there was no little comment among them at his sudden +and complete disappearance.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what became of 'Peter Rabbit'?" remarked Anne, when, later in +the evening, a number of Semper Fidelis girls gathered in one corner of +the room to hold an informal session and compare notes.</p> + +<p>"Who is 'Peter Rabbit'; or, the Mystery of the 'Blue Jacket'?" declaimed +Emma Dean. "Even Sherlock is all at sea, aren't you, Brother Holmes?" +Emma Dean laid her hand familiarly on the great investigator's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Don't be too sure that I'm all at sea. I have a theory." Elfreda put on +a preternaturally wise expression.</p> + +<p>"We'll hear it at once," returned Emma briskly.</p> + +<p>"Not to-night. I have other weightier problems on my mind. I have been +asked to solve the campus mystery."</p> + +<p>"Campus mystery!" exclaimed several voices. "What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Walk to the extreme northern end of the campus, then go east one +hundred and fifty paces and you will come face to face with the +problem," was Elfreda's mystifying answer.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know what you mean," cried Sara Emerson. "The ground has been +broken there for some kind of building. We noticed it day before +yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Right, my child," commended Elfreda patronizingly, "and therein lies +the mystery. I have prowled about the vicinity at odd moments ever since +the men began working there, but even my powers of penetration have +failed."</p> + +<p>"Since your curiosity has reached such a height, why don't you ask Miss +Wilder to tell you the whys and wherefores of this startling affair?" +teased Emma Dean. "I never realized until now what a mysterious process +digging a cellar is."</p> + +<p>"It isn't the process that's mysterious, it is the object of the +process," declared Elfreda, with great dignity.</p> + +<p>"Not everyone 'can see' either," interposed Emma innocently.</p> + +<p>"The Briggs-Dean rapid-fire conversation team in an entirely new line of +specialties," proclaimed Sara Emerson. "Secure front seats for the +performance."</p> + +<p>"There isn't going to be any performance," flung back Emma. "This is +merely a friendly chat, but it ends here and now. I don't propose to +court publicity. Come on, Sherlock, let us hie us to the lemonade bowl +away from this madding crowd."</p> + +<p>Sherlock offered his free arm—his memoirs were securely tucked under +the other—and strolled nonchalantly toward the punch bowl, looking as +though he were towing an animated rag-bag.</p> + +<p>"Doesn't Emma Dean look too ridiculous for words?" laughed Arline Thayer +to Grace.</p> + +<p>"'Never too late to mend,'" quoted Grace. "I wonder how she ever +happened to hit upon the idea. She is a delightful girl, isn't she?"</p> + +<p>"Emma Dean? One of the nicest girls at Overton." Arline spoke with +enthusiasm. "When I came to Morton House as a freshman, Emma was there, +too. I had the most appalling case of the blues, for I didn't for one +moment believe that I should ever like college. Emma had the next room +to mine. She was so cheerful and said such funny things that I forgot +all about my blues."</p> + +<p>"I never knew she had lived at Morton House," said Grace in surprise.</p> + +<p>"She was there just two weeks," continued Arline. "Then a freshman, who +was an old friend of the Dean family, wanted Emma to room with her at +Wayne Hall, and so she left Morton House and has been at the Hall ever +since."</p> + +<p>"Your loss was our gain," replied Grace. "We couldn't do without Emma at +Wayne Hall. She and Elfreda are the life of the house."</p> + +<p>Arline smiled to herself. Elfreda and Emma might fill their own +particular niches in Wayne Hall, but there was only one Grace Harlowe. +"How I shall miss you, Grace," she said with sudden irrelevance to the +subject of Emma. "I shall miss you more than any other girl in college, +except Ruth, when I go to New York for good and all."</p> + +<p>"I forbid you to mention the subject," cried Grace, her fine face +clouding. "We mustn't even think of it. Oh, listen, Arline! The +orchestra has begun that Strauss waltz I like so well. I'm going to put +these clumsy old andirons over in the corner; then we'll dance and +forget that we are seniors and must pay the penalty."</p> + +<p>It was almost twelve o'clock when the Famous Fiction dance came to a +triumphant end, and the illustrious book heroes and heroines wended +their midnight way toward their various houses and boarding places. The +Wayne Hall girls marched across the campus, Emma Dean parading ahead +with outspread arms, her rags flapping about her, giving her the +appearance of a scarecrow which had just emerged from a farmer's +cornfield.</p> + +<p>"There it is! There lies the mystery!" cried Elfreda, pointing toward +the northern end of the campus, where considerable headway had been made +in digging what appeared to be the cellar of a house. "But Sherlock will +unravel the tangled skein!"</p> + +<p>"Don't be so noisy!" cautioned Miriam Nesbit. "The real Sherlock +wasn't."</p> + +<p>"To-morrow will tell the tale," went on Elfreda unabashed, but in a +slightly lower key. "First, I shall spy upon the workmen, then I shall +collect samples of campus soil and spend the rest of the day deducing."</p> + +<p>"I hope you won't overwork," was Emma's solicitous comment. "While you +are about it you might deduce the identity of 'Peter Rabbit.' I confess +I am curious to know who wore Peter's blue jacket and why she +disappeared so suddenly."</p> + +<p>"So am I," declared Grace. "We must try to find out, too."</p> + +<p>As the merry little party tramped upstairs to their rooms, Grace felt a +hand on her shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Do you really want to know who 'Peter Rabbit' was?" whispered Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"Yes," breathed Grace.</p> + +<p>"Then don't tell the girls. It was Kathleen."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't she unmask with the rest of us?" demanded Grace, as they +reached the head of the stairs.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't she?" repeated Elfreda. "I'll tell you why. She didn't wish +any of us to know who she was. Can't you see? She wanted to be one of +the crowd and she was afraid the girls wouldn't take kindly to her. She +is beginning to feel that she would like to be liked, and," Elfreda +raised one hand, her index finger pointing upward, "'There is hope.'"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>WHO WILL WIN THE HONOR PIN?</h3> + + +<p>After the Famous Fiction masquerade a noticeable lull in social +activities at Overton ensued. Except for basketball, which always +flourished between midyear and Easter, little occurred to break the +studious wave that swept over the college. There was one topic, however, +that furnished food for endless discussion, and that was the senior play +contest. In the beginning a goodly number of girls had entered the +lists, imagining that to write a play was an extremely simple matter. +After two or three feeble attempts at writing, the majority of them had +given up in disgust, and from all that could be learned there were less +than twenty contestants who had persevered.</p> + +<p>The decision of the judges was to be reserved until after the beginning +of the spring term, but the contest closed the Tuesday before the Easter +holiday began, and it had been stipulated in the rules that all +manuscripts must be in the hands of the judges on, or previous to, that +time.</p> + +<p>As far as was known, no one from Wayne Hall, save Kathleen West and +Elfreda, had entered the contest, and even Patience Eliot was not sure +that Kathleen had finished and submitted her play. Several times +Patience endeavored adroitly to lead up to the subject, but Kathleen +invariably turned the conversation into other channels.</p> + +<p>"Patience can't find out whether or not Kathleen West entered the +contest," observed Grace. A week had passed since the beginning of the +spring term, and Miriam, Elfreda, Grace and Anne were strolling across +the campus enjoying the tender beauty of a late April day.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="img4" id="img4"></a> +<img src="images/img4.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>The Four Friends Were Strolling Across the Campus.</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + +<p>"I imagine she did," said Miriam. "I have an idea she is likely to win, +too. I can appreciate her ability if I can't wax enthusiastic over her +disposition."</p> + +<p>"I am so tired of being asked what my play was about," declared Anne. +"Everyone seems to take it for granted that I wrote one. I only wish I +were clever enough to write a play or even a sketch."</p> + +<p>"The announcement is to be made to-morrow isn't it?" asked Miriam.</p> + +<p>Grace nodded. "Miss Duncan told me yesterday that there had been only +fourteen manuscripts handed in. She said at least five of them were +really clever. She and the other judges were to meet last night to talk +over the matter and make their final decision. It is to be announced at +five o'clock to-morrow afternoon in the gymnasium. Didn't you see the +notice on the big bulletin board this morning?"</p> + +<p>"The girl who wins will stand a chance of having her head completely +turned," said Miriam. "If she is a senior, her class will bankrupt +themselves entertaining her, and if she belongs to one of the other +classes, her own class will probably prostrate themselves at her feet in +a body, not to mention the general adulation that is bound to come to +the winner."</p> + +<p>"Then I hope I win," was Elfreda's calm statement. "I know I won't, +because my play was a comedy, and, besides, I know some one else whose +idea for a play was a hundred times better than mine."</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" The question came simultaneously from Miriam and Grace.</p> + +<p>Elfreda shook her head. "I won't say. The person made me promise I +wouldn't tell."</p> + +<p>"Then we aren't curious to know," said Grace promptly. "Forget that we +asked you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," assured Elfreda. "You'll know soon enough if she +wins the honor."</p> + +<p>"What are the latest developments in the campus mystery, Professor +Holmes?" laughed Grace.</p> + +<p>"There aren't any," responded Elfreda, shrugging her shoulders. "I found +what I supposed to be a clue, and, careful investigator that I am, ran +it down, but it led to nothing. However, I haven't given up. I'll solve +the problem yet. The noble name of Briggs shall never be associated with +failure."</p> + +<p>"Any time before commencement, Elfreda," jeered Miriam. "You might keep +it as a parting surprise. We shall need something to help bolster up our +courage on that last day when the air is rent with good-byes."</p> + +<p>"That isn't a bad idea," commented Elfreda. "Perhaps I will. I wish +to-morrow were here. I am more anxious to know who won the honor prize +than I am to discover who is responsible for our mysterious campus +house."</p> + +<p>"What are you girls going to do this evening?" asked Grace, as they +reached Wayne Hall and seated themselves on the veranda for a few +minutes' further chat before going upstairs to get ready for dinner.</p> + +<p>"I am going to see Ruth and Arline to-night," announced Anne. "Will you +girls go with me?"</p> + +<p>"I can't," said Miriam regretfully. "I have letters to write."</p> + +<p>"I'll go," agreed Grace.</p> + +<p>Elfreda alone was silent.</p> + +<p>"And what has J. Elfreda Briggs on her mind?" questioned Anne.</p> + +<p>"I can't go. I have another little investigation to pursue," said +Elfreda pompously. "If it turns out well, I may have something to tell +you girls."</p> + +<p>But that night, when the four chums gathered in Grace's room for a brief +social session before retiring, Elfreda shook her head soberly when +reminded of her partial promise. "I am sorry, but I didn't say +positively that I'd tell you."</p> + +<p>"Then it didn't turn out well?" from Miriam.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Elfreda shortly, "it didn't."</p> + +<p>Three pairs of eyes were fixed inquiringly upon Elfreda. "I didn't +promise to tell you anything, you know," she reminded bluntly.</p> + +<p>"We are well aware of that fact, my dear Miss Briggs," laughed Miriam, +"but we would appreciate your confidence, and having aroused our +curiosity you ought to do something to satisfy it."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll tell you," decided Elfreda. "I purposely waylaid +Kathleen West as she was going out of the house to-night and walked as +far as the library with her. I could see she wasn't yearning for my +company, but I wanted to tell her that I knew she was 'Peter Rabbit' at +the dance. Well, I told her," continued Elfreda grimly, "but I had hard +work doing it. She talked about everything under the sun and wouldn't +give me a chance to say a word. And how she did walk! But I kept up with +her. I could see she wanted to get away from me. I told her just as we +reached the library steps." Elfreda paused.</p> + +<p>"Well, what did she say?" asked Grace almost impatiently.</p> + +<p>"She said 'good night' and ran up the library steps like a flash. I +don't know whether she was angry or not. I can't see why she should be."</p> + +<p>"Here is something at last that Elfreda can't see," murmured Miriam.</p> + +<p>"I can see that it will be a long time before I tell you girls anything +again," retorted Elfreda, but her smiling face belied her brusque words.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>KATHLEEN'S GREAT MOMENT</h3> + + +<p>By five o'clock the following afternoon the greater part of the students +of Overton College had assembled in the gymnasium to learn who had won +the honor pin. Every pair of eyes was fixed upon Dr. Hepburn as he rose +from his seat on the platform and faced the gathering of expectant +students who were eagerly awaiting his announcement.</p> + +<p>"It is with the sincerest pleasure that I rise, this afternoon, to +announce that, after due consideration, the judges appointed by the +senior class play committee to pass judgment upon the plays submitted +have decided in favor of the morality play submitted by Miss Kathleen +West, entitled 'Loyalheart; Her Four Years' Pilgrimage.' It is, +perhaps, the most notable manuscript of its kind that has come within +the notice of any member of the committee during a period covering a +number of years," continued Dr. Hepburn, "and Miss West is to be +congratulated on the merit of her remarkable literary effort. I have +also been requested to say that, in the opinion of the judges, the +comedy entitled 'A Quiet Vacation,' by Miss J. Elfreda Briggs, was the +second choice of the committee."</p> + +<p>For an instant after Dr. Hepburn ceased speaking a deep stillness +pervaded the gymnasium, then from all sides rose cries of "Kathleen +West! Elfreda Briggs! Speech! speech!"</p> + +<p>Dr. Hepburn raised his hand for silence, and when quiet had been +restored he said, "If Miss Briggs and Miss West are present, will they +kindly come to the platform?"</p> + +<p>Already Elfreda's three friends were urging her forward. From far back +in the gymnasium a little figure was seen to separate itself from its +fellows and come hesitatingly forward. When Kathleen West reached the +platform and faced her audience she eyed them composedly, although her +face grew very white; then she began speaking in a clear, resonant +voice:</p> + +<p>"I thank you for the honor you have conferred upon me," she said, bowing +to the committee, "and to you," she bowed to her audience, "for your +tribute of appreciation. I should like to say that in creating the +character of 'Loyalheart' I have not drawn upon my fancy, and I know +that the many lovable qualities with which I have endowed my heroine are +to be found in the girl who served as my inspiration. I refer to Miss +Grace Harlowe, of the senior class, whom I consider the ideal Overton +girl." Kathleen's voice trembled slightly on the last sentence. Then she +walked quickly down the aisle, accompanied by a burst of applause that +made the great room ring.</p> + +<p>Grace had listened to Kathleen's little speech with unbelieving ears. +Could this be the antagonistic Kathleen West of a few weeks ago? What +had wrought this marvelous and unlooked-for change? That Elfreda had won +second honors had been forgotten. The attention of the students were +focused on Kathleen. Now repeated calls for "Harlowe! Grace Harlowe!" +sounded. Emma Dean and Arline escorted her to the platform.</p> + +<p>"I thank Miss West for the honor she has done me, and I thank all of +you," she said with a sweet seriousness that went straight to her +hearers' hearts. "Although I am afraid I can't lay claim to the splendid +qualities Miss West has attributed to me, the knowledge that she has +thought me worthy is doubly dear." Then Grace hurried to her place very +near to tears, while Miriam affectionately pressed her arm on one side +and Anne, on the other, slipped her hand into that of her friend, and +thus the three listened to Elfreda's speech.</p> + +<p>"That's about the most satisfactory general meeting I ever attended," +remarked Emma Dean in Miriam's ear as they stepped outside to the +campus, where groups of girls had halted with a view to hailing their +respective friends as they passed.</p> + +<p>"I was never more astonished in my life," returned Miriam, in guarded +tones. "As for Elfreda, she can't believe that she won second honors. +She insists there must have been a mistake."</p> + +<p>"It was a general all-around surprise, I believe," confided Emma. "I +never dreamed that Kathleen West entertained any such feeling for Grace, +and I don't imagine any one else did, either. When is the honor prize to +be presented to her?"</p> + +<p>"On the night of the play. Now that it is all settled, the play +committee had better bestir themselves."</p> + +<p>"You are on the play committee, aren't you?" asked Emma innocently.</p> + +<p>"You needn't remind me of it," laughed Miriam. "I hadn't forgotten it, +and it is plain to be seen that you hadn't. Elfreda, Anne and Ruth +Denton are on it, too. Here comes Elfreda, surrounded by an admiring +throng. Genius will out. I knew she would do something extraordinarily +clever before she wound up her college career."</p> + +<p>"We can't find Kathleen West!" exclaimed Elfreda. "She slipped out of +the gymnasium so quietly that no one realized she had gone. We are going +over to Wayne Hall after her."</p> + +<p>"Where is Grace?" asked Miriam irrelevantly.</p> + +<p>Elfreda made a quick, comprehensive survey of the various groups of +girls. "Why, I don't see her. She was here——" Something in Miriam's +expression caused her to eye her roommate sharply. Miriam shook her head +almost imperceptibly.</p> + +<p>"That's so," returned Elfreda in a low tone. "You never forget anything, +do you, Miriam? I will tell the girls to postpone rushing Kathleen until +to-night." Turning to the crowd of girls, who had been too busy talking +to notice what had passed between her and Miriam, Elfreda said easily: +"Suppose we wait until this evening after dinner, girls. Meet me at the +corner below Wayne Hall at half-past seven o'clock and we will call on +Kathleen and Grace. Miriam will engage to keep them in the house and +we'll have ice cream and cake afterward."</p> + +<p>Elfreda's suggestion was well received, and solemnly winking at Miriam, +she pursued her triumphal journey across the campus, quite surrounded by +her admiring bodyguard.</p> + +<p>But while her friends were discussing the outcome of the play, Kathleen +West, J. Elfreda and Grace, the last named young woman was speeding +across the campus toward Wayne Hall. As she was about to return to her +place among her friends, after making her speech, her alert eyes had +seen a small, familiar figure edge toward the side door of the +gymnasium, then disappear. Grace surmised that Kathleen had gone +directly to Wayne Hall, and without hesitating she hurried after her. +But another person had also marked Kathleen's flight, for as Grace ran +up the steps of the hall she heard a rush of footsteps behind her, and, +turning her head to see who was following her, stopped short, +exclaiming, "I might have known that you would be the first to go to +her, Patience!"</p> + +<p>"That is just what I was thinking of you," smiled Patience. "But you +must go first. Wasn't it the most astounding announcement you ever +heard. I am not surprised at her winning the honor pin. It is her change +of heart that astonishes me. I realized that she had improved, but I +never heard of anything like this. I suspect Elfreda Briggs knows more +about this miracle than she will admit. I overheard her talking to +Kathleen one night. I didn't mean to listen. I was just about to enter +the room when I heard something Elfreda said and hurried off as fast as +I could go."</p> + +<p>"I think Elfreda had a hand in it, too," said Grace, with shining eyes. +"What a glorious success she has made of her four years. Now, one of us +must go to Kathleen."</p> + +<p>"You go," insisted Patience. "I'll drop in later."</p> + +<p>Grace went into the house and upstairs, hardly knowing what to do or +say. She knocked gently on Kathleen's door, then at sound of a muffled +"Come," turned the knob and stepped inside. Kathleen had thrown herself +face downward upon her couch, her face buried in the cushions. Without +raising her head, she faltered, "Is it you, Grace?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Grace softly, as she approached the couch on which +Kathleen lay.</p> + +<p>"I knew you would come—you and Patience."</p> + +<p>"Patience is downstairs," returned Grace. "She will be here soon."</p> + +<p>Kathleen raised herself to a sitting posture. Her eyes were very bright. +There was no sign of tears in them. "Grace, can you ever forgive me for +all the trouble I have caused you?" she asked solemnly.</p> + +<p>"Of course I can, Kathleen," replied Grace, slipping down on the couch +beside Kathleen and placing her arm about the slender shoulders of the +newspaper girl. "You are not the only one at fault. I blame myself for a +great many things that happened. If we had only known that you wished to +be in the circus. We never thought of slighting you, Kathleen."</p> + +<p>"I know it now," rejoined Kathleen sadly, "but I was furious with you at +the time. Then, too, I had made up my mind not to like you. I thought +you priggish and narrow-minded. I didn't understand college in the +least. I was ready to ride over every Overton tradition for the sake of +having my own way. Patience was the first to show me where I stood, and +I tried to see matters from her standpoint. Then came the temptation to +publish that 'Larry, the Locksmith' story, and you know the rest.</p> + +<p>"Elfreda Briggs was the one who brought me to my first realization of +college spirit. She had been watching me all year and discovered that I +was unhappy. She marched into my room one night and found me crying. +When she left me I was happier than I had been for months. She had shown +me the way to atone for some of the mischief I had made. It was she who +gave me the idea for the play. I had begun a play, then had destroyed +it, resolving to have nothing more to do with the contest. After Elfreda +and I had our talk I began again and I wrote 'Loyalheart.' After the +Famous Fiction Dance Elfreda came to me again. She was determined to +help me."</p> + +<p>Grace's face grew radiant when Kathleen told of Elfreda's part in the +affair. A great wave of love and tenderness for the one-time stout girl, +who had begun her college life at such a disadvantage, swept over her. +"Dear old J. Elfreda," she murmured. "What a wonder she is!"</p> + +<p>"But there is one thing I haven't yet told you," said Kathleen. "You are +to create the role of 'Loyalheart' in my play. You mustn't refuse. It +was written for you, and no one else could possibly play it. Elfreda is +going to arrange that part of it with the play committee. Please don't +refuse. If you only knew how much it means to me." Kathleen's eyes were +fixed appealingly upon Grace.</p> + +<p>"I won't refuse," was Grace's gentle answer. "I'll do it just to please +you and to cement our life-long friendship." The two girls had risen +now, and stood facing each other. Then their hands met in a silent +pledge of friendship that was to prove faithful to the end.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Loyalheart stepped into life on the fifth Friday evening after Easter +and for two hours and a half her adoring audience of Overton students +hung on her slightest word or gesture. From the moment in which +Loyalheart left Haven Home on her Four Years' Pilgrimage she ceased to +exist as Grace Harlowe, merging her personality entirely in that of the +beautiful allegorical character she was portraying.</p> + +<p>The play itself was in four acts, each representing one of the four +college years. Written in the form of an allegory, it partook of the +nature of a morality play and told the story of Loyalheart's eventful +pilgrimage through the Land of College, accompanied by her faithful +friends, Honor, Forbearance, Silence and Good Humor. Her heroic efforts +to keep her four friends with her in spite of the plots of Snobbery, +Gossip, Jealousy, Frivolity and Treachery, and her readiness to extend a +helping hand to Diffidence, Poverty and Misunderstood, result in the +creation of an illusive being known to her only as the Spirit, a +white-robed apparition which visits her more frequently as she +approaches the end of her pilgrimage. At the termination of Senior Lane, +which is separated from the Highway of Life by the Gate of Commencement, +the Spirit, clothed in glittering raiment, appears to Loyalheart, and +she learns that in helping others and clinging to her ideals she has +fostered and nurtured to radiant growth none other than the fabled +College Spirit which she has ardently striven to recognize and possess.</p> + +<p>Greatly to her delight, Emma Dean had been asked to play the part of the +Spirit, and exhibited real histrionic ability in the role. As +Loyalheart, Grace, who, day after day, had been painstakingly coached by +Anne, left nothing to be desired in her portrayal of the role assigned +to her. Ruth Denton, Gertrude Wells, and Miriam Nesbit, respectively, +enacted the roles of Honor, Forbearance and Silence, while Elfreda +insisted on playing Good Humor, and was greeted with appreciative +laughter whenever she appeared.</p> + +<p>The play was written in blank verse, and many of the passages were +extremely beautiful. Loyalheart's farewell to Haven Home and the +revelation of the Spirit to Loyalheart at the Highway of Life were +particularly worthy of note. The speeches of Good Humor scintillated +with wit, and the unpleasant characters in the play were peculiarly true +to life. Grace took half a dozen curtain calls, and Kathleen West was +also summoned before the curtain and publicly presented with the honor +pin by President Morton.</p> + +<p>It was an evening long to be remembered, and the story of Loyalheart and +her pilgrimage was destined to remain in the minds of the Overton girls +for many a day.</p> + +<p>It was after eleven o 'clock when a very tired Loyalheart went forth on +a pilgrimage to Wayne Hall, accompanied by her equally loyal supporters, +who were proudly bearing numerous floral offerings which had been handed +to Grace over the footlights.</p> + +<p>"I am so tired," she sighed, "but so happy. It was a beautiful play, +wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"And you were the nicest part of it," said Anne fondly. "Your portrayal +of Loyalheart was wonderful."</p> + +<p>"And so was your coaching," retorted Grace, promptly.</p> + +<p>"It is far from early," remarked Elfreda in a suggestive tone, as they +halted for a moment at the head of the stairs, "but we are all here, and +I know how to make fruit punch. In fact, I got the stuff ready, thinking +that it might be useful!"</p> + +<p>"We will be in your room within the next ten minutes," said Grace +decisively. "Such hospitality is not met with every day."</p> + +<p>True to her word, ten minutes later she and Anne were seated on the foot +of Elfreda's bed, kimono clad and smiling, while Elfreda labored with +the fruit punch. Kathleen West and Patience Eliot, who had also been +invited to the punch party, were seated on cushions on the floor.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the soft tinkle of a mandolin sounded under the window, then a +chorus of fresh young voices sang softly:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Come, tune your lyre to Kathleen West,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of all the plays hers is the best;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long may she shine, long may she wave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her shrine we deck with garlands brave;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May Fortune bring her world renown—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Kathleen West, girls, drink her down."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"How perfectly sweet in them!" exclaimed Kathleen, her color rising.</p> + +<p>"Hush!" Miriam held up her finger.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Dear Loyalheart, we sing to you,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O girl so brave and sweet and true,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May life to you be wondrous kind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And may you all its treasures find;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May skies ne'er threaten you, nor frown—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Loyalheart, girls, drink her down."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Owing to the lateness of the play no one at Wayne Hall had had time to +retire, and, hearing the music, the girls had with one accord hurried to +the windows.</p> + +<p>"Come on up, Gertrude," called Grace into the soft darkness. "I know +your voice. How on earth did you get out of your costume, go home for +your mandolin and manage to land under Miriam's and Elfreda's window, +all within half an hour?"</p> + +<p>"That's easy. We brought our instruments of torture with us to the play, +and Elfreda agreed to have you girls in her room at the time appointed."</p> + +<p>"There is fruit punch enough to go round, and dozens of cakes," observed +an ingratiating voice over Grace's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"We had several more verses to sing, and one for you, Elfreda. If you +will ask Mrs. Elwood's permission, we will come up, sing them and +incidentally sample the punch and the cakes," stipulated Gertrude.</p> + +<p>There were seven girls in the party of serenaders—Gertrude, Arline, +Ruth Denton, the Emerson twins, Elizabeth Wade and Marian Cummings. When +the last cake had disappeared and the punch was almost gone, the +serenading party sang the rest of their verses and departed gayly, yet +in spite of their gayety there lurked in each heart the shadow of the +parting that was to come all too soon.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>GRACE FINDS HER WORK</h3> + + +<p>Commencement day dawned smilingly, as though anxious to contribute to +the happiness of the four chums by putting on its most sunshiny face. A +cool breeze swept across the campus, and, according to J. Elfreda +Briggs, one didn't really mind being graduated on such a day.</p> + +<p>The hotels of Overton were well filled with friends and relatives of the +graduates. The Southards, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Pierson and her daughter Mary, +together with Mrs. Allison, Mabel and the remainder of the Eight +Originals Plus Two had been staying at the "Tourraine" for the past two +days. Elfreda's father and mother had also arrived and were staying at +the "Wilton," an old-fashioned hotel near the campus. The four chums +found it somewhat of a problem to divide their time equally among their +classmates, friends and families. During those last days their +opportunities for confidential talks came only at the end of the +evening, when, having bade a round of affectionate good-nights, they +spent a few moments in either Grace's or Miriam's room before retiring.</p> + +<p>"I feel at least a hundred years old to-day," announced J. Elfreda +Briggs, as she stood arranging her hair before the mirror preparatory to +putting on her cap and gown.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you look quite like some grand old ruin," observed Miriam soberly, +as she unearthed her slippers from the depths of her closet and hunted +vainly about for a shoe horn.</p> + +<p>Elfreda laid her comb on the dressing table, grinned her appreciation of +this pleasantry, then, giving her smoothly coiffed hair a last pat, +reached for her cap. "I am so glad I can wear black without looking like +a funeral procession," she observed.</p> + +<p>"Hurry, girls," sounded Grace's clear tones outside their door. "It is +time we were on our way."</p> + +<p>"Coming," called Miriam, springing from the edge of the bed, where she +had sat to put on her slippers, and hastily adjusting her cap. In the +next instant the four friends accompanied by Emma Dean were hurrying +across the campus to the gymnasium, where the senior class were to meet, +then proceed in a body to the chapel, where the commencement exercises +were to be held.</p> + +<p>The little procession of seniors walked two by two to the chapel, and to +Grace, who walked with Anne, it seemed the most wonderful moment of her +life. She marked the calm, almost exalted expression which Anne wore. +Elfreda and Miriam, looking very stately in their black gowns, were just +ahead of her and Anne, while Arline and Ruth Denton were directly behind +them. As they walked sedately down the aisle of the chapel to the places +reserved for them, Grace's eyes searched the rows of seats for her +father and mother, whom she spied when almost opposite them. Just as she +passed their row she managed to send one tender little glance to them, +which caused their faces to glow with pride as their fond eyes followed +the straight, supple figure of their daughter who had so amply fulfilled +their expectations.</p> + +<p>The exercises, while impressive to the friends of the graduates, were +doubly so to the graduates themselves, who were deeply conscious of the +fact that their diplomas were their passports into the real world of +work and endeavor that was now about to open before them.</p> + +<p>At the conclusion of the exercises the usual gifts and endowments to the +college were announced. Among them was Thomas Redfield's annual gift to +the Semper Fidelis Club, which brought forth a quick tribute of applause +from the seniors, which was seconded by the entire assemblage. "And +lastly allow me to mention the latest and one of the most acceptable +gifts ever bestowed upon the college," stated President Morton.</p> + +<p>Grace bowed her head. She had reached the very end of Senior Lane. A few +moments and her college life would be over. She had finished her course. +She had kept faith with herself, and now there remained the wide world +and her work, whatever that might be. Her reflections were brought to an +abrupt end by what President Morton was saying. She raised her head in +sudden amazement. "I refer to the newly completed house at the northern +end of the campus," she heard, "presented to Overton and endowed by Mrs. +Rose Gray as a mark of appreciation of her young friends, Grace Harlowe, +Miriam Nesbit and Anne Pierson. It is Mrs. Gray's wish that her gift to +Overton College shall be known henceforth and forever as 'Harlowe +House.'"</p> + +<p>Absolute silence reigned for an instant after this announcement, then +the quiet chapel echoed with the applause of the enthusiastic +assemblage. President Morton waited until he could make himself heard, +then went on to explain more fully that Harlowe House was to be +dedicated to the use of those girls who were making a struggle to +acquire a college education. Then there was more applause, and Mrs. Gray +was asked to address the graduates.</p> + +<p>"And to think," said Grace, as, a little later, she stood with Miriam, +Anne and Elfreda outside the chapel, surrounded by those she loved, +"that I know at last what my work is going to be."</p> + +<p>"But we don't know," reminded her father, almost wistfully.</p> + +<p>"There is only one thing for me to do," laughed Grace, her eyes shining, +"and that is——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know," interposed Elfreda, "you're coming back to the campus to +look after Harlowe House."</p> + +<p>"You could see that, couldn't you, Elfreda?" laughed Miriam.</p> + +<p>"How did you guess it?" asked Grace. "Yes, I should like to come back if +Father and Mother can spare me."</p> + +<p>"The rest of her friends don't count," commented Hippy Wingate.</p> + +<p>"You know they do, Hippy," smiled Grace. "I must have the permission and +good will of all of them if my work is to be a success."</p> + +<p>"You have your mother's and my full consent, Grace," said her father +loyally.</p> + +<p>Grace made a little movement toward her parents, slipping in between +them and catching a hand of each. "There is only one thing I can say, +and I've said it hundreds of times before, You are the dearest father +and mother a girl ever had."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>It was rather a silent quartette that gathered for the last time in +Grace's room that night. Emma Dean had left Overton on the evening +train. So had Patience Eliot, Kathleen West and Laura Atkins. The +sophomores of Wayne Hall had departed before commencement, and to-night +the house was very quiet.</p> + +<p>"And to-morrow is another day," observed Elfreda.</p> + +<p>"So it is, my child," agreed Miriam, "but we shall spend it on the +train."</p> + +<p>"Do you remember one day, ages ago, when Elfreda Briggs deposited her +suit case on Grace Harlowe's feet and made herself comfortable. Wasn't I +a vandal?"</p> + +<p>"Think what we all might have missed if we hadn't acquired a proprietary +interest in Elfreda that day."</p> + +<p>"And now you can't lose me. There, that is the first slang I've used for +months, and on commencement day, too."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Elfreda. It is forcible at least. But we don't wish to lose +you. You must keep your promise and come to Oakdale this summer."</p> + +<p>"I will," promised Elfreda; "and now suppose we have one last sad tea +party."</p> + +<p>It was almost midnight before Miriam and Elfreda went softly down the +oppressively quiet hall to their room.</p> + +<p>"Are you happy, Anne?" asked Grace, slipping her arm about her friend +and drawing her to the window where, dark against the moonlit sky, rose +the tower of Overton Hall.</p> + +<p>"Almost too happy for words, and yet I dread leaving Overton."</p> + +<p>"You must come back next year and visit me. I do hope I shall make a +good house mother. Do you know, Anne, in my mind I've already picked out +a motto to hang over my door. It is, 'Blessed are they that have found +their work.'"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>CONCLUSION</h3> + + +<p>The full moon shone down with his broadest smile on the group of young +people who occupied Mrs. Gray's roomy, old-fashioned veranda.</p> + +<p>"We're here because we're here," caroled Hippy Wingate, balancing +himself on the edge of the porch rail, both arms outspread to show how +successfully he could sit on the narrow railing without support.</p> + +<p>"You won't be 'here' very long," cautioned Miriam Nesbit. "You are +likely to land in that rose bush just below you. It's a very thorny one, +too. I know, because I tried to pull a rose from it only a little while +ago. Remember, I have warned you."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry over me, Miriam," declared Hippy airily, pretending to lose +his balance and recovering himself with an exaggerated jerk.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am not worrying," retorted Miriam. "If <i>you</i> fall backward into +that rose bush it won't hurt <i>me</i>."</p> + +<p>"Did I say it would, my child?" asked Hippy serenely.</p> + +<p>"Don't answer him, Miriam," advised Nora. "He is like Tennyson's +'Brooklet,' he goes on forever."</p> + +<p>"How peaceful and quiet it was in Oakdale until yesterday," was Hippy's +sorrowful comment. "'Gone are the days when my heart was light and gay,' +etc."</p> + +<p>"It will be not merely a case of bygone days, but bygone Hippy as well," +threatened David. "Reddy and I intend to defend our friends against your +personal attacks."</p> + +<p>"I wasn't personal," beamed Hippy. "I didn't say anything about any one. +I merely observed that since yesterday Oakdale had become a howling +wilderness——"</p> + +<p>Hippy did not stop to finish his speech, but, nimbly dodging David and +Reddy Brooks, who rose from the porch, determination written on their +faces, bounded down the steps and disappeared around the corner of the +house.</p> + +<p>"He is the same Hippy who made life merry for us eight years ago when we +were high school freshmen," smiled Grace. "He hasn't changed in the +least."</p> + +<p>"None of my Christmas children have changed," was Mrs. Gray's fond +retort.</p> + +<p>"Neither has our fairy godmother," reminded Anne.</p> + +<p>"I never feel grown up or responsible when we all gather home," said +Jessica.</p> + +<p>"And yet Tom is on his first vacation from work, David and Reddy are +rising young business men, and Hippy is studying law," reminded Grace.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but I don't like it," remarked a plaintive voice, as a fat face +appeared around the corner of the porch. "I want to be a brakeman."</p> + +<p>It was impossible not to laugh at Hippy, and, encouraged by the +merriment, he cautiously climbed the steps of the porch and returned to +his precarious perch upon the railing.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"I want to be a brakeman,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And with the brakemen stay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'd ride upon the choo-choo cars<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through all the livelong day,"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>he warbled, rocking backward and forward in time to his song.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you go down to the railroad yard and put in your application, +then?" was Reddy's stolid advice. "If I intended to be a brakeman I +wouldn't study law."</p> + +<p>"Alas! I am obliged to obey the wishes of my cruel parents," whined +Hippy. "I am seriously contemplating wrapping a few little things in a +handkerchief and leaving home forever. I remember once when I was very +young and unsophisticated I decided upon this step. I was deeply +incensed with Father because he had punished me for playing truant from +school. I went upstairs to my room and packed three neckties, a boxing +glove, two books, a baseball and a picture of myself in baseball clothes +in a suit case. I carried the bat, and as a last precaution I took a toy +pistol and my bank, which boasted of sixty-four cents. I started at +about eight o'clock in the evening and went as far as the summer house +at the lower end of our grounds. I sat down to rest, went to sleep and +woke up about two o'clock in the morning. Then I discovered that I was +afraid of the dark and didn't dare go even as far as the house. I crept +into the summer house and stayed there until morning; then I went home, +suit case and all. I managed to get into the house before any one else +was up, but I decided there were worse places than home. However, if the +brakeman aspiration proves too strong I may be obliged to leave home +again. After all, it may be my vocation."</p> + +<p>"Hippy Wingate, when will you be sensible?" asked Nora O'Malley.</p> + +<p>"Never, I am afraid. You see, my associations tend to make me foolish. +Birds of a feather, you know, and when one's intimate friends——" Hippy +paused. "You understand I don't like to say that you in particular are +responsible, but——"</p> + +<p>"I'll never forgive you for that," declared Nora.</p> + +<p>"Then that means that our engagement——"</p> + +<p>Hippy was not allowed to finish. A shout went up from the others, and he +and Nora were surrounded.</p> + +<p>"Hippy, how could you?" The pink in Nora's cheeks deepened, but she did +not deny his statement.</p> + +<p>"Nora, come here," commanded Mrs. Gray.</p> + +<p>Nora obeyed with a shyness entirely foreign to her. Putting her finger +under Nora's rounded chin, Mrs. Gray looked smilingly into the piquant +face. Then she drew the girl within her circling arm and kissed her. +Grace, Miriam, Anne and Jessica followed suit.</p> + +<p>"Now it is your turn, Jessica and Reddy," said Nora pointedly.</p> + +<p>Jessica's pale face grew scarlet. She looked appealingly toward Reddy, +who sat beside her, then they rose and, taking her hand in his, Reddy +said with a world of affection in his voice, "Jessica has promised to +marry me in the fall." Jessica and Reddy were immediately surrounded.</p> + +<p>"Will surprises never cease?" exclaimed Grace, regarding her betrothed +friends with loving eyes. "Now I begin to believe that we have really +grown up."</p> + +<p>"<i>You</i> haven't," retorted Tom Gray in a low tone which Grace alone +heard.</p> + +<p>"Give me a year or two in which to do my work, and perhaps I will," said +Grace softly.</p> + +<p>"Do you really mean that, Grace?" asked Tom eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I think I do, Tom," hesitated Grace, "but I can't promise you what you +wish, yet."</p> + +<p>"By the low, significant tones over in Grace's corner I imagine another +engagement is about to be announced," remarked Hippy, grinning broadly. +All eyes were immediately turned upon Grace and Tom.</p> + +<p>Grace met their gaze with a shake of her head. "No," she said, "Tom and +I are not even engaged. I must be free to go back to Overton next year +to do my work there. I must look after my house for one year at least."</p> + +<p>Tom's face clouded, but he said no more. David, too, was strangely +silent. Anne had accepted an engagement to tour America with Everett +Southard in Shakespearean roles the next season. Miss Southard was to +accompany them on the tour. Still, David had the satisfaction of knowing +that Anne loved him and that some day she would be his wife, although, +like Grace, she would neither bind herself by a promise nor allow him to +place his ring upon her finger.</p> + +<p>A little silence followed the announcement of the engagement of part of +Mrs. Gray's Christmas children. Hippy had resumed his position on the +railing, while Nora had slipped to the seat beside Grace, her hand in +that of her friend. The little company of young people realized, to a +person, that for them life was taking on a strange and earnest meaning, +while Mrs. Gray, in spite of this garland of youth with which she +delighted to beautify her latter days, felt very, very old.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the silence was rudely broken. Hippy, who was more embarrassed +than he cared to indicate, leaned too far back and lost his balance. +There was a horrified gasp, a pair of stout legs waved in the air, and +Theophilus Hippopotamus Wingate, as he invariably styled himself, +fulfilled Miriam's prediction to the letter, and crashed ignominiously +into the prickly arms of the big rose bush.</p> + +<p>"There is no use in trying to be retrospective while Hippy is with us," +declared Mrs. Gray when their mirth had subsided and Hippy had clambered +to his feet. A long scratch ornamented one fat cheek and his hands +showed the result of his fall among thorns. But his smile was as wide as +ever.</p> + +<p>"Poor Hippy," sympathized Miriam. "I'm so sorry."</p> + +<p>"Then stop laughing," retorted Hippy.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'm sorry—for the rosebush," jeered Reddy.</p> + +<p>Those who have learned to look upon Grace Harlowe and her companions as +friends of old standing will meet her again in the near future. In +"<span class="smcap">Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton Campus</span>" they will find her +at Harlowe House and learn just how successfully she carried on her +chosen work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The End</span>.</p> + + + + + + + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS" id="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS"></a>HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S</h2> + + +<h3>Best and Least Expensive Books<br /> +for Boys and Girls</h3> + + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 +ALTEMUS books than of those published by other houses.</p> + +<p>Every dealer in books carries the ALTEMUS books.</p> + +<p>Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price</p> + +<h4>Henry Altemus Company<br /> +1326-1336 Vine Street, Philadelphia</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<h2>The Motor Boat Club Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>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.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Secret of Smugglers' Island.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, A Daring Marine Game at Racing Speed.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Laying the Ghost of Alligator Swamp.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, A Thrilling Capture in the Great Fog.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Flying Dutchman of the Big Fresh Water.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Range and Grange Hustlers</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>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.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE RANCH;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Boy Shepherds of the Great Divide.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST ROUND-UP;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Pitting Their Wits Against a Packers' Combine.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE PLAINS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Following the Steam Plows Across the Prairie.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS AT CHICAGO;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Conspiracy of the Wheat Pit.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>Submarine Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By VICTOR G. DURHAM</h3> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, "Making Good" as Young Experts.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Young Kings of the Deep.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Breaking Up the New Jersey Customs Frauds.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Square Dollar Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS WAKE UP;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Fighting the Trolley Franchise Steal.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, In the Lists Against the Crooked Land Deal.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The College Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.</h3> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S FIRST YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S SECOND YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S THIRD YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S RETURN TO OVERTON CAMPUS.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>Dave Darrin Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DAVE DARRIN AT VERA CRUZ;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Fighting With the U. S. Navy in Mexico.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>Pony Rider Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>These tales may be aptly described the best books for boys and girls.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Secret of the Lost Claim.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer Trail.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Secret of Ruby Mountain.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Finding a Key to the Desert Maze.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The End of the Silver Trail.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Mystery of Bright Angel Gulch.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Boys of Steel Series</h2> + +<h3>By JAMES R. MEARS</h3> + +<p>Each book presents vivid picture of this great industry. Each story is +full of adventure and fascination.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE IRON BOYS IN THE STEEL MILLS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder Pits.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Madge Morton Books</h2> + +<h3>By AMY D. V. CHALMERS</h3> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">MADGE MORTON—CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">MADGE MORTON'S SECRET.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">MADGE MORTON'S TRUST.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>West Point Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young Americans +whose doings will inspire all boy readers.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Two Chums in the Cadet Gray.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Standing Firm for Flag and Honor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>Annapolis Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted in +these volumes.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters."<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Leaders of the Second Class Midshipmen.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Young Engineers Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>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.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Laying Tracks on the "Man-Killer" Quicksand.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of a Pick.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>Boys of the Army Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>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.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Two Recruits in the United States Army.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Handling Their First Real Commands.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Following the Flag Against the Moros.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>Battleship Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>These stories throb with the life of young Americans on to-day's huge +drab Dreadnaughts.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE BATTLESHIP BOYS FIRST STEP UPWARD;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Earning New Ratings in European Seas.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Upholding the American Flag in a Honduras Revolution.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Meadow-Brook Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JANET ALDRIDGE</h3> + +<p>Real live stories pulsing with the vibrant atmosphere of outdoor life.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN THE HILLS.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS BY THE SEA.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ON THE TENNIS COURTS.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>High School Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>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.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and Sports.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<h2>Grammer School Boys Series</h2> +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar school +boys, comes near to the heart of the average American boy.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. at Winter Sports.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and Knowledge.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>High School Boys' Vacation Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Dick Prescott Six Training for the Gridley Eleven.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. in the Wilderness.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Dick & Co. Making Themselves "Hard as Nails."<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Circus Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON</h3> + +<p>Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely +interesting and exciting life.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Winning New Laurels on the Tanbark.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny South.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big River.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The High School Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M.</h3> + +<p>These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader +fairly by storm.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Parting of the Ways.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Automobile Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By LAURA DENT CRANE</h3> + +<p>No girl's library—no family book-case can be considered at all complete +unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Watching the Summer Parade.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM BEACH;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT WASHINGTON;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or, Checkmating the Plots of Foreign Spies.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year at Overton +College, by Jessie Graham Flower + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR *** + +***** This file should be named 20474-h.htm or 20474-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/4/7/20474/ + +Produced by David Newman, Sigal Alon, Mary Meehan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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 Fourth Year at Overton College + +Author: Jessie Graham Flower + +Release Date: January 28, 2007 [EBook #20474] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR *** + + + + +Produced by David Newman, Sigal Alon, Mary Meehan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year at Overton College + + By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M. + +Author of The Grace Harlowe High School Girls Series, Grace Harlowe's +First Year at Overton College, Grace Harlowe's Second Year at Overton +College, Grace Harlowe's Third Year at Overton College. + + + + +PHILADELPHIA +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY +Copyright, 1914 + + + + +[Illustration: Grace Paused in the Doorway.] + + + + +CONTENTS + + + I. A Semper Fidelis Luncheon + + II. The Last Freshman + + III. An Accident and a Surprise + + IV. Patience Promises to Stand By + + V. A Declaration of War + + VI. A Face to Face Talk + + VII. When Friends Fall Out + + VIII. A Leaf from the Past + + IX. A Thanksgiving Invitation + + X. Kathleen's Promise + + XI. Kathleen's Great Story + + XII. Treachery + + XIII. The Invitation + + XIV. A Congenial Sextette + + XV. A Firelight Council + + XVI. Elfreda Shows Grace the Way + + XVII. What the Seniors Thought of the Plan + + XVIII. The Fairy Godmother's Visit + + XIX. What Patience Overheard + + XX. The Mysterious "Peter Rabbit" + + XXI. Who Will Win the Honor Pin? + + XXII. Kathleen's Great Moment + + XXIII. Grace Finds Her Work + + XXIV. Conclusion + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + +Grace Paused in the Doorway. + +Grace Stepped Behind a Tree. + +They Clustered About the Fireplace. + +The Four Friends Were Strolling Across the Campus. + + + + +Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year at Overton College + + + + +CHAPTER I + +A SEMPER FIDELIS LUNCHEON + + + "The skies must smile and the sun must shine + When Semper Fidelis goes out to dine," + +sang Arline Thayer joyously as she rearranged her sofa pillows for the +eighth time, patting each one energetically before placing it, then +stepping back to view the effect. "Aren't you glad every one's here, and +things have begun to happen again, Ruth?" she asked blithely. "I hope no +one disappoints us. I wish this room were larger. Still, it held +eighteen girls one night last year. Don't you remember my Hallowe'en +party, and what a time we had squeezing in here?" + +"It is so good in Mrs. Kane to let us have the dining room with Mary to +serve the oysters," said Ruth. "We never could do things properly up +here." + +"I know it. Oysters are such slippery old things, even on the half +shell," returned Arline, who was not specially fond of them. "Let me +see. The girls will be here at four o'clock. We are to have oysters, +soup, a meat course, salad and dessert. That makes five different +courses in five different houses. It will be eight o'clock before we +reach the dessert. I am glad that is to be served in Grace's room. We +always have a good time at Wayne Hall." + +To the readers of "Grace Harlowe's First Year at Overton +College," "Grace Harlowe's Second Year at Overton College" +and "Grace Harlowe's Third Year at Overton College," Grace +Harlowe and her various intimate associates have become familiar +figures. Those who made her acquaintance, together with that of her +three friends, Nora O'Malley, Jessica Bright and Anne Pierson, during +her high school days will recall with pleasure the many eventful +happenings of these four happy years as set forth in "Grace +Harlowe's Plebe Year at High School," "Grace Harlowe's +Sophomore Year at High School," "Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at +High School" and "Grace Harlowe's Senior Year at High +School." + +The September following the graduation of the four friends from high +school had seen their paths diverge widely, for Nora and Jessica had +entered an eastern conservatory of music, while Anne and Grace, after +due deliberation, had decided upon Overton College. Miriam Nesbit, of +Oakdale fame, had entered college with them, and the trio of friends had +spent three eventful years at Overton. + +"It is time we gathered home," grumbled Arline. "I have hardly seen +Grace or any of the Semper Fidelis girls this week. They have all been +so popular that they haven't given a thought to their neglected little +friends." + +"Let me see," returned Ruth slyly. "How many nights have you stayed +quietly at home this week?" + +"Not one, you rascal," retorted Arline, laughing. "I ought to be the +last one to grumble. But in spite of all the rush, I have missed the +dear old quartette." + +"So have I," declared Ruth earnestly. "Twenty minutes to four. They will +soon be here." + +"Yes. I asked Grace to come as early as possible," said Arline. "There, +I hear the bell now." Arline whisked out of the room and peered +anxiously over the baluster. "Hello, Grace," she called joyously. "Hurry +as fast as ever you can. Where are your faithful three?" + +"I came on ahead," laughed Grace. "I had promised you that I would, and +being a person of my word, I didn't wish to disappoint you. When I left +Wayne Hall Miriam was playing maid to Elfreda. The new gown she had made +for the luncheon didn't arrive until the last minute. So Miriam stayed +to help her dress. It is a perfectly darling gown. Just wait until you +see Elfreda in it. She hasn't gained an ounce since she went home last +spring. She has had a strenuous time all summer to keep her weight down. +You must ask her to tell you about it." + +"I will," promised Arline, with an anticipatory smile. "But where is +Anne?" + +"I left Anne finishing a letter to her mother. She will be here with +Miriam and Elfreda. Isn't it splendid to think you and Ruth can be +together this year?" + +Grace ran lightly up the stairs in Arline's wake, and a moment later +greeted Ruth with outstretched hands. + +"Take the seat of honor, Grace," directed Arline, gently propelling her +toward her best leather upholstered armchair. "Isn't it obliging of the +weather to stay so nice and warm? We don't need hats or coats. You were +sensible and didn't wear either. Not having to bother with wraps will +save time, too." + +"I am highly impressed with this house-to-house luncheon," declared +Grace. "It was clever in you to suggest it, Arline." + +"Oh, these progressive luncheons are nothing new," returned Arline +quickly. "I have read that they are extremely popular among college and +high school girls. I am sure I don't know why I never before proposed +that we give one. It is going to be lots of fun, isn't it? There's the +bell again. I hope that maid hasn't gone on a vacation. It usually takes +her forever." Arline darted out of the room to hang over the baluster +once more. + +This time it was the Emerson twins, and by four o'clock the last member +of the club had taken her place beside her sisters in Arline's room. + +"As we are all here," announced Arline, "we might as well begin. The +feast awaits you downstairs in the dining room; that is, a very small +part of it. There is one beautiful feature about this luncheon, we are +to have plenty of exercise between each course. Are all of you hungry?" + +There was a lively chorus of affirmatives. + +"Then choose your partners and come along," ordered the little +curly-haired girl. + +It did not take long to dispose of the oysters, and, headed by Sara and +Julia Emerson, the little procession of girls moved on to Ralston House, +where the twins were to play hostess and serve the soup. + +"You can thank your stars and me that you don't have to squeeze into our +room and eat your soup from cups instead of Mrs. Bryant's best soup +plates," Julia informed her guests as they swarmed up the steps. "Mrs. +Bryant couldn't see this luncheon at first. She had no appreciation of +what a really important affair it was to be. I had to use all my +persuasive powers on her. But I won, and she descended to the kitchen +and made the soup herself." + +"I think we owe Julia a special vote of thanks," declared Miriam Nesbit +a little later, as she finished her soup. "This vermicelli soup is the +best I ever tasted." + +"It can't be beaten, can it?" asked Sara Emerson eagerly. "That was why +we were so anxious to take the soup course on our shoulders. We knew +what was in store for us if we could make Mrs. Bryant see things in our +light." + +"S-h-h, she's coming!" warned Julia. "For goodness' sake, Sara, be +careful." + +Mrs. Bryant, a rather austere person and not in the least like her +sister, Mrs. Elwood, who managed Wayne Hall, walked into the dining room +at this juncture, apparently in the best of humors. + +Arline glanced inquiringly at Grace, who nodded slightly, whereupon the +dainty president of the Semper Fidelis Club rose and made the matron a +pretty little speech of thanks in behalf of the club. Then the luncheon +party started on their way again, Mrs. Bryant hospitably seeing them to +the door and extending a smiling invitation to come again. + +"I knew she couldn't resist us," chuckled Sara Emerson, as the girls +filed down the walk. "A combination like ours is safe to make its way +anywhere. Come on, Marian and Elizabeth, you are the hostesses now. +Shall we head for Livingstone Hall?" + +"No, indeed," smiled Marian. "Bess and I are not so lucky. It is +Vinton's for ours. But we can assure you that you won't be disappointed +in the layout." + +One of the features of the luncheon was the fact that no one knew until +the moment of serving what the various courses were to be. When it was +discovered that Marian and Elizabeth had ordered fried chicken, for +which Vinton's was famous, with potatoes au gratin and tiny French peas, +there was general rejoicing. It took the better part of an hour to eat +these good things, and the guests, feeling that they were on familiar +ground, enjoyed themselves hugely. + +"Oh, dear!" groaned Elfreda, "I know I have gained a pound since I +started out this afternoon. I haven't eaten so much at one time for +ages. There is still the salad and dessert to come. I can't possibly +miss either one of them." + +"Never mind, Elfreda," soothed Emma Dean; "we won't invite you to the +next luncheon, then you can----" + +"Just try leaving me out and see what happens," retorted Elfreda +threateningly. "You may find yourself locked in your room on that +self-same day with the key missing." + +"Be good, both of you," admonished Miriam, "or I'll see that neither of +you get any dessert." + +"Grace and Anne wouldn't be so mean," returned Elfreda with supreme +self-assurance. + +"How could we blast such touching faith?" laughed Anne. + +"There, what did I tell you?" asked Elfreda, turning triumphant eyes on +Emma. "Now, leave me out if you dare." + +"I don't dare. I don't want to," declared Emma affably. "I was merely +trying to be pleasant and helpful. If you were not invited to the +spread, naturally you wouldn't eat, and if you didn't eat, then you +wouldn't have to worry about that extra pound. It is all very simple." + +"Very!" agreed Elfreda, with such scathing emphasis that the exchange of +words ended in a general giggle at Emma's expense. + +"Now that you've all finished laughing at me," she declared +good-naturedly, "I hereby invite all of you, even Elfreda, to Martell's +for the salad, which is my part of the ceremony." + +"Oh, goody, it's Waldorf!" exclaimed Elfreda delightedly, as, seated +about the big corner table at Martell's, perhaps twenty minutes later, +they saw the salad brought on. "You knew what we liked, didn't you, +Emma?" + +"I did, in spite of my simple tendencies," murmured Emma. + +"That was a well merited thrust," laughed Elfreda, laying her hand +lightly over her heart. + +"And now Wayne Hall and our humble apartment await you," proclaimed +Grace when the last vestige of salad had disappeared. "Anne and I extend +you a pressing invitation to dessert and conversation. Although this is +to be a strictly informal session of the club, we may wish to discuss +certain club business. The evening is before us. We ought to make good +use of it." + +"And so we shall," returned Emma Dean, as they rose to go. "The affairs +of the nation shall be discussed and adjusted to-night." + +"And the world will be upside down forever after," predicted Elfreda. + +"Don't croak," reproved Emma. "Who knows what this night may bring +forth? It may engender indigestion, or a stern injunction to make less +noise on the part of Mrs. Elwood, but whatever the future has in store +for us, we shall have had at least one luncheon worth remembering." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE LAST FRESHMAN + + +It was ten minutes past seven when the club settled down to the frozen +custard and delicious cakes that Grace and Anne had provided for them. +Then Elfreda, who had taken upon herself the making and serving of the +coffee, returned after a brief absence with a percolator of steaming +coffee, Miriam following with the sugar and cream. + +"Isn't it too bad we never thought of doing this before?" said Marian +Cummings. + +"Something had to be left for our senior year," said Anne Pierson. + +"Do you know, I am anything but joyful at being a senior," announced +Elfreda Briggs. "Of course, it is a satisfaction to know that one has +weathered the last three years' examinations and is practically on Easy +Street as far as studies go, but every now and then comes the awful +feeling, 'only a little while and it will all be over'--college, I +mean." + + "'Yet a few days, and thee the all-beholding sun shall see no + more.'" + +quoted Emma Dean lugubriously. + +"Not quite so bad as that," returned Elfreda with an appreciative grin. + +"Even we juniors feel more or less that way," said Laura Atkins. "I +never had any real fun until I came to Overton. The time has gone so +fast I can't believe that it is two years since I locked Grace and Anne +out of their room and behaved like a savage. I don't wonder Elfreda +named me the Anarchist. I did my best to live up to the name." + +"Oh, forget about that," murmured Elfreda, looking embarrassed. + +The members of the club were wholly familiar with the history of Laura +Atkins's freshman year and admired her for the matter-of-fact way in +which she was wont to discuss her early short-comings. Under the sunny +influence of the four girls who had helped her to find herself, she had +developed into a gracious and likeable young woman. She and Mildred +Taylor were the guests of the club that afternoon. + +"What is the latest word from erring freshmen? Has any one heard?" asked +Grace. Laura's reference to herself had set Grace to thinking of +freshmen in general. + +"We've six at Ralston," groaned Julia Emerson. "The usual +variety--neither rich nor poor, brilliant nor dull, amiable nor +perverse, goody-goody nor lawless. Just that comfortable, maddeningly +commonplace variety of girls who never go to extremes." + +"Extremes are dangerous," declared Elfreda judicially. + +"Better be an extremist than nothing at all," grumbled Julia. + +"For the first time since we came here, there isn't a single freshman at +Wayne Hall," announced Miriam. + +"Are all the rooms taken?" asked Marian Cummings. + +"All but half of one room," replied Emma Dean. "The illustrious Miss +West is alone in her glory. I heard Mrs. Elwood lamenting to-day because +that particular half was still vacant." + +"Some one may take it yet," said Arline Thayer. "This is only the second +week of the term. Only yesterday a freshman arrived at Morton House. +Girls have been known to drift into Overton a whole month after the +beginning of the term." + +"Did Miss West ask for a single?" questioned Grace of Emma. + +"No, she doesn't in the least yearn for one. You know she is paying her +own way through college. She told Mrs. Elwood that it was all she could +do to keep her head above water as it was and couldn't afford to think +of a single. Of course, Mrs. Elwood hasn't charged her single rates yet, +but if no one else appears she will either have to pay the advanced +price or make other arrangements. Mrs. Elwood knows of two girls who +have been trying to get into Wayne Hall for a long time, and who will +come bag and baggage the moment she says the word." + +"That is too bad," said Miriam slowly--"for Miss West, I mean." + +A significant silence fell upon the company of girls. The same thought +was in each one's mind. It was Elfreda who finally voiced it. "It looks +as though the S. F.'s ought to get busy," she said slangily. "We might +lend her the money to make up the difference." + +"I am afraid that wouldn't do," objected Anne, whose practical +experience with poverty had made her wise. "I imagine with her it is a +question of being economical. It wouldn't be fair to tempt her to +extravagance, for a single would be the height of improvidence, +particularly if she had to go in debt for it." + +"Anne is right," declared Gertrude Wells decidedly. "But to be perfectly +frank, I am not in favor of the club taking up Miss West's case. You all +know how badly she behaved toward us last year, particularly toward +Grace. If we offered her help, no doubt we should be ridiculed for our +pains. I think the best thing for us to do is to let her alone." + +"So do I," echoed Sarah Emerson. + +Several affirmative murmurs went up from various girls. + +"Now, see here," began Elfreda Briggs emphatically. "What is the use in +our calling ourselves Semper Fidelis and then going back on our +principles? When we organized this club, we didn't make any conditions +as to who should be helped and who shouldn't, did we? Whoever needed +help was to have it. If there is anyway in which we can be of assistance +to Miss West, then it is our duty to respond cheerfully." + +"Hurrah for you, Elfreda!" cried Arline. "You're an honor to the Sempers +and your own sweet native land. Of course we aren't going to pick and +choose whom we shall help. I think we had better appoint a committee to +call on Miss West and find out if we can render her any financial +assistance." + +"I'm in favor of that committee," declared Emma Dean, "only don't ask me +to serve on it." + +"Grace and Arline are the very ones for that stunt," proposed Julia +Emerson. "They can do it to perfection." + +"Please don't ask me," said Grace with sudden earnestness. "I just +can't, that's all." Her face flushed, and a distressed look crept into +her eyes which her friends were quick to note. + +"Suppose you and Elfreda call on her, Miriam?" proposed Arline. "You two +are very valiant." + +"Excuse me," said Elfreda so promptly that everyone laughed. "I may look +valiant, but to every woman her own fear, you know." + +"Oh, look, girls!" The sudden exclamation came from Gertrude Wells, who +was sitting near the open window. "There's the automobile bus from the +station. It's stopping in front of Wayne Hall, too." + +There was a concerted rush for the two windows. + +"I wonder who it can be!" cried Emma Dean. "Wouldn't it be funny if it +were the greatly desired freshman, Miss West's other half?" + +The watchers saw the bus door open. Then out of it stepped the tallest +girl they had ever seen. + +"I believe she is seven feet tall," muttered Emma Dean. "I am sure of +it." + +"Nonsense," laughed Miriam. "But she is not far from six. I wish it were +daylight, then we could see her face." + +"I wonder who she can be," mused Arline. + +"There is only one answer," smiled Miriam Nesbit. "As Emma just stated, +she must be Miss West's other half. However, we shall know before long." + +A moment later they heard the bell ring, then up from the hall came the +sound of Mrs. Elwood's voice speaking in surprised but pleased tones. A +voice almost masculine in its depth answered. There was a tramp of feet +up the stairs and down the hall. In the next instant the door of the end +room had opened and closed upon the newcomer. + +"Girls, you are saved," proclaimed Gertrude Wells dramatically. "We have +been wasting our valuable time to-night trying to solve Miss West's +problem, while all the time the queen of the giants was hurrying as fast +as ever she could to the rescue." + +There was a faint general laugh at the remark, then Elfreda said +severely, "Young women, do you consider making uncomplimentary remarks +about new students in the line of true Overton spirit?" + +"But she did look seven feet tall," persisted Emma Dean. + +"Think how deceitful appearances sometimes are," reminded Miriam. + +"Never judge a person by moonlight," added Ruth Denton. + +"Never judge them at all," smiled Grace. "Let the poor freshman rest in +peace. I have a last sweet surprise for you. Name it and you can have +it." + +"Caramels," guessed Julia Emerson. + +"Marshmallows," said Gertrude Wells. + +"Oh, I know," cried Arline. "Nut chocolates; the delicious kind that old +candy man in Oakdale makes." + +"Some one must have told you," said Grace, going to the closet and +returning with a huge box. "You are all to stay here until the last +chocolate is eaten." + +It was on the ragged edge of half-past ten when the Semper Fidelis Club +trooped happily across the campus to their various houses, but, faithful +to their duty, the big candy box reposed in Grace's waste basket, quite +empty. + +"I wonder how Kathleen West received her roommate," observed Miriam. She +and Elfreda had lingered for a moment in Grace's room after the others +had gone. + +"It is fortunate for her that a belated freshman happened along," was +Grace's serious reply. + +"But most unfortunate for the freshman," added Elfreda. "However, this +one looks perfectly capable of fighting her own battles." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +AN ACCIDENT AND A SURPRISE + + +"Well, what do you think of her?" inquired Elfreda Briggs the following +morning, poking her head in at Grace's door, a quizzical smile on her +round face. Grace and Anne had left the breakfast table a few minutes +before Elfreda, who had foregone finishing her breakfast and rushed +upstairs to hear her friends' opinion of the tall freshman, who had +seemed taller than ever as she stalked uncompromisingly into the dining +room that morning in Kathleen West's wake. The newspaper girl looked +anything but in a happy frame of mind, and after several covert glances +in her direction, Grace decided that the new arrival had not been met +with open arms on the part of Kathleen. + +"What do I think of her?" repeated Grace. "A good many things, I should +say. What do you think?" + +"I think she is the most interesting and entertaining person I've seen +in years," declared Elfreda exaggeratingly. + +"Then her entertaining powers do not lie in speech," laughed Anne. "I +heard her say three things this morning at the table. They were, 'yes,' +'thank you' and 'I believe so.'" + +"She didn't talk, that's a fact," admitted Elfreda, "but she looked as +though she was keeping up an awful thinking. Does any one know from +whence she came, and why?" + +"I don't know anything about her," said Grace, shaking her head, "but I +am sure that you will find out everything worth knowing before night. +You will be able to see a great deal, you know." + +"Don't flatter me," grinned Elfreda. "That's no joke, though," she added +hastily. "I'll find out, never fear, and then I'll tell you girls." + +"What a comfort it is to have the latest news brought to one's door +every morning," jeered Anne. + +"You'll find yourself without that comfort if you are not more +respectful," threatened Elfreda. "I'll carry my news to other doors +where it will be more highly appreciated." + +"Your threats fail to impress me," retorted Anne. "You know that you +couldn't bear to ignore us." + +"I know I shall be late to chapel, and that you will be later," replied +Elfreda significantly. "Tardiness is unbecoming in a senior. I am sorry +to be obliged to remind you of it." + +"Save your sorrow and come along," called Miriam Nesbit from the +doorway. "Aren't you going to chapel this morning, Grace?" + +"Not this morning," replied Grace, not raising her eyes from the book +over which she was poring. "This is psychology morning and I'm very +shaky on the lesson. I feel in my bones that I'll be called upon to +recite, so please go away, all of you, and don't bother me," she +finished with an affectionate smile that did not accord with her blunt +words. + +"Going, going, gone!" flung back Elfreda over her shoulder as she left +the room, followed by Miriam and Anne. + +Grace glanced anxiously at the clock, then concentrated her mind anew +upon her reading. The sound of hurried feet on the stairs and through +the halls, accompanied by an occasional murmur of voices as the students +left Wayne Hall, was borne to her ears as she read and tried to +familiarize herself with the main points of the lesson. Gradually the +house settled down to quiet, and Grace, becoming thoroughly interested +in her work, lost all track of time. + +The sound of a terrific crash, apparently just outside the half-opened +door, brought her to her feet in alarm. "What was that?" she exclaimed. +Stepping to the door she looked up and down the hall. From the room at +the end, the door of which was ajar, came a jingling sound as of dishes +being piled together. For a moment Grace hesitated, then walked toward +the sound. At the doorway she paused again; then the sight that met her +eyes caused her to spring forward with an impulsive, "What a dreadful +smash! Do let me help you." + +The extremely tall young woman who sat on the edge of her bed surveying +the wreck of her washbowl, pitcher and every other piece of china that +five minutes before had reposed confidently on the top of her washstand +regarded Grace ruefully. There was a twinkle in her eyes, however, that +belied her regret. "It did make considerable noise, I imagine," she said +crisply. "Strange the rest of the students here haven't appeared on the +scene." + +Grace involuntarily retreated a step or two, her face flushing. She +could not endure the idea of being thought an intruder. + +"Don't go," said the tall young woman, in the same crisp tone. "I didn't +mean that you were an intruder. I only wonder that no one else came. The +wreck of the Hesperus wasn't serious compared with this," she said +dryly, indicating the littered floor. "I tried to move my wash stand. It +stuck. Then all of a sudden it gave way and I fell back, dragging it +with me. I had hold of one end of it with both hands, and I was stronger +than I thought, for I just missed sitting on the floor and receiving all +that china in my lap. I was horrified for a second, but all of a sudden +the funny side of it struck me, and I sat down on my couch and laughed +until I cried. I was just wiping my eyes and preparing to pick up the +pieces when you came in. Perhaps you thought I was crying over it. Can +you imagine me in tears?" she added humorously. + +"Hardly," said Grace with a frank smile that was reflected on the tall +young woman's face. + +"No, I am not one of the weeping kind," she declared sturdily. "I come +of good, old, undaunted New England stock. My name is Patience Eliot and +I live just outside Boston. I might as well tell you all about myself in +the first place, because I decided at breakfast that I liked you. I know +your Christian name because I heard your friends addressing you as +"Grace" this morning, but I don't know your surname." + +"I am Grace Harlowe, at your service," replied Grace lightly, "and it is +always gratifying to be liked. I saw you last night when you arrived. I +was entertaining a crowd of girls, and, of course, we couldn't resist +running to the window when one of the girls happened to see the bus +stopping in front of the house." + +"Were you at the window?" asked Miss Eliot unconcernedly. "I didn't see +you. In fact, I wasn't thinking of anything but getting into my room and +to bed. I had been on the train long enough to become thoroughly tired +of it. It was two hours late, too. We should have arrived at Overton at +half-past seven, but it was half-past nine when the train pulled into +the Overton station." + +"You must have been very tired," sympathized Grace. "I hope you rested +well last night. If there is anything I can do for you in the way of +showing you to the registrar's office or wherever you may wish to go, I +shall be only too glad to do so. My first recitation happens to be at +ten o'clock this morning, so I have plenty of time." + +"My first duty lies before me," returned Miss Eliot grimly, pointing to +the floor. "I think you had better direct me to a store where I can +replace this. If I ask Mrs. Elwood to set a price on it, she will cheat +herself." + +"Why, how did you know that?" asked Grace in surprise. "You only saw her +for a few minutes last night." + +"That was long enough to discover several things concerning her greatly +to her credit," was the calm answer. "However, as you have been so kind +as to offer to direct me, I think I will ask you to take me to the +registrar's office. She has been expecting me ever since college opened. +I imagine she has given me up by this time." Stepping over the wreck of +broken china to the closet, she took her hat from its hook on the inner +side of the door, and, putting it on without glancing into the mirror, +announced herself in readiness to depart. "I'll lock the door on this +wreck and have it removed when I return," she said. + +The registrar was writing busily, her head bent intently over her work, +when Grace led the way into her office. "Good morning, Miss Sheldon," +she began. "This is Miss Eliot of the----" Grace was about to say +freshman class when the registrar rose and came toward them with +outstretched hand. + +"My dear Patience!" she exclaimed cordially, "I am so glad you arrived +at last. How is your father?" + +"Much better, thank you," replied the tall girl. "We still have two +nurses, but I think he is out of danger now. I hated to leave him, but +he was so worried because I had missed the first two weeks of college, +that he insisted I should come on here at once. I arrived last night and +went directly to Holland House, but the matron there thought I had given +up coming, and the room I engaged by letter had been given to some one +else only yesterday morning. She directed me to Wayne Hall, where, by +the merest luck, I managed to secure half a room." + +During this flow of explanations, delivered in Miss Eliot's crisp, +business-like tones, Grace had listened in open amazement. This tall +freshman's manner of addressing Miss Sheldon, the dignified registrar, +betokened long acquaintance, while the registrar looked as delighted as +though she had found a long-lost relative. + +"I see you have fallen into good hands," said the registrar, a pleasant +smile lighting her rather austere face as she glanced at Grace. + +"I am quite sure of that," responded Miss Eliot heartily. "I also +brought disaster upon myself." An account of the morning's accident +followed. + +"I believe you were born to disaster, Patience Eliot," laughed Miss +Sheldon. + +"I shouldn't be at all surprised," was the dry response. + +"Miss Harlowe, I have known Miss Eliot since she was a little girl," +explained Miss Sheldon. "I am pleased to know that she is to live at +Wayne Hall. I am sure she will be happy there. I understand that the +Wayne Hall girls make a very congenial household." + +"We try to," said Grace with a frank smile. "My three friends and I have +never lived in any other house since our freshman days. Perhaps Miss +Eliot will find her freshman year there as delightful as we found ours." + +"My freshman year!" exclaimed Miss Eliot in evident surprise. + +"Yes," returned Grace rather blankly. "Aren't you a freshman? I don't +know why I thought so, but I supposed, of course, that----" She paused +irresolutely. + +Miss Sheldon and the tall girl exchanged openly smiling glances, then +the latter turned toward Grace almost apologetically. "I am a freshman +in one sense," she said. "I have never before been to college, but as +far as work goes I studied with my father and was lucky enough to pass +up the freshman year. I ran down here last June to talk things over and +find where I stood. I'm a sophomore, if you please." + +Grace burst into merry laughter. "Won't the girls be surprised!" she +exclaimed. "We all thought you were a freshman." + +"I hadn't stopped to think of what any one else thought of me," said +Patience, "or I might have enlightened the girls at the breakfast table +as to my superior sophomore estate. They'll find out soon enough. I have +a great mind to let them stumble upon the truth gradually." + +"Oh, do," begged Grace gleefully. "It will be great fun to let matters +take their own course." + +Miss Sheldon smiled indulgently, but made no comment. She was versed in +the ways of college girls. She, too, had been a student at Overton. + +"I should like to stay longer, Miss Sheldon, but I know you are very +busy." Patience rose at last to go, Grace following her example. "Now +that I have come to headquarters, been identified, had my thumb marks +registered and become a unit in this great and glorious organization," +went on the tall girl calmly, "I shall feel free to go forth and replace +Mrs. Elwood's demolished china. I should like to put the new set on the +washstand before I tell her of the accident. Good-bye, Miss Sheldon." +She held out her hand. "May I come to see you soon?" + +"You know you will always be welcome, my dear." + +"I wish you wouldn't tell even your roommate that I am a sophomore," +said Patience Eliot as they left the campus and turned into College +Street. + +"I won't," promised Grace. "I'll be a positive clam. But what about your +roommate? She will be sure to find out first, and then----" Remembering +Patience Eliot's roommate Grace broke off suddenly. + +"And then what?" asked the tall girl with disconcerting directness. + +"Nothing," murmured Grace. + +"Then we don't need to become alarmed, do we?" was the next question. + +"No, not in the least," said Grace, smiling faintly. She was trying to +decide whether or not she ought even to intimate to the tall, +matter-of-fact girl, whom she already liked, that Kathleen West was +likely to prove a disappointment in the way of a roommate. + +But the decision was not left to her, for Patience Eliot said with calm +amusement in her tones: "I have a better idea of what you are thinking +than you know. All I have to say is, don't waste a minute worrying over +me. Patience Eliot will take care of herself regardless of who her +roommate may be." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +PATIENCE PROMISES TO STAND BY + + +For the next three days Patience Eliot passed successfully for a +freshman. Then came the sudden dismaying rumor that she was registered +in the sophomore theme class. A little later it was announced positively +that she had passed up freshman French. The truth suddenly burst upon +certain members of the sophomore class who had selected Miss Eliot as a +splendid subject for sophomore grinds, when, on the occasion of their +first class meeting, she walked quietly into the class room where it was +to be held, and took her place with a cheerful, matter-of-course air +that was very disturbing to various abashed sophomores who had planned +mischief. + +Far from being angry, the astonished sophomores treated the New England +girl's mild deception as a joke, and by it she sprang into instant +popularity with her class. There were a few disgruntled students who +criticized her, but these were so far in the minority that they counted +for little. Kathleen West was among this minority. On the evening when +the girl from New England had been shown into the room at the end of the +hall, Kathleen had conceived a strong dislike for this calm-faced, +independent young woman, whose quiet self-assurance nettled her, and +mentally decided that she belonged to the preaching, narrow-minded class +of girls who made life a burden for those who did not live up to a +certain impossible standard. Patience Eliot had been even less favorably +impressed with the newspaper girl. "She has a frightful temper," had +been her mental observation, "and looks the reverse of agreeable." Aside +from a brief exchange of conversation, silence had reigned in the room, +and remembering the happy faces of the girls she had seen at the +breakfast table that morning, Patience had felt not wholly pleased with +her new quarters and not a little lonely. + +The incident of the broken china had been fortunate in that it had +brought about a friendly, informal meeting between Grace and herself. +After that everything had glided smoothly along. Patience and Grace +received an invitation to take dinner with Miss Sheldon the following +Sunday, and this occasion served to strengthen the New England girl's +favorable impression of Grace to such an extent that by the end of the +week the knot of friendship between them had been firmly tied. + +From the moment of Kathleen West's discovery that her roommate was fast +becoming friendly with the very girls she affected to despise, she +adopted an aggressive manner toward the New England girl which the +latter was quick to perceive and tactfully ignore. Patience had an +unusually keen insight into character, and she had made up her mind not +to get beyond the point of exchanging common civilities with the +disgruntled young woman who seemed determined to go through college with +her eyes tightly closed to her own interests. + +That the newspaper girl possessed a fondness for study and never +neglected her lessons was a point in her favor, in Patience's eyes. As +the daughter of a well-known man of letters she had inherited her +father's love of study and an appreciation of that same love in others. +She frequently smiled at the clever, caustic remarks the strange, moody +girl was wont to make about everything and everybody, and occasionally +she surprised even Kathleen herself by her ready appreciation of the +themes the latter wrote. + +It was several weeks before the two young women even became accustomed +to each other. During that time Kathleen learned that Patience was proof +against her aggressiveness, and not half so narrow-minded as she had +thought; while Patience discovered, to her dismay, that in spite of +Kathleen's undoubted wit and brilliancy, she disliked her rather more, +if anything, than on first acquaintance. + +"I feel quite conscience-stricken over it," she confided to Grace one +afternoon as they started down College Street for a short walk before +dinner. "I wouldn't tell any one else, Grace, but I simply can't like +Miss West. I've tried, and I can't. I am equally sure she doesn't like +me. Imagine us sharing the intimacy of one room, and at the same time +disliking each other cordially. I suppose there isn't the slightest +chance for me to make a change this year. Besides, I don't wish to leave +Wayne Hall." + +"Oh, you mustn't think of leaving Wayne Hall!" exclaimed Grace in +dismay. "I am so sorry about Miss West. She is a peculiar girl. None of +the girls here pretend to understand her. When first she came here as a +freshman she was friendly enough with us. Then something occurred for +which we were not to blame, or rather, we did not know that Miss West +considered us at fault," corrected Grace conscientiously. "At any rate, +she suddenly began to avoid us. For a long time we didn't know the +reason." Grace paused for an instant. "By the time we found out, it was +too late. Other things had happened. I can't really tell you much about +that part of it," she added, reddening, "but in fairness to myself and +my friends I will say that we were not to blame for what followed. +There, that isn't very definite, is it? But I know you won't ask any +questions." + +"Not one," returned Patience gravely. "I knew, of course, that relations +between you two were strained, but hadn't the slightest idea of the +cause of it all. I believe I understand something of the situation now." + +They tramped along in silence for a time. Grace was thinking almost +resentfully that even in her senior year she seemed unable to free +herself from a sense of responsibility toward Kathleen West. Her great +affection for Mabel Ashe had undoubtedly been at the bottom of it, but, +deep in her heart, Grace knew that had there been no Mabel to pave the +way for Kathleen, she would have done whatever lay in her power to help +this strange girl, who had no conception of, and was not likely ever to +imbibe, that intangible and yet wholly necessary principle, college +spirit. She wondered a little sadly why Mabel Ashe had not written her. +Could it be possible that Mabel had heard unkind, untruthful tales of +her from the newspaper girl? Grace impatiently accused herself of being +suspicious and tried to shake off the impression. + +While she was pursuing this uncomfortable train of thought, Patience +Eliot was covertly watching her companion's face. The expression she saw +there evidently did not please her, and with a slightly determined set +of her lips and a gleam of sudden purpose in her frank eyes, she +promised herself that, beginning that very day, she would try to study +Kathleen from an entirely different standpoint than heretofore. Laying +her hand on Grace's shoulder she said warmly: "Don't worry, Grace. I +will take back what I said about leaving Wayne Hall. I'm going to stay +there until the last day of my sophomore year, at least. And as long as +I stay I shall no doubt go on rooming with Miss West. There, does that +make you feel better?" + +"It is positively noble in you to say that, Patience," responded Grace +gratefully. "I know you are bound to be put to endless personal +inconvenience on account of it. I feel peculiarly responsible for Miss +West, because I promised Mabel Ashe, who knows her, that I would help +her to like college. I have told you all about Mabel before. Next to +Anne and Miriam, Mabel was my best friend here at Overton. I can't begin +to tell you how I missed her last year. When Miss West first came to +Overton I thought it would be perfectly splendid to have a real +newspaper reporter with us, and because she was Mabel's friend I felt +doubly sure of liking her. + +"Mabel had sent me a telegram asking me to go to the station to meet +her. Anne and I didn't allow any grass to grow under our feet. We rushed +off post haste to the station. Confidentially, we were dreadfully +disappointed in her. She was not in the least the sort of girl that I +had expected to meet. I suppose I entertained an almost exaggerated idea +of what a newspaper woman should be. I've always enjoyed reading stories +about clever women who covered important assignments and made good on +newspapers. You know the kind of stories I mean." + +Patience nodded understandingly. "Real people are never like people in +books," she commented. "Usually the real folks do far more startling +things than the book people ever thought of doing." + +"I know it," agreed Grace, with a rueful smile. "Suppose I say what you +just said happens to apply to this case, and leave the rest to your +imagination." + +"Very neatly put," was Patience's grim answer. "My imagination is quite +equal to the strain. As her roommate, I can draw upon fact rather than +imagination." + +"Yet I have a curious feeling that you are going to succeed where we +have failed. You are so strong and capable and----" Grace's earnest eyes +looked their confidence in Patience, as she groped for the word that +would describe her friend. "I can't think of the right word now, but you +understand me. What I mean is that once you had made up your mind to do +something, you'd do it or die." + +"'Tis the blood of my Revolutionary ancestors that spurs me on to deeds +of might," declaimed Patience. "Don't give up the ship--girl, I mean," +she finished humorously. + +"That looks like Miss West just ahead of us!" exclaimed Grace. "She came +from that house at the end of the row. A crowd of freshmen live there +and one of them seems to be a particular friend of hers." + +"You mean Miss Rawle?" replied Patience. "I have named her my daily +affliction. She haunts Wayne Hall with a persistency worthy of a better +cause. She adores Miss West, and tells me all about it while she is +waiting for Kathleen, who, I suspect, runs away from her more than once. +She refers to little Miss Rawle as 'my crush,' but her tone is +unpleasantly sarcastic. Miss Rawle honestly admires Miss West and seems +to have a great deal of faith in her ability to write. Sometimes +Kathleen is the soul of hospitality. At other times she barely responds +to Miss Rawle's timid remarks. When she behaves in that fashion I feel +tempted to give her a good shaking. More than once I have seen Miss +Rawle say good night when she looked ready to cry." + +"I wish I knew how to get hold of Kathleen," said Grace, looking +troubled. "It is simply a case of good material going to waste, isn't +it?" + +Patience shrugged her square shoulders. "I had a glimmer of hope that, +once she and I became accustomed to each other, we might at least dwell +together in peace. So far peace has been maintained by great effort on +my part. How much longer it will endure is a question." + +At the door of Wayne Hall Grace paused irresolutely. "Oh, dear!" she +exclaimed, "I forgot to stop at the stationer's, and I need a lot of +little things, too. I must go back and get them. Will you come with me, +Patience?" + +Patience shook her head. "I want to read for a few minutes before +dinner. It is almost the only time I have to read for pleasure. You +won't care if I go on upstairs, will you, Grace?" + +"Of course not. I wish I didn't have to go. I'll see you at dinner." + +Grace hurried down the walk on her errand, while Patience went on into +the house and to her room. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A DECLARATION OF WAR + + +The October twilight had fallen before the two girls finished their +walk. When Patience opened her door she did not at first glance see the +huddled figure crouched close to the window. A sound, half sob, half +sigh, caused her to cross the room in an instant. + +"Who are you, and what is the trouble?" were her blunt questions. + +The girl burrowed her face in her arm and made no answer. + +"Get up!" commanded Patience, an imperative note in her voice that +caused the girl to half struggle to her feet, then sink sobbing to her +old position. + +"This won't do at all," remonstrated Patience. "You mustn't sit here. +Stop crying instantly." She purposely made her voice coldly +unsympathetic with a view toward summoning the weeper's pride to her +aid. + +It had the desired effect. The girl rose from the floor and stumbled +toward the door, her head still hidden on her arm. + +With a cry of, "Why, it is Miss Rawle!" Patience sprang forward and +caught the girl by the hand. "You poor child! What has happened to you +to make you cry so?" + +"Please don't sympathize with me, Miss Eliot, or I'll break down and cry +again. It isn't anything in particular. I'm just a silly goose, that's +all. Miss West promised to be here this afternoon, and I've been waiting +for her ever since half-past four. I suppose she forgot all about it." +Miss Rawle made a valiant attempt to smile. "Please tell her I was here, +and--and was very sorry I didn't see her." Her lip quivered like that of +a grieved child. + +Patience turned on the light, then went over to where Miss Rawle stood. +"Do you wish me to give you a piece of good advice?" she asked with +abrupt frankness, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder. + +"Yes," responded Miss Rawle in a halfhearted manner. + +"Then don't leave any word for Miss West, and don't put yourself within +speaking distance of her for at least a week." + +"But--I can't do that. She wouldn't understand----" + +"All the better for you," cut in Patience's crisp voice. "You are very +fond of Miss West, aren't you?" + +Miss Rawle nodded. "She is so bright and clever and says such smart +things, and can write. I adore cleverness. I'm not a bit clever. I work +dreadfully hard to keep up in my classes. But Kathleen is actually +brilliant, and, besides, she took me to the sophomore reception." + +The tall girl listened gravely to this enthusiastic tribute to her +captious roommate. "Very good reasons," she agreed. "Still, I wish you +would try to do what I just suggested. Miss West is like a great many +other clever people, she doesn't appreciate what is easily won." + +A deep flush overspread Miss Rawle's face. An angry light leaped into +her blue eyes. Then, meeting Patience's calm glance, she said slowly, +"Do you mean that I force myself upon her?" + +"In a measure, yes," was the cool reply. "You are very fond of her and +she knows it, consequently she doesn't value your friendship half as +highly as though she weren't sure of it. You must meet her on her own +ground, and make her realize that you are of as much importance in the +world as she. It may be hard at first, but it will be best for both of +you. Miss West stands in need of a friend, and I am sure you would be +loyal to her." + +"How nice in you to say so," returned Miss Rawle, brightening. "I +thought I was angry with you for saying what you did about my forcing +myself upon Kathleen, but I'm not. I am going straight home, now, and +I'll do as you say. Would you mind if I were to come and see you some +time, and won't you take luncheon with me some day at Vinton's?" + +Patience smilingly acquiesced to both eager requests, and little Miss +Rawle descended the steps of Wayne Hall and set off for Livingston Hall, +where she lived, looking anything but sorrowful. + +"I'll try her way," she planned as she sped along through the soft fall +darkness. "It is worth trying. But I wonder what made her say that +Kathleen stood in need of a friend." + +After Miss Rawle had departed, armed and equipped with her newly-born +independence, Patience smiled whimsically to herself as she brushed her +long, fair hair, rebraided it and wound it about her head. It was a +coiffure she had recently adopted at Elfreda's suggestion, and it went +far toward softening the severe outline of her face. "I didn't come to +college to play mentor to any one," she said, half aloud, "nor to give +advice, for that matter. Perhaps I should not have told Miss Rawle to +stay away from Kathleen. It isn't really any of my business. Wouldn't +she be angry if she knew? Shall I tell her? No, I don't believe I will. +If, during a season of adoration, Miss Rawle is indiscreet enough to +tell her, then that is a different matter. But I don't believe she +will." + +Patience had just finished doing her hair when the object of her +monologue appeared in the door and after a quick survey of the room +stepped inside. + +"Was Miss Rawle here?" she asked abruptly. + +"Yes," answered Patience, noncommittally. + +"I'm glad I wasn't. She is such a frightful bore. What did she say?" + +"She asked me to tell you she was here and was very sorry she missed +you." + +"I am very glad I missed her," declared Kathleen, with a shrug. "Deliver +me from 'crushes' of her sort, at least. There are several girls in the +freshman class who look rather interesting, but they are evidently not +anxious to know me," she added, her face darkening. + +"Whose fault is it?" asked Patience pointedly. + +"Not mine," retorted Kathleen with asperity. Then, turning upon +Patience, she said in a voice shaking with sudden anger: "What do you +mean by asking me such a question? I did not realize the insult it +contained or I wouldn't have answered you." + +"I did not intend to be insulting," said Patience, "but candidly I think +you are to blame for whatever attitude the girls here maintain toward +you. Then, again, you do not value your friends. For instance, there is +little Miss Rawle who is really fond of you. Yet you are continually +running away from her. If I were Miss Rawle I would let you severely +alone; you don't deserve her friendship. You don't and can't appreciate +it." + +Kathleen stared at Patience in angry amazement. No one had ever before +spoken to her quite so plainly. Then she found her voice. + +"I think you are not only insulting, but impertinent and meddlesome as +well. I suppose Miss Rawle complained to you because I didn't keep my +engagement with her and you thought it your duty to take me to task for +it. Understand, once and for all, you are not to interfere in my +affairs. I shall answer to no one for my actions. I did not choose you +for a roommate. You are the last girl I would choose. I won't stand +being criticized and lectured at every turn. Save your criticisms for +those who are silly enough to take them seriously, but please don't +imagine for an instant that what you may think or say carries the +slightest weight with me." + +Before Patience could frame a reply the newspaper girl had rushed from +the room, slamming the door with a vehemence that fairly shook the +walls. + +She did not return to the room until after dinner, and then only long +enough to slip into her coat and hat. During that brief moment she +neither spoke to nor noticed Patience, who went quietly on with her +studying as though nothing had happened. Kathleen's outburst had made no +impression upon this calm-faced girl, but Patience's all too truthful +words had sunk deeper into the newspaper girl's mind than she cared to +admit. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A FACE TO FACE TALK + + +For a week at least Alice Rawle stayed religiously away from Wayne Hall +and her idol, during which time Kathleen went serenely about her +business, apparently undisturbed by the lull in the attentions of her +one "crush." Then a certain sharp-eyed sophomore noted the fact and, +happening to run across the newspaper girl in the gymnasium one +afternoon, remarked laughingly, "I hear your little friend, Miss Rawle, +has transferred her allegiance to Miss Eliot." + +"What utter nonsense," declared Kathleen. Yet she frowned her +displeasure at the intimation, and immediately held Patience responsible +for Miss Rawle's deflection. She decided to look into the matter that +very afternoon and found time to stop and see Alice on her way home from +her class. She rang the bell at Livingston Hall a little before five +o'clock, only to find that Miss Rawle had not yet come in. The newspaper +girl turned her steps toward Wayne Hall, feeling slightly disappointed +and vexed. Arrived at the Hall, she slipped upstairs with the cat-like +quiet and ease that always characterized her movements. At the door of +her room she paused for a moment, listening to the sound of voices that +came from within. Then, with a vehement exclamation, she flung wide the +door and darted into the room. + +"Whatever you have to say of me you can say in my presence," she +stormed. "Do you hear? I said, 'In my presence,'" she repeated, her +voice rising. + +The two astonished occupants of the room regarded the angry girl in +silent astonishment. Then the tension of the moment relaxed, and Alice +Rawle found her voice. "You are right," she said to Kathleen, with a +scornful little gesture. "We were talking of you. Evidently you heard +what we said. I am glad you did. Until this moment I liked you better +than any other girl in Overton. If you had come sooner, you would have +heard me say so. But now I think you are unjust and contemptible and I +shall never speak to you again." Turning to Patience, who had stood +impassive during this outburst, she said with sudden penitence: "I'm +sorry I lost my temper. I will come again to see you at some other time. +Good-bye." + +As the door closed on Alice, Kathleen confronted Patience with blazing +eyes. "It is all your fault," she accused wildly. "I hate you! You are +one of the superior, narrow-minded sort of girls who will excuse +nothing. You imagine yourself to be perfect, but you can always discover +faults in others. You don't like me. I know it. I have those dear +friends of yours to thank for it, too. I know that Miss Harlowe has +taken particular pains to strengthen your first impression of me, which +wasn't favorable. It is very unfortunate that we are obliged to room +together. I suppose it is useless to ask you to mind your own business +and let me alone." + +Kathleen walked moodily to the window and stood looking out, her +favorite attitude when greatly disturbed in spirit. Crossing swiftly to +where the newspaper girl stood, Patience laid two firm hands on +Kathleen's shoulders. She whirled at the touch, her eyes flashing. + +"That's right," commented Patience. "I want you to look at me. The time +has come for you and me to have an understanding. I've been putting off +the evil day, and there have been times when I have even dreamed that we +might dispense with it altogether. But now we must face it. I am going +to tell you exactly what I think of you and why I think it, and you are +going to perform the same kind office for me. Will you please begin?" + +Kathleen's face set in sullen lines. "You know what I think of you," she +muttered. "I just finished telling you. I told you last week, too." + +"So you did," smiled Patience, "but surely you must think other +uncomplimentary things of me." + +"Will you kindly take your hands off my shoulders and attend to your own +affairs?" Kathleen's voice choked with renewed anger. + +Patience's hands dropped to her sides. "Very well. If you haven't +anything further to say on the subject of my short-comings, I'll proceed +to yours," was her brisk declaration. + +"I won't listen to you," cried Kathleen passionately. "I won't stay here +and allow you to insult me." + +She sprang toward the door, but Patience, divining her intention, turned +the key in the lock and calmly pocketed it. "Don't be a goose," she +advised. "You are too clever to be so childish. You are deliberately +trying to shut yourself out of all the pleasant part of college by going +about with a grievance on your shoulder. If you weren't so clever I +shouldn't take the trouble to say what I think. Why, you could be one of +the foremost girls in the sophomore class if you wished." + +"I haven't seen any particular indication of admiration on the part of +my class," sneered Kathleen. + +"You haven't given your class cause to admire you, have you?" asked +Patience imperturbably. + +Sheer inability to reply to this unwelcome assertion held Kathleen +silent. + +"Please don't misunderstand me," went on Patience. "I know I have no +right to criticize you, but as your roommate, I feel a certain interest +in your welfare." + +"Very kind in you, I am sure," muttered Kathleen sarcastically. + +Unmindful of the sarcasm, Patience continued: "I believe your chief +trouble lies in the fact that newspaper standards are so different from +those of a college. On a newspaper it is a case of get the story and no +questions asked. It isn't honor that counts. It is shrewdness, +determination, dogged persistence, hardness of head, and deafness to +personal appeal that wins the day." + +A curious light leaped into the other girl's eyes. "How do you happen to +know so much about what counts on a newspaper?" she questioned sharply. + +"Because my father edited one for years. All the newspaper folks know +James Merton Eliot. You must have heard of him," replied Patience with +grim satisfaction. + +"You don't mean it! I never dreamed you could be his daughter," gasped +Kathleen, regarding her tall roommate with positive awe. Then she said, +almost humbly: "Say what you like to me. I'll listen to it, no matter +how much it hurts." + +"But I don't wish to hurt you," remonstrated Patience, "nor to preach. I +do wish you to know, however, that I am quite familiar with the inside +workings of a newspaper. I have haunted Father's office since I was a +little girl. I was bitterly resentful of being packed off to a +preparatory school when I yearned to be a reporter. Father didn't resign +his editorship of a Boston paper until last year. He overworked and has +been very ill since then. That is the reason I was not here when college +opened. I waited until I was sure he was really convalescent. Had my +affairs shaped themselves differently, you would not now be obliged to +endure me as a roommate." + +Kathleen continued to survey Patience with wondering eyes. It was simply +incredible that this brusque, matter-of-fact young woman whom she had +held in secret contempt should be the daughter of a man whose name was +known and honored throughout the newspaper world. Sheer astonishment +tied her tongue. + +"I would have told you in the beginning," continued Patience, "but I did +not wish to travel on my father's passport. When I saw what an +unfavorable impression I had made on you I was tempted to tell you. It +would at least have given me a certain prestige in your eyes. Then I +decided never to tell you. But to-day it seemed the only way. None of +the girls know it. Miss Sheldon and Miss Wilder know. They are personal +friends of Father's." + +"If I had only known when first you came to Wayne Hall," was Kathleen's +regretful cry. + +"But I didn't wish you to know," returned Patience. "I wished you to +like me for myself, and you wouldn't. You thought me pedantic and +narrow-minded, and set me down as a typical New England woman of the +grim, uncompromising type, who boasts of her Puritan ancestry, and goes +through life ungracious and forbidding. I don't believe I am pedantic or +narrow-minded or small-souled, but I have plenty of other faults, as +you'll learn before the year is over. I meant what I said about your +standing in your own light. You'll have to learn the difference between +college and newspaper standards, too." + +Kathleen's face reddened. She understood all that the sharp criticism +implied. "I know I haven't lived up to----" she began. + +Patience shook her head vigorously. "Don't tell me," she said. "Just +decide that hereafter you are going to cultivate Overton as your Alma +Mater for all you're worth. You'll find you can adapt Overton standards +to your paper more successfully than you can adapt newspaper tactics +here. At least it will do no harm to try out my suggestion and see how +far it will carry you." + +"I will try," responded Kathleen with a suddenness that surprised even +herself. "Only," her eyes grew resentful, "you mustn't expect me to be +an angel all in a twinkling, or even like certain girls you and I know. +I can't, and that settles it." + +"I shall have no expectations in the matter," smiled Patience. "Your +likes and dislikes concern no one save yourself. Please forgive me for +locking the door and speaking so candidly." + +Patience stepped to the door and unlocked it. Kathleen took an uncertain +step forward, wavered, then, advancing almost timidly, held out her +hand. + +"Will you shake hands?" she asked. "I am glad you did it, and I am going +to be different--if I can," she added moodily. + +"Be fair to yourself and give the clever, capable Kathleen West a +chance," was the New England girl's advice. "This little talk of ours +has served to clear the atmosphere of this room. Let us be friends and +keep it clear." + +"I will try," Kathleen repeated, but Patience was obliged to confess to +herself that she had very little faith in the newspaper girl's promise. +She felt that the fact that James Merton Eliot was her father had made +far more impression upon Kathleen than had her little lecture on +standards. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +WHEN FRIENDS FALL OUT + + +"What has happened to the Semper Fidelis Club? Did such a worthy +organization ever exist, or did I merely dream?" inquired Arline Thayer, +walking suddenly into the living room at Wayne Hall one evening, where +Grace sat idly turning the pages of a magazine, at the same time trying +to decide the best possible way of spending her evening. + +"Oh, Arline!" she exclaimed. "I am so glad you came. You are just +in time. I was trying to decide what I had better do this evening. +For a wonder, I haven't a line of studying to worry me. But there are +so many other things I ought and wish to do. My correspondence is fast +going to rack and ruin, and I owe at least a dozen calls, the +drop-in-in-the-evening kind. Anne wants me to go for a walk, and Elfreda +and Miriam are determined I shall go to see 'Les Miserables' at the +motion picture theatre on Main Street. They saw 'The Taming of the +Shrew' one evening last week, and came home ardent moving picture fans." + +"I saw it, too," replied Arline. "It was wonderfully well acted, and the +photography and arrangement of the scenes were excellent. Suppose we +gather the club in, and go to see 'Les Miserables' in a body?" + +"I could please the populace and myself at the same time by taking your +advice, couldn't I?" Grace cast a laughing glance toward Arline. + +"Of course you could," urged Arline. "Don't stand upon the order of your +going, but go at once and tell Elfreda and Miriam what we propose doing. +Anne can take her walk some other time, and your letters can languish +unanswered a little longer. I'm going to hurry back to Morton House for +Ruth and Gertrude. We will pick up the Emerson twins on our way here, +and also Elizabeth Wade and Marian. You can ask Emma and the others." + +"What about Patience?" asked Grace. + +"By all means ask her. We want her in the club, too. The only objection +is that she will be the thirteenth member. That is the reason I haven't +proposed her name before this. We shall be obliged to ask some one else +to make fourteen." + +"Arline," Grace's tone caused her friend to eye her sharply, "do you +suppose we ought to ask Kathleen West to join our club?" + +"No." Arline's blue eyes grew resentful. Her "no" was coldly incisive. +"If she is asked to join the club, I shall immediately resign." + +Grace looked her surprise at this uncompromising statement. She had not +reckoned on Arline's opposition to an idea which had been steadily +forcing itself upon her since the beginning of her senior year. Ever +since the last days of her junior year, when Alberta Wicks had made +plain what seemed obscure in the case of Kathleen West, Grace had +experienced a generous desire to recompense the newspaper girl for the +fancied slight she had received at their hands. + +Toward Grace and her three friends Kathleen still preserved the same +antagonistic attitude. So far Grace had been unable to discover any way +in which at least a semblance of friendly relations might be +established. The idea of asking Kathleen to join the club had suddenly +occurred to her, and in her usual impetuous fashion she had given voice +to it. Arline's sharp "no" was in the nature of a dash of cold water to +impulsive Grace, and she now regarded her friend with troubled eyes. + +"Why are you so bitter against Kathleen?" she asked. "You have no +personal grievance against her, have you?" + +"You know perfectly well that she tried to prevent the club from giving +the bazaar, and you know of other contemptible things she has done. A +girl who would work directly against Semper Fidelis on the outside, +wouldn't make a particularly desirable member. At least that is my +opinion." Arline compressed her lips, looking very dignified. + +"I didn't dream you felt so opposed to her," said Grace quietly. "Still, +it will do no particular hurt to ask her to go with us to-night. I hate +to go to her room to invite Patience and leave her out. Besides, I think +Patience would wish her to go. Confidentially, Arline, she and Patience +had some sort of understanding the other day and now they appear to be +almost friends." + +"I'm sorry, Grace, but I won't go to-night if you invite Miss West. I am +willing to do almost anything else to please you, but I simply can't +endure her, and I don't intend to have my evening spoiled. I should +prefer not to go. After all, I don't know that it matters much whether I +go or not." With a gesture of superb indifference Arline rose to depart. + +Grace was at her side in an instant. "Daffydowndilly Thayer, you know +you care," she smiled, putting her finger under Arline's chin. "You are +not half as hard-hearted as you would have me think." + +Arline drew away from her with a pettish little shrug. "You can't make +me feel differently about her, Grace. Please don't try. If she goes +to-night, I shan't. You may choose between us. If you are afraid of +offending her by asking Patience to go and leaving her out, then I will +invite Patience to go." + +"I am not afraid to ask Patience to go with us in Miss West's presence," +was Grace's proud response, "although I believe it would be kinder not +to ask either of them as long as they appear to be friends. Patience +wouldn't feel hurt or slighted, and that would make the party strictly +Semper Fidelis." Grace spoke evenly, although there was a note of +constraint in her voice. "But, please, don't misinterpret my feeling in +the matter as one of fear." + +Arline made no answer, and the two girls left the living room in +silence. + +"I'll see you in half an hour," was Arline's sole comment. + +"Shall we meet here?" asked Grace. "It is nearer the theatre and quite +central." + +"Very well." Arline walked to the hall door, her golden head held very +high. Grace took a half step toward her, hesitated, then turned and +walked quietly up the stairs to carry the invitation to the Semper +Fidelis girls. + +She stopped first at the door of Emma Dean's room. Emma answered her +knock with a cheerful "Come in." + +"As a loyal member of Semper Fidelis it is your duty to turn out with +your sisters and attend a motion picture show," declaimed Grace from the +threshold. + +"No urging is necessary," responded Emma, rising from her chair and +going to the closet for her wraps. "I am nothing if not loyal, and I +adore picture shows." + +"Meet me in the living room in five minutes, then. I must see Patience," +returned Grace, but she could not help hoping as she walked down the +hall that she would find Patience alone. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +A LEAF FROM THE PAST + + +At Patience's door she paused. It stood partly open, and peeping in she +saw that her friend was alone. Rapping softly, she announced with a +laugh, "The Honorable Grace Harlowe." + +"Enter without further ceremony," was the quick reply. "To what do I owe +my good fortune?" + +"To the absence of your roommate," answered Grace dryly. "Where is she?" + +"At the library. She left the house directly after dinner to look up a +number of references. She is infinitely more industrious than I." + +"The Semper Fidelis crowd are going down to that new motion picture +theatre to see 'Les Miserables.' We want you to go with us," invited +Grace, looking relieved at having been able to deliver the invitation so +easily. + +"Let me think. Is there any reason why I can't go? I have a hazy +recollection of having something else on hand to-night, but I can't +remember what it is." + +"Is it anything about lessons?" asked Grace. + +"No." Patience glanced perplexedly about her. "I can't recall it. It +isn't anything of importance or I certainly would have no difficulty in +remembering it. Perhaps it will come to me suddenly." + +"I must make the round of the house and ask the other girls. Be ready +and downstairs, within the next fifteen minutes." + +By the time Grace had collected the Semper Fidelis girls of Wayne Hall, +Arline had returned with the other members of the club, and the party +set out for the theatre. Grace walked with Anne and Patience, who, +unable to remember any other engagement, had dismissed the disturbing +thought from her mind and prepared to enjoy her evening. + +At the entrance of the theatre, the party halted for a moment while +Arline bought the tickets. Grace looked interestedly about her. Even in +quiet, staid old Overton she derived an active pleasure from scanning +the faces of the passersby. She tried to read their thoughts from their +expressions, and her habit of observation had on more than one occasion +proved of value to her. + +"All right," called Arline, holding up the tickets. "Come on." + +Grace turned her eyes toward Arline, then some unaccountable influence +caused her to turn her head and glance again in the direction of the +street. A roughly-dressed man had stopped on the sidewalk directly in +front of the theatre to stare at one of the gayly colored lithographs. +Grace stopped short, seized with a peculiar feeling of apprehension. Why +was the face of this man so familiar to her? Surely she had seen it +somewhere under decidedly unpleasant circumstances. Was it at Overton +she had seen him? No, it was further back than that. + +During the first part of Hugo's famous novel, which had been filmed to +perfection, Grace was obsessed with the question: "Where have I seen +him?" The stranger's face haunted her. It was a low-browed, sullen face. +She could not keep her mind on the story that was being unfolded on the +screen. She watched the ill-fated Jean Valjean being led off to prison +for stealing a loaf of bread almost without seeing him. It was not until +the scene where, bruised in spirit and prison-warped, Jean steals the +good priest's candlesticks and makes off with them, that full +remembrance came to Grace. Now she knew why that face was strangely +familiar. The man she had seen was none other than "Larry, the +Locksmith." In her mind's eye Grace saw him sitting in the court room +with humped shoulders, his eyes bent fiercely upon her, as she related +what she had seen with her face pressed close to the window pane of the +haunted house. It had all happened during her senior year at high +school. To Grace it seemed but yesterday since she had given the +testimony that sent Henry Hammond's accomplice to prison for a term of +seven years in the state penitentiary. Seven years! It had been only +four years since that memorable occasion. Perhaps the man had been +released earlier for good behavior, or perhaps--Grace's heart beat a +trifle faster--he had escaped. + +She paid but scant attention to the rest of the performance, and when +Jean had died in the arms of his devoted foster daughter, the lights had +appeared, and the crowd began filing out of the theatre, she scanned it +eagerly. There was no sign of the disturbing face of "Larry, the +Locksmith." + +The little company of girls made their way to the street, discussing the +merits of the various actors who had portrayed so admirably the roles +assigned to them. Arline, feeling rather ashamed of her brusque refusal +to countenance Kathleen West as a possible member of the club, slipped +her arm through Grace's, saying contritely, "I am awfully sorry I was so +cross, Grace." + +Grace, whose mind was still fully occupied with the thought of the man +she had good reason to recognize, did not answer. Arline glanced +reproachfully at her, then withdrew her arm from Grace's with an +offended suddenness that caused Grace to cry apologetically: "Please +pardon me, Arline. What did you say?" + +Arline, however, was now thoroughly incensed. She had apologized, and +Grace had not even taken the trouble to listen. Without answering, save +by an angry flash of her blue eyes, she walked on rapidly, overtaking +the Emerson twins, who were heading the little procession. Grace sprang +impulsively forward. Then, as Arline slipped between the twins, +laughingly taking hold of an arm of each, Grace fell back, deciding that +she would say nothing. She would write Arline a note that very night. + +True to her resolve, the note was written and sent. At the end of a week +she had received no answer. Later she was greeted with a cold "good +afternoon" and a stiff little bow when she chanced to encounter Arline +on the campus. Remembering Arline's stubborn stand in regard to Ruth +during their sophomore year, Grace knew the dainty little girl's +resentment to be very real and lasting. She was also reasonably sure +that not even Ruth was aware of their estrangement. She wished she had +not seen that disturbing face. She wondered if she had been mistaken. No +doubt there were men in the world who bore a strong resemblance to +"Larry, the Locksmith." She blamed herself entirely for Arline's +withdrawal of friendship. If she had only heard and accepted the +apology! It was humiliating indeed to make an earnest apology to +unhearing ears. + +"It serves you right, Grace Harlowe," she reflected, coming into the +living room late one afternoon. "I'm not sorry for you. I hope Arline +won't be too haughty at the club meeting to-morrow. It is such a shame. +I wanted to propose the 'Famous Fiction' dance as a Semper Fidelis +merry-making this year, and I can never talk enthusiastically of it +knowing she disapproves. Of course, I'll pretend I don't care, but it +hurts, just the same." + +With a sigh Grace reached for the evening paper which lay on the library +table. She glanced over the headlines without any special interest until +a single sentence in large black type caused her to stare, then give +voice to a surprised, "I knew it!" The headline read, "Larry, the +Locksmith, Still at Large." + +Grace sat down heavily in the nearest chair, the newspaper still +clutched in one hand. She had not been mistaken. The man for whom the +authorities were searching was the man she had seen in front of the +moving picture theatre. It was evident that he had very little fear of +being recognized in Overton, or he would not have risked appearing in +the streets of the college town. "He must have friends here, who are +sheltering him," sprang into her mind, "or he may be passing through the +town. The question is, ought I to make my discovery known to the +police?" + +"Here you are!" called a familiar voice, "I've been looking for you." +Patience Eliot entered the living room, and seated herself opposite +Grace. "Do you remember my saying when you asked me to go to the theater +that I had a faint recollection of having another engagement last +night?" + +Grace nodded. + +"My faint recollection was perfectly correct. I had promised to go for a +walk with Kathleen, and consequently she wouldn't speak to me when I +came in last night. She wouldn't accept my humble apologies. Just when I +thought I was making a little progress with her, too. I am the most +unfortunate mortal," sighed Patience. "I know she imagines I did it +purposely." + +Patience's recital of her woes brought back the subject of Arline's +displeasure to Grace's mind, and when, a little later, the two girls +went upstairs arm in arm, the important question of whether or not to +inform the Overton police of her discovery had slipped, for the time +being, from Grace's mind. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A THANKSGIVING INVITATION + + +"At last!" exclaimed Grace triumphantly, as she extracted a letter from +the Wayne Hall bulletin board addressed to her in Mabel Ashe's +unmistakable handwriting. "Oh, I am so glad! I thought she had forgotten +me." + +"Or had been persuaded to forget you," put in Elfreda Briggs, who had +come downstairs to breakfast directly behind Grace. + +Grace looked frankly amazed. "How did you know?" + +"How do I find out everything I know?" demanded Elfreda. "Don't you +suppose I noticed that you were worried about not hearing from Mabel? I +could see you thought some one had made mischief." + +"Elfreda Briggs, will you please tell me your exact method of +deduction!" exclaimed Grace in a half vexed tone. "Your ability for +'seeing things' is positively uncanny." + +"There was nothing very uncanny about seeing you look ready to cry every +time Mabel's name was mentioned," retorted Elfreda. "We all knew that +you hadn't received a letter from her. Put two and two together, what is +the result? Ask me something harder. That's easy." + +"I make my bow to you, most observing of all observers," laughed Grace. +"I have been worried over not receiving a letter from Mabel, but I +hadn't breathed it to any one. Come into the living room before +breakfast. No; let us have breakfast first. It is early yet and we shall +have time to read the letter afterward in my room. Then Anne and Miriam +can hear it, too. Here they come, the slow pokes." + + "A dillar, a dollar, a ten-o'clock scholar, + Oh, why did you come so soon?" + +chanted Elfreda as Anne, followed by Miriam, appeared at the head of the +stairs. + +"A ten-minutes-to-eight-o'clock scholar," calmly corrected Miriam. "We +are early, but you and Grace are distressingly early. I suppose you +found the fabled worm." + +"Here it is." Grace held up the letter. "If you are pleasant and +respectful to us during breakfast, I will invite you to my room to hear +it read." + +"Your half of the room," reminded Anne, with emphasis. + +"I beg your pardon, my half of the room," corrected Grace. "I might +lease your half for the occasion, then I could turn you out if you +proved a disturbing factor." + +"But I could refuse to lease my half," declared Anne. + +"Then I should be obliged to turn you out, at any rate. I am much +stronger than you." + +"It sounds like a discussion between the March Hare and the Mad Hatter, +doesn't it?" commented Elfreda. + +"It has a true Alice in Wonderland tang," agreed Miriam solemnly. "In +the meantime I am growing hungrier. On to breakfast!" + +After breakfast, the quartette lost no time in going upstairs to Grace's +room to listen to Mabel's letter. Grace opened it, glanced hastily over +the first page, then read: + + "MY DEAR GRACE:-- + + "Your faith in me as a correspondent must be shattered by this + time. I've intended to write, but my days and nights, too, have + been so crowded with work that I have almost forgotten that I am + entitled to a little recreation. I'll try not to let it happen + again, Grace, dear. I hoped to be able to run down for + Thanksgiving, but I am afraid it won't be possible. + + "I am doing the clubs now, and there will be so much to write about + them during Thanksgiving week that I am afraid I shall have to stay + in town all week. Next week the opera begins, and, oh, joy! I am to + help write it--along with my club duties. I went to almost every + performance last year and loved them all. Why couldn't you girls + make up a party and spend Thanksgiving with me? Isn't that a + brilliant idea? I might succeed in getting a day off. + + "You might ask Miss West to come with you. Last summer I asked her + all about you but could get no particular information regarding + you. I saw very little of her during the summer, as she was given a + number of important assignments and covered them splendidly. I am + sorry to say she is not well liked among the other reporters. They + say she is too hard and merciless and that she is terribly + unfeeling. Of course, you would hardly see that side of her. I + should imagine she must have quite a reputation at Overton by this + time, she writes so well. Remember me to her when you see her and + deliver my invitation. + + "I must stop instantly or lose my train home. Let me hear from you + about Thanksgiving. Love to you and Elfreda, Miriam and Anne. + + "Yours, as ever, + + "MABEL. + + "P. S.--I saw Frances last week. She is engaged to be married. More + about her when I see you." + +"Doesn't it sound exactly as she talks?" smiled Anne. + +"I like the Thanksgiving idea," declared Elfreda. + +"Of course, we'll go," said Grace, looking questioningly at her friends. + +"Of course," repeated Miriam. "But what of Miss West?" + +"We might ask Patience to break the news to her," proposed Anne. + +"She would be doubly angry with us and say we were afraid of her," said +Elfreda. "I'll tell her if you want me to. Nothing she can say will +injure my castiron feelings." + +"Why not put off the evil day? It is still three weeks until +Thanksgiving. We can give her two weeks' notice, as they do in +theatrical companies," laughed Anne. "Something might happen in the +meantime to make us her bosom friends." + +Elfreda giggled derisively. "I'd like to see it happen, then. We could +all pursue our favorite phantoms in peace for the rest of our senior +year. She is the only disturber left. Mabel says she imagines Kathleen +must have quite a reputation at Overton by this time. She has. There +isn't a doubt of it." + +"Elfreda, be good," admonished Grace, laughing a little. + +"Be good, bad child, and let who will be naughty," paraphrased Elfreda +in a piping, affected voice. + +"That sounded exactly like Hippy, didn't it?" said Miriam. + +Grace and Anne nodded. + +"We ought to call her Hippy the Second," suggested Anne. + +"Good gracious!" gasped Elfreda, pointing a warning finger at the +mission clock on the wall. "Half-past eight, and here I sit gayly +loitering as though I had nothing else to do. How about chapel this +morning? I know you are going, Miriam. How about you, Grace and Anne?" + +"I am," said Anne. "Run along and get your wraps. I'll meet you +downstairs." + +After the three girls had gone off to chapel Grace pulled her favorite +chair over to the window and sat down to think things over. First of all +came the disturbing problem of the newspaper girl and Mabel's +invitation. From the tone of the letter it was evident that Mabel knew +nothing of the real state of affairs. Kathleen had maintained a discreet +silence. Grace felt dimly that the hard, self-centered girl had taken at +least one step in the right direction. She had gone from her freshman +year to her paper without telling tales. "I wish she'd hurry and take a +whole lot more," Grace reflected moodily, as she tried to decide whether +to write Mabel, asking her to send Kathleen a separate invitation, or to +take matters into her own hands and deliver the invitation in person. "I +know she won't go if we ask her. I can't settle that to-day. I shall +have to see Patience first. She may be able to suggest something." + +Grace passed on to the next worry, which was over her misunderstanding +with Arline. It was so extremely unfortunate that it should have +happened just when they had begun to talk of the Semper Fidelis fancy +dress party. She could not carry out her ideas successfully without +Arline's co-operation and help. After changing her mind several times, +Grace decided to go to Morton House and see Arline. + +"It really isn't my place," she ruminated, "but I can't bear to have +Arline angry with me." + +Last of all, Grace was troubled over the notice she had read in the +paper concerning "Larry, the Locksmith." She was certain that the man +she had seen in front of the moving picture theatre on the evening of +their little theatre party was none other than the robber in whose +capture she had been instrumental during her senior year at high school. +Should she notify the Overton authorities of her discovery? Perhaps by +this time the thief was many miles from Overton. Grace disliked the idea +of figuring even privately in the affair. Yet was it right to withhold +her knowledge? She could not determine on any particular course of +action, and with an impatient sigh at her own lack of decision in the +matter she rose from her chair and prepared to go to her first class in +anything but a cheerful frame of mind. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +KATHLEEN'S PROMISE + + +"Not in, Miss," was the disappointing information Grace received from +the maid who answered the door at Morton House. + +"Did she leave word when she would return?" questioned Grace. + +"She did not, Miss. She went out with Miss Denton, and didn't say +nothin', Miss," was the discouraging reply. "An' will I tell her you was +askin' for her, Miss?" + +"No; I may come again this evening." + +Grace walked slowly down the steps and across the campus. She was not at +all sure that she would repeat her call. Dear as was Arline to her, the +inevitable reaction had set in. Now Grace's pride whispered to her that +there was no real reason why she should humble herself to her +too-easily-offended friend. It was Arline, not she, who was in the +wrong, she mused resentfully. She was rather glad, after all, that +Arline had not been at home. + +Glancing undecidedly toward Wayne Hall, then at her watch, Grace set off +in the opposite direction at a rapid walk. It was five o'clock. She +would have time to do a little shopping in the Overton stores before +they closed. She hurried toward the nearest dry goods store, so intent +upon reaching there that she paid little or no attention to the people +she passed in the street. + +Shopping at this late hour proved a comparatively easy matter. Here and +there a belated customer might be seen wandering from counter to +counter, but the day's business was practically finished and the +saleswomen were busily counting their sales or conversing with their +nearest neighbors in low tones. It was ten minutes to six when Grace, +inwardly congratulating herself on having been able to do so much +shopping in so short a space of time, hurried to the ribbon counter. +Blue velvet ribbon was the last item on her list. Then she could go home +feeling that her hour had been well spent. + +"We're out of that shade of blue velvet ribbon," said the saleswoman, +glancing at the sample Grace held out to her. "Everybody's been buying +it. It's on order. Have it in next week." + +Grace left the store almost on the run and hurried into a shop farther +down the street, only to meet with the same disappointing reply. Three +blocks farther on was the "French Shop." Grace was sure of finding it +there, but was equally sure it would be infinitely more expensive. +Still, she only needed a yard and a half. She was about to enter the +shop, when the stocky figure of a man just ahead of her sent a sudden +thrill of apprehension through her. There was something unpleasantly +familiar about the round shoulders and slouching walk. Forgetting her +errand, Grace began following him, keeping not more than twenty feet +behind him. As he neared the first cross street the man glanced +furtively about him, then, turning into the intersecting street, hurried +on, almost at a run. Grace, bent only on seeing the stranger's face, +unhesitatingly dogged his footsteps. It was now after six o 'clock and +growing darker with every moment. Block after block they went, but now +Grace kept a distance of a hundred feet or more between herself and the +man she was following. She observed rather anxiously that they were +nearing the end of Main Street, where the houses were fewer and farther +apart. + +All at once her quarry stopped short and peered sharply about him +through the gathering twilight. Grace strolled on at a leisurely pace, +though her heart beat violently. Suppose instead of going on he were to +turn and walk toward her. Grace trembled a little. She was drawing +altogether too near to him to suit her. She was now positive that he was +"Larry, the Locksmith." Suddenly the man left the sidewalk and started +across a field used in the summer by the small boys of Overton as a +playground. + +This ended the pursuit as far as Grace was concerned. Stepping behind a +tree at the edge of the field she strained her eyes to watch the hulking +figure as it moved swiftly on. Then she gave a little exclamation of +surprise and triumph. The man was hurrying up the steps of a dingy +little house that stood at the end of a row of similar houses which +bounded the side of the field directly opposite where she stood. Again +consulting her watch, she hesitated. It was almost seven o'clock, and +she was at least a mile from Wayne Hall. Anne would wonder at her +absence, for she had left no word regarding her call upon Arline. She +would be more than likely to miss her dinner. Mrs. Elwood's dinner hour +was from half-past five until seven o'clock. She rigidly refused to +serve meals to those who came later. + +[Illustration: Grace Stepped Behind a Tree.] + +"I can't possibly make it," mused Grace. "I'll run into Vinton's for +dinner. All this comes of playing sleuth." She laughed softly at her own +remark, then her face grew grave. "What shall I do?" she thought. "It is +my duty to tell the authorities, but I promised Father after the class +money was found that I'd never meddle in any such affair again. Yet here +I am, on the outskirts of Overton, trailing an escaped convict as though +my bread and butter depended upon it. If I could only turn over this +affair to some one else, and let him do the rest, I'd be perfectly +satisfied." + +On the way to Vinton's, Grace reluctantly decided to go in person to the +police station and report her discovery to the Chief of Police. "It is +only right," she argued. "I will simply tell them the facts and ask them +to keep my part in the affair a secret. Then I'll write Father and tell +him about it. Perhaps I ought to write him first. But if I wait for his +answer it may be too late. I'll go and report my news as soon as I have +had my dinner." + +Grace did not enjoy her solitary meal. To her, the chief charm of a +dinner at Vinton's consisted in eating it with her friends. The smart +little restaurant seemed unusually quiet. There were not more than half +a dozen persons dining there and only two of the half dozen were Overton +girls. It was less than a week until Thanksgiving. It looked as though +the girls were practicing economy. This accounted for the slim +patronage. Grace ate her dinner with one eye on the door, vainly hoping +for the entrance of some one she knew. But no one of her friends +appeared, and without waiting for dessert she asked the waitress for her +check and left the restaurant to go on her disagreeable errand. + +It was not a long walk to the police station, and Grace resolved to go +there with all possible speed. She wished to be able to dismiss the +affair from her mind at the earliest moment. She had reached the cross +street on which the station house was situated and was about to turn +into it when she almost collided with a young woman who gave a smothered +exclamation of annoyance and hurried on. As they came together directly +under the rays of the arc light, they could scarcely help recognizing +each other. + +"I beg your pardon," called Grace after the hurrying figure. Then with a +sudden flash of inspiration she called, "Miss West, please wait a +minute." + +The figure halted, and in the next second Grace confronted the coldly +inquiring eyes of the newspaper girl. + +"Would you like a real news item for your paper?" she asked impulsively. + +Kathleen regarded her with an expression of mingled incredulity and +contempt which changed to one of lively displeasure. "Do you believe +that I would accept anything from you?" she asked tensely. + +"I never thought of that," returned Grace, her color rising. "I was +thinking only of the story. Suppose for once we put aside everything +personal. I have something to tell you that cannot fail to be of +interest to you. Will you forget that I am Grace Harlowe and listen to +me?" + +Grace's earnestness impressed Kathleen against her will. She hesitated +briefly, then said in a low voice, "I will listen to you." + +Grace began with the story of the bazaar given on the Thanksgiving +afternoon and evening of her senior year in high school. She related +briefly the theft of the strong box containing the bazaar money, the +unsuccessful attempts of the police to apprehend the thief, the finding +of the money by her and Eleanor Savelli and the capture of the thief by +the Oakdale police in the haunted house. + +Kathleen listened to Grace's rapidly told narrative with growing +interest. + +When she came to the trial of the thief and his recognition by the +officers as "Larry, the Locksmith," Kathleen interrupted excitedly: +"Why, that's the man who has escaped from prison. The police of all the +large cities have been ordered to watch for him. He is an exceptionally +clever criminal who has always escaped until that time in Oakdale. And +to think it was you who were responsible for his capture! I remember the +affair. It was my first year on the paper. One of our reporters was sent +on to interview this Larry. He laid his capture to the fact of his +having been foolish enough to waste his time in a small town." + +The newspaper girl had now become eager and animated. Her black eyes +gleamed with excitement. "Did you know he had escaped?" she asked. + +"Yes," replied Grace. "That is the part I am going to tell you. He is +here in Overton. I saw him to-night." + +"You saw him?" questioned Kathleen, her eyes wide with astonishment. + +Grace nodded. "To-night and one evening last week, too. I wasn't sure +then. But to-night I knew him. I followed him to a house on the +outskirts of Overton. Then I came back to notify the police. I was on my +way to the station when I met you. Don't you imagine it will make a good +newspaper story if the police capture him?" + +"Great!" exclaimed Kathleen. + +"Then come with me to the station house while I make my report. The +officers will surely visit the house where he is hiding at once. If they +do, you can telegraph your story to-night in time for the first edition +in the morning." Grace had started toward the station house while she +was speaking. Kathleen kept close at her side. + +"Wait a moment," said Grace, as they ascended the stone steps of the +station house. "I almost forgot to tell you. You may use the Oakdale +part of the story as you heard it at the time it happened, but my name +must not be used in your write-up. I shall, of course, tell the chief +the whole story in confidence. Nor do I wish my name used in the story +of the man's apprehension, provided he is captured. It ought to make a +good story in itself without any reference to me. I wish you to give the +chief the first information, then you can truthfully say that you did so +when you write it." + +"But it won't sound half so exciting as it would with you in it," +protested Kathleen. "I need all the data concerning you to make a big +story of it." + +"I am sorry," declared Grace, "but I promised Father never to become +involved in any such affair again. He and Mother would be dreadfully +displeased if my name appeared in the newspapers in connection with +anything of that sort." + +"But I shall use my name," argued Kathleen. "It will be a great help to +me in my profession." + +"That is different. If I were interested in newspaper work I shouldn't +care, either. I must ask you on your honor not to use my name." + +"Very well," answered Kathleen slowly, a curious light leaping into her +eyes. + +"Thank you," replied Grace, with a friendly smile. "Remember, you are to +be the first to tell the news." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +KATHLEEN'S GREAT STORY + + +The inside of the Overton police station closely resembled that of +Oakdale. There was the same style of high desk, the same row of chairs +against the wall. Grace hoped the chief would be as easy to approach as +was her old friend, Chief Burroughs, at home. There was but one man to +be seen, an officer, who sat writing at a small table in one corner of +the room. + +Kathleen pointed to a half-open door leading into an inner room on which +appeared the word "Private." + +Grace nodded: then, confidently approaching the officer, asked if the +Chief of Police were in. For answer the officer simply motioned with one +hand toward the half-open door and went on with his writing. + +Chief of Police Ellis glanced up in surprise to see two strange young +women standing in the door of his private office. + +"Are you the Chief of Police, and may we come into your office for a +moment?" questioned Grace politely. + +"Come in, by all means," responded the chief heartily. He was a kindly, +middle-age man, whose voice and manner invited confidence. "What can I +do for you, young ladies?" + +Grace turned to Kathleen, who at once poured forth the story of the +appearance of "Larry, the Locksmith" in Overton, of his recognition and +of how he had been traced to his hiding place. + +At first Chief Ellis had looked incredulous over Kathleen's strange +statement. + +"How can you be sure he is the man if you have never seen him?" he asked +shrewdly. "We can't afford to arrest the wrong man, you know." + +Kathleen looked appealingly at Grace. + +"You have a daughter in the freshman class, haven't you, Chief!" asked +Grace, coming to the newspaper girl's rescue. + +"Yes," smiled the chief. "I thought you were Overton girls." + +"I am Miss Harlowe of the senior class. This is Miss West, a sophomore. +You would not wish your daughter's name to be used in police court news, +would you?" + +Chief Ellis made an emphatic gesture of negation. "No!" he answered. + +"Then I am sure you will keep secret what I am about to tell you." Grace +then explained the situation, beginning with the theft of the class +money in Oakdale and ending with her trailing of the thief to his hiding +place. + +"Well, I declare!" exclaimed the chief. "This is a most remarkable +story. However, I am willing to proceed on the strength of it. I'll have +three men on the way to capture 'Larry' within the next fifteen minutes. +You young ladies had better go home. You can call me on the telephone +every half hour until the men come in. I'll keep you posted. If they get +him at once, you can get word to your paper to-night," he assured +Kathleen. "You must be a pretty smart girl to be going to college and +holding a newspaper job at the same time." + +Instead of going to Wayne Hall to await word from the chief, the two +girls first made arrangements with the telegraph operator at the depot +office to wire the story. Kathleen also sent a telegram to her paper. +Then they had begun their anxious vigil in the drug store on the corner +above the station. An hour later their watch ended. The three officers +returned with a snarling, raging prisoner securely handcuffed to one of +their number. + +"They've captured him!" cried Kathleen, "and now my work begins in +earnest." While they had been waiting the newspaper girl had employed +the time in writing rapidly in a note book she carried. Grace would have +liked to see what she wrote, but now that the first excitement had +passed she felt the old constraint rising between them like a wall. + +"Do you care if I don't wait for you in the telegraph office?" asked +Grace. "I'll go as far as the door with you. Then I think I had better +go on to the Hall. Anne will be worried about me." + +Kathleen assented to her plan with a look of immeasurable relief which +Grace was not slow to observe, but misconstrued entirely. "I suppose she +doesn't wish to be bothered while she sends in her story," was Grace's +thought as they left the drug store. + +"Good night. I thank you for helping me," said Kathleen in a perfunctory +tone as she turned to go into the office. "It is going to be a great +story." + +"You are very welcome," responded Grace. "Good night, and good luck to +you." + +Three anxious-faced girls were waiting for Grace in her room, and as she +opened the door they pounced upon her in a body. + +"Grace, Grace, you naughty girl, where have you been?" cried Anne. "I am +sure my hair has turned gray watching for you." + +"Yes, give an account of yourself," commanded Elfreda. "Have you no +respect for our feelings?" + +"Did you imagine no one would miss you?" was Miriam's question. + +"I will answer your questions in order," laughed Grace. "I've been out +on important business, I have the deepest respect for your feelings, and +I know that my friends always miss me." + +"Spoken like a soldier and a gentleman," commended Elfreda. + +"Which is quite remarkable, considering the fact that I am neither," +retorted Grace. + +"Grace, what on earth have you been doing?" Anne's face grew sober. +There was a subdued excitement in her friend's manner that had not +escaped her notice. + +"Anne, I cannot tell a lie," returned Grace lightly. "I've been to the +police station." + +The three girls stared at Grace in amazement. + +"Let me see," mumbled Elfreda. "Have I transgressed the law lately, or +had any arguments with Grace? This looks suspicious." + +"Don't tease me, and promise you will never tell any one what I'm about +to say. Hold up your right hands, all of you." + +Three right hands were promptly raised. + +"Now, I'll tell you about it," declared Grace, "and please bear in mind, +before I begin, that venerable old saw about truth being stranger than +fiction." + +"I knew something startling had happened," declared Anne, when Grace had +concluded. "I read it in your face." + +"Oh, why wasn't I with you?" was Elfreda's regretful cry. "I have always +longed to be concerned in a real melodrama." + +Miriam, alone, made no comment. She regarded Grace with an intent gaze +that made the latter ask quickly: "What is the matter, Miriam? Don't you +approve of my evening's work? I know Father and Mother won't. I must +write them to-morrow. Still, I could hardly have done otherwise." + +"Of course you couldn't," assured Miriam. "I don't disapprove of what +you did. You behaved in true Grace Harlowe fashion." + +"Then what made you look at me so strangely?" persisted Grace. + +"If I looked at you strangely, then I beg your pardon," smiled Miriam. +"It shall not happen again." + +Grace smiled faintly, yet her intuition told her that Miriam had +purposely turned her question aside. + +No account of the recapture of "Larry, the Locksmith" appeared in the +morning paper. But in the evening paper a full account was published. +Grace had waited apprehensively for the evening edition, which was +usually out by four o 'clock in the afternoon. She purchased a paper of +the boy who stationed himself daily at the southeast corner of the +campus, but purposely delayed opening it until she reached her room. +Then almost fearfully she unfolded it, with her three friends looking +over her shoulder. + +The article began with the flaring headline, "A Desperate Criminal +Recaptured." Grace glanced rapidly down the column, then gave an audible +murmur of relief. "We aren't mentioned. I shall always have a +superlatively good opinion of Chief Ellis. He kept his word to me +absolutely. Now I shan't mind writing Father." + +"If I had done what you did, I'd insist upon having my name in extra +large type, and a portrait and biographical sketch of myself as well," +was Elfreda's modest declaration. + +"No, you wouldn't, and you know it," contradicted Grace. + +"Well, I might not go as far as the portrait, but I should certainly +have the biographical sketch." + +"I am going to entertain to-night in honor of Grace," announced Miriam. +"Shall I invite some of the other girls, or shall we four celebrate in +solitary state?" + +"Don't invite any outsiders this time," said Elfreda. "Then we'll be +free to talk over our visit to Mabel and anything else we choose." + +"There is one person who really ought to be invited," broke in Grace, +with conviction. "I mean Kathleen West. Then we can deliver Mabel's +invitation to her. I have an idea that she won't refuse to go to New +York with us. I hope she will be different from now on. It would be +simply splendid to glide peacefully through the rest of one's senior +year without a single hitch, wouldn't it?" + +"Have you seen her since last night?" asked Anne. + +Grace shook her head. "I knocked on her door at noon, but neither she +nor Patience was in. I saw Patience afterward, and she said Kathleen had +hurried through her luncheon and gone. I don't think Patience knew +anything about last night. If she had known, she would have mentioned +it. I will try to see Kathleen before dinner." + +"You will have to hurry if you do. It is almost time for the dinner bell +now," said Elfreda. "You might ask Patience, too." + +"All right, I'll go at once. Wait for me. I'll be back in a minute. Then +we can go down to dinner together." + +Grace knocked lightly upon the door of the end room. It was opened by +Kathleen herself. + +"Good evening. Won't you come in?" Kathleen's voice was as cold and +unfriendly as it had formerly been. + +"Good evening." Somewhat puzzled at Kathleen's return to her old, +cavalier manner, Grace hardly knew how to proceed. "Did you see today's +paper?" she asked, by way of beginning. + +"Which paper?" was the brusque inquiry. + +"Why, the 'Evening Journal,' of course." + +"Oh!" Kathleen's tense expression relaxed a trifle. "Yes, I saw it." + +"I am so glad Chief Ellis kept his word. I hope you were on time with +your New York story." + +"Thank you. It went through nicely!" Kathleen answered in a low tone. + +"I just stopped for a moment to ask you to come to a little +jollification in Miriam's room to-night. We want Patience, too." + +"Miss Eliot went to Westbrook this afternoon. She will not return until +to-morrow morning. As for me, I thank you, but it will be impossible for +me to come. I have another engagement." + +"I am sorry," returned Grace. "Perhaps, under the circumstances, I had +better deliver another invitation I have for you at once. I recently +received a letter from Miss Ashe inviting us to spend Thanksgiving at +her home in New York. She wished me to extend her invitation to you, +also. Mabel does not know----" began Grace. Then her face reddened and +she ceased abruptly. + +Kathleen, understanding the flush, said dryly: "Miss Ashe is very kind +to think of me. However, it is out of the question for me to accept her +invitation. I will write her to-night. It is strange she did not write +me, too." + +"She has been extremely busy," retorted Grace, her face flushing a still +deeper red at Kathleen's rudeness. "She invited Miriam, Elfreda and Anne +the same way." + +"That has nothing to do with me," declared Kathleen. "If you will be so +kind, you might say in your letter to her that I will write her within a +few days." She kept her face half averted, her eyes refusing to meet +Grace's. + +"Very well." Grace felt her anger rising. She turned from the door, +which closed almost in her face, and went back to her room hurt and +indignant. + +"Refused and trampled upon as well," declared Elfreda after one glance +at Grace's stormy eyes. "Never mind, Grace. I wouldn't let a little +thing like that worry me. I wouldn't even think about it." + +Grace gave a short laugh. "Of course 'you could see,'" she mimicked. + +"I'd be blind if I couldn't," grinned Elfreda. "The look in your eyes +tells the story." + +"You are right, as usual. She has frozen again. She is icier than ever." + +"Where's Patience?" asked Anne. + +"Gone to Westbrook. Won't be back until to-morrow. If she were here she +might prevail upon Kathleen to behave reasonably." + +"We four have been known to enjoy ourselves together without adding to +our number," observed Elfreda in a dry tone. "I think I could live +without her." + +Grace brightened. "Oh, wise and superwise Elfreda, in your words lurk +the essence of truth. We four will have one of our own special brand of +good times to-night. See, I throw all my cares to the winds." Grace +waved her arms as though to cast Care from her. "I have tried to solve +the mystery of the mysterious Kathleen and it is beyond me. I hoped +after last night that she would be different from then on, but to-day +she is more provoking than ever. I shall say nothing of her in my letter +to Mabel, except that I delivered the invitation, but when we go to +Mabel's for Thanksgiving if she asks for an explanation of certain +things I shall not hesitate to give it." + +"That is the way I like to hear you talk," approved Elfreda. "I don't +mean the 'wise and superwise Elfreda' part. I'm not so conceited, I +hope. But it is high time you let that Kathleen West meander along to +suit her own tricky little self. She hasn't an iota of Overton spirit +nor a shred of conscience, and instead of appreciating your kind offices +she is far more likely to repay you by dragging you into something +unpleasant. I could see by Miriam's expression when you told us about +the capture of that man that she thought you had trusted Kathleen too +far, too." + +"I confess I was thinking that very thing," laughed Miriam, "but how +Elfreda guessed it is more than I can see." + +"But the man has been captured, the story has appeared in the Overton +paper and Kathleen has kept her word about not mentioning me in +connection with the affair," protested Grace. "Nothing unpleasant can +possibly happen now." + +But Grace was destined to realize before many hours passed that she had +been over-confident. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +TREACHERY + + +The morning after the party in Miriam's room Grace lingered in the +living room at Wayne Hall long enough to dash off her letter of +acceptance of Mabel Ashe's invitation for Thanksgiving. She was on the +point of slipping it into the envelope when the loud ringing of the door +bell caused her to start. A moment later she heard the maid say: "Miss +Harlowe? I'll see if she's in her room." + +"Here I am," called Grace, stepping into the hall. "Oh, I see. A special +delivery letter for me from Mabel." Grace signed the postman's book, +then, closing the hall door, hurried into the living room to read her +letter. Opening it, she drew out not only the letter but a folded +newspaper clipping as well. The clipping fluttered to the floor. Grace +stooped mechanically to pick it up, her eyes on the open letter. A +mystified expression crept into her face as she read that gradually +changed to one of consternation. With a sharp cry of dismay, she let the +letter fall from her hands, while she fumbled with the clipping in a +nervous effort to unfold it. + +One glance at the headline that confronted her and Grace's gray eyes +grew black with anger. "How dared she do it! How could she be so +contemptible!" Snatching the letter from the table Grace dashed up the +stairs to her room. Tears of rage glistened in her eyes. She stood in +the middle of the floor with set teeth, closing and unclosing her +fingers in an effort to regain her self-control. "I won't cry over it. I +won't. I won't," she kept repeating to herself. "She isn't worth my +tears. But Father and Mother will be so hurt and displeased. I ought +never to have tried to help her. I might have known she wouldn't play +fairly." + +Grace flung herself into a chair and again began a perusal of the +disturbing clipping. "Pretty Senior Plays Sleuth," she read. "Larry, the +Locksmith, Captured." A tide of crimson swept over her face as she read +further. "Overton College Girl Tracks Dangerous Criminal to His Lair. If +Miss Grace Harlowe, a senior at Overton College, had not been possessed +of a remarkably good memory for faces, Lawrence Baines, known to the +underworld as 'Larry, the Locksmith,' would undoubtedly be at large +to-day. Miss Harlowe, whose home is in Oakdale----" + +With a despairing groan, Grace dashed the clipping to the floor, and +springing to her feet began walking nervously up and down the room. She +had not dreamed that Kathleen could find it in her heart to behave so +despicably. She had shamefully abused the confidence that Grace had +reposed in her for what seemed in Grace's eyes to be an infinitesimally +small gain. Her cheeks burned as she thought of the thousands of people +who had seen her name blazoned at the head of a column of police court +news. Her father always bought the very paper in which it stood on his +way to the office in the morning. He had, of course, seen it. He now +knew that she had broken her word. + +A sob rose to her lips, then she threw back her head with an air of +resolution and, hastily drawing her chair in front of the table, seized +her fountain pen, and opening it with an energy that left several ink +spots on her white silk blouse, began a letter to her father. For an +hour she continued to write steadily, covering sheet after sheet of +paper. At last she signed her name, and with a mournful sigh folded her +letter, slipping it into the envelope without reading it. Putting on her +wraps, she left the house and hurried to the post office, where she sent +her letter by special delivery. + +But another task still lay before her. Grace's fine face hardened. It +was not a pleasant task, but it would have to be done. She hoped the +newspaper girl would be in her room, and she hoped Patience had not yet +returned from Westbrook. Grace rang the bell at Wayne Hall with more +zeal than was strictly necessary, thereby exciting a scowl from the maid +who answered the door. She peeped into the living room, but Kathleen was +not among the girls there. + +At the head of the stairs she halted. The door of Kathleen's room was +closed. "Is she at home, or not?" Grace paused before the door and +rapped sharply. There was a moment of silence, then a quick, light step +sounded inside and the door was opened by Kathleen herself. Her usually +pale face became flooded with color as she met the steady light of +Grace's scornful eyes. Rallying all her forces, she returned the +disconcerting gaze with one of defiant bravado. "Oh, good afternoon," +she said, setting her lips in a straight line, a veritable danger +signal. + +Without stopping to choose her words, Grace cried out: "How could you do +it? You knew I wished no mention to be made of my name. You promised not +to use it." + +Kathleen eyed her with a contemptuous smile. "My dear Miss Harlowe, you +must be very obtuse to imagine even for an instant that I would spoil a +good story by writing only what you gave me permission to write. What do +you know of the requirements of my paper, or of the style in which a +story should be written? The story was too good to let pass. I knew, +though, that you would never consent to allowing me to use your name. So +I said 'Very well,' and used it. 'Very well' can hardly be construed as +a promise." + +The smiling insolence of the other girl's manner was almost too much for +Grace's self-control. Twice she essayed to speak, but the words would +not come. When she did find her voice she was dimly surprised at its +tense evenness. + +"Miss West, I made clear to you in the beginning my reason for not +wishing you to use my name in connection with what occurred in Oakdale +or in any other story you might write. I gave you the news I had +stumbled upon willingly. Why could you not have written a clever, +interesting story without betraying my confidence?" + +"Don't attempt to take me to task for not living up to some ridiculous +standard of yours," returned Kathleen savagely. "If you did not wish to +see yourself in print, you were extremely silly to tell your tale to a +representative of the press. To gather news for my paper is my business. +Do you understand? I shall use whatever information comes my way, unless +some good reason arises for not using it." + +"As in the case of your Christmas story last year, which you decided at +the last moment not to send," supplemented Grace with quiet contempt. + +Kathleen did not reply. Grace's remark had struck home. She had not +forgotten her treacherous attempt to spoil Arline's and Grace's +Christmas plans of the year before. + +"Even in the face of last year I did not believe you capable of such +treachery," continued Grace, her youthful voice very stern. "I am in a +measure to blame for having trusted you. I should have known better." + +The newspaper girl winced at this thrust, but said nothing. + +"And to think," Grace went on bitterly, "that I broke my promise to my +father for a girl so devoid of loyalty and honor that she could not +understand the first principle of fair play!" + +Grace's bitter denunciation aroused fully the other girl's deep-seated +resentment against her. "Leave this room," she cried out, her voice +rising, her eyes snapping with rage. "Don't ever come here again. This +room belongs to me----" + +"And also to me," said a quiet voice from the doorway. "What seems to be +the trouble here?" Patience Eliot walked into the room, traveling bag in +hand. She surveyed the two girls with considerable curiosity. + +Without answering, Kathleen turned abruptly and walked to the window, +her favorite method of showing her utter contempt of a situation. +Patience bent an inquiring gaze on Grace, whose eyes met hers +unflinchingly. + +"Pardon me, Patience, if I don't answer your question," returned Grace. +"Perhaps Miss West will answer you after I am gone. This much I may say. +She has ordered me not to come again to this room. Therefore, although I +am very fond of you, I feel that it won't be right for me to come here +to see you. Will you come into our room as often as you can and forgive +me for staying away from yours?" + +Without waiting for an answer, Grace slipped from the room, leaving +Patience to stare speculatively after her, then at the tense little +figure in the window. + +Before she had time to address Kathleen, the latter wheeled about, +sneering and defiant. "If you are so anxious to know what the trouble is +go and ask your dear friend, Miss Harlowe. She will tell you quickly +enough behind my back. Oh, I despise a hypocrite!" + +"I cannot allow you to call Grace Harlowe a hypocrite," said Patience +evenly, though her blue eyes flashed. "Whatever has happened I am quite +sure is not Grace's fault." + +"Then it must be mine," was Kathleen's contemptuous retort. "Why don't +you speak plainly and say what you mean?" + +"Very well, I will speak plainly," declared Patience. "I am sure you +must have insulted Grace deeply or she would not refuse to come to my +room again. I am not going to ask you to tell me what has happened, and +I know that I shall not hear it from Grace unless I insist on knowing +the truth. The very fact that you are at fault will be sufficient to tie +Grace's tongue. However, I shall ask Grace to tell me, as her refusal to +come to this room again, is my affair, too." + +"Your faith in Miss Harlowe is touching," sneered the newspaper girl. + +"I only wish I had the same faith in you," returned Patience gravely. +And Kathleen could think of no answer to Patience's significant words. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE INVITATION + + +Neither Grace nor Kathleen went to their classes that morning. Feeling +reasonably certain that the newspaper girl was in the wrong, Patience +made no further effort toward discovering the nature of the quarrel. She +unpacked her bag, putting away its contents in her usual methodical +manner without so much as a glance in Kathleen's direction. Then, taking +her note book, she went quietly out to her class in English, leaving her +roommate still standing at the window, her very back expressing defiant +animosity. + +Once in her room, Grace reread Mabel Ashe's note. She now understood its +import. + + "MY DEAR GRACE:-- + + "Words cannot tell you how sorry I am for what has occurred. I did + not know until it was too late. The edition had gone to press. I am + afraid I couldn't have helped much, for the powers that be were + delighted with the story, and that little traitor, Kathleen West, + scored a triumph. Knowing you as I do, I am sure you never gave her + permission to publish that story. + + "Of course, you were simply a great heroine in it, but having heard + the Oakdale part of the tale from you, and knowing of your promise + to your father, it is plain to be seen that she took advantage of + you in some way. If you haven't already delivered my invitation to + her, then don't do so. I feel deeply resentful toward her. You can + tell me the whole thing when you are with me. I shall expect you + and the girls on Wednesday evening on the train that leaves Overton + between two and three o'clock in the afternoon. You know the one I + mean. I'll look it up in the time table before Wednesday. + + "If you happen to know one extra-delightful girl who has no + Thanksgiving plans ask her to come, too. Frances can't arrange to + be with us, so we need one more girl to do away with the problem of + the 'lonely fifth.' Three pairs are much nicer than two and a half. + The half always seems out of things. Of course, I am proceeding in + the belief that K. W. won't come now, even if you have invited her. + If she has a shred of delicacy in her cheeky little composition, + she will stay away. + + "I must stop now and rush off on the trail of a much-feted + debutante of whose engagement I have heard canny rumors. Until + Wednesday. + + "MABEL." + +"What a darling Mabel is," said Grace half aloud. "I wonder who I had +better invite." Arline's pretty, wilful face rose before her. She would +have liked to ask Arline, but that was out of the question. There was +Ruth, but Ruth and Arline were too closely associated to be separated. +Suddenly she remembered Patience. "The very girl!" she exclaimed. "I'll +go and ask her now. Oh, no, I can't. I said I wouldn't go into her room +again. Never mind, I will see her at luncheon." + +Grace made it a point to be the first girl in the dining room at +luncheon, and when Patience appeared beckoned her to the seat beside +her. "Sit here," she invited. "Emma won't be in. She is going to Morton +House for luncheon; she told me so." + +Patience slipped into the vacant seat. "I would like to have a talk with +you after luncheon," she said in a guarded voice. + +"Then come into my room," returned Grace softly. + +During the progress of the meal Kathleen West appeared, silent and +morose. She nodded slightly to several girls, favored Grace and Patience +with an unspeakably insolent glance, then turned her undivided attention +to her luncheon. + +"Why won't you tell me what happened?" was Patience's abrupt question +when Grace had beckoned her into her room and closed the door. "She is +my roommate, you see, and unless you enlighten me as to the nature of +her crime I shall not know just how to proceed with her." + +"I don't like to tell tales," demurred Grace. "Still, I believe I am +justified in repeating the story to you, Patience. You have no illusions +regarding Kathleen." + +"None whatever," smiled Patience, but a disapproving frown wrinkled her +forehead at the recital of Kathleen's treachery. "It was abominable in +her," she said when Grace had finished. "And I had begun to assure +myself that she was improving daily, too." + +"She came out of her shell so beautifully the night we went to the +station house," sighed Grace. "I never dreamed she was planning +mischief. However, I have something to ask you. Here, read this letter; +then I'll talk." She tendered Mabel's letter to her friend. + +Patience held out her hand for it, then glanced rapidly through it. +"This is from the much-worshipped Miss Ashe, isn't it?" + +"Yes. We four are going to spend Thanksgiving with her, and, Patience, I +should like to have you go with us. Won't you please be the +'extra-delightful girl' and say you'll go?" + +"Why--why!" Patience, usually cool and unemotional, colored with +pleasure. "Are you sure you really want me? I should be delighted to go. +It is very sweet in you to ask me, Grace." + +"Not in the least. It's very jolly in you to accept so promptly. There +is now only one hitch in the programme. I have already delivered Mabel's +invitation to Kathleen." + +"She won't go," predicted Patience. "She may be lawless, but she is too +wise to make any such mistake." + + * * * * * + +Patience's prediction, however, seemed destined not to carry far. To the +amazement of the five young women who waited on the station platform for +the coming of the New York train on Wednesday afternoon, the newspaper +girl, suit case in hand, walked serenely into view just as the train was +heard whistling around a bend half a mile below the station. + +"She is actually going to inflict herself upon us," muttered Elfreda in +disgust. Grace had briefly explained the situation to her three friends. + +Just then Kathleen's eyes came to rest on the little group. A flash of +surprised anger flitted across her moody face as she espied Patience, +then, with an eloquent shrug of her shoulders, she marched off toward +the other end of the train. + +"My doom is sealed," remarked Patience dryly. "Nothing can put our +shattered acquaintance together again." + +"I knew she wouldn't go with us even for spite," declared Grace wearily. +"Now, suppose we dismiss her from our minds. I, for one, wish to enjoy +our Thanksgiving vacation with Mabel. I may as well tell you that I am +still very angry with Miss West, and for the first time in my life I +know what it means to be unforgiving." + +Grace spoke with bitterness. In her letter to her father she had asked +him to telegraph her that he forgave her. She had lingered at Wayne Hall +until the last moment, but had received no word from him. Now she would +not know until she returned from New York. To be sure, she would try to +dismiss the whole thing from her mind, but at times it rose before her +like a dark shadow, shutting out for the moment the pleasure of her +holiday, and causing her to feel gloomy and depressed. + +During the journey to New York nothing was seen of Kathleen, who had +taken good care not to enter the same car in which the five girls had +secured seats. Grace saw her again for an instant when, at the end of +the journey, the throng of passengers surged toward the iron gates that +separated them from the friends who stood anxiously awaiting their +arrival. + +Elfreda's keen eyes were the first to catch sight of Mabel. "There she +is, girls! Doesn't she look beautiful?" + +Mabel Ashe's charming face smiled an eager welcome as she hurried +forward with both hands outstretched to greet the travelers. + +"You dear things!" she cried; "I began to believe I should never see any +of you again. Hurry right along. Our car is waiting and we are going to +break all the speed laws and be home in time for dinner." + +"Wait a moment," laughed Grace. "This is the 'extra-delightful girl.'" +Grace introduced Patience to Mabel. A long, searching glance passed +between the two young women, then their hands met in a strong clasp that +betokened mutual liking. + +"I am sure we shall be friends," declared Mabel. + +"No surer than I am," smiled Patience. "I have heard so much about you." + +"Grace wrote me about you, too," returned Mabel warmly. "I am so pleased +that you could come. This way to the car, everyone." She led them +through the station to where numerous automobiles were drawn up to the +sidewalk. "There is our car." She pointed to a roomy dark blue car. "Hop +in," she directed. "The sooner we reach home the longer we'll have to +talk. I am not going to the office again until the afternoon following +Thanksgiving. I begged so hard I was allowed a vacation for once." + +In what seemed to Grace an incredibly brief space of time, the distance +between the station and the Ashes' winter home far out on Riverside +Drive was covered. The five guests could not help feeling a trifle +impressed at sight of the great stone house which Mabel called home. +During her college days it was Mabel's lovable personality that had +enshrined her so deeply in the hearts of the students at Overton. The +knowledge that her father was a millionaire carried little weight. This +thought occurred to Grace as they filed through the massive door of the +vestibule and into the beautiful hall furnished in English fashion. A +back log glowed ruddily in the big open fireplace, and the flickering +flames crackled a welcome. + +"I wouldn't allow James to turn on the lights. I wished you to see the +hall just as it is. I love it when the shadows begin to gather, and only +the firelight glows and gleams! Those andirons are very old. They +belonged to one of my ancestors. There are a lot of old things in the +garret. What garret is not full of antiques?" + +"Ours," returned Elfreda promptly. "We belong to that despised class, +'nouveau riche,' therefore we are extremely short on noted ancestors and +relics and things." + +"There is nothing like perfect frankness, is there?" laughed Patience. +"Never mind, Elfreda, it isn't ancestors that count." + +"It is dinner that counts, or ought to count, just now. I am going to +whisk you upstairs to your rooms, and give you ten minutes for repairs, +then, 'down to dinner you must go, you must go,'" chanted Mabel, winding +her arm about Grace's waist and drawing her toward the stairway. "Follow +us and you won't be sorry. We have a lift if two flights of stairs +dismay you." + +"Lead on," commanded Miriam. + +"Which will you choose, to room together or alone?" + +"Together!" was the united response. + +"Wait a moment," said Anne. "I wish to ask you, Mabel, if you would +object to rooming with Grace. I have roomed with her so long that I feel +as though I"--with a mischievous glance at Grace's amazed face, Anne +finished in a deliberate tone--"were very selfish. So I thought perhaps +you would appreciate an opportunity to have her to yourself, too." + +"Oh!" ejaculated Elfreda. "I thought you were going to say you were +tired of Grace." + +"So did I." A smile gave place to the peculiar expression on Grace's +face. "I might have known better, though." + +"That is generous in you, Anne," declared Mabel "As hostess I wouldn't +have been so selfish as to propose it, but----" + +"Anne, if you really don't care, I would like to room with Mabel," +interposed Grace. "I have so much to tell her that the rest of you have +already heard. We can have lengthy midnight confabs without disturbing +any one but ourselves." + +"Then, that settles it. Room together you shall," averred Anne. "There +is no use in breaking up the Nesbit-Briggs Association. Patience, will +you accept me for a roommate?" + +Patience bowed exaggeratedly and offered her arm to Anne. + +"Come on, Grace, we'll lead the way," proposed Mabel. "I am so anxious +for you to meet Father. I expect him home at any moment." Tucking her +arm in Grace's, she led the party up the stairs and, pausing before a +half-open door, said hospitably: "Welcome all over again, children. This +room is for Elfreda and Miriam. Enter and make yourselves comfy. You and +Anne are to have the next one, Patience. My quarters are at the end of +the hall. I am going to see Grace safely there, then I'll send my maid +to you. She will be delighted to be of service to some one. I have +needed her very little since I turned newspaper woman, and she spends +the greater part of her time lamenting over the fact. Oh, I forgot to +tell you, don't trouble to dress for dinner to-night. We shall be +strictly informal. I have ordered an early dinner. We will dress +afterward. Father is going to take us to the theatre." + +The mere mention of Mabel's father brought to Grace's mind that which +she had been making a determined effort to forget, her father's +displeasure. Her face clouded with pain and resentment as she thought of +the girl whose treachery had brought about the first misunderstanding of +her life between her and her father. + +"If Father had only written me a line or sent me a telegram," she +thought sadly, winking back the tears that threatened to fall. "I must +not let Mabel imagine for a minute that I am anything but happy for +to-night, at least. If she knew how dreadfully I felt about Father it +would partly spoil her pleasure this evening. I'll try to act as though +nothing unpleasant had happened," decided Grace as she followed Mabel +into what she had termed her "quarters." + +Grace could not refrain from giving a soft exclamation of delight as she +gazed admiringly about the beautiful room into which she was ushered. + +"This is my own particular hanging-out place," laughed Mabel "When I am +at home, which is seldom, I spend most of my time in here. See my desk! +I'll tell you a secret, Grace. I am writing a novel. It's more than half +done, too. I haven't told any one else, not even Father. My greatest +trouble is not having the time to work on it. My newspaper work keeps me +busy, early and late, but I can't complain, because I am gaining all +sorts of valuable experience." Mabel talked on about her work, and as +Grace watched the sparkling, animated face of her lovely friend she felt +very sure that Mabel Ashe, at least, would never sacrifice a friend in +the interest of her paper. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +A CONGENIAL SEXTETTE + + +As the five girls, escorted by Mabel, descended the broad stairs to the +hall, a tall, rather stern-faced man, whose dark hair had just a +sprinkling of gray at the temples, came forward from one end of the room +to meet them. Mabel made a joyful little rush toward him, holding his +hand in both her own. "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Girls, this is +my father. Father, let me introduce you to the nicest girls in Overton." + +Robert Ashe's sombre eyes smiled a kindly welcome as he looked into the +radiant young faces of his daughter's guests. As each girl was presented +to him he shook hands with her in a hearty, whole-souled way that +completely dispelled any feeling of constraint on her part. + +"Father, you may take Elfreda in to dinner to-night. To-morrow it will +be some one else's turn. I hope you will be here to enough meals to go +the round." + +"So do I," laughed Mr. Ashe, the stern look on his face disappearing, +his brown eyes looking almost boyish. + +Dinner proved a merry meal. The usually quiet room rang with the gay +laughter of the happy girls, who had planned to enjoy every hour of +their holiday. When dinner was over, Mr. Ashe ceremoniously invited them +to be his guests at a theatre party that night. + +"We'll have to make one evening dress do duty while we are here, Mabel. +We had room in our suit cases for only one, and didn't want to bring +trunks," explained Grace, as they lingered in the hall to talk for a +moment before going to their rooms to dress. + +"Never mind, if you run out of gowns you can wear mine," offered Mabel. +"That is, you and Miriam can. I'm not so sure of Anne and Elfreda and +Patience." + + * * * * * + +The play Mr. Ashe had selected for his guests' entertainment was one +whose strong element of human interest had early carried it into favor +with the New York audience that nightly crowded the theatre in which it +was being presented. The star, a young woman of exceptional talent, +almost a great artist, had by her remarkable portrayal of the leading +role sprung from obscurity to fame in a single night. + +"I am so glad we are going to see her!" exclaimed Anne, when Mabel had +announced her father's choice of play for them. "Miss Southard wrote me +about her. She played small parts in Mr. Southard's company two years +ago. He prophesied that she would some day be heard from." + +"Isn't it a pity the Southards aren't here this winter?" sighed Grace. +"Mr. Southard was not anxious to go to England, but he could not help +himself. It's one of the vicissitudes of an actor's life, isn't it, +Anne?" + +Anne nodded gravely. "It is pleasant to travel about and see what the +rest of the world is doing, but it is hard to leave home, too." + +"Still, you are thinking of doing it when your senior days are over, you +bad child," interposed Grace slyly. "I warn you, you will meet with +strenuous opposition." + +"From you?" asked Anne, a little flush creeping into her pale face. + +"No, not from me," retorted Grace with significant emphasis. + +"Don't tease Anne," laughed Mabel. "Let Genius do as it chooses." + +"If you mean me, I choose to go and dress this instant. Come on, +Patience. We will hurry our dressing and be downstairs first. Then we +can monopolize Mr. Ashe." + +"Oh, no, you won't," contradicted Elfreda. "I have reserved that +privilege for myself." + +"We are ready," exulted Anne outside Elfreda's door half an hour later. +"What did I tell you?" + +"So am I," replied Elfreda, opening the door. "And so is Miriam." + +Elfreda was looking particularly handsome in her evening gown of golden +brown messaline, trimmed with dull gold embroidery. By constant training +and self-denial she had reduced her weight to one hundred and +thirty-five pounds and could not be truthfully called stout. Her fair +hair was piled high upon her head, and one dull gold butterfly gleamed +in its wavy meshes. Miriam's gown was in her favorite apricot shade of +crepe de chine and brought out fully the beauty of her black hair and +eyes and her exquisite coloring. Mabel had chosen black silk net over +delft blue, while Patience wore a gray chiffon frock over gray silk with +touches of old rose, a frock exactly suited to her calm, high-bred type +of face. Anne's dainty white crepe de chine frock made her look anything +but a theatrical star. Grace, however, had for once departed from her +favorite blue and wore a white chiffon gown whose exquisitely simple +lines made the most of her slender, supple figure. The charm of early +sixteen radiated from her youthful person, and she looked no older than +when she had led the freshman basketball team on to victory in Oakdale +High School. + +"Grace can't grow up in spite of her long skirts and done-up hair," +smiled Miriam. + +"That is precisely what I was thinking," agreed Anne. "Is she sixteen or +twenty-three?" + +"Aren't you pleased with us, Father, and won't you feel inordinately +proud of your theatre party?" called Mabel from the stairway as they +descended to the hall, where Mr. Ashe stood looking reflectively into +the fire as he waited for his charges. + +"Mere words fail to express my admiration," he laughed, bowing to the +sextette of pretty girls, who smilingly nodded their appreciation of his +speech. + +"Isn't he a perfect angel?" asked Mabel, sidling up to him and slipping +within the circle of his arm. "I don't see how I ever had the heart to +go to college and leave him." + +"She has no compunction about rushing off to work on a newspaper, day +after day, and leaving me daughterless," complained Mr. Ashe lightly. +Yet a shadow so slight as to be hardly noticeable crossed his face, +which no one save the lynx-eyed Elfreda saw, who made mental note of it. +"He doesn't want her to work," was her shrewd conclusion. + +"But I am here to-night," protested Mabel, catching his hand in hers +almost appealingly, "and I'm going to be at home for a whole day and +evening. Will you forswear business and help me entertain the girls +to-morrow?" + +"I promise to devote myself heart and soul to their cause," said Mr. +Ashe solemnly, raising his hand. "Only you must allow me to go down to +the office for a little while in the morning." + +"Very well. Remember, all telegrams and telephone messages are to be +tabooed after you leave there." + +"Granted. What about all newspaper assignments?" + +"Turn about is fair play," returned Mabel, flushing. "They can keep the +telephone messages and telegrams company." + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A FIRELIGHT COUNCIL + + +It was well after midnight when the theatre party returned to Mabel's +home, rather sleepy, but delighted with their glimpse of pleasure-loving +New York by night. After the theatre they were invited to be Mr. Ashe's +guests at supper, and were promptly whisked away in their motor car to +one of New York's particularly exclusive hotels, where a delicious +little supper was served to them in one of the hotel's private dining +rooms. + +Half-past eight o'clock Thanksgiving morning found the six girls +downstairs and seated at the breakfast table. Mr. Ashe, who made it an +ironclad rule always to be in his office at half-past eight o'clock, +even on holidays, had time for only a hasty good morning all around +before his man announced that his car was at the door. + +"Remember, Mab, you are to bring the girls down to my office after +Thanksgiving services this morning," he called back as he paused on the +threshold of the dining room. + +"I'll remember, General," called Mabel, with a military salute. + +"Oh, are we going to church this morning?" asked Elfreda quickly. + +"Yes. There is to be a short but beautiful service in the church Father +and I attend. You will hear some wonderful music, too." + +"We went to church here in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, three +years ago," said Grace. "Anne, Miriam and I were visiting the Southards. +We went to a church whose minister had at one time been an actor." + +"Oh, yes, I know that church, and I have met the minister. I interviewed +him last fall and then wrote a story about him for the paper. He is a +fine man. I wish I knew Everett Southard and his sister." + +"You shall know them as soon as they return from England," promised +Anne. "I am sure they will be pleased to know you." + +"I hope so," returned Mabel. "It was a great honor for Mr. Southard to +have such a flattering offer from that great English manager, wasn't +it?" + +"Did you know that Anne could have gone with them if she had been +willing to put off her graduation for another year?" asked Miriam. + +"I didn't know it, but I'm not surprised," responded Mabel. "Neither +fame nor honor would tempt you to allow your chums to finish the race +without you. Isn't that true, Anne?" + +"True as can be," affirmed Anne. "I owe my greatest happiness to them. I +couldn't desert them if I were asked to star in the whole Shakesperian +repertoire." Her brown eyes looked tender loyalty at her three friends +as she made this assertion. + +"We couldn't get along without Anne," declared Miriam. "She is our +balance wheel. She doesn't say much, but whatever she says counts." + +"How ridiculous!" scoffed Anne. "These self-reliant persons don't need a +balance wheel, Mabel." + +"Some of us do," observed Grace, an expression of pain in her fine eyes. + +"You don't," contradicted Elfreda pointedly. + +Mabel eyed the two girls reflectively. "I'm a mind reader," she +announced. "I understand both of you. After church this morning I am +going to call a general welfare meeting in the library. Our universe +needs regulating." She smiled gayly upon her guests, yet there was a +hint of purpose in her tone as she added: "At least we can exchange +valuable information and get down to cause and effect." + +After breakfast, a great scurrying to get ready for church ensued, and +an hour later their big, faithful motor carried them off to the +Thanksgiving service. + +"It doesn't seem a bit like Thanksgiving," commented Miriam, as they +sped down Riverside Drive. + +"More like Indian summer," observed Patience. + +The day was glorious with sunshine. There was hardly a suspicion of +frost in the air and the snowy setting considered so essential to a +successful Thanksgiving Day was entirely absent. + +"We never have this kind of Thanksgiving weather in Oakdale, do we, +Grace?" asked Miriam. + +"Neither do we in Fairview," put in Elfreda. "I can recall only one +Thanksgiving that wasn't snowy, and I can remember that because I +behaved so outrageously. I was a young barbarian of eight, who screamed +and kicked my way to whatever I wanted. Two days before Thanksgiving Pa +brought me home a sled. It was red with a white deer painted on it and +underneath the deer was the word 'Fleet,' printed in big white letters. +I knew that with such a name it could hardly help being the best sled in +Fairview. The night before Thanksgiving the rain came down in torrents +and the next morning there wasn't a square inch of snow for miles around +on which to try out my beloved sled. + +"It was a bitter morning for me, and I proceeded to wreak my displeasure +upon my family. I behaved like a savage all day and ended by being +locked in Ma's room with my Thanksgiving dinner on a tray, minus +dessert. I got even that night, though, for Ma had invited our minister +and his wife to dinner. I waited until I had had my dinner and they had +finished, too, and were sitting in the parlor. Then I began screaming +down a register, which was right over them, my very candid opinion of +them and of Thanksgiving Day in general. + +"It was funny, wasn't it?" she chuckled in answer to the burst of +laughter that greeted her recital. "But it was dreadful for poor Ma. The +minister's wife never forgave me for it. She always referred to me +behind my back as that 'terrible Briggs child.'" + +"Another reminiscence for 'The Adventures of Elfreda,'" said Miriam. + +"Elfreda is going to write a book of her early adventures and +misadventures," explained Grace to Patience. "Did we ever tell you about +it?" + +"No; but in the event of its publication I speak now for an autographed +copy," returned Patience, with twinkling eyes. + +"I'll have one done up for you in crushed Levant," was Elfreda's prompt +offer. + +"This is our church," proclaimed Mabel. The car found a place for itself +in the long line of automobiles drawn up at the curb, and, alighting +from it, the party made their way sedately up the broad stone walk to +the main entrance of the stately, gray stone edifice. + +During the beautiful Thanksgiving service Grace's thoughts would drift +into the same painful channel that she had inwardly vowed to avoid. The +sweetness of the music made her think of home, and the earnest words of +the minister sank deep into her heart. She, who had so much to thank her +father and mother for, had carelessly allowed the name of Harlowe to be +dragged into the limelight of police court news. She was unworthy of her +parents' confidence. That she was unjustly severe in her +self-arraignment did not occur to Grace. It was her first experience +with real remorse and, as is usually the case, she did not allow herself +the luxury of extenuating circumstances. + +When she bowed her head during the concluding prayer her eyes were full +of tears and it was only by desperate effort that she managed to wink +them back. + +"Father wants to see us now, you know," Mabel reminded her guests, as +they took their places once more in the automobile. "To Father's +office," she directed the chauffeur, and the car with its freight of +happy girls glided down the avenue toward the section of the city in +which Mr. Ashe's office was situated. + +"Of course, Father's employees don't work to-day," explained Mabel as +they rolled along. "His private secretary is with him, but his offices +are closed. He wishes us to take luncheon with him, then we are to go +for a drive through Central Park. You've taken that drive before, I +suppose, but it is such a beautiful day and all New York will be in +evidence. I thought you would enjoy seeing the world and his wife out +for a holiday." + +"We have hardly seen enough of Central Park to grow tired of it," smiled +Grace. "Anne is a seasoned New Yorker and so is Elfreda, but Miriam and +I never stayed here for any length of time. Patience will have to answer +for herself." + +"My knowledge of the metropolis is vague, and my experience here has +consisted largely in being rushed from the depot to the hotel, and from +the hotel to the depot. So you can readily see that Central Park is in +the nature of an innovation, to me," responded Patience. + +Luncheon was eaten in a restaurant whose extreme exclusiveness made it +an especially desirable place for Mr. Ashe to entertain his daughter and +her guests. The drive through Central Park came next, and it was after +four o'clock before they turned into Riverside Drive for home. + +"Please come down to the library as soon as you take off your wraps," +directed Mabel. "The time for the council has arrived." + +"Only Campfire girls have councils," retorted Miriam. + +"What do you know about Campfire girls?" demanded Mabel. + +"A whole lot," put in Grace. "We met five girls last summer who had just +been on a trip through the White Mountains. They called themselves the +'Meadow-Brook Girls,' but they were real Campfire girls. They had spent +a summer in camp and had won whole strings of beads for their +achievements." + +"They spent a day or two in Oakdale," explained Miriam. "One of them, a +funny little girl who lisped, was a cousin of Hippy Wingate. Her name +was Grace Thompson, but her three chums called her Tommy. They had a +guardian with them, too, a Miss Elting." + +"I liked the tall one, Miss Burrell, best," continued Grace, "but they +were all interesting. The girl who owned the car was a Miss McCarthy, a +true Irish colleen and awfully witty. She and Nora O'Malley swore +friendship on sight. Then there was a stout girl whose nickname was +'Buster,' and a quiet, brown-eyed girl named Hazel Holland. They write +to me occasionally and they are all going to Overton when they have +finished high school." + +"Why did they call themselves the 'Meadow-Brook Girls'?" + +"Oh, that was the name of their home town." + +"What good times they must have had," commented Mabel. + +"They did, and all sorts of hairbreadth escapes as well. They won ever +so many honor beads for bravery and prompt action in time of danger. But +to return to the subject of our council. Don't you think we had better +put our wraps away and convene? That's what councils do, isn't it?" + +"Convene is correct," Elfreda assured her gravely. "Allow me to head the +procession upstairs. The sooner we go up the sooner we shall come down." + +A little later they clustered about the cheerful open fireplace in the +library. Mabel, who was seated on a stool at one side of the fire, +reached forward for the poker and prodded the half-burnt log +energetically. The others watched her in silence until she laid down the +poker with a suddenness that caused them all to start, and turning about +said almost brusquely: "I wish you girls to tell me frankly everything +about Kathleen West. Until that 'Larry, the Locksmith' story came out I +hadn't the slightest idea that there was anything save the pleasantest +relations between her and Grace. That story set me to thinking. I knew +something was wrong, for Grace had told me the Oakdale part of it in +strict confidence. When I received a cold little note from Miss West +declining my invitation, I was sure of it. Whatever it is, I feel +responsible, for I asked you to look out for Miss West in the first +place. Won't you please tell me all about it?" + +[Illustration: They Clustered About the Fireplace.] + +Mabel's frank appeal was irresistible. + +"I am sure it would be better to tell Mabel everything from the +beginning," said Anne in a decided tone. + +"I agree with Anne," came from Miriam. + +"Of course she ought to know it," declared Elfreda. "Didn't I say so +last year?" + +"Last year!" exclaimed Mabel. "How long has this unpleasant state of +affairs been going on?" + +"Ever since the early part of our junior year," admitted Grace. "I +disliked to write you of it. We thought she would change. We did +everything we could to please her, but she is not in the least like any +other girl I have ever known. Ask Patience about her. She rooms with +Miss West." + +"Do you?" Mabel turned her amazed glance upon Patience. "And not one of +you said a word to me of it." + +"We thought it better not to mention Miss West," said Grace slowly. "You +can readily understand our attitude, Mabel. I feel as though I ought to +tell you that she came to New York on the same train with us. She was in +the car ahead of ours." + +"Then I shall surely see her before she goes back to Overton. I suppose +she came down purposely to be patted on the back for her big story. Now +begin the terrible tale of how it all happened." + +Grace began with their meeting of Kathleen West at the Overton station +and of their ready acceptance of the newspaper girl for Mabel's sake. +When she told of Kathleen's sudden avoidance of her and the other +members of the Semper Fidelis Club, and of her subsequent intimacy with +Alberta Wicks and Mary Hampton, Mabel exclaimed impatiently: "Those +girls again! They were born trouble-makers, weren't they?" + +"But they turned out beautifully," defended Grace, "only I haven't +reached that part of my story yet. It is really a very nice part, only +so many disagreeable things happened before it." + +"I shall never notice Kathleen West again!" was Mabel's indignant cry +when Grace had finished the account of Kathleen's attempt to spoil +Arline's unselfish Christmas plan. + +"You mustn't say that." Grace grew very earnest. "That was just the +reason I didn't wish you to know. I can't bear to be a tale-bearer, but +still I believe it is your right to know the facts. You are one of us, +and we have no secrets from one another, yet I don't like to say any +thing that will lower her in your estimation. She may have been a true +friend to you." + +"Don't worry about that part of it, Grace. You aren't a tale-bearer." +Mabel reached forward to pat Grace's hand. "If only you had told me long +ago." + +Grace continued her narrative, ending with Kathleen's final attempt to +be revenged on the Semper Fidelis Club, and the clever way in which she +had been brought to book by none other than Alberta Wicks and Mary +Hampton. + +"What a little villain she is, and how splendidly Alberta and Mary +turned out," interposed Mabel. "She was far too clever to give me the +faintest inkling of the truth. I used to wonder why she was always so +noncommittal about things at Overton. I laid it to her peculiar +temperament, never suspecting that she had good reason for refusing to +discuss her college life. I had an idea her cleverness would pave the +way to great things for her at Overton. I supposed her to be very +popular." + +"Wait until I finish my discourse," smiled Grace, "then you shall hear +what Patience, the All Wise, thinks of her." She went over rather +hurriedly her recognition of "Larry, the Locksmith" in the streets of +Overton, of how she had trailed him within sight of his hiding place, +and of her tardy remembrance of her promise to her father. "I was +uncertain what to do, when I happened to catch sight of Miss West," +continued Grace. "An evil genius must have prompted me to take her into +my confidence. But it was a good story, and Patience had told me only a +day or two before that Miss West had been mourning over her lack of news +for her paper. She made what I believed to be a promise to leave out the +Oakdale part of the story and not to use my name within it. Not a line +of the Oakdale part of the story appeared in the Overton papers. The +chief of police kept his word, at any rate. + +"I never dreamed of her treachery until I received your letter and the +clipping. I know Father and Mother have read it. Father always buys that +paper. I haven't heard a word from home since then." Grace's voice +faltered. + +"You poor, dear child!" cried Mabel, springing from her stool and going +over to Grace. + +"Don't sympathize with me, Mabel, or I shall cry." Grace raised her head +smilingly, but her gray eyes were full of tears. + +"I've vowed eternal vengeance," proclaimed Elfreda savagely. She could +not endure the thought that Grace should be made so unhappy. + +"It is my own fault." Grace had regained her composure. "Perhaps some +day I'll learn not to dive into things head first. I am sure I have +displeased and hurt Father, or he would have written me before this." + +"I think Miss West has behaved abominably, and I hope you will forgive +me for having asked you to help her. If she is still in the office on +Saturday I shall not hesitate to take her to task for her +double-dealing." + +"I am quite frank in saying that you may tell her whatever you choose." +Grace's voice sounded very hard. + +"Grace Harlowe, what has come over you?" exclaimed Elfreda. "You usually +preach moderation, but now you are as vindictive and resentful as an +Indian." + +"Not quite," retorted Grace, half smiling. "I am merely what one might +term 'deeply incensed.' It isn't a dangerous state, but it usually lasts +a long time. Now, I've said the very last word of my say. It is your +time to talk, Patience." + +"I haven't much to say," began Patience, "except that Miss West is +naturally rather hard and self-centered and her work as a reporter has +accentuated it. Her ambition blinds her sense of honor. I suppose she +has one, although I have occasionally doubted it." + +"Don't you approve of newspaper work for women?" asked Mabel quickly. + +"I ought to." The words slipped out unawares. "That is--I----" + +"I know why!" cried Elfreda, wagging her head in triumph. "Because she +is an editor's daughter and knows that a newspaper could not run +successfully without women. James Merton Eliot, the well-known newspaper +editor, is her father." + +Exclamations of surprise greeted this announcement. To Miriam, Anne and +Mabel this was news indeed, but the astonishment of Patience arose from +a far different cause. + +"How did you know it?" Patience asked Elfreda in open amazement. + +"Oh, I heard you explaining to Grace at luncheon one day just how the +Sunday section of a newspaper was put together. I could see you knew +what you were talking about, and made up my mind then that you didn't +get your information from Miss West. Then you dropped a letter one day +when we were crossing the campus addressed to James Merton Eliot, The +Elms, South Framingham, Massachusetts. I picked it up and handed it to +you, but I couldn't help seeing the address. I didn't think anything of +it until I happened to read an article in a magazine on noted men of +affairs, and found the same name staring me in the face. For a long time +I couldn't think of why that particular name seemed familiar. Then I +remembered. Still, I had never heard you say a word about your father's +business. One night I asked you about him and you didn't give me any +satisfaction. I could see that you didn't want to answer, so I didn't +say another word, but I kept on wondering. What are you all laughing +at?" she demanded, darting a suspicious glance about the circle of +smiling faces. + +"Elfreda, you are a wonder! I make my bow to you." Patience rose and, +walking over to where Elfreda sat, bowed low before her. + +Elfreda's plump hand was raised in protest, but there was curiosity +written on every feature. "What made you keep it a secret?" + +"I have designs on an editorial position on the 'College Herald' next +year. But I want to win my literary spurs through my own efforts. I +don't believe in reflected glory." Patience's earnestness was +convincing. + +"Neither do I," agreed Mabel heartily. "You won't object if the editor +of our paper knows, though, will you? He is an old friend of Father's. I +am sure he will never forgive me if I don't introduce you to him. I am +going to take you girls to the office with me on Saturday. But to go +back to the object of our council, what are we to do in the case of Miss +West?" + +"Nothing." Grace spoke decisively. + +"Oh, yes, we must do something, Grace dear," admonished Patience. "We +mustn't give her up in this fashion." + +"Then, suggest something," retorted Grace with an impatient frown. + +"I will before long," promised Patience. "I can't think of a single +thing now, but the inspiration will come. Will you all agree to help if +I think of something startlingly worth while?" + +"I'll consider the matter," was Mabel's dry comment. + +The other girls answered in the affirmative, but without enthusiasm. +Grace's almost hostile attitude toward Kathleen had had a potent effect +upon them. Patience, feeling their acquiescence to be perfunctory, said +no more on the subject. There was a perceptible lull in the +conversation, then Mabel proposed that Miriam play for them, and the +council broke up with alacrity and strolled off to the music room. + +"It's time to dress for dinner. Father will be here soon," announced +Mabel. "To-night we are to have a little dance. I have been keeping it +as a surprise for you. We have a perfectly darling ballroom in the house +and I have invited a number of my friends to meet you." + +Mabel's announcement was received with exclamations of delight. What +girl does not welcome the very idea of a real dance to the notes of a +real orchestra? The Overton girls went upstairs to dress for the coming +dance, and for the time being their self-imposed problem of the +newspaper girl was forgotten. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +ELFREDA SHOWS GRACE THE WAY + + +Mabel's dance was an occasion long to be discussed and remembered, and +the remaining two days of the girls' Thanksgiving vacation were so +crowded with the amusements she had planned for them that the moments +flitted by on wings. Their visit to the offices of the great newspaper +on whose staff both Mabel Ashe and Kathleen West were enrolled was a +red-letter event. They had penetrated even to the fastnesses of the +local room and art department, and were duly impressed with all they +saw. + +In the local room they had caught a brief glimpse of Kathleen West. She +was seated at a desk at the lower end of the long room, writing +industriously. So intent was she upon her work, that, either by accident +or design, she failed to see the little group of sight-seers, who stood +watching the rows of clicking typewriters, operated by the reporters of +the various departments who were preparing copy for the composing room. + +At the moment Grace had spied the newspaper girl hard at work a wave of +admiration had swept over her for this strange young woman who had +treated her so badly. In spite of Kathleen's lack of principle, she had +the will to work, and she had already achieved much in her chosen field. +If only she had been like Ruth. Then the memory of Grace's own grievance +drove away the kinder thought. As they were on the point of leaving the +local room their eyes had chanced to meet, and Grace's flashed with an +unmistakable contempt that caused Kathleen to color and turn her head. + +On Sunday morning the dreaded good-byes were said and Mr. Ashe and Mabel +saw their guests safely aboard the train for Overton. It was late Sunday +afternoon when, tired and luggage laden, the five girls climbed into the +automobile bus at the Overton station, and were straightway conveyed to +Wayne Hall. Kathleen West had not returned on the same train with them, +nor did she appear until late the following afternoon. That she might be +reprimanded for overstaying her vacation either did not occur to her, or +else the possibility held no terror for her. + +The instant the door of Wayne Hall closed behind her Grace darted to the +house bulletin board. In it was a letter for Anne, one for Elfreda and +two for herself. She choked back a sob as she saw that one of the +envelopes bore her father's handwriting, the other that of Arline +Thayer. + +"Don't wait for me, Grace. Go on upstairs and read your letters. I must +see Mrs. Elwood about that package I expected by express." Setting down +her suit case, Anne hurried down the hall. Always thoughtful for others, +she now determined that Grace should be alone when she opened her +father's letter. + +With a grateful glance after Anne's retreating figure and a "see you +later" to Miriam, Elfreda and Patience, who had stopped at the living +room door to talk with Laura Atkins and Mildred Taylor, Grace went to +her room. With trembling fingers she tore open the envelope, glancing +through the first page of the letter. Then, with a little choking cry of +relief, she sank into a chair and began to cry softly. + +It was at least fifteen minutes before Anne appeared in the room, and +during that time Grace had wiped away her tears and calmed herself to +the point of finishing her father's letter. She looked up smilingly as +Anne entered, although her eyes were red. "It is all right, Anne! Father +is the most forgiving man! Just listen to what he says:" + + "MY DEAR GRACE:-- + + "There is no use in scolding you. I know that your intentions were + good, above reproach, no doubt, but how many times have I cautioned + you to go slowly? I received your letter, but, deciding you + deserved a certain amount of punishment for your rashness, + purposely delayed answering you. Your fame has traveled the length + and breadth of Oakdale, however, as I am not the only man in town + who reads the New York papers. In the light of your early police + court career I might say that this last bit of sleuthing merely + adds to your reputation in Oakdale as an apostle of justice. I + forgive you, of course, and do not blame you very severely. You + were rather shabbily dealt with, but still you must consider that + if you had kept your promise to me this annoying episode would + never have taken place. + + "Considering your legitimate claim to senior dignity, I am not + going to lecture you any further. I am sure you will be more + careful another time. We missed our little girl more than I can say + on Thanksgiving Day. Your mother and I, who, you will remember, + were elected honorary members of the Phi Sigma Tau the summer we + went to Europe with that illustrious organization, carried out to + the best of our ability your old plan of making some one else happy + on Thanksgiving Day. With the help of Miss Thompson, who is a + frequent visitor at our house, we managed to find several high + school girls who needed cheering up. We invited them to + Thanksgiving dinner and had a little dance in the evening. Your + mother will write in a day or two and give you full particulars. + + "I hope you enjoyed your trip to New York. I feel rather guilty, + now, because I didn't answer your letter at once. We will have one + of our good old talks when you come home for the Christmas + holidays. Then you may scold me, if you think I deserve it. + + "Your mother and I are well, and are looking forward to your + home-coming next month. So is half the town, for that matter. Your + friends never forget to ask for you, and every day brings its, 'Is + Grace coming home for the holidays?' God bless you, my dear child, + and bring you safe home to us for Christmas. That is the gift we + most desire. With our dearest love, + + "FATHER." + +Grace's eyes were misty as she looked up from her letter. "Isn't he just +too splendid for words, Anne?" + +Anne nodded, then, slipping her arm about Grace's neck, she leaned over +and kissed her friend's cheek. "I am so glad everything is all right." + +"You knew better than any one else how dreadful it was for me," returned +Grace, looking up affectionately at her friend. + +"We all know," answered Anne. "I think Elfreda took it even more deeply +to heart than we did. She is the soul of loyalty and resents an injury +to one of us as much as though it were her own grievance." + +"In one way it seems a long time since J. Elfreda Briggs established +herself in my seat on the train, yet in another it seems but yesterday," +mused Grace. "Can you realize, Anne, that we are almost at the end of +our college days?" + +"I never allow myself to think of it," confessed Anne. "I've been so +happy at Overton I'd like to stay here forever." + +"Give up the stage, and apply for a place on the faculty," suggested +Grace with apparent earnestness. + +"You rascal! You know I couldn't do that even for the sake of being at +Overton. I am wedded to my art," proclaimed Anne dramatically. + +"Some day you will obtain a divorce from your art and marry a mere man, +though," predicted Grace. + +The color suffused Anne's white face. Her brown eyes grew troubled. "I +don't know whether I shall or not," she murmured. + +"Anne, would you leave the stage, give up your work, if--if--" Grace +paused. + +"If David asked me to marry him?" Anne finished the question calmly. "I +don't know, Grace. I've asked myself that question so many times that I +am tired of trying to answer it. In fact, I've lately decided to let +matters drift and see what happens. Although there has never been a word +of sentiment exchanged between us, I am reasonably sure that David loves +me, and I am very fond of him," confessed Anne. "In some respects I feel +years older than you girls. I believe it is due to my stage experience; +I have played so many different parts, some of them emotional roles +which have to do with love and renunciation." Anne's musical voice +trembled slightly on the last word. + +"I am sure David loves you with all his heart," was Grace's honest +reply. "Now that he has been graduated from college and has gone into +business for himself, I am afraid you will be called upon to decide +before long." + +"I am afraid so," sighed Anne. "I wish life weren't quite so +complicated." + +"I hope the rest of our senior year will be free from complications." +Grace spoke with grim emphasis. "Why, I forgot to open this letter!" she +exclaimed, snatching the unopened letter from the table and tearing at +the end of it. + +The letter proved to be a penitent little note from Arline asking Grace +to forgive her, and prove her forgiveness by taking dinner with her the +following evening at Vinton's. Grace felt a thrill of happiness swell +within her as she read the note. Her brief estrangement from Arline had +been another of her secret griefs. + +"I'm going to take dinner with Arline to-morrow night," she announced to +Anne. + +"You'd better hurry if you care to take dinner with us," called Elfreda +from the doorway, in which she had paused just in time to hear Grace's +last remark. + +"It isn't dinner," corrected Anne. "It is supper on Sunday, and never +very good, either." + +"We never have Sunday dinner in the middle of the day at home," +commented Elfreda. + +"When you are at Wayne Hall do as the Wayne Hallites do," quoted Miriam, +who had followed Elfreda into the room. + +"Where is Patience?" inquired Grace. + +"Enjoying the solitude of her room before the disturber arrives," +volunteered Elfreda. "She'll be along presently." + +Despite the fact that they had had dinner on the train, the four girls +decided that they were hungry, and on going downstairs to the dining +room where Mrs. Elwood had prepared an unusually good supper, proved it, +to their own and Mrs. Elwood's satisfaction. There were only three girls +in the dining room when they took their places, as the majority of the +"Wayne Hallites" were spending the afternoon and evening of their last +day's vacation with friends. Patience joined them as they were finishing +their dessert, and it was laughingly decided to entertain her while she +ate, and afterward go for a walk. + +"What style of entertainment do you prefer?" asked Elfreda, with a +deferential air. "Shall I give you an imitation of Kathleen West's +return?" + +"No, thank you. The reality will be sufficient," was Patience's dry +retort. "I prefer a more pleasant variety of entertainment." + +The ringing of the door bell caused those in the dining room to glance +expectantly through the doorway into the hall. They heard the maid's +voice, then a cry of "At last!" and Emma Dean fairly charged into their +midst. + +"I never was so glad to see any one in all my life," she cried, with a +joyful wave of her hand. "How I have missed you while you have been +gallivanting about New York without giving the friend of your freshman +days a thought. You might have sent me a postcard, you know." + +"'Gallivanting' is not the word with which to describe our triumphal +march around New York," objected Elfreda. + +"It's a very good word," defended Emma. "It means to roam about for +pleasure without any definite plan. It says so in the dictionary." + +"Every day adds to our store of knowledge," jeered Elfreda. + +"As I am at present overjoyed to see you, I'll try hard not to squabble +with you." Emma turned her back squarely upon Elfreda and addressed +Anne. "I heard something while you were gone that will interest you, +Anne. The senior class are talking of presenting a play. If we do, you +will star in it, of course." + +"I can't, Emma," returned Anne regretfully. "My professional experience +prevents me from taking part in college plays. If Semper Fidelis, or +some of the girls, were to put on a play for our own amusement, then I +could take part, but in regular college plays professionals are barred +here at Overton. It is practically the same rule that applies to college +sports." + +"Oh, that is too bad! But it wouldn't hinder you from writing one, would +it?" + +"I couldn't write a play. I used to hope that I might some day become a +writer. But I know now that it isn't in me." + +"But many actors and actresses have been writers, too," put in Elfreda. + +"I know it. Still, the most successful plays have been written by men +and women outside the profession," argued Anne. "I wish I could write, +but I know my limitations and they stop this side of authorship. But why +did you ask me if I could write a play, Emma?" + +"Marian Cummings gave a spread the other night to all the seniors on the +campus who weren't lucky enough to get away from Overton for +Thanksgiving. We were talking about what the senior class might do in +the way of stunts, and some one proposed that we ought to give a play +after midyears. You know our class has never done anything of the sort +since we entered college. Naturally, we were all in favor of the idea. +We all agreed that we wanted something besides Shakespeare for a change, +but no one could suggest anything else. We wanted something really +representative, and the majority of these plays for amateurs are rather +trivial. Finally, Sara Emerson suggested that the play be written by a +member of the senior class. There was a general protest, and Elizabeth +Wade asked Sara if she would mind writing it. Rather unkind in her, +wasn't it?" asked Emma, with a reminiscent chuckle. + +Her friends laughed with her. The mere idea of frivolous little Sara +Emerson as a playwright was distinctly amusing. + +"Sara didn't mind our laughing. She and Julia giggled over it, too. Then +Marian Cummings suddenly thought of a splendid plan." Emma paused in +order to impress her hearers. + +"For goodness' sake, go on, Emma," begged Miriam. "Don't ask us to guess +the plan, either." + +"I'm not going to ask you to guess it. I stopped talking merely to allow +my words to sink deeply into your minds. Marian wants to make it an +honor competition affair." + +"What's an 'honor competition affair'?" asked Elfreda. + +"I'm surprised at your question. I should think you 'could see' the +meaning from the words themselves," teased Emma. "You see almost +everything." + +"I'll be revenged on you for that thrust," threatened Elfreda, joining +in the laughter that greeted Emma's remark. + +"Do you mean that any member of the senior class may compete, not for a +money prize, but for the honor alone?" asked Grace. + +"That is precisely my meaning," said Emma. "We thought we would have an +honor pin made, something worthy of the girl who wins. The class will +give her a supper and drink her down, and there will be various +demonstrations and jollifications for her especial benefit." + +"Why not give the four classes a chance, and make it a competition worth +remembering?" proposed Elfreda, a peculiar expression in her shrewd +eyes. "I mean that the cast would be chosen from the senior class, but +the author might be any girl in college." + +No one answered for a moment. "I don't believe," began Emma doubtfully, +"that we----What do you say, Grace? Of course, we shall be obliged to +call a special class meeting, but we can decide now just how to word our +proposal. Whatever you decide will suit us." + +Grace's glance had remained fixed upon Elfreda as though trying to read +her thoughts. What did Elfreda have in mind! Then it dawned upon Grace +with unpleasant force. "She wants Kathleen West to have a chance to +compete." Then, "If I say I think we ought to keep the contest in the +senior class, the girls will agree with me. This is my chance. She would +dearly love to enter a contest of this kind. Very well. I'll see that +she doesn't enter it." For the first time in her life Grace's resentment +blinded her sense of fairness. Her lips tightened unpleasantly. + +"I say that we ought to----" + +But Grace did not finish her sentence. Swift and overwhelming came the +conviction that here perhaps lay the means by which Kathleen might come +into a knowledge of the real Overton spirit. In writing the play, for +Grace felt certain that the newspaper girl would enter the lists, she +might gain what her classmates had been powerless to give her. Grace's +face grew hot with shame at her own unworthiness of spirit. + +"Why don't you finish?" asked Emma Dean with good-natured impatience. +"What ought we to do? We shall never know unless you speak and tell us." + +The steady light in Grace Harlowe's gray eyes deepened. Her moment of +temptation had passed. Her love of fair play had conquered. "Include the +whole college, by all means. Let us make it an Overton rather than a +class affair, and let us call a meeting of the senior class to-morrow +afternoon," she said. "Let us settle it as soon as possible." + +"I'll write a notice the moment I finish my supper," declared Emma. +"Come upstairs to my room, all of you, and watch me write it. I can +always write better if I have an audience; provided it is a kindly, +uncritical audience," she added, casting a significant glance toward +Elfreda, who beamed on Emma as one who has received a compliment. + +As they were leaving the dining room a little later, Grace felt a plump +hand catch one of hers. She turned to find Elfreda's gaze bent earnestly +upon her. There was a significant question in the other girl's eyes. +Grace pressed the hand and said in a whisper: "I understood, Elfreda. +Thank you for showing me the way." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +WHAT THE SENIORS THOUGHT OF THE PLAN + + +"I can't forgive myself for being so disagreeable," was Arline Thayer's +regretful cry. Grace had met Arline half an hour earlier than the time +appointed for the senior class meeting the following afternoon and the +two girls had hurried to the room in Overton Hall, where the meeting was +to be held, for the express purpose of having a confidential chat before +the others should arrive. + +"Don't think of it again, Daffydowndilly." Grace regarded Arline with +affectionate eyes. She was glad almost to the point of tears that the +cloud between her and the dainty little girl had been lifted. + +"Oh, but I must think of it this once, Grace," persisted Arline. "I +haven't told you yet how truly sorry I am for behaving so badly toward +you. But I was so angry with you for troubling yourself about that +horrid Kathleen West. But first let me ask: Did you see that New York +newspaper story? Father sent me a copy of the paper. I showed it to +Ruth, but didn't tell any one else. It is known here, though." + +"Yes, I knew of it the day after it was published," answered Grace +soberly. "Mabel sent me a marked copy. I am sorry my name was used. It +was a surprise to me." + +Arline's eyebrows lifted. "A surprise!" she exclaimed with fine sarcasm. +"I think I can understand just how pleased you felt over that surprise. +I am not going to allow a certain person to come between our friendship +again, but I can't help saying that if ever you speak to her again, you +will be doing yourself a great injustice." + +"Would it surprise you to hear me say that I am inclined to endorse what +you have just said?" questioned Grace. "What I tried to do for her was +done largely to please Mabel Ashe. Mabel has released me from my +promise. I seldom take violent dislikes to persons I meet, but, to tell +the plain truth, I have never liked Miss West, although I have admired +her ability and perseverance. In fact, I have never met any one I +disliked so much," confessed Grace. "I don't know what has come over me, +but I simply can't endure the thought of her, let alone forgiving her." + +"I don't blame you. I hope you will continue to take that stand. You +won't, though. If you knew, to-morrow, of something that would be to her +advantage to know, you wouldn't hesitate to tell her." + +Grace looked rather confused. Arline's chance shot had gone home. She +had not forgiven Kathleen, yet only yesterday she had paved the way for +her to possible honor. "What did you do here on Thanksgiving?" she asked +abruptly. "Why didn't you go to New York?" + +Arline laughed. "I am perfectly willing to change the subject and answer +both your questions. Father was in Chicago, so we thought we'd stay here +and see what we could do for some of the girls whose good times are +limited. We did all sorts of little stunts. Thanksgiving night we gave a +party at Morton House and invited every one we could think of, and the +next night Ruth and I took our checks, we each received an extra one for +Thanksgiving, and gave a moving picture party. We made the man who owns +the place reserve the seats, and we saw 'The Merchant of Venice.' It was +beautifully done, and every one who saw it was delighted. Then we +invited several girls to Morton House for Thanksgiving dinner, too." + +"I wanted to ask you and Ruth to go to New York with us, but----" + +"Don't say a word," interrupted Arline, with a penitent little gesture. +"It was my fault. I claim the privilege of changing the subject, too. +What is the object of this class meeting?" + +Grace was about to explain, when a murmur of voices in the hall +announced that the seniors had begun to gather for the meeting. Within +ten minutes every seat in the room was occupied, and Arline Thayer, now +president of the senior class, called the meeting to order. "As there is +no particular business to be transacted," announced Arline, "what is the +pleasure of the class? Will the person or persons responsible for the +notice on the bulletin board please rise and enlighten the class as to +why we are here?" + +"Madam President," Emma Dean rose from her seat and addressed the chair, +"I wrote the notice. It was the outcome of a session in which a number +of the seniors had been discussing ways and means of making 19-- famous +in the annals of Overton." Emma proceeded in her clever, humorous +fashion to lay before the class the project of a play to be written by a +member of one of the four classes and produced and enacted by the +seniors. "If we allow any girl in college who wishes to compete for the +honor pin we shall have a greater variety of plays from which to choose. +It will also be a good opportunity to discover any lights that might +otherwise be so securely hidden under bushels of modesty that no one +would ever see them. + +"The rules for the contestants will be very simple. The play must be +original. It must consist of not less than three acts, and all +manuscripts must be in the hands of the committee appointed by the +president of the senior class on the Tuesday before the Easter vacation. +The play may be comedy, drama, or tragedy, but it must be +representative. The duties of the committee will be to receive the +plays. As soon as they have been submitted they are to be turned over to +three members of the Overton faculty, provided they are willing to act +in the capacity of critics. I should now like an opinion from the +class." + +Emma sat down amid an energetic clapping of hands. To a member, the +class was in favor of the proposed contest. One after another the +members rose to voice their approval, and when the president called for +a rising vote every member was instantly on her feet. + +"You understand that we shall require permission from the president of +the college before we can officially announce the contest," Arline +reminded the class. "I will appoint Miss Dean, Miss Harlowe and Miss +Wade to call upon the president and obtain his permission. Then the play +committee will see to the advertising of the contest." + +Before the meeting closed, Anne Pierson, Miriam Nesbit, Ruth Denton and +Elfreda Briggs were appointed to serve on the play committee and the +date of the production of the play was set for the Friday of the fifth +week after the Easter vacation. It was also decided that Lecture Hall, +which boasted of a stage and several sets of scenery, and would hold a +goodly audience, should be used for the occasion. + +Within the next three days Miss Duncan and Dr. Hepburn, instructors, +respectively, in English and Latin, and Dr. Darrow, professor of Oratory +and Dramatic Expression, had been interviewed and had consented to act +as judges. The moment these preliminaries had been attended to, Gertrude +Wells had begun an elaborate poster to hang above the bulletin board in +Overton Hall announcing the contest. At the bottom of the poster was +fastened a card on which the rules had been painstakingly lettered in +black and red. By the end of the week there was scarcely a girl in +Overton who had not stopped before the gayly colored poster to read the +news that was being discussed long and earnestly throughout the college. + +Those who had acquired a certain amount of reputation in the matter of +themes boldly announced their intention of competing for the honor pin, +while there were others whose themes had never been praised, whose +ambition to show the judges what they really could do urged them on to +enter the lists. + +Neither Grace, Miriam nor Anne intended to try for the prize. Ruth +Denton had confided to Arline that she had an idea for a play which she +meant to work out, and Emma Dean boldly proclaimed herself to be deep in +the throes of a comedy called "Life at Wayne Hall; or, the Expressman's +Surprise." Elfreda, too, had apparently been inspired, and for a week +went about chuckling to herself and making mysterious notes in a little +black note book she now carried constantly. + +Grace could not help wondering now and then if Kathleen West would enter +the contest. Since the newspaper girl's return from New York she had +kept strictly to herself. She spoke to Patience only when absolutely +necessary and took not the slightest notice of Miriam, Anne or Elfreda. +Patience confided to Grace that Kathleen studied harder than ever, and +wrote for at least two hours every night, never forgetting to place her +papers carefully in her desk and to lock it securely before going out or +to bed. "I believe she is writing a play, but I don't know positively +and I wouldn't dream of asking her," had been Patience's comment. + +As the long intervening days that lay between the students of Overton +and "going home for Christmas" dragged by, Grace found herself more +impatient to see her father and mother than ever before. "It is on +account of that old newspaper trouble," she assured herself. "Father and +Mother were so dear and forgiving over it that I can't wait to see +them." All her thoughts were now centered on going home. + +"I never wanted to see Father and Mother so much in all my life as I do +this Christmas. Next week seems ages off. I am sure it is seven years +instead of seven days until vacation begins." She confided to Anne one +evening, as she sat on the floor beside her open trunk: "I'm going to +begin packing to-night and do a little each day. It will give me a +certain amount of satisfaction and make the time pass more quickly. I +wonder why Mother doesn't write? She hasn't sent me my check to go home +with yet. I can't go home until it comes, for I have spent every cent of +my allowance and my extra check, too, for Christmas presents." + +"Don't worry over it," advised Anne. "Your father and mother are the +most infallible persons I know. You won't be left stranded in Overton +and have to walk ties to Oakdale." + +"If I do, I shall take you with me. As a trouper you ought to be +proficient in that exercise," laughed Grace. + +"As a successful exponent of the dramatic art," began Anne pompously, +"I----" + +"Miss Pierson! Miss Pierson!" Mrs. Elwood's voice was heard in the hall +at the foot of the stairs. + +Anne sprang to the door. "Here I am, Mrs. Elwood," she called, stepping +down the hall to the head of the stairs. + +"Here's a telegram for you. Will you please come downstairs and sign for +it?" + +Anne hurried down the stairs, her heart beating violently. She signed +the messenger boy's book, shoved the pencil into his hand and ran back +to Grace as fast as her feet would carry her. + +"It's a telegram, Grace. It's for me. I'm afraid to open it," she cried, +dashing into the room. "Open it. I dare not. Oh, if anything has +happened to Mother or Mary!" + +Grace took the envelope Anne held out to her. Her own hands were +trembling with apprehension, yet she managed to tear open the envelope +and draw out the fateful message. There was the crackling sound of +unfolding paper, then Grace cried out in joyful tones: "Anne, you never +can guess! It is too good to be true!" + +Anne sprang to her feet, and darting to where Grace stood, the open +telegram in her hands, peered over her shoulder. A moment later she and +Grace joined hands and performed a joyful dance about the room. + +"What on earth is the cause of all this jubilation?" queried Miriam's +voice from the doorway. "I knocked, but no one paid any attention to me. +It sounded from the outside as though you might be engaged in deadly +conflict, so I decided to interfere." + +The dance ceased and Grace thrust the telegram, which she still held, +into Miram's hands. "Read it," she commanded. + + "Will arrive in Overton 5:30. Meet me. With love. Rose Gray." + +And, reinforced by Miriam, the dance was begun again with renewed vigor. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE FAIRY GODMOTHER'S VISIT + + +Three excited young women burst in upon Elfreda, who, seated on the +floor before her trunk, hastily deposited a large flat package in the +tray and slammed down the lid. "Why didn't you knock!" she grumbled, +looking mild displeasure at the intruders. "If you had come five minutes +sooner you would have seen your Christmas presents, and I couldn't have +stopped you. I'm going to have a 'Busy, Keep Out' sign made to hang on +the door until Christmas." + +"Don't be cross, J. Elfreda Briggs," laughed Grace. "We have something +nice to show you." She handed the telegram to Elfreda with: "We want you +to go to the station with us this afternoon. The train is due at +five-thirty." + +Elfreda's round face flushed at this mark of thoughtfulness on the part +of the girls she adored, and agreed almost shyly to make one of the +party. She had never become quite used to the knowledge that these three +young women had long since accepted her as one of their number. +Consequently an invitation to participate in their personal good times +or to share their intimate friends was always a matter of wonder to her. + +The train was reported to be on time, but the quartette of happy-faced +young women who waited impatiently for its arrival from the north that +afternoon were agreed that it must be late. It was Anne who, when it +rushed into the station, first espied the familiar figure of the +snowy-haired old lady who had brought so much sunshine into her life, +and her quick eyes also discovered the identity of the tall, +broad-shouldered young man who was helping her down the car steps. "Oh, +Tom Gray is with her!" she exclaimed in delight. + +"How nice!" cried Grace, with frank, unembarrassed pleasure. "I never +thought that he would come with Mrs. Gray." + +Her three friends exchanged significant glances. It was quite evident +that Grace Harlowe's regard for Tom held nothing of the sentimental. + +"Here they are! Here are my dear Christmas children!" Mrs. Gray looked +no older than when she had welcomed them to her house party eight +Christmases before. She spoke in the same sprightly manner, and smiled +in the same kindly, gentle fashion that had warmed the heart of Anne +Pierson when, poor and unknown, she had placed her hand in Mrs. Gray's +at that first eventful freshman tea which was the beginning of happiness +for her. Anne's brown eyes filled with tears as she embraced her "fairy +godmother" and heard her murmur, "My own dear Anne." + +"Please give Aunt Rose a chance to catch her breath and turn your +attention upon me," was Tom's plaintive plea. + +"We are terribly, horribly, dreadfully glad to see you!" laughed Grace, +shaking Tom's hand in her boyish, energetic fashion. + +"'Terribly, horribly, dreadfully!'" repeated Tom. "Did you say this was +your last year in college?" + +"Don't be sarcastic," reproved Miriam. "Circumstances alter English. +Grace was only trying to convey to you our deep appreciation of your +arrival." + +Tom glanced almost wistfully at Grace, who had turned from him and was +devoting her whole attention to Mrs. Gray. "I hope you girls are as glad +to see me as I am to see you," he said, his eyes still upon Grace. + +"Of course we are. How did you happen to think of coming to Overton? Are +you going to stay until next Wednesday? If you do, then we can all +journey to Oakdale together." + +"Ask Aunt Rose. I am her faithful bodyguard. I know she intends to stay +until to-morrow at least. I hope you can persuade her to remain at +Overton until you go home. I am a working man now, you know, and +Washington is a long way from here." Tom's ambition to make forestry his +life work had been in a measure realized, and with his graduation from +college had come the offer of a position in the Department of Forestry +at Washington. + +"Yes, children, dear, I will remain in Overton until your vacation +begins if the town boasts of a comfortable hotel where I can not only +demand, but receive, good service." + +"The 'Tourraine' is the very hotel for you, Mrs. Gray," said Grace. "We +stayed there for a day or two when we first came to Overton. The service +is excellent." + +"Then see to my luggage, Tom, and find me a cab or an automobile. The +sooner I am settled the sooner I can hear what my girls have been doing. +I have heard very nice things of you, my dear," she said to Elfreda, +who, having shaken hands with Mrs. Gray, stood at the outer edge of the +little group, looking on with shining eyes. + +"She looks like a piece of Dresden china," was Elfreda's remarkable +statement to Miriam as the little company, headed by Grace and Tom, made +its way to the other side of the station in search of an automobile. + +"You funny girl," Miriam laughed softly, "what an idea!" + +"But she does," persisted Elfreda in a low tone. "She's white and pink +and fine and--and--fragile. She's dainty and exquisite, and there's a +kind of rare china look about her that----" + +"I am going to tell her you said she looked like a piece of Dresden +china," interposed Miriam. "Mrs. Gray----" + +"If you do, Miriam Nesbit, you'll be sorry," warned Elfreda, clutching +Miriam's arm. + +"What is it, my dear?" answered the old lady. They had come to a halt at +the end of the platform and were waiting for Tom to secure a car. + +Elfreda surveyed Miriam with a threatening glare. + +"Elfreda says that you"--she darted a mischievous glance at her +friend--"look just as she imagined you would." + +Elfreda's expression was a mixture of surprise and relief. + +"Then you are not disappointed in me," smiled the old lady. + +"I should say not!" was the quick response. "I only hope you will adopt +me some day as one of your children." + +"That is very sweet in you, my child," declared Mrs. Gray. "I hereby +adopt you on the spot. Ah, here is our car. I think we are more than +ready for it." + +"Now that you've been adopted," muttered Miriam in Elfreda's ear, "I +won't betray you." + +"Thank you for nothing," flung back Elfreda. + +"Tell the chauffeur to drive past Overton College," Grace had requested +Tom, and Mrs. Gray had exclaimed in admiration of stately Overton Hall, +standing like a sentinel in the midst of the wide campus. The chapel, +the library, Greek Hall, Science Hall, in fact, each one of the smaller, +but equally ornamental, buildings were duly pointed out and commented +upon. + +Mrs. Gray insisted that they should be her guests at dinner at the +"Tourraine," and after dinner they repaired to the cozy sitting room in +her suite of rooms for a long, confidential chat, which lasted until +after ten o'clock. + +"Hurry, girls," urged Grace, as they set out for Wayne Hall, after +repeated promises to call the next morning and prolonged good nights, +"we may be locked out. That has never happened to me since I came to +college." + +"That is better than being locked in," reminded Elfreda grimly. + +"You mean the night of the ghost party, don't you?" asked Miriam, +referring to an incident that had occurred in Elfreda's freshman year. + +"I do, indeed, mean the ghost party," retorted Elfreda with grim +emphasis. "I still have a remarkably clear recollection of it." + +"What a lot of things have happened since then," said Anne, half +musingly. + +"Only a little while and our college life will be over," sighed Miriam. + +"And our real life begun," was Grace's hopeful reminder. "After all, +college is just a preparation for the time when we must stand upon our +own ground and assume the complete responsibility of our own lives." + +"You girls give me the blues," grumbled Elfreda. "I don't want to think +about my 'real life' or any other solemn old subject. There's a time to +reflect, but this isn't the time. I'd rather save all my harrowing +reflections until just before commencement. Then we might give a misery +party and invite our friends to glower and gloom with us." + +"That's a good idea!" exclaimed Grace. "We could all be miserable +together." + +"If we all met together for the express purpose of being miserable, you +can make up your mind that the party itself would defeat its object," +laughed Anne. + +"But just at present we had better be gay and gleeful. We must plan +something for Mrs. Gray's entertainment," suggested Miriam. "It is our +lawful senior duty to see that she enjoys her visit to Overton." + +"She wishes to meet Dr. Morton and Miss Wilder and Miss Duncan, too," +said Anne. "She mentioned it twice this evening. We must give a dinner +in honor of her at Vinton's, and a luncheon at Martell's. Then we ought +to drive out to Guest House for supper. Of course, we must give one +spread in either our room or Miriam's and do stunts." + +"Why not give the Wonderland Circus just for her?" proposed Elfreda. +"Miss Wilder will let us have the gymnasium for the evening, and by +making it strictly a senior class affair there will be no hurt feelings +on the part of the other classes. Nearly all the performers are seniors, +too. We can serve refreshments, have a dance afterward, and Mrs. Gray +will have a splendid opportunity to see 19-- together. How is that for a +stunt?" + +Elfreda's plan was received with acclamation, and by the time they +reached Wayne Hall each girl had been assigned her part in the week's +programme. + +"We mustn't forget our Christmas girls," reminded Anne, as they lingered +for a brief moment in the upstairs hall. + +"I am glad you mentioned them," replied Grace. "I must see Arline +to-morrow." + +The first week of December had dragged, but the next two weeks raced by +on winged feet, and the two days before college closed for the holidays +were crowded to the brim with last duties and pleasures. Mrs. Gray won +the united regard of the Semper Fidelis Club, who immediately enlisted +themselves in her service. The genial, light-hearted old lady entered +into the life of the college with an enthusiasm that caused her at once +to be declared an honorary member of Semper Fidelis. She was the guest +of honor at luncheons and dinners, at which she was toasted and sung to +with a fervor that left no doubt in her mind as to her standing with +Grace's classmates. + +The Wonderland Circus had been saved as the crowning event of her visit, +and invitations had been sent to Mr. Thomas Redfield, the benefactor of +Semper Fidelis Club, Dr. Morton, Miss Wilder and the various members of +the faculty to be present at the Circus. Never had the immortal animals +been in better form. Round after round of applause greeted the +conclusion of their famous Wonderland song. The demonstration continued +until Alice stepped forward and made a funny little speech, in which she +introduced the animals, who skipped, waddled or shuffled forward +according to each one's conception of what its own peculiar gait should +be. + +Emma Dean, who had not taken part in the Circus, appeared in her +ridiculous Sphinx costume, and, after a monologue that elicited constant +laughter, added to her ability as a fun maker by the weirdly funny dance +that she had intended to give at the bazaar, and which she was obliged +to repeat before her audience was satisfied. + +A reception followed, and delicious buffet refreshments were served by +the seniors in one corner of the big gymnasium, which had been roped off +with the senior colors and made as attractive as senior hands could make +it. Mrs. Gray was in her element and held court like a veritable queen. +Before the evening was over the senior class, to a member, had vowed +eternal allegiance to her. Dr. Morton, Miss Wilder and Mr. Redfield, +too, apparently succumbed to her spell, for toward the close of the +evening they formed an interesting group about her, and, at the end of a +lengthy confab, shook her hand with an earnestness which seemed almost +to indicate a promise of loyalty. To Grace, Anne and Miriam Mrs. Gray's +long conversation with the faculty was merely a further proof of her +ability to make friends, but the watchful Elfreda regarded the matter +from a different viewpoint. + +"I wonder what Mrs. Gray was talking about to Professor Morton, Miss +Wilder and our fairy godfather?" she remarked in a speculative tone to +Miriam as they prepared for sleep late that night. "Fairy godfather is a +good name for Mr. Redfield, isn't it?" she laughed. + +"Certainly it is," returned Miriam. "I always bestow appropriate names +upon people. Isn't he the fairy godfather of Semper Fidelis and didn't I +give him that name after he sent us the first check?" + +"He is," admitted Elfreda, "and you did." + +"What is on your mind now?" asked Miriam. "What do you find so +mysterious in the fact that Mrs. Gray held discourse with the powers +that be?" + +"You can make fun of me if you like," said Elfreda, smiling a little, +"but I know what I saw with my own eyes. There is a conspiracy on foot +among those persons. It's a delightful conspiracy, of course, but mark +my words, they are planning something, and some day when the whole thing +comes to light you'll say, 'You were right, J. Elfreda,' see if you +won't." + +"I will say it now if you wish me to," laughed Miriam, "merely to show +you that I have faith in your marvelous powers of observation." + +"Thank you," returned Elfreda. "There is nothing like being appreciated. +But under the circumstances I am afraid I can't pursue my usual methods +of investigation. If Mrs. Gray is planning something delightful, you may +be sure it is for her Christmas children, and J. Elfreda Briggs will not +be the one to pry into the surprise." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +WHAT PATIENCE OVERHEARD + + + "Oh, Overton, our voices clear + Ring out in reverent praise to-day, + To thee, our Mother, loved and dear + Who guides us on our college way," + +sang Grace softly as she walked about her room putting away the various +articles of wearing apparel she had taken from her trunk. The Christmas +vacation had come and gone like a glad, happy dream, and with a hundred +pleasant memories of home to sweeten the days that lay between her and +Easter, Grace cheerfully unpacked her belongings, humming as she worked +the song of Overton that she loved best. + +A light knock on the door, accompanied by, "May I come in?" hushed the +song on Grace's lips. "I should say so," she called, recognizing +Patience Eliot's voice. "Enter and give an account of yourself. I've +hardly seen you since I came back." + +"I have had more or less unpacking to do, too," said Patience, with a +comprehensive glance about the room. "Also deep in my soul lurks the +fear of the fateful midyear with its burden of exams. I am conducting a +general review every night for the benefit of Patience Eliot, but it is +rather up-hill work. I envy you high and mighty seniors, whose days and +nights of anxiety are past." + +"I don't believe you are half as much worried as you pretend. Patience +Eliot is far too valiant to be downed by a mere examination." + +"It is all very well to talk," grumbled Patience, "but you know just how +footless mere talk is. I'm not at all sure that I shall not flunk." + +"You won't, so don't try to make me believe you will," assured Grace, +"and you are going to forget your books and have dinner with me at +Vinton's to-morrow night, too." + +"Am I?" asked Patience. "Let me see. Oh, yes, I am. It is on Wednesday +evening that the great event takes place." + +"What great event?" asked Grace with unthinking curiosity. "I beg your +pardon, Patience, I didn't mean to----" + +Patience dismissed Grace's attempt to apologize with a wave of her hand. +"Oh, that is all right. It is what I came here to tell you. You may +believe it or not, but Kathleen West has actually invited me to go to +that illustrated lecture on 'Mexico' at the Overton theatre on Wednesday +evening." + +"And you are going?" Grace could not keep a slight constraint from her +tone. Her resentment against the newspaper girl still lived. Despite the +long, intimate talk she had with her father, she could not quite forget +that Kathleen had been partly responsible for the unhappy hours she had +spent before going home to Oakdale. + +"Yes," Patience replied. There was a note of finality in her voice. "I +believe it is best, Grace. In fact, I am sure it is." + +Grace stood staring moodily at Patience. A struggle against her own +personal feelings was going on within her. Suddenly her face cleared, +and with a little, rueful smile she held out her hand to the other girl. +"I'm truly glad you are going with her, Patience. I thought I wasn't, +but I am. I can't imagine why I don't outgrow my resentment against that +girl. I don't understand myself lately." + +"I knew you would agree with me." Patience still held Grace's hand in +hers. "Now that the ice has been broken--you know you asked us not to +mention Kathleen to you--I can say something I've wanted to tell you for +a week. There has been a slight change for the better in Kathleen since +Christmas. I don't know what has brought it about, but she is less hard +and bitter than she used to be. She is terribly blue, though, and the +other day I came into the room and found her crying. Just imagine +Kathleen West in tears if you can. She wiped them away post haste and I +pretended I hadn't noticed that she was crying. One can't sympathize +with her, you know. She wouldn't like it. She prides herself on her +stoicism." + +"I wonder what happened," mused Grace. + +"She has been writing every evening on her play," continued Patience, +"until last night. I was hard at work on my Horace, when suddenly she +said, 'Oh, what's the use?' and began tearing up everything she'd +written. 'I could see,' to quote Elfreda, that she was in one of her +black moods, so I never said a word. I think her conscience is troubling +her. Perhaps one of these days she will find herself and surprise all of +us." + +"I hope so," said Grace without enthusiasm. "By the way, I meant to tell +you of Arline's and my plan. We are going to propose that the Semper +Fidelis girls give a 'Famous Fiction' masquerade and invite the college. +We won't try to make any money this time. Later on we will give a +concert. This dance will be just a college frolic, but it will be fun to +dress up and mask. There will be plenty of girls who won't attend the +affair, but there will be a great many who will come. The gymnasium is +large enough to accommodate a crowd. We'll have dancing, of course, and +Semper Fidelis is going to pay for the orchestra out of their own +pockets. There won't be any real refreshments, just lemonade and fancy +crackers. The real fun will lie in the costumes. Every one who attends +must be dressed to carry out the title of some work of fiction, either +standard or 'best sellers.'" + +"What a jolly idea," smiled Patience. "I know already what I shall +choose." + +"Good!" exclaimed Grace. "Put on your wraps and go with me to Arline's. +I feel as though I must discuss it with her to-night." + +Within the next five minutes Grace and Patience were crossing the campus +to Morton House. + +"I was just getting ready to go to Wayne Hall," declared Arline, as they +marched into her room in obedience to her rather impatient "Come in." + +"And didn't care to be bothered with visitors," added Patience. + +"I thought it was a freshman on the next floor who demands admittance at +regular hour intervals. She has the 'crush' habit to distraction. She's +a nice girl," added Arline, generously, "even though she bores me +frightfully at times, and I wouldn't for anything hurt her feelings. I +am glad you came. I was just thinking of making you a call. I want to +talk over our Famous Fiction dance." + +"Why, that is what brought us here!" cried Grace. "We decided that there +was no time like the present for talking it over." + +"Then, being of the same mind, we shall no doubt accomplish wonders," +laughed Arline. "When shall we give it?" + +"The sooner, the better," advised Patience. "That is, if you expect the +freshmen and sophomores to turn out to it. Midyear examinations are only +three weeks off, and by the last of next week every one will be so +desperately devoted to reviewing back lessons that the idea of a +masquerade won't create an iota of enthusiasm." + +"Patience is as level-headed as ever," agreed Grace. "Why not have the +masquerade next Monday evening? That will give us a week to decide on +our costumes and order our masks. Suppose we ask that poor old woman who +keeps the little shop just beyond the campus to order our masks? I'll +post a notice on the bulletin board as soon as we have secured Miss +Wilder's permission to give the masquerade to the effect that masks can +be bought at her shop. She is safe in ordering three hundred at least, +and it will mean a small profit to her." + +"Grace is always thinking of helping the needy and the downtrodden," +declared Arline. "You are a really truly philanthropist, Grace, and you +ought to be a fixture at Overton." + +"Please don't, Arline," protested Grace, frowning a little. "I'm not a +bit more interested in helping others than are you or Patience. I was +just thinking to-day that I had really been selfish. It doesn't seem +fair that I should have had such good times when so many girls here have +nothing but hard work and worry over money matters." + +"Who organized Semper Fidelis and who was the first person to think of +our Christmas girls?" demanded Arline. + +"You are the president of the Sempers and you collected almost all the +presents for our first Santa Claus venture," evaded Grace. + + "Let each be wise and wear the prize, + Let each divide the crown, + The deeds of Harlowe and of Thayer, + Are equal in renown. + Stop arguing and get to work, + For that is why we're here, + Don't waste your time in idle words, + The dinner hour is near," + +improvised Patience. + +Both girls looked their surprise at this outburst. + +"Thank you for your poetic counsel, Patience," said Grace. "Suppose we +write down the things to be done in connection with giving the dance." + +"Here you are." Arline opened her desk and motioned Grace to the chair +before it. "We'll suggest, and you can write." + +By the time the girls had finished their plans for the masquerade it was +half-past six. "Stay here for dinner," invited Arline. + +Grace shook her head. "Thank you, but I have studying to do and letters +to write to-night. If I stay here for dinner, I'll reach Wayne Hall at +twenty-nine minutes after ten. I know my failings." + +"Same here," said Patience. "I am not to be trusted, either. Thank you +for the invitation; it is a great temptation. Let us go, Grace, before +we succumb to the artful blandishments of this blonde young person and +stay in spite of ourselves." + +"Come over to-morrow night, Arline," called Grace as they went down the +steps of Morton House. Arline had accompanied them to the door. "Bring +Ruth with you. Tell her I am sorry I didn't see her to-night." + +"I'll see you later, Patience," said Grace as they separated at the head +of the stairs. Patience walked slowly down the hall to her room. The +door stood slightly ajar and the room was in darkness, but the sound of +a familiar voice caused Patience to halt abruptly. + +"I could see," said the voice of Elfreda Briggs, "that something worried +you. I know just how sorry you feel, because I went through the same +thing myself. But if you could make up your mind to go to her and tell +her that----" + +"Oh, I couldn't do that." It was Kathleen's voice that interrupted the +speaker. "I am sure she must hate me. I never believed that I should +care, but I do. If only I could do something to show her that at last I +understand what college spirit means." + +"Do you really mean that?" There was a note of excitement in Elfreda's +voice. "Because, if you do, I have the most splendid idea, and the +beauty of it is that you are the only one who can carry it out. Will +you----" + +But Patience, realizing with a start that she was eavesdropping, waited +to hear no more. + +Turning about she stepped noiselessly along the hall and down the +stairs. Entering the living room she found Emma Dean entertaining three +girls who were laughing immoderately. + +"Hello, Patience!" called Emma. "Come in and listen to my tale of woe. +Where was I? Oh, yes, the minute I stepped off the car I realized that I +had left my silk umbrella in it. The car started about five seconds +before I did. It was a beautiful race. I passed a fat policeman on the +corner, and waved my hand reassuringly at him merely to show that I was +not fleeing from Justice. Talk about fast running! I actually surprised +myself. I caught up with the car just as it was turning that curve on +High Street, and floundered into it, puffing like a steam engine. I made +one dash past the conductor, reached the seat where my cherished +umbrella still reposed and captured it. The conductor must have thought +me hopelessly demented, for I dashed out as the car stopped at the next +corner without having paid a cent of carfare or offered a sign of an +explanation. + +"When I passed the corner where the fat policeman stood, he looked at me +with respectful admiration, and said: 'You got that car, lady, didn't +you?' and I proudly acknowledged that I did. I was only sorry that there +weren't more persons about to appreciate Emma Dean's Two Block Dash." + +Patience joined in the laughter that had accompanied Emma's narrative. +"How are you getting on with your play, Emma?" she asked. + +"I still have the title," returned Emma blandly, "but I can't decide +upon my characters. There are so many shining lights at Wayne Hall. You +know my play is entitled "Life at Wayne Hall; Or, the Expressman's +Surprise." The only character I've actually decided upon is the +expressman. I am obliged to have him because he is in the sub-title. I +decided long ago on my opening speech, however. The expressman opens the +play by saying, 'I can't wait all day, lady.' Isn't that realistic? So +true to life!" + +"In the face of such an offering, Emma, I am satisfied that it would be +sheer folly for any of us to enter the lists," assured Patience. + +"Of course, I don't wish to discourage any of you," deprecated Emma with +the droll little smile for which she was noted. "But to give Emma Dean +and her wonderful ability as a playwright a rest, what is new?" + +"We are talking of giving a masquerade," volunteered Patience. + +"Who is included in 'we'?" asked Laura Atkins. + +"Grace, Arline and I were talking it over to-day. We thought of giving a +Famous Fiction masquerade." + +"What is a Famous Fiction masquerade?" asked Emma curiously. + +Whereupon Patience entered into an explanation of the proposed gayety +while the girls listened with willing ears. While they were discussing +it, Elfreda Briggs appeared in the doorway and Patience knew that she +could now return to her room without running the risk of interrupting a +heart-to-heart talk. But she smiled to herself as she thought that while +she had been casting about for some way to help Kathleen, Elfreda had +found it. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE MYSTERIOUS "PETER RABBIT" + + +The gymnasium had, perhaps, never held a more motley crowd of revelers +than on the night of the Famous Fiction masquerade. The faculty, who had +been particularly interested in the idea of the masquerade, declared +that for originality it was in line with 19--'s usual efforts. They +occupied seats in the gallery and amused themselves with trying to guess +the identity of the various maskers and the books or famous book +characters which they represented. + +It had been decided that as so many of the famous book titles did not +lend themselves to impersonation, famous characters in fiction might +also be impersonated. Therefore, when the longed-for night came round, +heroes and heroines, with whose adventures and doings the book-lover's +world is familiar, walked about, arm in arm, collected in little groups, +or danced gayly together to the music of the eight-piece Overton +orchestra, whose members appeared to appreciate the humor of the +occasion as keenly as did the faculty. + +It was an inspiring sight to watch "Hamlet" parading calmly about the +gymnasium with "Beverly of Graustark," or to watch "Mrs. Wiggs of the +Cabbage Patch" waltz merrily off with "Rip Van Winkle." Every one +immediately recognized "The Bow of Orange Ribbon" and "Robinson Crusoe." +Meek little Oliver Twist, with his big porridge bowl decorated by a wide +white band bearing the legend, "I want some more," was also easy to +guess. So were "Evangeline," "Carmen," "The Little Lame Prince," +"Ivanhoe," "Janice Meredith," and scores of other book ladies and +gentlemen. + +There were a few masqueraders, however, whose fictitious identity was +shrouded in mystery. No one could fathom the significance of a certain +tall figure, dressed in rags, who stopped short in her tracks at +frequent intervals, and, producing a needle and thread, sewed +industriously at her tattered garments. A black-robed sister of charity, +accompanied by a strange figure who wore a shapeless garment painted in +dull gray squares to represent stone, and wearing a narrow leather belt +about its waist from which was suspended on either side two small +andirons, were also sources of speculative curiosity. So was a young +woman in white with a towering headdress composed of a combination of +the Stars and Stripes and the flag of France. And no one had the +remotest idea concerning the eight white figures who marched four +abreast and would not condescend to break ranks even to dance. + +"Sherlock Holmes" was there with his violin tucked under one arm and a +volume of his memoirs under the other. He evinced a strong preference +for the society of "Joan of Arc," while "Sarah Crewe," "Little Lord +Fauntleroy," and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook" traveled about together, a +seemingly contented trio. "The Three Musketeers" were gorgeous to behold +in their square-cut costumes, high boots and wide feathered hats, but +the sensation of the evening was "Peter Rabbit," who came to the dance +attired in his little blue, brass-buttoned jacket, brown khaki +pantaloons and what seemed to be the identical shoes he lost in Mr. +McGregor's garden. His mask was a cunning rabbit's head that was drawn +down and fastened at the neck by a funny soft tie. Who "Peter Rabbit" +was and where he had managed to lay hands on his costume was a matter +for discussion that night. + +The suspense of not knowing who was who ended with the unmasking after +the eighth dance, and amid exclamations and little shrieks of laughter +the masqueraders stood face to face. + +"Elfreda Briggs! I might have known you would," laughed Arline Thayer, +shaking hands with "Sherlock Holmes," while Miriam Nesbit thankfully +lifted "Joan of Arc's" helmet and took off her mask. + +"You're a perfectly darling 'Fauntleroy,'" admired Elfreda. "I suppose +Ruth was 'Sara Crewe.'" + +"Yes," returned Arline Thayer. "Here come those eight white figures!" +she exclaimed. "Why, it is Miss Barlowe and her crowd. I don't know yet +what they were representing." + +"The 'White Company,' of course," declared Elfreda. "There would be no +satisfaction in being 'Sherlock Holmes' if I couldn't solve all these +puzzles." + +"Then live up to your reputation and tell me what famous work of fiction +this approaching rag-bag represents," laughed Miriam. + +"My powers of deduction were strong enough to pierce the identity of +that bundle of rags," grinned Elfreda. "I knew Emma Dean by her walk, +but I don't know what she represents. Who and what are you, Emma?" she +hailed. + +"'Never too Late to Mend,'" chanted Emma, flourishing a large darning +needle and attacking her rags anew. A shout arose from the little circle +of girls who had formed about her. "There is another still harder to +guess than mine. Over there," pointed Emma. "Look, girls!" + +"What is it?" chorused half a dozen voices. "Well, I never! If it isn't +Grace and Patience!" + +There was a concerted rush toward the two girls. "What in the name of +common sense is this illustrious combination?" asked Emma. "Why didn't +you choose something a little harder." + +"We are easy enough to guess," returned Patience loftily. "That is, if +you are familiar with standard fiction." + +"I'm not. I never was," declared Emma. "Tell us instanter!" + +"Allow me to introduce you to the 'Cloister.'" Patience bowed low. "And +the 'Hearth.'" Grace saluted the company with a loud jingling of her +andirons. + +"Oh," groaned Elfreda. "No wonder my powers of deduction failed. Who +could guess that Grace was representing a hearth? She looks more like a +section of a garden wall or the stone foundation for a new house, +or----" + +"If my costume looks as stony as that, then I do look like a hearth, and +either your eyesight or your imagination is defective," declared Grace +in triumph. + +"Certainly, you resemble a hearth," agreed Emma Dean. "Now tell me how +you like my costume. It took me hours to reduce my wearing apparel to +its present picturesque state. All you girls are screaming successes. +But who is 'Peter Rabbit'?" + +"I don't know, but I'm going to find out," declared Elfreda. "He, or +rather she, carried a package of little cards with a cunning rabbit's +head and the name 'Peter Rabbit' on them. I have one here." + +"So have I," came from every member of the group. + +"Let us find the famous Peter, then offer our congratulations," proposed +Patience, with a searching glance at the company. + +But the "famous Peter" was not to be found among the throng of gayly +attired girls, and there was no little comment among them at his sudden +and complete disappearance. + +"I wonder what became of 'Peter Rabbit'?" remarked Anne, when, later in +the evening, a number of Semper Fidelis girls gathered in one corner of +the room to hold an informal session and compare notes. + +"Who is 'Peter Rabbit'; or, the Mystery of the 'Blue Jacket'?" declaimed +Emma Dean. "Even Sherlock is all at sea, aren't you, Brother Holmes?" +Emma Dean laid her hand familiarly on the great investigator's shoulder. + +"Don't be too sure that I'm all at sea. I have a theory." Elfreda put on +a preternaturally wise expression. + +"We'll hear it at once," returned Emma briskly. + +"Not to-night. I have other weightier problems on my mind. I have been +asked to solve the campus mystery." + +"Campus mystery!" exclaimed several voices. "What is it?" + +"Walk to the extreme northern end of the campus, then go east one +hundred and fifty paces and you will come face to face with the +problem," was Elfreda's mystifying answer. + +"Oh, I know what you mean," cried Sara Emerson. "The ground has been +broken there for some kind of building. We noticed it day before +yesterday." + +"Right, my child," commended Elfreda patronizingly, "and therein lies +the mystery. I have prowled about the vicinity at odd moments ever since +the men began working there, but even my powers of penetration have +failed." + +"Since your curiosity has reached such a height, why don't you ask Miss +Wilder to tell you the whys and wherefores of this startling affair?" +teased Emma Dean. "I never realized until now what a mysterious process +digging a cellar is." + +"It isn't the process that's mysterious, it is the object of the +process," declared Elfreda, with great dignity. + +"Not everyone 'can see' either," interposed Emma innocently. + +"The Briggs-Dean rapid-fire conversation team in an entirely new line of +specialties," proclaimed Sara Emerson. "Secure front seats for the +performance." + +"There isn't going to be any performance," flung back Emma. "This is +merely a friendly chat, but it ends here and now. I don't propose to +court publicity. Come on, Sherlock, let us hie us to the lemonade bowl +away from this madding crowd." + +Sherlock offered his free arm--his memoirs were securely tucked under +the other--and strolled nonchalantly toward the punch bowl, looking as +though he were towing an animated rag-bag. + +"Doesn't Emma Dean look too ridiculous for words?" laughed Arline Thayer +to Grace. + +"'Never too late to mend,'" quoted Grace. "I wonder how she ever +happened to hit upon the idea. She is a delightful girl, isn't she?" + +"Emma Dean? One of the nicest girls at Overton." Arline spoke with +enthusiasm. "When I came to Morton House as a freshman, Emma was there, +too. I had the most appalling case of the blues, for I didn't for one +moment believe that I should ever like college. Emma had the next room +to mine. She was so cheerful and said such funny things that I forgot +all about my blues." + +"I never knew she had lived at Morton House," said Grace in surprise. + +"She was there just two weeks," continued Arline. "Then a freshman, who +was an old friend of the Dean family, wanted Emma to room with her at +Wayne Hall, and so she left Morton House and has been at the Hall ever +since." + +"Your loss was our gain," replied Grace. "We couldn't do without Emma at +Wayne Hall. She and Elfreda are the life of the house." + +Arline smiled to herself. Elfreda and Emma might fill their own +particular niches in Wayne Hall, but there was only one Grace Harlowe. +"How I shall miss you, Grace," she said with sudden irrelevance to the +subject of Emma. "I shall miss you more than any other girl in college, +except Ruth, when I go to New York for good and all." + +"I forbid you to mention the subject," cried Grace, her fine face +clouding. "We mustn't even think of it. Oh, listen, Arline! The +orchestra has begun that Strauss waltz I like so well. I'm going to put +these clumsy old andirons over in the corner; then we'll dance and +forget that we are seniors and must pay the penalty." + +It was almost twelve o'clock when the Famous Fiction dance came to a +triumphant end, and the illustrious book heroes and heroines wended +their midnight way toward their various houses and boarding places. The +Wayne Hall girls marched across the campus, Emma Dean parading ahead +with outspread arms, her rags flapping about her, giving her the +appearance of a scarecrow which had just emerged from a farmer's +cornfield. + +"There it is! There lies the mystery!" cried Elfreda, pointing toward +the northern end of the campus, where considerable headway had been made +in digging what appeared to be the cellar of a house. "But Sherlock will +unravel the tangled skein!" + +"Don't be so noisy!" cautioned Miriam Nesbit. "The real Sherlock +wasn't." + +"To-morrow will tell the tale," went on Elfreda unabashed, but in a +slightly lower key. "First, I shall spy upon the workmen, then I shall +collect samples of campus soil and spend the rest of the day deducing." + +"I hope you won't overwork," was Emma's solicitous comment. "While you +are about it you might deduce the identity of 'Peter Rabbit.' I confess +I am curious to know who wore Peter's blue jacket and why she +disappeared so suddenly." + +"So am I," declared Grace. "We must try to find out, too." + +As the merry little party tramped upstairs to their rooms, Grace felt a +hand on her shoulder. + +"Do you really want to know who 'Peter Rabbit' was?" whispered Elfreda. + +"Yes," breathed Grace. + +"Then don't tell the girls. It was Kathleen." + +"Why didn't she unmask with the rest of us?" demanded Grace, as they +reached the head of the stairs. + +"Why didn't she?" repeated Elfreda. "I'll tell you why. She didn't wish +any of us to know who she was. Can't you see? She wanted to be one of +the crowd and she was afraid the girls wouldn't take kindly to her. She +is beginning to feel that she would like to be liked, and," Elfreda +raised one hand, her index finger pointing upward, "'There is hope.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +WHO WILL WIN THE HONOR PIN? + + +After the Famous Fiction masquerade a noticeable lull in social +activities at Overton ensued. Except for basketball, which always +flourished between midyear and Easter, little occurred to break the +studious wave that swept over the college. There was one topic, however, +that furnished food for endless discussion, and that was the senior play +contest. In the beginning a goodly number of girls had entered the +lists, imagining that to write a play was an extremely simple matter. +After two or three feeble attempts at writing, the majority of them had +given up in disgust, and from all that could be learned there were less +than twenty contestants who had persevered. + +The decision of the judges was to be reserved until after the beginning +of the spring term, but the contest closed the Tuesday before the Easter +holiday began, and it had been stipulated in the rules that all +manuscripts must be in the hands of the judges on, or previous to, that +time. + +As far as was known, no one from Wayne Hall, save Kathleen West and +Elfreda, had entered the contest, and even Patience Eliot was not sure +that Kathleen had finished and submitted her play. Several times +Patience endeavored adroitly to lead up to the subject, but Kathleen +invariably turned the conversation into other channels. + +"Patience can't find out whether or not Kathleen West entered the +contest," observed Grace. A week had passed since the beginning of the +spring term, and Miriam, Elfreda, Grace and Anne were strolling across +the campus enjoying the tender beauty of a late April day. + +[Illustration: The Four Friends Were Strolling Across the Campus.] + +"I imagine she did," said Miriam. "I have an idea she is likely to win, +too. I can appreciate her ability if I can't wax enthusiastic over her +disposition." + +"I am so tired of being asked what my play was about," declared Anne. +"Everyone seems to take it for granted that I wrote one. I only wish I +were clever enough to write a play or even a sketch." + +"The announcement is to be made to-morrow isn't it?" asked Miriam. + +Grace nodded. "Miss Duncan told me yesterday that there had been only +fourteen manuscripts handed in. She said at least five of them were +really clever. She and the other judges were to meet last night to talk +over the matter and make their final decision. It is to be announced at +five o'clock to-morrow afternoon in the gymnasium. Didn't you see the +notice on the big bulletin board this morning?" + +"The girl who wins will stand a chance of having her head completely +turned," said Miriam. "If she is a senior, her class will bankrupt +themselves entertaining her, and if she belongs to one of the other +classes, her own class will probably prostrate themselves at her feet in +a body, not to mention the general adulation that is bound to come to +the winner." + +"Then I hope I win," was Elfreda's calm statement. "I know I won't, +because my play was a comedy, and, besides, I know some one else whose +idea for a play was a hundred times better than mine." + +"Who is it?" The question came simultaneously from Miriam and Grace. + +Elfreda shook her head. "I won't say. The person made me promise I +wouldn't tell." + +"Then we aren't curious to know," said Grace promptly. "Forget that we +asked you." + +"Oh, that's all right," assured Elfreda. "You'll know soon enough if she +wins the honor." + +"What are the latest developments in the campus mystery, Professor +Holmes?" laughed Grace. + +"There aren't any," responded Elfreda, shrugging her shoulders. "I found +what I supposed to be a clue, and, careful investigator that I am, ran +it down, but it led to nothing. However, I haven't given up. I'll solve +the problem yet. The noble name of Briggs shall never be associated with +failure." + +"Any time before commencement, Elfreda," jeered Miriam. "You might keep +it as a parting surprise. We shall need something to help bolster up our +courage on that last day when the air is rent with good-byes." + +"That isn't a bad idea," commented Elfreda. "Perhaps I will. I wish +to-morrow were here. I am more anxious to know who won the honor prize +than I am to discover who is responsible for our mysterious campus +house." + +"What are you girls going to do this evening?" asked Grace, as they +reached Wayne Hall and seated themselves on the veranda for a few +minutes' further chat before going upstairs to get ready for dinner. + +"I am going to see Ruth and Arline to-night," announced Anne. "Will you +girls go with me?" + +"I can't," said Miriam regretfully. "I have letters to write." + +"I'll go," agreed Grace. + +Elfreda alone was silent. + +"And what has J. Elfreda Briggs on her mind?" questioned Anne. + +"I can't go. I have another little investigation to pursue," said +Elfreda pompously. "If it turns out well, I may have something to tell +you girls." + +But that night, when the four chums gathered in Grace's room for a brief +social session before retiring, Elfreda shook her head soberly when +reminded of her partial promise. "I am sorry, but I didn't say +positively that I'd tell you." + +"Then it didn't turn out well?" from Miriam. + +"No," replied Elfreda shortly, "it didn't." + +Three pairs of eyes were fixed inquiringly upon Elfreda. "I didn't +promise to tell you anything, you know," she reminded bluntly. + +"We are well aware of that fact, my dear Miss Briggs," laughed Miriam, +"but we would appreciate your confidence, and having aroused our +curiosity you ought to do something to satisfy it." + +"All right, I'll tell you," decided Elfreda. "I purposely waylaid +Kathleen West as she was going out of the house to-night and walked as +far as the library with her. I could see she wasn't yearning for my +company, but I wanted to tell her that I knew she was 'Peter Rabbit' at +the dance. Well, I told her," continued Elfreda grimly, "but I had hard +work doing it. She talked about everything under the sun and wouldn't +give me a chance to say a word. And how she did walk! But I kept up with +her. I could see she wanted to get away from me. I told her just as we +reached the library steps." Elfreda paused. + +"Well, what did she say?" asked Grace almost impatiently. + +"She said 'good night' and ran up the library steps like a flash. I +don't know whether she was angry or not. I can't see why she should be." + +"Here is something at last that Elfreda can't see," murmured Miriam. + +"I can see that it will be a long time before I tell you girls anything +again," retorted Elfreda, but her smiling face belied her brusque words. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +KATHLEEN'S GREAT MOMENT + + +By five o'clock the following afternoon the greater part of the students +of Overton College had assembled in the gymnasium to learn who had won +the honor pin. Every pair of eyes was fixed upon Dr. Hepburn as he rose +from his seat on the platform and faced the gathering of expectant +students who were eagerly awaiting his announcement. + +"It is with the sincerest pleasure that I rise, this afternoon, to +announce that, after due consideration, the judges appointed by the +senior class play committee to pass judgment upon the plays submitted +have decided in favor of the morality play submitted by Miss Kathleen +West, entitled 'Loyalheart; Her Four Years' Pilgrimage.' It is, +perhaps, the most notable manuscript of its kind that has come within +the notice of any member of the committee during a period covering a +number of years," continued Dr. Hepburn, "and Miss West is to be +congratulated on the merit of her remarkable literary effort. I have +also been requested to say that, in the opinion of the judges, the +comedy entitled 'A Quiet Vacation,' by Miss J. Elfreda Briggs, was the +second choice of the committee." + +For an instant after Dr. Hepburn ceased speaking a deep stillness +pervaded the gymnasium, then from all sides rose cries of "Kathleen +West! Elfreda Briggs! Speech! speech!" + +Dr. Hepburn raised his hand for silence, and when quiet had been +restored he said, "If Miss Briggs and Miss West are present, will they +kindly come to the platform?" + +Already Elfreda's three friends were urging her forward. From far back +in the gymnasium a little figure was seen to separate itself from its +fellows and come hesitatingly forward. When Kathleen West reached the +platform and faced her audience she eyed them composedly, although her +face grew very white; then she began speaking in a clear, resonant +voice: + +"I thank you for the honor you have conferred upon me," she said, bowing +to the committee, "and to you," she bowed to her audience, "for your +tribute of appreciation. I should like to say that in creating the +character of 'Loyalheart' I have not drawn upon my fancy, and I know +that the many lovable qualities with which I have endowed my heroine are +to be found in the girl who served as my inspiration. I refer to Miss +Grace Harlowe, of the senior class, whom I consider the ideal Overton +girl." Kathleen's voice trembled slightly on the last sentence. Then she +walked quickly down the aisle, accompanied by a burst of applause that +made the great room ring. + +Grace had listened to Kathleen's little speech with unbelieving ears. +Could this be the antagonistic Kathleen West of a few weeks ago? What +had wrought this marvelous and unlooked-for change? That Elfreda had won +second honors had been forgotten. The attention of the students were +focused on Kathleen. Now repeated calls for "Harlowe! Grace Harlowe!" +sounded. Emma Dean and Arline escorted her to the platform. + +"I thank Miss West for the honor she has done me, and I thank all of +you," she said with a sweet seriousness that went straight to her +hearers' hearts. "Although I am afraid I can't lay claim to the splendid +qualities Miss West has attributed to me, the knowledge that she has +thought me worthy is doubly dear." Then Grace hurried to her place very +near to tears, while Miriam affectionately pressed her arm on one side +and Anne, on the other, slipped her hand into that of her friend, and +thus the three listened to Elfreda's speech. + +"That's about the most satisfactory general meeting I ever attended," +remarked Emma Dean in Miriam's ear as they stepped outside to the +campus, where groups of girls had halted with a view to hailing their +respective friends as they passed. + +"I was never more astonished in my life," returned Miriam, in guarded +tones. "As for Elfreda, she can't believe that she won second honors. +She insists there must have been a mistake." + +"It was a general all-around surprise, I believe," confided Emma. "I +never dreamed that Kathleen West entertained any such feeling for Grace, +and I don't imagine any one else did, either. When is the honor prize to +be presented to her?" + +"On the night of the play. Now that it is all settled, the play +committee had better bestir themselves." + +"You are on the play committee, aren't you?" asked Emma innocently. + +"You needn't remind me of it," laughed Miriam. "I hadn't forgotten it, +and it is plain to be seen that you hadn't. Elfreda, Anne and Ruth +Denton are on it, too. Here comes Elfreda, surrounded by an admiring +throng. Genius will out. I knew she would do something extraordinarily +clever before she wound up her college career." + +"We can't find Kathleen West!" exclaimed Elfreda. "She slipped out of +the gymnasium so quietly that no one realized she had gone. We are going +over to Wayne Hall after her." + +"Where is Grace?" asked Miriam irrelevantly. + +Elfreda made a quick, comprehensive survey of the various groups of +girls. "Why, I don't see her. She was here----" Something in Miriam's +expression caused her to eye her roommate sharply. Miriam shook her head +almost imperceptibly. + +"That's so," returned Elfreda in a low tone. "You never forget anything, +do you, Miriam? I will tell the girls to postpone rushing Kathleen until +to-night." Turning to the crowd of girls, who had been too busy talking +to notice what had passed between her and Miriam, Elfreda said easily: +"Suppose we wait until this evening after dinner, girls. Meet me at the +corner below Wayne Hall at half-past seven o'clock and we will call on +Kathleen and Grace. Miriam will engage to keep them in the house and +we'll have ice cream and cake afterward." + +Elfreda's suggestion was well received, and solemnly winking at Miriam, +she pursued her triumphal journey across the campus, quite surrounded by +her admiring bodyguard. + +But while her friends were discussing the outcome of the play, Kathleen +West, J. Elfreda and Grace, the last named young woman was speeding +across the campus toward Wayne Hall. As she was about to return to her +place among her friends, after making her speech, her alert eyes had +seen a small, familiar figure edge toward the side door of the +gymnasium, then disappear. Grace surmised that Kathleen had gone +directly to Wayne Hall, and without hesitating she hurried after her. +But another person had also marked Kathleen's flight, for as Grace ran +up the steps of the hall she heard a rush of footsteps behind her, and, +turning her head to see who was following her, stopped short, +exclaiming, "I might have known that you would be the first to go to +her, Patience!" + +"That is just what I was thinking of you," smiled Patience. "But you +must go first. Wasn't it the most astounding announcement you ever +heard. I am not surprised at her winning the honor pin. It is her change +of heart that astonishes me. I realized that she had improved, but I +never heard of anything like this. I suspect Elfreda Briggs knows more +about this miracle than she will admit. I overheard her talking to +Kathleen one night. I didn't mean to listen. I was just about to enter +the room when I heard something Elfreda said and hurried off as fast as +I could go." + +"I think Elfreda had a hand in it, too," said Grace, with shining eyes. +"What a glorious success she has made of her four years. Now, one of us +must go to Kathleen." + +"You go," insisted Patience. "I'll drop in later." + +Grace went into the house and upstairs, hardly knowing what to do or +say. She knocked gently on Kathleen's door, then at sound of a muffled +"Come," turned the knob and stepped inside. Kathleen had thrown herself +face downward upon her couch, her face buried in the cushions. Without +raising her head, she faltered, "Is it you, Grace?" + +"Yes," answered Grace softly, as she approached the couch on which +Kathleen lay. + +"I knew you would come--you and Patience." + +"Patience is downstairs," returned Grace. "She will be here soon." + +Kathleen raised herself to a sitting posture. Her eyes were very bright. +There was no sign of tears in them. "Grace, can you ever forgive me for +all the trouble I have caused you?" she asked solemnly. + +"Of course I can, Kathleen," replied Grace, slipping down on the couch +beside Kathleen and placing her arm about the slender shoulders of the +newspaper girl. "You are not the only one at fault. I blame myself for a +great many things that happened. If we had only known that you wished to +be in the circus. We never thought of slighting you, Kathleen." + +"I know it now," rejoined Kathleen sadly, "but I was furious with you at +the time. Then, too, I had made up my mind not to like you. I thought +you priggish and narrow-minded. I didn't understand college in the +least. I was ready to ride over every Overton tradition for the sake of +having my own way. Patience was the first to show me where I stood, and +I tried to see matters from her standpoint. Then came the temptation to +publish that 'Larry, the Locksmith' story, and you know the rest. + +"Elfreda Briggs was the one who brought me to my first realization of +college spirit. She had been watching me all year and discovered that I +was unhappy. She marched into my room one night and found me crying. +When she left me I was happier than I had been for months. She had shown +me the way to atone for some of the mischief I had made. It was she who +gave me the idea for the play. I had begun a play, then had destroyed +it, resolving to have nothing more to do with the contest. After Elfreda +and I had our talk I began again and I wrote 'Loyalheart.' After the +Famous Fiction Dance Elfreda came to me again. She was determined to +help me." + +Grace's face grew radiant when Kathleen told of Elfreda's part in the +affair. A great wave of love and tenderness for the one-time stout girl, +who had begun her college life at such a disadvantage, swept over her. +"Dear old J. Elfreda," she murmured. "What a wonder she is!" + +"But there is one thing I haven't yet told you," said Kathleen. "You are +to create the role of 'Loyalheart' in my play. You mustn't refuse. It +was written for you, and no one else could possibly play it. Elfreda is +going to arrange that part of it with the play committee. Please don't +refuse. If you only knew how much it means to me." Kathleen's eyes were +fixed appealingly upon Grace. + +"I won't refuse," was Grace's gentle answer. "I'll do it just to please +you and to cement our life-long friendship." The two girls had risen +now, and stood facing each other. Then their hands met in a silent +pledge of friendship that was to prove faithful to the end. + + * * * * * + +Loyalheart stepped into life on the fifth Friday evening after Easter +and for two hours and a half her adoring audience of Overton students +hung on her slightest word or gesture. From the moment in which +Loyalheart left Haven Home on her Four Years' Pilgrimage she ceased to +exist as Grace Harlowe, merging her personality entirely in that of the +beautiful allegorical character she was portraying. + +The play itself was in four acts, each representing one of the four +college years. Written in the form of an allegory, it partook of the +nature of a morality play and told the story of Loyalheart's eventful +pilgrimage through the Land of College, accompanied by her faithful +friends, Honor, Forbearance, Silence and Good Humor. Her heroic efforts +to keep her four friends with her in spite of the plots of Snobbery, +Gossip, Jealousy, Frivolity and Treachery, and her readiness to extend a +helping hand to Diffidence, Poverty and Misunderstood, result in the +creation of an illusive being known to her only as the Spirit, a +white-robed apparition which visits her more frequently as she +approaches the end of her pilgrimage. At the termination of Senior Lane, +which is separated from the Highway of Life by the Gate of Commencement, +the Spirit, clothed in glittering raiment, appears to Loyalheart, and +she learns that in helping others and clinging to her ideals she has +fostered and nurtured to radiant growth none other than the fabled +College Spirit which she has ardently striven to recognize and possess. + +Greatly to her delight, Emma Dean had been asked to play the part of the +Spirit, and exhibited real histrionic ability in the role. As +Loyalheart, Grace, who, day after day, had been painstakingly coached by +Anne, left nothing to be desired in her portrayal of the role assigned +to her. Ruth Denton, Gertrude Wells, and Miriam Nesbit, respectively, +enacted the roles of Honor, Forbearance and Silence, while Elfreda +insisted on playing Good Humor, and was greeted with appreciative +laughter whenever she appeared. + +The play was written in blank verse, and many of the passages were +extremely beautiful. Loyalheart's farewell to Haven Home and the +revelation of the Spirit to Loyalheart at the Highway of Life were +particularly worthy of note. The speeches of Good Humor scintillated +with wit, and the unpleasant characters in the play were peculiarly true +to life. Grace took half a dozen curtain calls, and Kathleen West was +also summoned before the curtain and publicly presented with the honor +pin by President Morton. + +It was an evening long to be remembered, and the story of Loyalheart and +her pilgrimage was destined to remain in the minds of the Overton girls +for many a day. + +It was after eleven o 'clock when a very tired Loyalheart went forth on +a pilgrimage to Wayne Hall, accompanied by her equally loyal supporters, +who were proudly bearing numerous floral offerings which had been handed +to Grace over the footlights. + +"I am so tired," she sighed, "but so happy. It was a beautiful play, +wasn't it?" + +"And you were the nicest part of it," said Anne fondly. "Your portrayal +of Loyalheart was wonderful." + +"And so was your coaching," retorted Grace, promptly. + +"It is far from early," remarked Elfreda in a suggestive tone, as they +halted for a moment at the head of the stairs, "but we are all here, and +I know how to make fruit punch. In fact, I got the stuff ready, thinking +that it might be useful!" + +"We will be in your room within the next ten minutes," said Grace +decisively. "Such hospitality is not met with every day." + +True to her word, ten minutes later she and Anne were seated on the foot +of Elfreda's bed, kimono clad and smiling, while Elfreda labored with +the fruit punch. Kathleen West and Patience Eliot, who had also been +invited to the punch party, were seated on cushions on the floor. + +Suddenly the soft tinkle of a mandolin sounded under the window, then a +chorus of fresh young voices sang softly: + + "Come, tune your lyre to Kathleen West, + Of all the plays hers is the best; + Long may she shine, long may she wave, + Her shrine we deck with garlands brave; + May Fortune bring her world renown-- + To Kathleen West, girls, drink her down." + +"How perfectly sweet in them!" exclaimed Kathleen, her color rising. + +"Hush!" Miriam held up her finger. + + "Dear Loyalheart, we sing to you, + O girl so brave and sweet and true, + May life to you be wondrous kind, + And may you all its treasures find; + May skies ne'er threaten you, nor frown-- + To Loyalheart, girls, drink her down." + +Owing to the lateness of the play no one at Wayne Hall had had time to +retire, and, hearing the music, the girls had with one accord hurried to +the windows. + +"Come on up, Gertrude," called Grace into the soft darkness. "I know +your voice. How on earth did you get out of your costume, go home for +your mandolin and manage to land under Miriam's and Elfreda's window, +all within half an hour?" + +"That's easy. We brought our instruments of torture with us to the play, +and Elfreda agreed to have you girls in her room at the time appointed." + +"There is fruit punch enough to go round, and dozens of cakes," observed +an ingratiating voice over Grace's shoulder. + +"We had several more verses to sing, and one for you, Elfreda. If you +will ask Mrs. Elwood's permission, we will come up, sing them and +incidentally sample the punch and the cakes," stipulated Gertrude. + +There were seven girls in the party of serenaders--Gertrude, Arline, +Ruth Denton, the Emerson twins, Elizabeth Wade and Marian Cummings. When +the last cake had disappeared and the punch was almost gone, the +serenading party sang the rest of their verses and departed gayly, yet +in spite of their gayety there lurked in each heart the shadow of the +parting that was to come all too soon. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +GRACE FINDS HER WORK + + +Commencement day dawned smilingly, as though anxious to contribute to +the happiness of the four chums by putting on its most sunshiny face. A +cool breeze swept across the campus, and, according to J. Elfreda +Briggs, one didn't really mind being graduated on such a day. + +The hotels of Overton were well filled with friends and relatives of the +graduates. The Southards, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Pierson and her daughter Mary, +together with Mrs. Allison, Mabel and the remainder of the Eight +Originals Plus Two had been staying at the "Tourraine" for the past two +days. Elfreda's father and mother had also arrived and were staying at +the "Wilton," an old-fashioned hotel near the campus. The four chums +found it somewhat of a problem to divide their time equally among their +classmates, friends and families. During those last days their +opportunities for confidential talks came only at the end of the +evening, when, having bade a round of affectionate good-nights, they +spent a few moments in either Grace's or Miriam's room before retiring. + +"I feel at least a hundred years old to-day," announced J. Elfreda +Briggs, as she stood arranging her hair before the mirror preparatory to +putting on her cap and gown. + +"Yes, you look quite like some grand old ruin," observed Miriam soberly, +as she unearthed her slippers from the depths of her closet and hunted +vainly about for a shoe horn. + +Elfreda laid her comb on the dressing table, grinned her appreciation of +this pleasantry, then, giving her smoothly coiffed hair a last pat, +reached for her cap. "I am so glad I can wear black without looking like +a funeral procession," she observed. + +"Hurry, girls," sounded Grace's clear tones outside their door. "It is +time we were on our way." + +"Coming," called Miriam, springing from the edge of the bed, where she +had sat to put on her slippers, and hastily adjusting her cap. In the +next instant the four friends accompanied by Emma Dean were hurrying +across the campus to the gymnasium, where the senior class were to meet, +then proceed in a body to the chapel, where the commencement exercises +were to be held. + +The little procession of seniors walked two by two to the chapel, and to +Grace, who walked with Anne, it seemed the most wonderful moment of her +life. She marked the calm, almost exalted expression which Anne wore. +Elfreda and Miriam, looking very stately in their black gowns, were just +ahead of her and Anne, while Arline and Ruth Denton were directly behind +them. As they walked sedately down the aisle of the chapel to the places +reserved for them, Grace's eyes searched the rows of seats for her +father and mother, whom she spied when almost opposite them. Just as she +passed their row she managed to send one tender little glance to them, +which caused their faces to glow with pride as their fond eyes followed +the straight, supple figure of their daughter who had so amply fulfilled +their expectations. + +The exercises, while impressive to the friends of the graduates, were +doubly so to the graduates themselves, who were deeply conscious of the +fact that their diplomas were their passports into the real world of +work and endeavor that was now about to open before them. + +At the conclusion of the exercises the usual gifts and endowments to the +college were announced. Among them was Thomas Redfield's annual gift to +the Semper Fidelis Club, which brought forth a quick tribute of applause +from the seniors, which was seconded by the entire assemblage. "And +lastly allow me to mention the latest and one of the most acceptable +gifts ever bestowed upon the college," stated President Morton. + +Grace bowed her head. She had reached the very end of Senior Lane. A few +moments and her college life would be over. She had finished her course. +She had kept faith with herself, and now there remained the wide world +and her work, whatever that might be. Her reflections were brought to an +abrupt end by what President Morton was saying. She raised her head in +sudden amazement. "I refer to the newly completed house at the northern +end of the campus," she heard, "presented to Overton and endowed by Mrs. +Rose Gray as a mark of appreciation of her young friends, Grace Harlowe, +Miriam Nesbit and Anne Pierson. It is Mrs. Gray's wish that her gift to +Overton College shall be known henceforth and forever as 'Harlowe +House.'" + +Absolute silence reigned for an instant after this announcement, then +the quiet chapel echoed with the applause of the enthusiastic +assemblage. President Morton waited until he could make himself heard, +then went on to explain more fully that Harlowe House was to be +dedicated to the use of those girls who were making a struggle to +acquire a college education. Then there was more applause, and Mrs. Gray +was asked to address the graduates. + +"And to think," said Grace, as, a little later, she stood with Miriam, +Anne and Elfreda outside the chapel, surrounded by those she loved, +"that I know at last what my work is going to be." + +"But we don't know," reminded her father, almost wistfully. + +"There is only one thing for me to do," laughed Grace, her eyes shining, +"and that is----" + +"Oh, I know," interposed Elfreda, "you're coming back to the campus to +look after Harlowe House." + +"You could see that, couldn't you, Elfreda?" laughed Miriam. + +"How did you guess it?" asked Grace. "Yes, I should like to come back if +Father and Mother can spare me." + +"The rest of her friends don't count," commented Hippy Wingate. + +"You know they do, Hippy," smiled Grace. "I must have the permission and +good will of all of them if my work is to be a success." + +"You have your mother's and my full consent, Grace," said her father +loyally. + +Grace made a little movement toward her parents, slipping in between +them and catching a hand of each. "There is only one thing I can say, +and I've said it hundreds of times before, You are the dearest father +and mother a girl ever had." + + * * * * * + +It was rather a silent quartette that gathered for the last time in +Grace's room that night. Emma Dean had left Overton on the evening +train. So had Patience Eliot, Kathleen West and Laura Atkins. The +sophomores of Wayne Hall had departed before commencement, and to-night +the house was very quiet. + +"And to-morrow is another day," observed Elfreda. + +"So it is, my child," agreed Miriam, "but we shall spend it on the +train." + +"Do you remember one day, ages ago, when Elfreda Briggs deposited her +suit case on Grace Harlowe's feet and made herself comfortable. Wasn't I +a vandal?" + +"Think what we all might have missed if we hadn't acquired a proprietary +interest in Elfreda that day." + +"And now you can't lose me. There, that is the first slang I've used for +months, and on commencement day, too." + +"Never mind, Elfreda. It is forcible at least. But we don't wish to lose +you. You must keep your promise and come to Oakdale this summer." + +"I will," promised Elfreda; "and now suppose we have one last sad tea +party." + +It was almost midnight before Miriam and Elfreda went softly down the +oppressively quiet hall to their room. + +"Are you happy, Anne?" asked Grace, slipping her arm about her friend +and drawing her to the window where, dark against the moonlit sky, rose +the tower of Overton Hall. + +"Almost too happy for words, and yet I dread leaving Overton." + +"You must come back next year and visit me. I do hope I shall make a +good house mother. Do you know, Anne, in my mind I've already picked out +a motto to hang over my door. It is, 'Blessed are they that have found +their work.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +The full moon shone down with his broadest smile on the group of young +people who occupied Mrs. Gray's roomy, old-fashioned veranda. + +"We're here because we're here," caroled Hippy Wingate, balancing +himself on the edge of the porch rail, both arms outspread to show how +successfully he could sit on the narrow railing without support. + +"You won't be 'here' very long," cautioned Miriam Nesbit. "You are +likely to land in that rose bush just below you. It's a very thorny one, +too. I know, because I tried to pull a rose from it only a little while +ago. Remember, I have warned you." + +"Don't worry over me, Miriam," declared Hippy airily, pretending to lose +his balance and recovering himself with an exaggerated jerk. + +"Oh, I am not worrying," retorted Miriam. "If _you_ fall backward into +that rose bush it won't hurt _me_." + +"Did I say it would, my child?" asked Hippy serenely. + +"Don't answer him, Miriam," advised Nora. "He is like Tennyson's +'Brooklet,' he goes on forever." + +"How peaceful and quiet it was in Oakdale until yesterday," was Hippy's +sorrowful comment. "'Gone are the days when my heart was light and gay,' +etc." + +"It will be not merely a case of bygone days, but bygone Hippy as well," +threatened David. "Reddy and I intend to defend our friends against your +personal attacks." + +"I wasn't personal," beamed Hippy. "I didn't say anything about any one. +I merely observed that since yesterday Oakdale had become a howling +wilderness----" + +Hippy did not stop to finish his speech, but, nimbly dodging David and +Reddy Brooks, who rose from the porch, determination written on their +faces, bounded down the steps and disappeared around the corner of the +house. + +"He is the same Hippy who made life merry for us eight years ago when we +were high school freshmen," smiled Grace. "He hasn't changed in the +least." + +"None of my Christmas children have changed," was Mrs. Gray's fond +retort. + +"Neither has our fairy godmother," reminded Anne. + +"I never feel grown up or responsible when we all gather home," said +Jessica. + +"And yet Tom is on his first vacation from work, David and Reddy are +rising young business men, and Hippy is studying law," reminded Grace. + +"Yes, but I don't like it," remarked a plaintive voice, as a fat face +appeared around the corner of the porch. "I want to be a brakeman." + +It was impossible not to laugh at Hippy, and, encouraged by the +merriment, he cautiously climbed the steps of the porch and returned to +his precarious perch upon the railing. + + "I want to be a brakeman, + And with the brakemen stay, + I'd ride upon the choo-choo cars + Through all the livelong day," + +he warbled, rocking backward and forward in time to his song. + +"Why don't you go down to the railroad yard and put in your application, +then?" was Reddy's stolid advice. "If I intended to be a brakeman I +wouldn't study law." + +"Alas! I am obliged to obey the wishes of my cruel parents," whined +Hippy. "I am seriously contemplating wrapping a few little things in a +handkerchief and leaving home forever. I remember once when I was very +young and unsophisticated I decided upon this step. I was deeply +incensed with Father because he had punished me for playing truant from +school. I went upstairs to my room and packed three neckties, a boxing +glove, two books, a baseball and a picture of myself in baseball clothes +in a suit case. I carried the bat, and as a last precaution I took a toy +pistol and my bank, which boasted of sixty-four cents. I started at +about eight o'clock in the evening and went as far as the summer house +at the lower end of our grounds. I sat down to rest, went to sleep and +woke up about two o'clock in the morning. Then I discovered that I was +afraid of the dark and didn't dare go even as far as the house. I crept +into the summer house and stayed there until morning; then I went home, +suit case and all. I managed to get into the house before any one else +was up, but I decided there were worse places than home. However, if the +brakeman aspiration proves too strong I may be obliged to leave home +again. After all, it may be my vocation." + +"Hippy Wingate, when will you be sensible?" asked Nora O'Malley. + +"Never, I am afraid. You see, my associations tend to make me foolish. +Birds of a feather, you know, and when one's intimate friends----" Hippy +paused. "You understand I don't like to say that you in particular are +responsible, but----" + +"I'll never forgive you for that," declared Nora. + +"Then that means that our engagement----" + +Hippy was not allowed to finish. A shout went up from the others, and he +and Nora were surrounded. + +"Hippy, how could you?" The pink in Nora's cheeks deepened, but she did +not deny his statement. + +"Nora, come here," commanded Mrs. Gray. + +Nora obeyed with a shyness entirely foreign to her. Putting her finger +under Nora's rounded chin, Mrs. Gray looked smilingly into the piquant +face. Then she drew the girl within her circling arm and kissed her. +Grace, Miriam, Anne and Jessica followed suit. + +"Now it is your turn, Jessica and Reddy," said Nora pointedly. + +Jessica's pale face grew scarlet. She looked appealingly toward Reddy, +who sat beside her, then they rose and, taking her hand in his, Reddy +said with a world of affection in his voice, "Jessica has promised to +marry me in the fall." Jessica and Reddy were immediately surrounded. + +"Will surprises never cease?" exclaimed Grace, regarding her betrothed +friends with loving eyes. "Now I begin to believe that we have really +grown up." + +"_You_ haven't," retorted Tom Gray in a low tone which Grace alone +heard. + +"Give me a year or two in which to do my work, and perhaps I will," said +Grace softly. + +"Do you really mean that, Grace?" asked Tom eagerly. + +"I think I do, Tom," hesitated Grace, "but I can't promise you what you +wish, yet." + +"By the low, significant tones over in Grace's corner I imagine another +engagement is about to be announced," remarked Hippy, grinning broadly. +All eyes were immediately turned upon Grace and Tom. + +Grace met their gaze with a shake of her head. "No," she said, "Tom and +I are not even engaged. I must be free to go back to Overton next year +to do my work there. I must look after my house for one year at least." + +Tom's face clouded, but he said no more. David, too, was strangely +silent. Anne had accepted an engagement to tour America with Everett +Southard in Shakespearean roles the next season. Miss Southard was to +accompany them on the tour. Still, David had the satisfaction of knowing +that Anne loved him and that some day she would be his wife, although, +like Grace, she would neither bind herself by a promise nor allow him to +place his ring upon her finger. + +A little silence followed the announcement of the engagement of part of +Mrs. Gray's Christmas children. Hippy had resumed his position on the +railing, while Nora had slipped to the seat beside Grace, her hand in +that of her friend. The little company of young people realized, to a +person, that for them life was taking on a strange and earnest meaning, +while Mrs. Gray, in spite of this garland of youth with which she +delighted to beautify her latter days, felt very, very old. + +Suddenly the silence was rudely broken. Hippy, who was more embarrassed +than he cared to indicate, leaned too far back and lost his balance. +There was a horrified gasp, a pair of stout legs waved in the air, and +Theophilus Hippopotamus Wingate, as he invariably styled himself, +fulfilled Miriam's prediction to the letter, and crashed ignominiously +into the prickly arms of the big rose bush. + +"There is no use in trying to be retrospective while Hippy is with us," +declared Mrs. Gray when their mirth had subsided and Hippy had clambered +to his feet. A long scratch ornamented one fat cheek and his hands +showed the result of his fall among thorns. But his smile was as wide as +ever. + +"Poor Hippy," sympathized Miriam. "I'm so sorry." + +"Then stop laughing," retorted Hippy. + +"Yes, I'm sorry--for the rosebush," jeered Reddy. + +Those who have learned to look upon Grace Harlowe and her companions as +friends of old standing will meet her again in the near future. In +"Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton Campus" they will find her +at Harlowe House and learn just how successfully she carried on her +chosen work. + +THE END. + + + + + * * * * * + + + + HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S + + Best and Least Expensive + Books for Boys and Girls + + + + + 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. + + THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; + Or, The Secret of Smugglers' Island. + + THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; + Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir. + + THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; + Or, A Daring Marine Game at Racing Speed. + + THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; + Or, The Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise. + + THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; + Or, Laying the Ghost of Alligator Swamp. + + THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; + Or, A Thrilling Capture in the Great Fog. + + THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES; + Or, The Flying Dutchman of the Big Fresh Water. + + + + + Battleship Boys Series + + By FRANK GEE PATCHIN + + + These stories throb with, the life of young Americans on today's + huge drab Dreadnaughts. + + THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; + Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy. + + THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' FIRST STEP UPWARD; + Or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers. + + THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; + Or, Earning New Ratings in European Seas. + + THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS; + Or, Upholding the American Flag in a Honduras Revolution. + + THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE WARDROOM; + Or, Winning their Commissions as Line Officers. + + THE BATTLESHIP BOYS WITH THE ADRIATIC CHASERS; + Or, Blocking the Path of the Undersea Raiders. + + THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' SKY PATROL; + Or, Fighting the Hun from above the Clouds. + + + + + The Range and Grange Hustlers + + By FRANK GEE PATCHIN + + + Have you any idea of the excitements, the glories of life or + 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. + + THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE RANCH; + Or, The Boy Shepherds of the Great Divide. + + THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST ROUND-UP; + Or, Pitting Their Wits Against a Packers' Combine. + + THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE PLAINS; + Or, Following the Steam Plows Across the Prairie. + + THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS AT CHICAGO; + Or, The Conspiracy of the Wheat Pit. + + + + + Submarine Boys Series + + By VICTOR G. DURHAM + + + THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; + Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat. + + THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; + Or, "Making Good" as Young Experts. + + THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; + Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis. + + THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; + Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep. + + THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; + Or, The Young Kings of the Deep. + + THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; + Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam. + + THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; + Or, Breaking Up the New Jersey Customs Frauds. + + + + + Grace Harlowe Overseas Series + + + GRACE HARLOWE OVERSEAS. + + GRACE HARLOWE WITH THE RED CROSS IN FRANCE. + + GRACE HARLOWE WITH THE MARINES AT CHATEAU THIERRY. + + GRACE HARLOWE WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN THE ARGONNE. + + + + + The College Girls Series + + By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M. + + + GRACE HARLOWE'S FIRST YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S SECOND YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S THIRD YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S RETURN TO OVERTON CAMPUS. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S PROBLEM. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S GOLDEN SUMMER. + + + + + Pony Rider Boys Series + + By FRANK GEE PATCHIN + + + These tales may be aptly described the best books for boys and girls. + + THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; + Or, The Secret of the Lost Claim. + + THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; + Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains. + + THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA; + Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer Trail. + + THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; + Or, The Secret of Ruby Mountain. + + THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; + Or, Finding a Key to the Desert Maze. + + THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO; + Or, The End of the Silver Trail. + + THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; + Or, The Mystery of Bright Angel Gulch. + + + + + The Boys of Steel Series + + By JAMES R. MEARS + + + Each book presents vivid picture of this great industry. Each story + is full of adventure and fascination. + + THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; + Or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft. + + THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; + Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift. + + THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS; + Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes. + + THE IRON BOYS IN THE STEEL MILLS; + Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder Pits. + + + + + The Madge Morton Books + + By AMY D. V. CHALMERS + + + MADGE MORTON-CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID. + + MADGE MORTON'S SECRET. + + MADGE MORTON'S TRUST. + + MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY. + + + + + West Point Series + + By H. IRVING HANCOCK + + + The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young + Americans whose doings will inspire all boy readers. + + DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; + Or, Two Chums in the Cadet Gray. + + DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; + Or, Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life. + + DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; + Or, Standing Firm for Flag and Honor. + + DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; + Or, Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps. + + + + + Annapolis Series + + By H. IRVING HANCOCK + + + The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted + in these volumes. + + DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; + Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy. + + DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; + Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters." + + DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; + Or, Leaders of the Second Class Midshipmen. + + DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; + Or, Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise. + + + + + 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. + + THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; + Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest. + + THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; + Or, Laying Tracks on the "Man-Killer" Quicksand. + + THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; + Or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of a Pick. + + THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; + Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers. + + + + + 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. + + UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; + Or, Two Recruits in the United States Army. + + UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; + Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons. + + UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; + Or, Handling Their First Real Commands. + + UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; + Or, Following the Flag Against the Moros. + + UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS LIEUTENANTS; + Or, Serving Old Glory as Line Officers. + + UNCLE SAM'S BOYS WITH PERSHING; + Or, Dick Prescott at Grips with the Boche. + + UNCLE SAM'S BOYS SMASH THE GERMANS; + Or, Winding Up the Great War. + + + + + Dave Darrin Series + + By H. IRVING HANCOCK + + + DAVE DARRIN AT VERA CRUZ; + Or, Fighting With the U. S. Navy in Mexico. + + DAVE DARRIN ON MEDITERRANEAN SERVICE. + + DAVE DARRIN'S SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE. + + DAVE DARRIN ON THE ASIATIC STATION. + + DAVE DARRIN AND THE GERMAN SUBMARINES. + + DAVE DARRIN AFTER THE MINE LAYERS; + Or, Hitting the Enemy a Hard Naval Blow. + + + + + The Meadow-Brook Girls Series + + By JANET ALDRIDGE + + + THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS. + + THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY. + + THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT. + + THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN THE HILLS. + + THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS BY THE SEA. + + THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ON THE TENNIS COURTS. + + + + + 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. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; + Or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and Sports. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; + Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; + Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; + Or, Dick & Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard. + + + + + 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. + + THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; + Or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving. + + THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; + Or, Dick & Co. at Winter Sports. + + THE, GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; + Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and Knowledge. + + THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; + Or, Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure. + + + + + 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. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB; + Or, Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; + Or, The Dick Prescott Six Training for the Gridley Eleven. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; + Or, Dick & Co. in the Wilderness. + + THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; + Or, Dick & Co. Making Themselves "Hard as Nails." + + + + + The Circus Boys Series + + By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON + + + Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely + interesting and exciting life. + + THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; + Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life. + + THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; + Or, Winning New Laurels on the Tanbark. + + THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; + Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny South. + + THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; + Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big River. + + + + + 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. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; + Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; + Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; + Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities. + + GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; + Or, The Parting of the Ways. + + + + + 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. + + THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; + Or, Watching the Summer Parade. + + THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; + Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail. + + THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; + Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow. + + THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; + Or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds. + + THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM BEACH; + Or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies. + + THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT WASHINGTON; + Or, Checkmating the Plots of Foreign Spies. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Grace Harlowe's Fourth Year at Overton +College, by Jessie Graham Flower + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR *** + +***** This file should be named 20474.txt or 20474.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/4/7/20474/ + +Produced by David Newman, Sigal Alon, Mary Meehan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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