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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f7674ae --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53637 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53637) diff --git a/old/53637-0.txt b/old/53637-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 90f83a9..0000000 --- a/old/53637-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7118 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Marjorie Dean Macy, by Pauline Lester - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Marjorie Dean Macy - -Author: Pauline Lester - -Release Date: November 30, 2016 [EBook #53637] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE DEAN MACY *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from images made available by the HathiTrust -Digital Library.) - - - - - - -[Illustration: Surrounded by a love knot of friends, Marjorie opened -package after package.] - - _(Page 161)_ _(Marjorie Dean Macy)_ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - MARJORIE DEAN - MACY - - BY PAULINE LESTER - - AUTHOR OF - - “The Marjorie Dean High School Series,” “The - Marjorie Dean College Series,” “The Marjorie - Dean Post-Graduate Series,” etc. - - [Illustration] - - A. L. BURT COMPANY - Publishers New York - Printed in U. S. A. - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - MARJORIE DEAN - POST-GRADUATE SERIES - - A SERIES FOR GIRLS 12 TO 18 YEARS OF AGE - - BY PAULINE LESTER - - MARJORIE DEAN, POST-GRADUATE - MARJORIE DEAN, MARVELOUS MANAGER - MARJORIE DEAN AT HAMILTON ARMS - MARJORIE DEAN’S ROMANCE - MARJORIE DEAN MACY - - Copyright, 1926 - By A. L. BURT COMPANY - - MARJORIE DEAN MACY - - Made in “U. S. A.” - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - MARJORIE DEAN MACY - - - CHAPTER I. - - MANAÑA - - -“Here I am—all booted and spurred and ready to ride,” Marjorie Dean -called out gaily to Veronica Lynne as Ronny entered the cool spacious -patio of Lucero de la Manaña, the Lynnes’ beautiful ranch home in -southern California. - -Marjorie was a feast for beauty-loving eyes as she sat on the wide stone -edge of the silver-spraying fountain with its musical murmur of water -splashing into a white marble basin. The mannish cut of her gray -knickered riding clothes merely made her look more than ever like a -little girl. From under her little round gray hat with its bit of -irridescent color her bright brown curls showed in a soft fluff. She sat -smiling at Ronny, a sleeve of her riding coat pushed back from one -rounded arm, one hand trailing idly in the clear water of the basin. - -“You _sound_ like Paul Revere. At least, that is what he said, -supposedly, on the night of his famous ride. You _look_ like Leila -Harper’s friend, Beauty, even in riding togs.” Ronny came over to -Marjorie, smiling. - -“I only remember Leila Harper.” Marjorie glanced up teasingly. - -“You are altogether too forgetful,” Ronny lightly reproved. - -She paused, looking amusedly down at her pretty chum. She was wearing a -white linen, knickered riding suit which was vastly becoming. Her wide -gray eyes gave out a happy light that her heart switched on every time -her gaze came to rest upon Marjorie. - -Since first she had known Marjorie Dean, back in their senior high -school days at Sanford, she had cherished a pet dream. That dream had -come true six weeks previous when Marjorie, her father and mother had -arrived from the East to make Ronny a long deferred visit. To range the -great ranch, pony-back, with Marjorie riding beside her, ever a -gracious, inspiriting comrade, was Ronny’s highest desire toward -happiness. - -“How long have you been waiting for me, Miss Paul Revere?” she playfully -questioned. “Why didn’t you come to Ronny’s room and hang around? Why so -unsociable?” Ronny drew down her face into an aggrieved expression which -her dancing eyes contradicted. “I’ve known you to be much more cordial -at old Wayland Hall.” - -“Oh, I’ve only been here about three minutes. I’m miles more sociable -than I was at Wayland Hall,” laughed Marjorie. “I thought you’d be ready -and ahead of me. When I found you weren’t, I couldn’t resist stopping to -dabble my hand in the water. I love the patio, Ronny, and adore the -fountain. If I lived here three months longer I should be so steeped in -the beauty of Manaña that I’d forget the East—maybe.” Her “maybe” was -stronger than her light prediction. - -“The magic spell of Manaña is upon you,” Ronny confidently asserted. -“There is a mystical, romantic beauty about Manaña. I have searched for -it over and over again in the East, but have never found it. It seems to -me our Manaña is Nature’s own ideal of grandeur and beauty. I think the -Spanish influence in the house and about the ranch heightens its claim -to the romantic. Hamilton Arms has a certain stateliness of beauty, all -its own. But has it anything more romantically beautiful than this -patio?” - -“It’s true as you live, Ronny Lynne,” agreed Marjorie gaily. - -“You couldn’t love the patio better than I do.” Ronny cast a fond glance -about the great square-covered court with its central crystal-spraying -fountain and its ancient stone floor, gay with rugs and colorful Navajo -blankets. The few inviting lounging chairs, the reading stand piled with -current magazines, the quaint leather-covered Spanish couch, long and -narrow, and heaped with gorgeous-hued silken cushions seemed only to -accentuate the primitive charm of the old-time inclosure. Above it a -railed-in Spanish balcony extended around the four sides. It was bright -with flowering plants and further beautified by the masses of trailing -vines which clambered over the old-time mahogany railing. - -“I know it.” Marjorie gave a quick nod. “I’d not wish to love it as much -as Hamilton Arms. I never thought I could care more for the Arms than -dear Castle Dean. But I do. My whole heart is bound up in it, and -Hamilton. I hope that I—that—we—will—” Marjorie stopped, her color -deepening. “I hope Hal and I will live at Hamilton some day.” She -continued in shy haste to finish what she had begun to say when girlish -embarrassment had overtaken her. - -“I believe Hamilton to be the one place for you and Hal to live,” Ronny -made hearty response. “It would be splendid if General and Captain -should decide to live in Hamilton Estates, too. ‘Where the treasure is, -there shall the heart be also,’ you know. You are General’s and -Captain’s treasure, and Hamilton is your treasure, so why shouldn’t you -all get together and be happy? None of you have really anything special -to bind you to Sanford. That is, not as you have at Hamilton.” Ronny -smiled very tenderly at Marjorie’s glowing face. - -“It’s different with me,” Ronny continued. “My treasure is Father. So -Manaña means most of any place on earth to me. I love Hamilton -devotedly. Remember, there are plenty of Travelers to help complete the -dormitory, but only one Traveler to comfort a lonely man. Father has -considered me above himself always. Now I must begin to consider him.” - -Marjorie sprang up from her seat upon the fountain’s stone edge. “It’s -odd to me still, Ronny—being engaged to be married to Hal,” she -confessed as she shyly busied herself with the drying of her wet hand -with her handkerchief. - -Ronny nodded sympathetically. “I always believed it would happen some -day,” she said. “You can’t help but feel strange about it, though. -You’ve hardly seen him since college closed.” - -“But I’m going to see him soon.” The note of unmistakable happiness in -Marjorie’s reply was in itself convincing of the true state of the -little Lieutenant’s heart. - -The two friends had now passed through the arched stone doorway of the -patio and stepped out upon the lawn. They crossed it to the ancient -brick drive and followed the drive toward a point near the heavy iron -entrance gates, where a young Mexican boy stood holding the bridles of -two horses. The girls were going for a ride before sunset. - -“_Bueno; muy bueno, Ramon. Muchas gracias_ (Good; very good, Ramon. -Thank you very much),” Ronny brightly smiled her further thanks at the -pleased groom. - -Ramon showed white teeth, acknowledging her thanks in Spanish. Due to -her love of action Marjorie had learned to ride with a readiness which -delighted and amazed Ronny. She had picked for Marjorie a handsome white -pony which she had fancifully named Dawn. Pony and rider had quickly -become fast friends. Ronny’s own pet mount, Lightning, a soft black -thoroughbred that deserved his name, was the admiration and the despair -of the majority of the cowboys on the ranch. Few besides Ronny and Mr. -Lynne had been able to stay long upon his back. He obeyed Ronny because -he loved her. - -“Your going home will leave a horrible blank space at my hearthstone,” -Ronny regretfully told Marjorie as they rode their ponies slowly through -the opened gates and out onto a broad trail which descended gradually in -an easterly direction. - -“I wish you could be in two places at once,” Marjorie returned with a -soft little sigh. “I hate to leave you, Ronny. What are we going to do -without you on the campus? What are Page and Dean without their greatest -show feature? Think of all you’ve done as a Traveler for the good of -Hamilton. I haven’t dared write Miss Susanna and the girls that you -weren’t coming back. Does your father know yet what good fortune’s in -store for him?” - -“No; I’ve not broached the subject to him yet. Before long he will -probably ask me when I think of going East. Then I shall say ‘Not at -all,’ and stick to it.” - -“You’ll simply _have_ to come East to—to—” She paused, her eyes meeting -Ronny’s with a significantly happy light. - -“Oh, of course, _then_,” Ronny smilingly emphasized. - -“You are to be one of my bridesmaids, Ronny,” Marjorie decreed. “I’ve -been thinking quite a lot about my wedding. I have an idea that it will -be different from most weddings, I’d like to have gathered around me -that day the girls I’ve known and loved best. I’m going to try to find a -place for them all in my bridal procession. I’ve not settled upon a -single thing yet, but I have just one inspiration that I hope I can -carry out.” - -“When is it to be, Marjorie?” Ronny questioned with the lighting of her -fair face which Marjorie loved to see. - -“I don’t quite know yet. It will all depend on when the dormitory is -finished. I—I haven’t made any plans for it except I’ve thought to -myself about the kind of wedding I’d like to have. I’ve said more to you -than I have even to Captain,” Marjorie declared with a shy laugh. - -“I am highly honored, Marvelous Manager.” Ronny leaned to the right in -her saddle with a respectful bow. “Having marvelously managed everything -and everybody for a period of years on the campus, may we not expect you -to manage your own wedding with _eclat_?” - -“Don’t expect too much,” Marjorie warned laughingly. - -As they talked the ponies had been impatiently enduring the slow walk to -which their riders, absorbed in confidences, had put them. The trail was -broad and smooth; wide enough for two ponies to run on, side by side. It -dipped gradually down into a green valley of oak, larch and aspen trees. -There the trail narrowed to a bridle path, winding in and out among -wooded growths, and overhanging steep ravines. After half a mile it -emerged from shadowed woods into the sunshine of the open country, -growing wider again. - -“There he is!” Ronny had been keeping up a bright look-out ahead. Her -white-clad arm began a vigorous signaling to a horseman who had reined -in near a large rock some distance ahead of them. He was sitting on a -big bay horse, waiting for the riders to come up. - -Every day, since Marjorie had learned to ride the two girls had gone -pony-back at sunset to meet Mr. Lynne on his return from the daily -supervision of the planting of a peach orchard of choice variety. - -“I’ll race you,” Ronny challenged. She started her horse, Lightning, -with a quick pat of her hand on his silky neck. He shot forward like a -veritable streak of lightning, glad of a chance to run. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - FOND REALITY - - -Dawn was only a second or two behind him. The pair of mettlesome ponies -fled along the trail toward the waiting horseman, their riders uttering -buoyant little cries of encouragement and laughter. It was the usual -race, and Ronny always won. Dawn could not quite keep up with Lightning. - -“_Buenos dias, señor_ (how are you, sir)?” Ronny greeted cheerily as she -reined in near her father’s horse. “Stand and deliver. What’s in that -fat, interesting package at your saddle bow? I can guess. You’ve been to -Teresa’s.” - -“Who is Teresa?” Mr. Lynne inquired with guileless interest. - -“Teresa is a most amiable Spanish donna who is famed for the -deliciousness of her candied fruits, such as you have in two tin boxes -wrapped in one package,” Ronny triumphantly informed. “Get down from -your horse, Señor Lynne, and hand over the spoils to us. If you’re good, -we may ask you to sit beside us on that nice flat rock over there and -attend a picnic.” - -“You win. Come and get it.” Mr. Lynne had sprung from his horse and was -waving the large package temptingly at Ronny. Marjorie sat on her pony, -watching the devoted pair with an affectionate smile. She was thinking -that Mr. Lynne was almost as dear and full of fun as General. But not -quite, she made loyal reservation. - -Ronny had left Lightning’s back in a twinkling and was making energetic -grabs at the package her father was swaying back and forth just out of -her reach. - -“You’re in this, Lightning. Candy, old dear. Think of that.” The pony -sent up an approving whinny. Dawn also began to neigh vigorously. “Can’t -fool you two beauties. You know what’s in those boxes as well as I.” - -Ronny managed to secure the package. She had the wrapper off of it in a -flash, revealing two square tin boxes such as she was famed for having -provided at the Travelers’ campus spreads. She handed one of the tin -boxes to Marjorie and sat down on the flat rock with the other on her -lap to explore its contents. - -“Um-m. Cherries, apricots and plums!” she exclaimed. “Two hours yet till -dinner. Sit down, Señor Lynne and Señorita Dean. You’re invited to a -feast.” - -“Teresa sends you her best wishes and says she will have plenty of -candied fruit packed for you by the time you are ready to go East to -Hamilton.” Teresa was the wife of Mr. Lynne’s oldest foreman and was -noted for her skill in candying fruit. - -“Teresa doesn’t know yet that I’m not going East again this fall.” Ronny -turned calm gray eyes upon her father as she bit into a luscious cherry. - -“I’m afraid you will have to go,” Mr. Lynne said with apparent regretful -seriousness. He was a big fair giant of a man with penetrating blue -eyes, a strong square chin and thick fair hair brushed high off his -broad forehead. His facial expression was kindly, yet suggested great -will-power. - -“I am going to Mexico on a prospecting trip for silver. I promised some -friends of mine long ago that I would join their expedition. I shall be -gone all winter. I can’t take you with me, and I don’t wish you to be -alone at Manaña. It’s lucky I can pack you off to Hamilton again. Such a -strain off my mind,” he ended teasingly. - -“You are a sham,” Ronny set the box of cherries on the ground. Her arms -went round her father’s neck. She placed a playful hand to his lips. -“Not another word. You know you only think I want to go East again. So -you have joined——” - -“Well, don’t you?” her father tenderly demanded. - -“Not more than to stay here with you,” she answered honestly. - -“But how can you stay here with me when I shan’t be here? You aren’t -going to say I can’t go to Mexico, are you?” he put on an expression of -blank disappointment. - -“Can you say on your word of honor that you aren’t going away on my -account?” Ronny countered severely. - -“You haven’t answered my questions yet,” came the laughing evasion. -“Besides you took me so by surprise that I forgot I had two letters for -Marjorie.” - -Mr. Lynne reached into a pocket of his tweed riding coat and drew forth -two envelopes. One was square and pale gray. The other was square and -white. Sight of it sent two happy color signals flying to Marjorie’s -cheeks. Hal’s familiar hand on the white square made her heart beat -faster. Quickly she laid the gray envelope over it, striving to keep her -lovely face from indexing her love for Hal. She bent purposely wrinkled -brows over the gray envelope. It bore a San Francisco postmark. The -writing on it seemed oddly familiar, yet she could not place it. So far -as she knew she had neither acquaintances nor friends in San Francisco. -She courteously tucked both letters into a coat pocket and again turned -her attention to the merry little tilt still going on between Ronny and -her father. - -“I’ll confess, if you will,” Mr. Lynne was saying. “But you first.” - -“Confess what?” Ronny put on a non-comprehending air. - -“Can you truthfully say that you’d rather stay at home this year than go -back to Hamilton and finish your part of the work of building the -dormitory?” There was an undercurrent of seriousness in the light tone -of the question. - -“When you put matters that way, no. You’re awfully mean.” Ronny laughed -half vexedly. “Now it’s my turn. Hadn’t your friends forgotten all about -that silver expedition until you reminded them of it? Why need you go -prospecting when you are not a prospector?” - -“I really don’t know much about my friends’ memories. I am obliged to -become a prospector in order to make you go back to Hamilton. It’s the -only way. Now, isn’t it?” - -“I can’t think of any other,” Ronny admitted. “It’s dear in you.” There -was a tiny quaver in her clear enunciation. - -“Not a bit of it. It’s necessary for you to return to Hamilton to finish -your part of the dormitory enterprise,” came her father’s crisp -decision. “Never undertake a thing unless you are prepared to finish it, -Little Comrade.” It was her father’s pet name for Ronny. “What do you -say, Marjorie?” he turned to the radiant-faced Lieutenant. - -“I ought to be sympathizing with you because you won’t see Ronny this -winter. But if you only knew how we need her on the campus. She is Page -and Dean’s greatest show feature, not to mention what she is to the -Travelers and the dormitory enterprise. It’s the best news I could -possibly hear,” Marjorie said with happy enthusiasm. - -Seated on the flat rock and enjoying Teresa’s delicious candied fruit an -hour winged away before the trio ended their absorbed confab and rose to -take the trail to Manaña. The sun was fast dropping in the West, a huge -flaming ball against the pale tints of the evening sky. - -Mounted again upon Dawn’s back Marjorie gazed dreamily across the broad -acres of Manaña. The great ranch lay in waves of undulating green forest -and meadow, rising in the east to distant purple-tipped heights. She was -experiencing an odd sense of unreality in the scene. Was it really, she, -Marjorie Dean, who looked down from a height upon a magnificent verdant -summer world so far removed from the one she had ever known. To her, -Lucero de la Manaña was indeed the star of the morning—but of a magic -realm. - -Reality? Her hand sought the pocket of her riding coat in which reposed -Hal’s letter. She had told Ronny that it seemed strange to her to be -betrothed to Hal. Her fingers closed around the envelope that held his -letter with the conviction that, after all, Hal was the beloved reality; -Manaña was a beautiful illusion. - -She knew in her glad heart that she had not dreamed of a spring night of -magic and moonshine when she had walked with Hal in the sweet fragrance -of Spring, aflower, and felt the tender clasp of his arms and the touch -of his lips on her own. She had not dreamed that she had promised him -her future when her work should have been done. It was all true. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - THE ROAD TO THE HEART’S DESIRE - - -Marjorie rode back to the ranch house in a kind of tender daze. She -heard Ronny’s and Mr. Lynne’s voices addressing her, and her own voice -answering them as far-off sounds. For one who had formerly never -understood love she could not but marvel at the great change within -herself. She was now experiencing the stillness of happiness of which -Constance had tried to tell her when she had confided to Marjorie the -news of her engagement to Lawrence Armitage. Constance had said then she -hoped Marjorie would some day fall in love with Hal. Marjorie smiled as -she recalled the half displeased reply she had made. How hard-hearted -she had been. She was remorseful now. Loving Hal with all the strength -of her fine nature she could not forgive herself for having caused him -so much of lover’s pain. - -Alone in her high-ceilinged, luxurious sleeping room at the ranch house -she dropped hastily into a wicker arm chair and drew the cherished -letter from her pocket. Her smile was a thing of tender beauty as she -opened the envelope and extracted two closely written sheets of thick -gray paper. Hal’s letters to Marjorie had usually been brief affairs -until after the eventful spring evening when she had turned life from -drab to rose for him. Love had given his pen new impetus. With starry -eyes and heightened color Marjorie read his fond salutation: - - “Dearest: - - “Your latest letter told me the news I have been waiting - anxiously for. You are coming home soon. So glad you and General - and Captain expect to be at Severn Beach by the twelfth of - September. Connie and Laurie arrived here from New York last - week. You must have heard from Connie by now. I am planning a - moonlight stroll on the beach and a sail in the Oriole for the - same old six of us who went strolling and sailing on a certain - white moonlight night last summer; the unhappiest I have ever - known. So I am sure that our next stroll together in the - moonlight will be the happiest. - - “It is such a long way to Manaña. I have to remind myself often - that the violet girl who made me a wonderful promise one night - at Hamilton Arms was real, and not a dream. I shall not be sure - of my good fortune until we meet again. You went away from me to - Ronny’s so soon after that enchanted night. I had not had time - to realize my great happiness. How came you to love me, I am - always wondering, when there seemed no hope? You will tell me - how it came to pass. Won’t you, sweetheart? - - “There is so much I should like to say to you. I cannot write - it. Whenever I try to write you my whole thought is that I love - you and hope soon to see you.” - -Marjorie read on, the starriness on her brown eyes softening to wistful -tenderness. The depth of Hal’s love for her filled her with a strange -tender humility. She could hardly believe herself worthy of such -devotion. - -She sat immersed in her love dream until the tinkling chime of the -French clock on the mantel shattered it. - -“_Seven_,” she counted in consternation, sentiment fading to dismay. -“And I’ve not started to change my riding togs yet. I’ll surely have to -hurry.” - -Half past seven was the dinner hour at Manaña. Marjorie dropped a light -kiss upon Hal’s letter and hurriedly deposited it in a drawer of the -dressing table. She plumped down on a cushioned stool and began a quick -removing of her riding boots. By twenty minutes after seven she was -deftly hooking her slim form into a sleeveless white faille frock, -charmingly embroidered with little clusters of rosy double daisies. It -had been a present to her from Leila who was abroad with Vera, and had -come from “L’harmonie” the most exclusive shop in Paris. Marjorie, full -of devotion toward Hal, had picked out the gown to wear down to dinner -as somehow expressing her best in her happiness. - -“Five minutes to spare.” She closed the last snap with satisfaction. “I -could do my hair a little smoother, but it’s pretty fair, Bean, pretty -fair.” She said this last aloud, laughing a little. It brought pleasant -memories of Jerry Macy. - -She reopened the drawer, holding Hal’s letter with intent to read it -again. Then she remembered the other letter in the pocket of her riding -coat and went smiling into the small adjoining dressing room for it. She -was chipping open an end of its envelope when Ronny knocked on the door. - -“Come,” Marjorie called. - -Ronny opened the door and entered, her individually charming self in a -crystal-beaded white frock of chiffon. - -“I forgot all about this letter.” Marjorie held up the square envelope. -“I—you see—the other was from Hal, and——” - -“I understand perfectly.” Mischief gleamed in Ronny’s gray eyes. The two -girls laughed. “Go ahead and read the one Hal didn’t write. I give you -permission. Three minutes yet until the dinner ring.” - -“Thank you, kind Ronny.” Marjorie made Ronny a gay little obeisance. “I -haven’t the least idea who it’s from.” Marjorie now had the letter out -of the envelope and was searching it for the signature. She found it, -stared at it in surprise, then cried: “This letter is from Leslie -Cairns. Pardon me while I read it.” A moment or two and she dropped into -a chair, glancing up at Ronny rather helplessly. - -“Why, she has written the _last_ thing I’d expect her to write!” she -exclaimed wonderingly. - -“Leslie Cairns always was a surprising person,” Ronny remarked with -good-humored satire. “Only her surprises were generally more startling -than agreeable.” - -“I am sure she wouldn’t mind if I read you her letter. Wen Lo hasn’t -rung the bell yet. We still have a minute.” Marjorie commenced in a -brisk tone: - - “DEAR MISS DEAN: - - “My father and I lunched at the Arms with Miss Hamilton several - weeks ago and from her learned that you were visiting Miss Lynne - in California, at Lucero de la Manaña. - - “We came West over a week ago on a flying business trip. My - father is trying to initiate me into the mysteries of - financiering. I find them decidedly intricate. We are now in San - Francisco, and staying at the Albemarle. Our telephone number is - Oakland 842. If you should come to San Francisco in the near - future will you not look me up? - - “My real reason for writing, however, is this. We shall go East - before long in my father’s private car, the Speedwell. Can your - father and mother and you not arrange to be our guests on the - eastern journey? We shall be glad to suit our time for going - East to your own. It would be a great pleasure for my father and - me to meet your father and mother, and entertain them and you. - We are both ambitious to serve the interests of Hamilton. We - feel, that, aside from the pleasure of yours and your parents’ - company, you will be able to teach us the way to be of use to - Hamilton College. We shall be in the neighborhood of the Lynne - ranch next Tuesday and will stop for a few moments to see you. - Think the matter over and be prepared to say ‘yes.’ - - “Cordially yours, - “LESLIE A. CAIRNS.” - -“And Leslie Cairns wrote that letter!” Ronny made a gesture of -incredulity. “It seems hard to believe she isn’t Jeremiah’s Hob-goblin -any longer.” - -“It seemed queer to me for a little while last June to think of her as a -friend,” Marjorie confessed. “That feeling soon died out of my mind. -After she took the stand she did about the Leila Harper Playhouse I had -a great deal of admiration for her. I knew she was truly sincere in her -resolve to be different.” - -Marjorie referred to a certain decision at which Leslie had arrived -after she had visited Hamilton Arms in company with her father one day -during the previous spring. It was then Leslie had outlined to Marjorie -her generous proposal to erect a theatre on the site of her garage -“flivver” which she wished to name “The Leila Harper Playhouse.” The -theatre was to be owned and controlled by Leila with only the one -stipulation that whatever performances might be given in it should be -for the benefit of the Brooke Hamilton Dormitory. - -Marjorie had then urged Leslie to permit her name to be given as the -donor of the theatre when it should be completed the following spring. -Leslie had confided to Marjorie her great desire that her father should -be named as the giver of the theatre. Her own unworthy record at -Hamilton College forbade her that pleasure. She had somberly argued that -mention of either her name or her father’s as the giver of the theatre -would serve only to recall her misdeeds and expulsion from Hamilton to -faculty and students alike. She had already disappointed her father too -greatly, she told Marjorie, without placing either him or herself in -line for further criticism. - -“I’m going to tell you something, Ronny. Leslie gave me permission last -spring to use my own discretion in regard to keeping it a secret. Miss -Susanna and Jerry know. So does Robin. I’d rather the other girls -shouldn’t for awhile. You see it’s something wonderful for Leila. We -wish it to be a great surprise. She’s so quick to divine things. I’m -awfully afraid she may find it out unless I am very careful.” Marjorie -put Ronny in possession of Leslie’s pet plan. - -“There ought to be some way, Ronny, to manage things so that Leslie or -her father—she’d rather it would be he—might be named as the giver of -the Leila Harper Playhouse at the dedication and presentation.” Marjorie -laid Leslie’s letter on the willow magazine stand with a little sigh. - -“There will be.” Ronny made the assertion with positiveness. “What a -splendid thing for Leslie Cairns to wish to do! The way will open for -her. You’ll see. She is trying earnestly to think of everyone but -herself. And that is truly the only sure road to the heart’s desire.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - A TWILIGHT SERENADE - - -After dinner that night in the beautiful summer dining room which opened -upon a broad side veranda, tropically picturesque with palms and -oleanders, Marjorie and Ronny repaired to their favorite haunt. It was a -second-story balcony which overlooked a rose garden. There Wen Lo, the -enigmatic-faced Chinese butler, long in the service of the Lynnes, -brought them their dessert of ices and sweets and coffee. Mr. Lynne had -declined dessert and gone into the library to enjoy an after-dinner -cigar and a new book on fruit culture which had been written by his -Chinese friend and ranch neighbor, Sieguf Tah. - -“You must be feeling both glad and sorry about going back to Hamilton, -Ronny,” Marjorie said presently drawing in a deep breath of the -fragrant, rose-scented air. “Glad to be at Hamilton, and with us; sorry -to leave Manaña. It’s so beautiful at all times. One day I think I love -the early mornings best. Next day, it’s the sunset that seems most -beautiful. Now the twilight’s coming on, and the roses are so sweet. -Oh-h-h!” - -A sturdy trellised vine, odorous with scented clusters of pinkish-yellow -roses clambered up and over the balcony. Marjorie bent and buried her -face in the clustered riot of bloom. - -“You’ve learned, even in this short time, to love Manaña in the way I -love it,” Ronny said softly. - -A pleasant silence ensued between the two friends, Ronny, gazing -absently into the approaching twilight, seemed lost in reverie. Her -finely-chiseled profile turned toward Marjorie gave her the look of a -young Greek goddess, dispassionately viewing a world of her own ruling. - -As the twilight merged into dusk and the first stars of evening lit -their twinkling lamps, from underneath the balcony the musical beat of a -guitar rose in rhythmic measure. Came a characteristic Spanish prelude, -then an old Mexican love song floated out upon the rose-scented dusk, -sung by a trio of golden-voiced Mexican boys. - -“_La serenata_ (the serenade),” Ronny murmured, “How dear in Father. He -has asked Teresa’s sons to serenade us. They are singing a very old -Mexican song called, ‘_Mi novia_.’ That means ‘my sweetheart.’” - -Ronny became silent again with this brief explanation. The dulcet, -mellow voices of the Mexican boys swelled enchantingly upon the -stillness of the evening. Marjorie was sure she had never before -listened to anything more tenderly romantic than the plaintive rise and -fall of the old song. More than once she had heard from Ronny of the -fine singing voices which were the natural heritage of the Spanish -Mexicans. - -The singers followed their tuneful offering with another old Spanish -ballad which Ronny told Marjorie was called “The Love Tears.” - - _“Cuando de tu lado ausente, - Triste muy triste es mi vida!”_ - -rose the high sweet tenor of Ricardo, Teresa’s oldest son. - - “When thou art absent from my side, - Sad, how sad, is my life!” - -Ricardo was eighteen and still heart-whole yet the Latin inheritance of -heartbreak was in his voice. All the sadness of an unrequited love, -which he had certainly never yet experienced, rang in his impassioned -singing. Nor were the voices of his younger brothers scarcely less -emotional. The wistful yearning golden notes were no more than the -heritage of romance and sentiment so peculiarly Spanish. - -When the song was done Ronny leaned over the balcony and called softly -down to them in Spanish: “_Hermosa_ (beautiful). _Que se repetia_ -(please sing again). _Muy bien venido, amigos. Nos alegramos mucho de -que nos honre con su compania._ (Welcome, friends. We are glad of the -honor of your company.)” - -The serenaders had been standing well under the overhanging balcony. Now -they stepped out from its shadow a little, three dark outlines in the -paler dusk. - -“_Muchas gracias, Señorita Veronica_ (thank you, Miss Veronica).” came -the full-toned voice of Ricardo in pleased return. He went on to say in -English. “Señor Lynne, your father, has asked us to give you the -serenade on our way to the _fiesta_ this evening which is to be at -Pedro’s house in honor of his birthday. We are pleased to sing for you -and the señorita from the East. Now we will sing for you your favorite -song, ‘_Pregunte las estrelles_.’ Then we must hurry or be late to sing -the birthday song for Pedro.” - -“_Muchas gracias_, Ricardo. Señorita Dean and I love your songs. -Presently we shall walk over to Pedro’s _casa_ (house) to look in upon -the _fiesta_. We have been invited by Annunciata, his wife. Tomorrow -evening I wish you to bring Donna Teresa with your brothers to a -_fiesta_ here. The mother and father of Señorita Dean will then be -there. They will wish to hear you sing.” - -Followed a quick flow of appreciative Spanish, then a pair of musicianly -hands picked out a ravishing little prelude on the guitar. Again the -three in the soft darkness below took up the heart-stirring, painful -sweetness of one of the old-time Spanish _cantares_ (songs). - - “Perhaps the stars in Heaven - Know this night how much I love:” - -Marjorie had learned a few Spanish words since she had come to Manaña. -She could not understand those of the song. Nevertheless she understood -its import. Ronny had translated the title for her. She was now lost in -happy wonderment as to whether the stars in Heaven could possibly know -how truly she loved Hal. - -With the ending of the song she called down pleasantly to the three -young men. “Thank you for your beautiful singing. I think ‘The Stars’ is -the sweetest song you sang.” - -“We are happy to have pleased you, _hermosa_ (beautiful) señorita. It is -the song we also like best.” Ricardo added something daringly respectful -to Ronny in Spanish. She laughingly translated his speech as the three -dark figures strode away across the lawn. “Ricardo says that you are the -most beautiful young lady he has ever seen.” - -_“Oh, bother.”_ Marjorie’s tone was half vexed. “I wish I had a pug nose -and freckles. No. I’m glad I haven’t them.” She turned the subject -abruptly with: “I should not have understood the beauty of those songs -last year as I do now. Love has opened a new, wonderful world to me.” - -“And this is hard-hearted Marjorie Dean to whom I’m listening,” Ronny -said in a tone of light incredulity. Candidly she added: “I know how you -feel about love. I feel so about it now. I see nothing deeper in -Ricardo’s songs than beauty of voice and unconscious expression. Teresa -says Ricardo has never been in love. His brothers are young boys of only -twelve and fourteen. But the Spanish Mexicans have emotion in their -voices when they are mere babies.” - -“Have you ever known a young man you thought you cared a little for?” -Marjorie asked half curiously. She could not recall in her several years -of friendship with Ronny that her brilliant talented friend had ever -accorded more than careless attention to a young man of her -acquaintance. - -“No, I have not, and I don’t wish to,” Ronny replied with considerable -emphasis. “I never expect to meet any such person. I couldn’t fall in -love if I tried.” - -“That’s what I used to think.” Marjorie held up a warning hand. “Be -careful,” she continued, laughing softly. “The moment when you are the -most certain that you can _never_ fall in love may be the signal for a -change in your destiny. You may never _fall_ in love. You may just -_tumble_ into it someday without a sign or word of warning.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - ON THE SPEEDWELL - - -“I’ve always tried my hardest to get whatever I wanted for myself no -matter how much trouble I made for other people in the getting. Now here -I am, caught in a snare. What’s hardest of all to bear, Marjorie, is -having hurt Peter the Great. Because I behaved like a vandal at Hamilton -he’s ashamed in his heart to come back to Carden Hedge to live the year -round.” - -Seated opposite Marjorie on the comfortable observation platform of -Peter Cairns’ luxurious private car “Speedwell,” Leslie cast a gloomy -glance at her pretty companion out of remorseful eyes. - -“That’s why I realized what a mistake it would be to have that Leila -Harper Playhouse business announced in chapel with my father’s and my -name attached,” Leslie continued. “Again if it were announced in chapel -with us left out it might start a whole lot of wondering about whom I -had sold the garage site to, et cetera. Every move Peter and I made -afterward would be watched. Of course we’d be found out. Then someone -might start a rumor that we were ashamed to come forward because of my -misdeeds. It would be true, but not very pleasant. If we wait till the -theatre is built and ready for Leila we’ll have a good chance of getting -away with it, sub rosa.” - -“I like the idea of waiting until the theatre is finished before -honoring Leila in chapel,” Marjorie returned frankly. “But, Leslie, by -then you may feel differently about not wishing your name or your -father’s given.” - -“No; I shan’t. I’m very sure I shan’t.” Leslie moodily shook her head. -“It can never be that way, Marjorie. I wish it could.” - -It was the last afternoon of the journey across continent which Mr. and -Mrs. Dean and Marjorie were completing in Peter Cairns’ private car. The -next morning would see the travelers in New York City. From New York the -Deans were going for two weeks to their favorite summer resort, Severn -Beach. - -Marjorie had not altogether relished the idea of the journey East in so -much exclusive luxury. She had looked forward to the merry more -democratic canopy of the Pullman car where from San Francisco to Chicago -they might count upon finding plenty of pleasant traveling acquaintances -in the same car with themselves. They had had great fun going West. - -Yet it had seemed to her that an acceptance of Leslie’s invitation was -the only true way of showing Peter Cairns’ daughter that she held -nothing of the past against her. Leslie and her father motored to Manaña -there to extend their invitation to the Deans in person. Marjorie’s -General and Captain had left the decision to her. - -During the enjoyable trip East Leslie and Marjorie had had time to grow -gradually acquainted with each other in a pleasant, half reserved -fashion which promised someday to merge into a real friendship. Thrown -in each other’s company the two girls had discussed little else except -the subject of Hamilton College. Leslie was never tired of hearing of -the funny sayings and doings of Leila, Jerry and Muriel Harding. She -discussed her own troubles with the San Soucians as their ring-leader in -a humorous fashion which Marjorie found vastly amusing. It had revealed -in Leslie a keen sense of humor which Marjorie had often suspected her -of possessing even in her lawless days. - -While she talked freely of Hamilton College as she had known it when a -student there Leslie had thus far pointedly avoided mention of the one -thing she wished most to tell Marjorie. She and Marjorie had more than -once discussed her determination to present Leila with the directorship -of the theatre anonymously when the playhouse should be completed. Under -the able management of Peter Graham work on the new theatre had been -going forward steadily since the previous June. - -On this last afternoon of the journey Mr. and Mrs. Dean, Peter Cairns -and his confidential secretary, Wilkins, were deep in a game of whist in -the small salon of the Speedwell. Marjorie and Leslie had the -observation platform to themselves. Soberly glancing at Leslie’s clouded -features Marjorie felt nothing but the deepest sympathy for the girl she -had once been tempted to rank as an enemy. She was understanding only -too clearly the difficulties which now beset Leslie’s proposed path of -benevolence. - -“Never is such a long time, Leslie,” Marjorie’s tone was brightly -comforting. “It’s two years, you know, since you left college. Most of -the students you knew then, or who knew of you, have been graduated. -There is a much better spirit abroad on the campus, too, than in the old -days.” Marjorie stopped, flushing. “I didn’t mean to remind you—” she -began contritely. - -“No harm done, Bean.” A faint lighting of Leslie’s dark features -accompanied the ridiculous nickname she had once derisively given -Marjorie. “Of course there’s a better spirit now on the campus. You won -what you fought for. But there are a certain number of students there -still who would love to pick me to pieces, given an opportunity. It -would be said of me that I was trying to make money cover my flivvers.” - -“But your motive is sincere,” Marjorie cried. “Besides the theatre is -not to be built on the campus. I think you ought to brave matters out, -Leslie. The Travelers will stand by you through thick and thin. We -understand how generous you are, and in time we shall make others see -it. That is, if there should be others. Sometimes one sweeping act of -nobility such as you propose to do changes everything for the best.” - -“It won’t for me,” was Leslie’s pessimistic prediction. “It’s not really -about myself I care. To honor Leila, and help the dorms along. What more -can one ask?” Leslie made an earnest gesture. “It’s like this, Marjorie. -As an unknown donor I’ll be covered with glory. As a known one I’ll be -buried under opprobrium.” - -“‘Alas for him who never sees the stars shine through his cypress -trees,’” Marjorie quoted lightly with an effort toward bringing Leslie -out of her somber mood. “I still advise you to go ahead and not hide -your light under a bushel.” - -“No, I can’t,” Leslie replied with a trace of her old-time gruffness. -“I’m going to tell you a secret. I went to Prexy Matthews last spring -and asked him if he would give me a chance to come back to Hamilton and -do over my senior year. When I went there I intended to tell him how -much it would mean to me on my father’s account and of how hard I would -try to redeem my past flivvers. He was frosty as a January morning with -the mercury way below zero. I had hardly mentioned what I came for when -he set his jaws and said that under the circumstances of my expulsion -from college he could not for a moment entertain such a request.” - -“Leslie Cairns!” Marjorie could not repress a sympathetic exclamation. - -“It’s a fact.” The blood rose to Leslie’s dark cheeks in a crimson wave. -She went on with shamed reluctance. “I thought he might say ‘no,’ but he -made me feel as though he hated even to speak to me. I know I deserved -it. I wasn’t in his office five minutes hardly. My nerve went back on -me. I had to hurry away, or else cry. I didn’t have time to tell him -anything but that I’d like to try my senior year over again.” - -“Oh, that was too bad!” Marjorie reached over and laid a consoling hand -on one of Leslie’s. “Did you go to Hamilton Hall to see him, or to his -house?” - -“To Hamilton Hall,” Leslie returned briefly. - -“I am sorry you didn’t go to his house instead. It might have made a -difference. I can’t be sure that it would have,” she added honestly. - -She was remembering President Matthews’ anger at the time of Leslie’s -expulsion from Hamilton; not only because of the hazing affair in which -she and Leslie had figured. There was also the recollection of the -misunderstanding which Leslie had made between the president and his old -friend, Miss Remson, the manager of Wayland Hall. Again there was the -ugly fact of secret collusion between Leslie and Miss Sayres, the -president’s secretary to be considered. - -“Oh, it was too much to expect. I knew Prexy would frown me down without -a hearing. But I’d promised myself, that, for my father’s sake, there’d -be nothing I’d leave undone to make up for the disappointment I caused -him,” Leslie said with regretful vehemence. - -“You were very brave to do it, Leslie.” Marjorie’s hand tightened its -clasp on Leslie’s. - -“I was glad to try to make amends.” Leslie was silent for a moment. -“You’ve never done anything to harm another person, Marjorie,” she burst -forth. “You can’t possibly understand how my heart went down when my -father said to me last spring that he had hoped some day to live at -Carden Hedge, but that—he’d changed his mind. He never said once: ‘It’s -all your fault.’ I wish he had. And I am the one who cheated him of -happiness. He’d love to live at the Hedge—if I hadn’t made such a mess -of things at Hamilton. That’s what I did to my father, the person I love -best in the world. And all the time I thought I was doing smart things, -and getting even with you.” - -Leslie looked drearily away across the green fleeing landscape, her face -bleak and somber. - -“Don’t feel so crushed, Leslie. You are anxious to please your father. -After a while you will find a way. To be willing is half the battle. -First thing you know some good will come of it.” - -“I wish I could make myself believe it.” Leslie still kept her head -turned away. “The one thing I’d like most to do, I can’t do. That’s to -try over again my senior year at Hamilton. If only Prexy had softened -and said I might! After I had been graduated from Hamilton, the way -would have been smooth for my father and me to live at the Hedge and be -happy. After Prexy turned me down so frigidly I knew he’d never permit -my name to be announced at chapel as the giver of the theatre. I’ll -never put foot on the campus again, not even to see Doris Monroe. Would -you?” - -“No; not in the present circumstances,” Marjorie made frank reply. -“There is no reason why you shouldn’t come to the Arms to see Miss -Susanna and Jerry and me. We’ll welcome you.” - -“I’ll come.” Leslie brightened. “Mrs. Gaylord and I will have our old -apartment at the Hamilton House. There’s really no place else for us in -Hamilton. I want to stay on there to watch the building of the theatre. -My father will be off and away. There is nothing to keep him in a small -place like Hamilton. If we lived at the Hedge, he’d be keen on -gardening, and beautifying the estate. He’d enjoy the Hamilton links, -and probably get up a polo team. He’s a wonder at polo.” - -Leslie clasped her hands behind her head in a quick, nervous motion. She -closed her eyes, forcing back the tears which were gathering behind her -tightly-shut eyelids. - -Marjorie stole a sympathetic, furtive glance at her. She thought the -touches of vivid cherry color on Leslie’s sleeveless gray wash satin -frock charmingly lightened her companion’s dark skin and irregular -features. She guessed Leslie to be perilously near tears and noted that -her subdued pensive expression had softened her face to a peculiar -attractiveness. - -While Leslie had given up all hope of a return to Hamilton campus as a -student, Marjorie was just beginning to consider how such a miracle -might be brought to pass. She wondered if an appeal on her part to -President Matthews would help Leslie’s case. At least she could put -forward to the president a generous side of Leslie of which he was not -yet aware. She resolved to tell him of Leslie’s love for her father, of -her deep regret at being unable to make the restitution she so greatly -desired to make, of her anxiety to promote his happiness. - -Recollection of Doctor Matthews’ stern face, on the fateful day when the -San Soucians had been arraigned before him and the College Board, -returned vividly to Marjorie. For an instant her impulsive determination -to seek such an interview with him in behalf of Leslie wavered. - -What argument could she present to the learned man of affairs which -should be strong enough to justify her request for another trial for -Leslie at Hamilton College? She could not but believe that no such -request had ever been made to him before. Then, again, Leslie was rated -by the Hamilton executive board as the most lawless student who had ever -enrolled at that college. - -Leslie watched the fleeting scenery as the train rushed eastward, her -eyes misted and unseeing. She was not even aware of the shifting -panorama of woods, meadows, streams and houses as the train steamed on -its way. Instead she was seeing herself as she had been when she -flaunted through college, unscrupulous, bullying and untruthful. - -She was amazed to think that she had lasted until her senior year. Her -one redeeming trait had been her ability to keep up in her classes. She -had always been able to make fair recitations on a small amount of -study. She wished with desperate fervor now that she had been a “dig” -instead of a thorn to the faculty. No; she had been foolish in imagining -that she could live down her past unenviable reputation were she to -return to the campus. - -“Oh!” Marjorie straightened in her chair with a suddenness that made -Leslie open her eyes. - -“Is that all?” Leslie smiled faintly as she saw Marjorie carefully brush -a large cinder from the skirt of her white frock. She folded her hands -again behind her head and resumed her dark musing. - -Marjorie smiled, too, but said nothing. She might have told Leslie that -it was not the appearance of the cinder which had brought forth the -“Oh!” She had inadvertently stumbled upon a truth relative to a possible -return to the campus of Leslie which she believed could not fail to -impress President Matthews. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - LOVE’S YOUNG DREAM - - -“We are lucky. This is the very kind of night we most wish for our -stroll and sail.” Marjorie was rejoicing in the beauty of the night as -she and Hal walked slowly along over the white sands. - -“How could the night be anything but perfect with you home again, -Marjorie?” Hal Macy glanced down at the white-clad girl walking beside -him as though he contemplated stopping and gathering her in his arms. - -“It might be raining torrents, and still I’d have just come home,” -Marjorie answered in the matter-of-fact tone which had once been Hal’s -despair. She cast a swift roguish upward glance at her adoring fiancé -from under her long curling lashes. - -“But it isn’t. It couldn’t be,” Hal tenderly asserted “Say it again, -dear. That you are glad to see me; to be walking this old beach again -with me. That——” - -“I do love to walk this old beach with you—but not too far behind the -others. That’s the way Connie and Laurie used to do, and then we used to -laugh at them,” Marjorie gaily assured. “Come on, let’s hurry.” She ran -playfully ahead of Hal, a radiantly pretty figure in the white -moonlight. - -Hal overtook her in a few long, purposeful strides, saying: “You can’t -escape me, beautiful moonbeam girl. You are all in white just as you -were on that other night last year when you wouldn’t let me tell you -that I loved you. You’ve the same kind of soft white scarf over your -shoulders, and two stars for eyes. It’s you instead of the moonlight who -lures my poor heartstrings out of me.” - -“You have never forgotten that moonlight verse, have you?” Marjorie said -lightly. She refused to say that she was pleased to know he had not -forgotten it. - -“How could I forget it? You quoted it to me on the unhappiest night of -my life. Afterward I quoted it you on the happiest night. Is it a -wonder—” - -“You’d better hurry up if you expect to go sailing this evening,” -admonished a cheerful, interrupting voice. Unnoticed by the lovers Danny -Seabrooke had come up behind them, bent on teasing the absorbed couple. - -“You’d better run ahead, Dan-yell, and untie the boat,” Hal advised in -an anything but sentimental tone. - -“You are miles behind the times. Our gallant ship floats free. Only -Armitage is getting peeved because he has to hang on to the straining -galleon’s rope,” Danny added with grinning significance. - -“Run along and tell him that patience is a virtue,” retorted Hal with -pleasant irony. - -“Tell him yourself when you see him. That will be some time during the -evening—we hope. I’ve run till I’m out of breath. I’m going to poke -along with you two. It will be restful—and interesting.” - -“You may find cause to change your mind,” Hal warned darkly. - -“Never. Marjorie will protect me.” Danny beamed trusting faith at -Marjorie. He prudently ranged himself upon her other side, peering -timidly forward at Hal, his freckled features alive with ludicrous -anxiety. - -In the midst of a merry argument between him and Hal the trio arrived at -the little pier to which the Oriole, Hal’s motor launch, was tied. On -the dock three smiling-faced young people awaited Hal and Marjorie. The -happiness which Jerry Macy, Constance and Lawrence Armitage felt over -the beautiful culmination of Marjorie’s and Hal’s comradeship was as -deep and abiding in its own way as was the love between the newly -betrothed pair. - -“Such a lovely evening.” Jerry greeted them with effusive politeness. -“So glad you managed to get here after all.” - -“You may give _me_ credit for rushing ’em to the pier,” put in Danny -modestly. - -“There’s plenty of room for an argument, but who wants to argue on a -night like this?” Hal returned equably, fixing laughing blue eyes upon -Danny. - -“You are right, Mr. Macy.” Danny made Hal a derisively respectful bow. -“I hope others here besides us cherish the same opinion. _You_ do, I am -sure. _Don’t_ you, Geraldine?” He turned hopefully to Jerry. - -“I don’t cherish anything,” Jerry returned crushingly. - -“Ha-a-a! How sad!” Danny heaved a loud sigh. “What a dreary life you -must lead!” - -“It suits me,” Jerry asserted, with a cheerful smile. “Who’s going to -take the wheel on the run seaward?” she inquired generally. “Don’t all -speak at once. Don’t speak at all, if you’re not crazy for the pilot -job. I’d like it, if no one else wants it.” - -“Oh, if you insist.” Laurie Armitage willingly accorded Jerry the wheel. -He stood steadying the boat at the little pier while Hal helped the -three girls over the side and into the launch. - -Constance and Laurie Armitage had lately returned from another year’s -study of music in Europe. They had not reached Sanford in time to see -Marjorie before she had gone West with her father and mother to visit -Ronny. In consequence they had looked forward to her sunny presence at -Severn Beach with an affectionate impatience second only to Hal’s. - -“So glad you brought the guitar, Laurie,” Marjorie said as Laurie picked -it up from the pier floor, where he had laid it briefly, and passed it -over the side of the launch to Constance. “Do you know any Spanish -songs? I heard such beautiful ones at Manaña.” - -“Only two or three. We are going to Spain next winter to study the -Spanish music and find a very old Spanish opera for Connie, if we can. -We found an old music folio in Paris in a queer little odds and ends -shop that had three numbers in it from an old Spanish opera called ‘_la -Encantadora_’; the enchantress. Next time we go abroad it will be on the -trail of _la Encantadora_,” Laurie declared lightly as he stepped into -the launch behind the trio of girls. - -“Sometime you and Connie must go to Mexico and hunt up some Spanish -Mexican music,” Marjorie said with enthusiasm. She went on to tell them -of how she and Ronny had been serenaded by Teresa’s sons and of the -tender beauty of the old Spanish song “_Las Estrellas_.” - -Presently the Oriole was darting seaward in the white moonlight with -Jerry at the wheel and Danny beside her entertaining her with his ever -ready flow of nonsense. Laurie was lightly strumming the guitar as he -waited for Constance to decide upon a song. Marjorie and Hal sat side by -side on a long cushioned bench looking like two contented children. - -Hal would have been far better content, however, to hold one of -Marjorie’s hands in his own. He allowed them to lie loosely in her lap -because he knew she preferred them to be thus. His Violet Girl did not -wear her heart on her sleeve. She treated him with her old-time friendly -gaiety, showing only occasional flashes of deeper feeling for him. Hal -was confident that Marjorie loved him. Unless she had been very sure of -her own heart she would never have given him her promise. Yet the -reserve which he had for so long schooled himself to maintain when with -her still clung to him. - -Constance began the impromptu concert with an old French harvest song -which was one of the vocal gems the Armitages had brought to light -during the past winter. Laurie accompanied her softly on the guitar, the -rhythmic beat of the music blending with the faint wash of the water -against the boat’s sides. From that she drifted to “Hark, the gentle -lark!” and from it to one and another of Brahms’ songs, already -favorites of the little company. - -“The next number of our program will be a touching sentimental song by -Dan-yell Seabrooke,” Laurie banteringly announced. After singing their -old Brahms’ favorite, “The Sapphio Ode,” Constance had laughingly gone -on a strike, declaring that it was time for someone else to sing. - -“What reason have you to suspect that it will be?” Danny fixed a severe -gaze upon Laurie. “Do I _look_ sentimental? Do I _act_ sentimental? Do I -_seem_ sentimental?” - -“Nothing like trying.” Laurie ignored the forceful interrogations. “If -you try, and don’t succeed—” He made a motion as of pitching something -over the boat’s side into the water. - -“Nev-vur! I shall succeed; if not in singing, then in dodging,” Danny -averred with great resolution. “Hand me the guitar. I wouldn’t trust you -with it in such an emergency. You might play off the key and spoil my -song.” - -“Is that so? What about my risk in handing you the guitar and having it -spoiled?” - -“About fifty-fifty, I should say.” Danny grinned amiably and reached for -the guitar. He pretended to tune it, grumbling. Presently in the midst -of his pretense of disfavor he surprised his smiling companions with the -charming prelude of “What does your heart say?” a popular baritone solo -from “The Orchid,” a New York musical success. - -It was the first time that any of the five listeners to Danny had ever -heard him seriously attempt a sentimental song. Possessed of a tuneful -baritone voice Danny had earned a reputation among his friends as a -singer of comic songs. Hal and Laurie regarded the departure merely as a -decidedly successful attempt upon Danny’s part to make good. Into -Marjorie’s and Constance’s minds, however, the thought sprang instantly -that Danny was deeply in love—with Jerry, of course. - -As for Jerry! She was hoping no one could see the added color in her -cheeks by the bright moonlight. During Danny’s rendition of the song she -had occupied herself industriously with the wheel, her round, babyish -face as nearly a blank as she could make it. Danny hardly ended the solo -when she began clapping her hands in light applause. - -“Bravo! You win!” she called out. “You certainly gave a fine imitation -of a sentimental warbler, Dan-yell. Laurie didn’t think you could do -it.” - -“Oh, I have nerve enough for anything,” Danny retorted. “What does Mr. -Lawrence Armitage know of my talents and capabilities?” - -“Not a thing, thank fortune,” asserted Laurie with stress. - -“You may have your guitar. I wouldn’t sing you another song if you -begged me to. I am going to devote myself to Geraldine. She never treats -me kindly, but she’s an improvement upon you.” Danny wisely produced -this plea as an excuse to seat himself close to the wheel and Jerry. - -She received him without comment, pretending to be listening to the buzz -of conversation going on among the others. Laurie was running a series -of chords up and down the guitar strings which had an oddly familiar -sound both to her ears and Marjorie’s. He continued sounding them a -moment or two, then glanced at Hal, nodding. - -Suddenly Hal’s sweet echoing tenor voice lifted itself on the moonlit -air in a lilting melody that Marjorie had good cause to remember. - - “Down the center, little one, - Life for us has just begun!” - -Hal was singing the quaint words of the Irish Minuet. To Marjorie it -would ever be the song of songs. Like the prince’s kiss which had -wakened the sleeping beauty from her enchanted sleep, sound of it had -awakened her dreaming heart and opened her ears to the voice of love. - -Involuntarily she stretched forth a hand until it rested lightly upon -one of the singer’s. Instantly Hal had caught it, holding it in his own. -He bent an adoring glance upon her, and sang on. - -“This was what I was wishing for,” he declared fondly the moment he had -finished the song. He gathered her slim hand more closely in his own. “I -hardly dared take it with everybody looking on, for fear you’d not wish -it.” - -“It was dear in you to sing that, Hal.” The eyes of the pair met in a -long fond glance of affection. “You know I shall always love it best of -all songs. You understand why.” - -“Yes, dear.” There was quiet rapture in the response. “I forgot to send -back the music to it to Leila last spring. So I brought it to the Beach -for Laurie to play. I thought you’d like to hear it again.” - -“I love it. Think how much of happiness we owe Leila Greatheart. If it -had not been for her Irish play you would never have come to Hamilton. -You’d probably have gone to Alaska, as you had planned to do.” - -“I had begun to feel that I couldn’t bear to see you for a while, -knowing you didn’t love me,” Hal confessed. “I knew I’d never stop -caring for you. I was sure it was the only thing for me to do.” - -“I’m so glad you didn’t go. You see, Hal, I should have known later—that -I cared—perhaps too late.” Marjorie’s lovely features shadowed. “I had -begun to know that I missed you, and I’d read Brooke Hamilton’s journal -and had felt a kind of terrible despair over it. He hadn’t understood -Angela’s love for him until after her serious illness. Just when he was -beginning to be happy he lost her. I couldn’t help wondering if it would -be so with me. Brooke Hamilton helped us to our happiness. On that -account there is something I’d like to do—I know it would please Miss -Susanna. It’s about—about our wedding.” - -“Our wedding.” Hal repeated the two magic words in a kind of beatified -daze. “What about our wedding, dearest. Are you going to tell me that -you’ve changed your mind and are going to marry me in the fall instead -of next June?” There was a suppressed, hopeful note in the question. - -“Not in the fall, or next June, either.” Marjorie’s up-flashing smile -did not match her negative answer. “I can’t desert Hamilton until the -dormitory is finished and dedicated and the biography completed. And -there’s the Leila Harper Playhouse, too. So it couldn’t possibly be in -the fall. But”—Marjorie made a tiny pause—“I think my work at Hamilton -will have been completed by the last of next April.” She made another -brief pause, then said with direct simplicity: “I’d like our wedding to -take place on the evening of May Day, at Hamilton Arms. May Day was -Brooke Hamilton’s birthday.” - -“Marjorie!” Hal exclaimed very softly. He caught Marjorie’s free hand, -then prisoned both her hands between his own. “My heart went down when -you said ‘not next June.’ But the first of May! That is sooner than I -had hoped for. You can depend upon Miss Susanna to back that plan. -She’ll be delighted. How about General and Captain? Have you told them -yet?” - -“No.” Marjorie shook her curly head. “Not yet. There is to be a grand -Dean confab tomorrow morning right after breakfast. Oh, I know they will -be willing to give up having the wedding at Castle Dean. In some ways -I’d love to be married from my dear pretty home in Sanford where our old -crowd had such good times. But the Arms has an even stronger claim upon -me. I want to make Miss Susanna happy. She has been so wonderful to -Hamilton College, and to me,” Marjorie ended eloquently. - -Hal’s approval of her idea was not expressed in words. It came in the -tightening of his hands on Marjorie’s and the glance of unutterable -devotion which he bent upon her. - -“You see, Hal,” Marjorie said after a short interval of rapt silence -between them, “Hamilton Arms has become like a second home to me. I’m -not afraid Miss Susanna would object to the fuss and decorating that -must naturally go with a house wedding. She’d love it, because she loves -us. I thought it all out when I was at Manaña. That is, the main points. -Violets were Brooke Hamilton’s favorite flowers, and you call me your -Violet girl. So I am going to have a violet wedding in the spring when -there are loads of double, sweet-scented violets in bloom at the Arms.” - -Completely absorbed in each other, Hal and Marjorie had drifted far away -from the amused quartette of friends who were considerately ignoring -their presence. While their friends kept up a lively murmur of -conversation the lovers floated far and free upon the boundless sea of -romance with love for their pilot. - -“If they should come back this evening I’ll see that Macy takes his -trick at the wheel,” Danny said to Jerry in a purposeful undertone. - -“Oh, they won’t be back until someone leads them off the Oriole onto the -pier.” Jerry’s reply was full of deep satisfaction. Marjorie’s final -awakening to love for Hal would ever be a blessed marvel to Jerry. -“What’s the matter with my steering? Don’t you like it?” she demanded of -Danny. - -“I have a high opinion of it,” Danny hastily assured. “Only I hate to -see you so overworked. I should enjoy having you sit beside me on that -bench over there, and holding your hand. I should enjoy——” - -“I shouldn’t enjoy having you,” Jerry interrupted cruelly. - -“Say not so. You have never trusted me with your nice plump little hand. -I would be very careful of it,” he added ingratiatingly. - -“No thank you. I’d rather be excused.” - -“Why would you?” Danny persisted with an interested inquiring grin. - -Jerry had to laugh. “How can I tell?” she countered. She felt the color -rise to her cheeks, and was glad Danny couldn’t detect it by moonlight. - -“You can’t—not until you’ve tried holding hands with me,” Danny asserted -with a wise air. - -“Some other time,” Jerry made indefinite, careless promise. - -“No time like the present.” One of Danny’s hands suddenly covered one of -Jerry’s as it rested on the wheel. “You wouldn’t be so mean as to leave -me out of this hand-holding party, would you?” he asked, an undercurrent -of seriousness in his bantering tones. - -“No,” replied Jerry with sudden shy brevity. And for the remainder of -the ride the Oriole had the advantage of double handpower at the wheel. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - A BIT OF NEWS - - -“And Fifteen is vacant, you say? How queer.” Marjorie commented, her -eyes on Leila Harper, who was arranging a row of glasses on her study -table preparatory to filling them with imported ginger ale. - -“As queer as the pea green hat that Mother Molly O’Toole found hanging -on a gooseberry bush the day before the fair at Dongerry,” agreed Leila -Harper with her broadest smile. She kept on smiling as she recited in -her inimitable Celtic accent: - - “Acushla, ’twas near to the day of the fair - And poor Mother Molly’d no bonnet to wear, - Except a frilled cap she had worn day by day, - And year after year in the same humble way. - She went out of doors, and she heaved such a sigh - She blew up a gale in the garden near-by, - It whisked a wee leprechaun out of a tree - He lost his green hat as away he did flee: - It hung on the bush where the gooseberries grew; - Next morn Molly found it all covered with dew. - She dried it, ’twas grandly becoming to wear, - And she took a fine prize at the Dongerry fair.” - -“Certainly some remarkable things have happened in Ireland,” Muriel -Harding declared mischievously. “Please, Irish witch woman, may I pass -the glasses?” - -“You may; but spill not a drop out of one of them,” Leila cautioned. She -picked up a cake knife from the table and flourished it over a huge -black chocolate cake with thick white icing. - -“You haven’t told me yet how it happens that Fifteen is vacant, Leila -Greatheart,” Marjorie reminded. - -“In a minute. Let me start Midget going with the cake and I will tell -you anything,” was Leila’s rash promise. - -“Whether you know it or not,” slyly added Ronny Lynne. - -“Whether I know it or not,” Leila repeated firmly. - -A burst of laughter rose from her six companions. The little group of -seven girls who had been the first Travelers at Hamilton College five -years before were gathered once more in the room occupied by Leila -Harper and Vera Mason at Wayland Hall during that long happy period. It -lacked only a few days of the formal opening of Hamilton College and the -seven post-graduates were already back on the campus eager to begin what -would undoubtedly be to them their most momentous year at Hamilton -College. - -Readers of the “MARJORIE DEAN HIGH SCHOOL SERIES,” “THE MARJORIE DEAN -COLLEGE SERIES” and “THE MARJORIE DEAN POST GRADUATE SERIES,” each -comprising four volumes, have followed Marjorie through many of her -girlhood adventures as a student, first at Sanford High School, later at -Hamilton College, where she found her work and brought happiness to Miss -Susanna Hamilton, the embittered great-niece of Brooke Hamilton, who was -the distinguished founder of Hamilton College. - -Marjorie, having been chosen by Miss Susanna as best fitted, in her -estimation, to write the biography of Brooke Hamilton, had returned to -Hamilton Arms once more there to bring to completion the delightful -literary task she had begun the previous March. - -As yet, her General and her Captain alone were in possession of her plan -for a violet wedding at the Arms on the evening of May Day. Miss Susanna -had not yet been made acquainted with what would seem to her a -visitation of good fortune. Marjorie was saving the request she purposed -to make of her devoted friend until a particularly propitious occasion. - -“Hurry and pass the cake, Vera. This tyrannical Celtic person says you -must before she will tell us a thing,” Marjorie urged, laughing. - -“Here, help yourselves.” Vera hastily set the plate of cake Leila had -handed her upon the table with a hospitable gesture. “You can’t even -have paper plates to put it on. We forgot to buy them. We used to boast -of four china plates, but our guests are so rough.” - -“Too bad. Never mind. Luciferous has a notebook. Delighted, Luciferous.” -Muriel laid calm hold upon the notebook in Lucy’s hand. “Yes, you must,” -she said with reproving stress as Lucy clung to the book. She captured -it, tore sheets of paper from it and handed them round to the tune of -Lucy’s grumbling at such a waste of good paper. “Just as good as -plates,” Muriel declared jovially. She hastily transferred a slice of -cake to her make-shift plate and beamed encouragingly upon Leila. - -Leila returned the smile in kind. “The reason Fifteen is still vacant,” -she began, “is because no one has applied for it. Now what could be -queerer?” - -“_Not anyone?_” Jerry Macy’s eyes grew round. - -“Not anyone. All Miss Remson’s other vacancies have been filled. She -thinks it is odd, but she doesn’t mind. She will probably have an -application for it soon. It is a very desirable room, you know.” - -“We surely do,” Marjorie and Jerry answered in merry chorus. - -“Perhaps two girls from one of the other campus houses may hear it is -vacant and take it. Undoubtedly they will. It will never go begging,” -was Jerry’s opinion. - -“Fifteen is one of the best rooms at the Hall. We can speak from -experience, can’t we, estimable Bean?” Jerry remarked, turning humorous -eyes upon Marjorie. - -“_Can we?_” Marjorie returned the glance of affection. “When will Miss -Remson be home, Leila? It seems odd to come back to the Hall and not see -her first thing.” - -The five Sanford chums had arrived at Hamilton late on the previous -afternoon. They had been met at the Hamilton station by Leila and Vera -and triumphantly whisked to Hamilton Arms in Vera’s car. There Miss -Susanna Hamilton had been awaiting their arrival with fond impatience. -Exuberant celebration had followed their arrival at the Arms. There had -been a delightful dinner in the famous Chinese room and the buoyant -guests had remained at the Arms overnight. - -It was now early afternoon of the next day. Marjorie and Jerry had come -over to Wayland Hall for one of their old-time social sessions in -Leila’s and Vera’s rooms. The latter had returned from a summer spent in -Ireland over a week previous to the Sanford girls’ arrival on the -campus. They had come direct from the big ocean steamer to Hamilton -campus and Wayland Hall. - -“She’ll be here tomorrow.” Miss Remson, the brisk little manager of the -Hall, was away on a brief vacation of a week at the seashore. “She was -going to refuse an old friend’s invitation on account of expecting you -girls. Midget and I made her change her mind, and go.” - -“I’m so glad that you did,” Marjorie returned. “I’m anxious to see her. -I hope two dandy girls will take Fifteen.” - -“We shall need them,” Leila said with a suspicion of dryness. - -“Why do you say that, Leila Greatheart?” A little pucker of anxiety -showed itself upon Marjorie’s smooth forehead. “You must have some very -good reason for such an opinion.” - -“I have,” Leila made prompt reply. “There is still danger at the Hall of -the calamity of the house divided against itself.” - -“Isn’t there less now than when Muriel was on the outs with the Ice -Queen and the Ice Queen was on the outs with Gentleman Gus and the -Bertramites?” Ronny humorously referred to the Travelers’ vernacular in -the way of names. “This year, remember, they will all stand shoulder to -shoulder with us.” - -“You forget the Screech Owl, who was born a gossip and a disturber,” -Leila reminded with a frown. “She was on her good behavior last spring -when she had a part in my Irish play. Did not I write the part of the -village gossip for her, on purpose, that she might see herself? She saw -nothing but her own glory as an actress. But she was so pleased that she -talked of herself and not of anyone else for a while. This much good I -did. But I happen to know she went back to gossiping again.” - -“Whom did she gossip about? Doris? She naturally would, since Doris had -cut her acquaintance,” Muriel showed considerable interest. “That was -directly after the Rustic Romp, you know. They disagreed over Leslie -Cairns.” - -“That was precisely where the shoe pinched,” Leila asserted. “It was -Leslie Cairns who Miss Peyton chose to blame for her falling out with -Doris. Then she could not resist the temptation to be spiteful.” - -“What did Miss Peyton say about Leslie?” Marjorie asked with a suspicion -of troubled annoyance in her question. - -“What you might expect. That she had attended the Rustic Romp. That fine -bit of news came to me through Miss Crawford, on the day before college -closed,” Leila said sarcastically. “She came to me and asked me in -horrified tones if it were true that Miss Dean had smuggled Miss Cairns, -an expelled student, into the gym on the night of the Romp.” - -“Who could have told Miss Crawford that except Miss Peyton?” Vera cried -indignantly. “And why should she start such a tale about Marjorie?” - -“Because she is still angry with me,” Marjorie returned composedly. “She -wanted Jane to blow the whistle for unmasking. I asked Jane to wait a -little. Miss Peyton does not know positively that Leslie was at the -Romp.” - -“That’s exactly the point. She has no real ground for circulating that -story. It’s unjust to Marjorie. There has been too much of such -unfairness in the past.” Leila’s lips set in a forbidding line. - -“Don’t worry about it for a minute, Leila Greatheart,” said Marjorie -soothingly. “I mean about anything Miss Peyton may choose to say of me. -We’ll have to try to conquer her by winning over the Hall to our code of -ethics. When she discovers that no one likes to hear gossip, perhaps she -will stop gossiping.” - -“That’s a fine, rosy Bean view of things. But will it ever come true?” -Jerry propounded, tilting her head to one side and rolling doubtful -eyes. - -“It won’t if you scoff at it, and treat it lightly,” Marjorie retorted. - -“Depend on the Screech Owl to start something. Screech Owl!” Muriel -repeated the name with mock admiration. “What could be more appropriate? -My nobility doesn’t extend to refraining from that fond title.” - -“_You_ are gossiping.” Lucy Warner pointed an accusing finger at Muriel. - -“_Never._ Truth is truth, no matter where ’tis uttered. I’m merely -saying to you girls what I should take great pleasure in saying to the -Screech Owl herself. I long to tell her her right name.” Muriel -accompanied her fervent declaration with a sweeping gesture. - -“Perhaps vacation joys will make her forget the Rustic Romp and what she -thinks she knows about Leslie,” Ronny made light prediction. - -“Very optimistic, but not at all likely,” was Vera’s opinion. - -“How did you answer Miss Crawford, Leila.” Marjorie had missed most of -the gay exchange of raillery among her companions. Her brain was busy -with the same problem that had invaded her thoughts on the last -afternoon she and Leslie Cairns had been together on the Speedwell. - -“I asked her a question in return for hers. I said: ‘Who told you that -such a thing had happened?’ She tossed her head and said: ‘I prefer not -to answer that question.’ Then I smiled at her with fine Celtic good -humor, and said: ‘And I prefer not to answer yours.’ It was on the -campus near the Bean holder that we met. She walked away in a miff. And -I have not seen her since,” Leila ended genially. - -“It’s too bad.” Marjorie stared at Leila with a troubled air. - -“Now why should it be?” Leila demanded, smiling. “I have no admiration -for Miss Crawford, nor never did have. She is too ready to believe -unpleasant gossip.” - -“I’m not thinking of Miss Crawford. I’m thinking of Leslie.” Marjorie’s -winsome smile broke out. - -“I suspected that you had sympathy for someone besides me. I kept quiet -out of Irish politeness.” Despite her light retort Leila was surveying -Marjorie with true Celtic shrewdness. She knew Marjorie to be at the -point of announcing something of especial import. - -The other girls were hardly less keen at reading the signs and arriving -at the same conclusion. Thus far none of her chums knew of the intimate -conversation she and Leslie Cairns had held on that last memorable -afternoon the two girls had spent on the observation platform of Peter -Cairns’ private car. Marjorie had regarded it in the light of a secret -confidence. Now, however, she had decided to impart it to the little -group of Travelers as a matter of interest to Leslie. The six Travelers -present already knew of the part Leslie Cairns had played the previous -spring in the Rustic Romp. Leslie had requested Marjorie to tell her -intimates of the affair. “I’d like your Beanstalks to know the rights of -that performance,” she had said to Marjorie with a tinge of humor. - -“Girls;” Marjorie’s clear decided intonation brought all eyes to bear -upon her; “Leslie Cairns wants just one thing above all others that I -wish we could help her to gain. She wants to come back to the campus and -do her senior year over again.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - PLEDGED TO STAND BY - - -“What?” Jerry allowed the cake knife in her hand to drop squarely upon -the cake. She had been poising it over the big square delicacy -preparatory to replenishing the cake plate. In her surprise she vented -Leslie Cairns’ own pet ejaculation. - -“Good night!” Muriel Harding pretended collapse in her chair. - -“I am afraid she is courting the impossible.” Vera Mason shook her head. - -“There’s something in your tone, Beauty, that makes me think it might -not be impossible.” Leila was regarding Marjorie with a quizzical smile. -“Yet for the life of me I cannot see how it might happen.” - -“I’m not in the least sure that it could,” was Marjorie’s candid reply. -“I had thought that as soon as Prexy came back to the campus I would go -to him and put in a plea for Leslie. I have in mind certain arguments -that might appeal to him. In thinking about her I have realized, that, -if he gave her permission to enroll again she would have to go through a -good deal of unpleasantness on the campus. I realized it more when Leila -was telling us about what Miss Crawford had said.” - -“It might not be so terribly hard for her, Marjorie. She wouldn’t try, -of course, to live on the campus. Her father would undoubtedly open -Carden Hedge.” Ronny took this cheerful view of the matter. - -“No; Leslie says if she could try her senior year over she would not -risk living at the Hedge for fear a lot of things about her old lawless -days on the campus might come up and be talked over. Then her father -would probably be criticized for her bad behavior. She says she couldn’t -bear that.” - -“She could live at the Hamilton House and get away with it,” Muriel said -confidently. “She could arrange her program so as to go from one class -to another without having to stay on the campus a moment longer than -recitation hours.” - -“She made satisfactory recitations in the old days,” Leila remarked -musingly. “I used to wonder how she did it. She was always out in her -car or entertaining at Baretti’s, or the Colonial.” - -“She was within two months of being graduated from Hamilton when the -sword fell,” Vera reminded. - -“The trouble is,” Marjorie drew a regretful breath, “she has already -been to Prexy about it.” - -“She has?” rose a concerted cry. - -Marjorie nodded soberly. “He wouldn’t listen to her,” she continued. -“She was so hurt and confused at his brusqueness that she didn’t try to -explain at all why she wanted to come back to the campus. That was the -very thing that might have influenced President Matthews to give her -another trial.” - -“This _is_ news,” Leila emphasized. “How can one help but admire Leslie -Cairns for her courage in facing Prexy. I believe now she may turn out -well.” - -Marjorie smiled. She wondered what Leila would say could she have even -an inkling of the wonderful plan Leslie had in view for her. “She is -brave as can be,” she agreed. “I feel as though she hadn’t had a fair -opportunity to soften the hard heart of Prexy. That is the reason I am -going to brave Prexy in his den all by myself. Miss Susanna offered to -go with me. Then we talked it over and decided I had best go alone. What -do you think, Lucy? Is there any possibility that Prexy might change his -mind about Leslie? You know him better than we.” - -“Yes, Luciferous Warniferous, high and exalted scribe of the Prexy -realm, speak, and tell us the worst,” Muriel made a commanding gesture -at which Lucy merely giggled. - -“I don’t know what to say.” Her small face suddenly sobered. “Prexy is -the kindest man I know until he has been really shocked by something -that someone has done. Then he grows terribly stern. He was angrier -about the trouble Leslie Cairns made between him and Miss Remson than -the hazing. Yet he will do more for you, Marjorie, than he would for -almost anyone else. You may be able to persuade him to give Leslie -another trial. But—” She came to an abrupt pause, her green eyes -fastened peculiarly upon Marjorie’s face with eloquent significance. - -“I understand you, Lucy. You are right. I shouldn’t care to have Prexy -offer Leslie another trial just to please me. The only way for him to -offer it to her is because he has become convinced that it is the best -thing to do.” - -“And that will be your job, Bean—to convince Prexy that second thoughts -are best. Such an easy little task,” Jerry declared satirically. “You -certainly have had some splendid jobs since you came to Hamilton. I feel -the inspiration stealing over me to jingle. Ahem! Aha! Bzzz-zz! -Whir-r-r! Br-rr-p!” - - “No easy task, it is to ask, - Our Prexy to relent, - Smile on, serene, undaunted Bean, - Until he has unbent.” - -“That is good advice, Jeremiah. I shall proceed to follow it,” laughed -Marjorie. - -“And I shall proceed to copy the jingle.” Leila confiscated another -sheet of paper from Lucy’s notebook and jotted down the jingle. She -smiled widely to herself as she wrote. Leila had a plan of her own -regarding Jerry’s jingles which she intended to carry out presently. - -“I shall go to see President Matthews as soon as he returns from the -shore. That will be the last of the week. I’ll wait until Monday to make -my call,” Marjorie announced decisively. - -“If I were you I should go to his house, Marjorie,” Lucy advised in her -serious fashion. “It’s more quiet at his home office. At Hamilton Hall -he has so many interruptions. Persons are continually passing in and out -of his office.” - -“That was what I thought. And if I should succeed—” Marjorie broke off. -Her brown eyes traveled from one face to another in the group. “I was -thinking of what Muriel said about Leslie hurrying away from the campus -as soon as her classes were over. As good Travelers we couldn’t let her -do that. If she comes back to the senior class we must stand by her on -all occasions. I know a way in which we could help her a great deal. We -could ask her to belong to the Travelers.” - -“Whu-u-u!” Muriel emitted a prolonged sigh of surprise. A united murmur -went up from the others. - -“Is that a murmur of objection?” Marjorie asked with a little laugh. - -“No,” was the ascending hearty protest. - -“You simply stunned us for a second, Beauty,” Leila said reassuringly. -“Stop and think if it is not an amazing idea that Leslie Cairns should -become a member of the Travelers. Consider all the past troubles she has -caused that worthy organization.” She showed her white teeth in an -amused smile. - -“Do you mean _our_ Nineteen?” Muriel could not keep a faint note of -amazement, bordering on disapproval out of her question. - -“She couldn’t very well belong to either of the other chapters,” Jerry -pointed out. “The only members of last year’s Travelers at Hamilton to -be here this year will be Phil Moore and Barbara Severn. Oh, yes. Anna -Towne is coming back to teach English Literature. The new Travelers were -all chosen before college closed last June, weren’t they?” She turned -inquiringly to Marjorie. - -“Yes. The only Travelers’ chapter Leslie could very well belong to would -be ours. Of course all this is only tentative. If Prexy declines to do -anything for Leslie it would be of no use to ask her to join the -Travelers.” - -“The Board would have to give consent as well as Prexy to her coming -back,” Vera interposed. - -“Yes, but I dare say the Board members would if President Matthews -recommended another trial for her,” Marjorie answered. - -“Did you ever hear of an ex-Hamilton student being permitted to return -to Hamilton again?” Ronny asked dubiously. - -“No, I never have. Perhaps this will be the first case of the kind on -the Hamilton records,” Marjorie replied brightly. “I wish you girls -would tell me exactly the way you feel about helping Leslie Cairns if -she should come back to college.” - -“Just the way you do, I hope,” Vera made loyal return. - -“It is a fine diversion you are providing for my old age,” was Leila’s -mock-enthusiastic response. “But I can stand it, if you can, Beauty.” - -“Yours truly.” Muriel thus pledged her devotion. “Doris would be glad of -it. She really cares a good deal for Leslie Cairns.” - -“You should have more faith in your pals,” Ronny rebuked with simulated -severity. “When have we ever gone back on you?” - -“I wish there was something I could say to President Matthews that would -help,” was Lucy’s regretful cry. - -“Is it necessary for me to say, Bean, dear Bean, that I will never -desert you?” Jerry contributed reproachfully. - -“You are darling old dears.” Marjorie beamed warmest affection on the -group of white-clad girls who had just sworn fealty afresh to her -standard. - -“And you are the same beautiful Beauty that you were five years ago when -you walked into Baretti’s one fine September evening and began the -conquest of Leslie Cairns which has ended in her unconditional -surrender.” Leila was looking a world of affectionate admiration at -Marjorie. “Did I not say to you then, Midget, that Beauty had arrived on -the campus, and that great doings would come to pass?” - -“You surely did say it, and that is at least one of your prophesies -which has come true,” Vera made ready response. - -“Nonsense. It was not I. It was my faithful Beanstalks. What could I -have done for democracy without them? You are the same splendid Leila -Harper, who worked like mad to make things come right on the campus and -then wouldn’t believe she’d done anything worth while. You see I can say -as much about you as you said about me,” Marjorie triumphantly -retaliated. “Who was it—.” - -“Never mind who it was,” Leila cut in hastily. “Let us talk of the -campus. It is a beautiful piece of ground. Is it not?” She inquired of -Marjorie with polite affability. “Have I not heard you say you admire -it?” - -“I wish I could see it from my windows at Hamilton Arms,” Marjorie said -half wistfully, though she smiled at Leila’s ridiculous air and -questions. “I do miss you girls and the Hall and the campus dreadfully, -much as I love the Arms. It was fine, you know, to be right in the -middle of the campus, as it were. I shan’t settle down again at the -biography much before the first of November. As soon as Robin comes -back, Page and Dean will have to get busy in the show business again.” - -“Robin ought to be here by this time. We received a letter from her just -before we sailed for home in which she wrote that she was coming back to -Hamilton as early as the first of September.” Vera gave out this news as -she hospitably replenished the glasses from the case of ginger ale on -the floor. - -“She has probably waited for Phil, and Phil may have been delayed by an -influx of visiting relatives,” was Marjorie’s guess. “The Moores are the -most hospitable of southerners Robin says.” - -“It will be a week before the campus begins to be inhabited,” Ronny -predicted. “Then the campus dwellers will arrive in numbers. Did you and -Vera see Doris Monroe while you were abroad, Leila? Of course you had -her Paris address.” - -“We spent three days with her in Paris. She was with an aunt in a -cunning little apartment in the Rue de Rivoli. Her father and his party -of explorers have unearthed a buried city in Peru. He will not return to -France for another year.” Vera went on to relate the details of their -visit to Doris Monroe. She ended with: “Doris must be on the way across -the Atlantic now. She was intending to sail for the United States the -first of September.” - -“What news from the Bertramites?” asked Muriel. - -“None,” replied Leila. “That means you may expect them to come breezing -back to Hamilton any day. Kathie and Lillian will be here on next Friday -evening, according to Kathie’s letter. And now are you not glad that I -would tell you nothing about the campus news last night?” Leila viewed -her friends with indulgently twinkling eyes. - -On the previous evening she had laughingly refused to give out a word of -information concerning campus matters. “If Midget and I were to tell you -all the news tonight we should have nothing to entertain you with at the -Hall tomorrow,” she had argued. - -Leila’s good-humored inquiry evoked a buzz of laughing rejoinders. “I am -so kind,” she continued, “I will keep on giving you the news. Besides -you girls and ourselves there are only four other students back at the -Hall; Miss Peters and Miss Finch, those two nice freshies who had 14 -last year, and Miss Keller and Miss Ryan, the two sophs who roomed next -to Miss Peyton and Miss Carter. They are sophs and juniors now, but -their hats will continue to fit their heads, I believe. Let me see. -Midget and I have only half unpacked our trunks. We have done a great -deal of visiting at the Arms, and no work.” - -“Tomorrow we are going to clean house and unpack and buy some plates at -the ten cent store. Lead really useful lives, you know,” Vera announced -with joking energy. - -“Midget is that ambitious!” Leila became colloquially Celtic. - -Vera’s light announcement brought forth plenty of similar jesting -resolves from the others. With conversation flowing in a purely personal -channel Leslie Cairns’ name was not mentioned again. Having pledged -their word to do all they could to help her six of the reunited -Travelers were only too well content to allow the subject to drop. They -had not yet come to the stage of regarding Leslie from Marjorie’s -great-spirited viewpoint. - -Of them all Vera was the nearest to Marjorie in tolerance. She was -willing to help Leslie for Leslie’s sake; not because of her regard for -Marjorie. With the others it was solely on Marjorie’s account that they -had agreed to stand by Leslie, should future need of their support -arise. Jerry and Ronny, the only ones besides Marjorie who knew of -Leslie’s plan for Leila, had at heart not yet entirely forgiven Leslie -for past offenses against Marjorie. Muriel Harding would probably never -cherish any degree of liking for Leslie, no matter how well she might do -in future. Muriel had a peculiarly obdurate side of character in spite -of her natural sunnyness of disposition. - -As for Leila, only Leila herself knew how greatly she still detested -Leslie Cairns. Though she had been first to credit Leslie for her -courage in seeking President Matthews, even this incident had not -altered in the slightest degree her basic dislike for the financier’s -once lawless daughter. Her secret aversion for Leslie had not died with -the knowledge of the other girl’s change of heart. - -Once before Leila had found occasion to admire Leslie’s moral courage, -tardily as it had shown itself. This was on the day in spring when she -and Marjorie had encountered Leslie Cairns on the road to Orchard Inn -and the latter had halted their car to make brave confession to -Marjorie. In spite of it Leila had not warmed toward the penitent then. -Nor had this latest report of Leslie’s courage stirred in Leila any real -sympathy. Leila would not have admitted such an attitude of mind, even -to Vera. For Marjorie’s sake she was resolved to hide her dislike for -Leslie so securely that no one should even suspect her of it. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - A MOMENTOUS ERRAND - - -“How do I look, Jeremiah? Very grave and serious, I hope.” Marjorie -walked sedately to the center of the spacious sitting room which was a -part of hers and Jerry’s luxurious quarters at Hamilton Arms. She -paused, casting an interrogative glance at Jerry, who was sitting on the -edge of a chair interestingly following Marjorie’s every movement. - -“You don’t look half as solemn as you think you feel,” was Jerry’s -opinion delivered with a faint chuckle. - -“How discouraging.” Marjorie stopped before the long plate glass wall -mirror for a last critical inspection. She thought she made a really -unobtrusive appearance in her plain dark blue faille gown and small blue -faille hat. - -“You might better wear your new jade afternoon frock with the black fur -bands,” Jerry grumbled critically. “The world is yours in that rig.” - -“You’re a fond goose, Jeremiah. It has to be a case of ‘I won’t speak of -myself’ today. I wish to eliminate Marjorie Dean from the situation as -thoroughly as I can. I wish Prexy’s interest to be all for Leslie. The -color of my new dress might interfere with his thought processes. This -is strictly a matter of psychology, you know,” she declared gaily. - -“All right, Bean. You win. You look almost as beautiful as ever, if not -more so. True beauty cannot be hidden.” Jerry rose in a declamatory -attitude, one arm raised stiffly. “It peereth forth from even the -humblest of blue faille—” - -“Stop it this instant.” Marjorie forgot sedateness and rushed upon -Jerry, open-armed. Jerry threw up both arms and accidentally knocked -Marjorie’s hat off. “Now see what you’ve done.” Laughing, Marjorie -straightened a dent in her little blue hat and went over to the mirror -to readjust it. “You’ve completely chased away my seriousness, Jeremiah -Macy.” - -“A good thing. Don’t worry about the way you ought to approach Prexy. -Whatever you say to him will be the best thing that could possibly be -said for Leslie.” This time it was Jerry who turned momentarily serious. - -“I hope so.” Marjorie gave a quick, longing sigh. “Now I must be on my -way. Lucy said Prexy would surely be at the house after four today. It’s -a quarter to four now. I’ll meet you at Wayland Hall at five o’clock. -Coming down stairs with me?” - -“No. I’ve a letter to write. I must start it this minute. It’s to Hal. -Any messages,” she called slyly. Marjorie was at the door. - -“Not any.” Marjorie laughed and blushed charmingly. “Good-bye, Jeremiah. -See you later.” She tripped down the broad staircase and into the -library where Miss Susanna Hamilton sat at the long mahogany table -busily occupied with sorting the loose yellow leaves of an old book. - -“So you are off on the momentous errand, are you, child?” she greeted, -her eyes still on her dilettante task. She laid down the leaf in her -hand and turned her keen dark eyes smilingly upon Marjorie. “What a -plain little dress! But I like it. It’s suitable to the errand on which -you are going. Marvelous Manager with no frills or furbelows.” - -“If I succeed with Prexy this afternoon I shall feel that I can lay -claim to that ridiculous title for just once.” Marjorie came over to -Miss Hamilton. She bent and kissed the old lady’s pink cheek. “Please -don’t be lonely without us at dinner tonight, Goldendede,” she said. -“Remember we’ll all be here tomorrow night for a regular Travelers’ -reunion.” - -“Run along, my dear. I’ll be glad to be rid of both you and Jerry this -evening,” chuckled Miss Susanna. “Think what an opportunity I shall have -to collate this book, uninterrupted.” - -“Good-bye.” Marjorie started for the door in pretended offense. Half way -across the library she paused, looking back and laughing. - -“Wait a minute, Marjorie. Try not to feel downcast if President Matthews -should be brusque with you in regard to Leslie,” was the older woman’s -advice. “He is broader-minded than most presidents of colleges that I -have known. And I have known a good many of them. They are all alike in -their deep disapproval of particularly lawless students. Leslie’s case -seems very doubtful to me. I don’t mean to be discouraging. I know how -strongly prejudiced such men are against flagrant student offenders.” - -“I understand.” Marjorie gave a little comprehending nod. She came back -and kissed Miss Susanna again, saying: “Wish me good fortune, -Goldendede. I’m going on a quick hike to a trying engagement.” - -“Good luck attend you, Lieutenant Dean.” Miss Susanna watched the trim -little figure across the room and through the open door. - -Marjorie left the Arms and sped lightly down the wide stone walk to the -gates. She was soon swinging along with her free buoyant stride through -picturesque Hamilton Estates and toward the campus. For a little the -tender beauty of the early September day caused her to forget her errand -in fervent Nature worship. Overhead the sun’s golden gleams filtered -down from skies of palest blue between snatches of drifting, snowy -clouds. The sweeping lawns and gardens of the Estates were bright with -scarlet sage, dahlias and early autumn flowers. Along the sides of the -pike and in the fields grew goldenrod, daisies and purple asters in -Nature’s own profusion. Here and there the foliage of a tree had been -touched by magic fingers and turned from green to red and gold. - -Marjorie greeted the emerald-hued campus with a fond smile and a soft: -“You’re as splendid as ever, old friend.” She entered the east gates and -followed the drive for a little way, then left it to travel straight -across the broad green sweep toward President Matthews’ house which was -situated at the extreme west side of the campus. - -It was now almost a week since the initial band of Travelers had -gathered at the Hall and Marjorie had then announced her determination -to go to President Matthews in behalf of Leslie Cairns. She had been -obliged to delay her call upon the President for the very good reason -that he had not returned to Hamilton campus from the sea shore until -Tuesday of that week. It was now Thursday. The next day, Friday, would -see the return of Katherine Langly and Lillian Wenderblatt to the -campus. There was to be a jolly celebration at the Arms on Friday -evening in honor of them. In view of happiness so near at hand Marjorie -was desirous of immediately putting Leslie’s case before the President -and having the self-appointed interview with “Prexy” off her mind. - -As she crossed the broad green, endeared by long familiarity to her -feet, her gaze wandered from one to another of the campus houses. Her -eyes brightened to see three girls seated on the steps of Craig Hall. At -Acasia House a slim girl shape stood on the top step of the front -veranda, waving an arm at an expressman coming up the walk with a -heavy-looking trunk. In front of Silverton Hall three girls were -emerging from a taxicab. Marjorie stopped to stare at them. No; they -were not Phyllis Moore, Barbara Severn and Robin Page. She was not sure -of their identity. She experienced a glad sense of happiness at the -thought that the campus dwellers were gathering home again. The end of -another week and Hamilton Campus would have again become its old -delightful center of activity. - -As she turned in at the gateway of the ornamental hedge which surrounded -the president’s home, Marjorie’s buoyant interest in the campus receded -and was replaced by the graver import of her errand. She hoped she would -find the president alone. Perhaps Lucy would be there. Lucy had been -working for him for the past two days. - -“I shan’t mind if Lucy is there,” Marjorie was thinking as she neared -the steps. Her heart was beating uncomfortably fast. She had a strong -inclination to turn and run away. She did not dread the coming -interview. What she did dread was the probable event of defeat. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - FOR LESLIE - - -Ringing the bell with a brave little air Marjorie waited. She recalled -the first visit she had ever made to the president’s house. On that -occasion she had been a messenger for Miss Humphrey the registrar. That -had been long ago, in her sophomore year. Since that day, her first -personal meeting with President Matthews, Marjorie had become a welcome -visitor and guest at Prexy’s home. The maid, a stolid Swedish girl with -pale gold hair and round blue eyes broke into smiles at sight of her. - -“Gude afternoon, Miss Dean. How you ben all sommer?” she greeted -Marjorie with pleased effusion. - -“Good afternoon, Hilda. How have you been? I have been very well, and -very happy.” - -“Tha’s gude. I am pritty gude, too. We go sea shore, you know. Nize -place. I go tak the bathe in the oshin. I gat awful much sunburn. Ha, -ha!” Hilda showed her white teeth enjoyingly over her calamity. “You -come see Mrs. Matthews? She is gone away this afternoon. The president -is here. May-bee you come see him?” - -“I hope your sunburn is all well now.” Marjorie smiled at the jolly pink -and white maid. “Yes, I came to see President Matthews. Is he busy?” - -“He see you.” Hilda nodded confidently. “You come in, pleese, Miss Dean. -I tell him.” She ushered Marjorie into the colonial reception hall and -disappeared into the room at the right, the president’s office. She was -back in an instant with: “The president pleese to see you, Miss Dean.” - -“Good afternoon, Miss Marjorie. This is a most unexpected pleasure.” -President Matthews met Marjorie at the door of his office and warmly -shook her by the hand. She saw that he was alone in the office. - -“Good afternoon, President Matthews. I am very glad to see you. Miss -Susanna and I are coming to make a social call upon Mrs. Matthews and -you as soon as you are fairly settled again after your summer away from -the campus. I came today on business of my own. I hoped to find you here -and not too busy to see me.” Marjorie’s color heightened a trifle as she -made the frank statement. - -“I am at your service, Miss Marjorie.” The president bowed her into a -chair in his courtly fashion and sat down opposite her in his own. “What -can I do for you?” - -“I will give you a direct answer, and explain things afterward.” -Marjorie raised candid eyes to those of the president. “I wish you would -give Leslie Cairns an opportunity to return to Hamilton College, and -earn the degree she forfeited when she was expelled from Hamilton.” - -A dead silence followed her straight-forward request. President Matthews -regarded her with contemplative gravity. - -When he spoke it was to say: “You astonish me. Still I am confident you -realize the peculiarity of the request you have just made.” He continued -to regard Marjorie as though half curious to learn what strong motive -had prompted her amazing plea for reinstatement of the girl who had -despitefully used her. - -“Yes, I understand fully how much I am asking of you. Can it be done for -Miss Cairns?” Again she came directly to the point. - -“You mean from the standpoint of my permission and that of the Board?” -he interrogated with equal directness. - -“Yes.” Marjorie inclined her head in affirmation. - -“Well,” President Matthews paused briefly; “such a thing has never been -done at Hamilton. I do not say that it could not be arranged. Let me ask -you, Miss Marjorie, what I regard as a most pertinent question: Why -should such a sweeping favor be granted Miss Cairns? She furnished in my -opinion, the most glaring example of bad conduct of any Hamilton culprit -with whom I have ever had occasion to deal. However, I know you would -not be here today with such a request except under strong conviction of -right.” He paused again, looking at her as though inviting an -explanation. - -“Miss Cairns has undergone a great change of mind and heart, President -Matthews. I should like to tell you as much as I know of it,” Marjorie -returned. She was resolved to be frank, yet to choose her words so -carefully as to spare Leslie so far as she could. - -“I never knew Miss Cairns personally when she was a student at -Hamilton,” she began, “but last spring we became acquainted by chance.” -Marjorie thus magnanimously bridged over her years at Hamilton which -Leslie Cairns had made so troublous for her. - -Followed the interesting story of Peter Carden who had run away from -Carden Hedge and made a name in finance for himself as Peter Cairns. She -felt the intensity of President Matthews’ interest as she continued to -tell of Leslie’s humiliating business mistake of having paid sixty -thousand dollars for a garage site, the ground of which had already -belonged to her father. Again Marjorie omitted all reference to the -intended spitefulness of Leslie’s business venture as in relation to the -Travelers’ dormitory enterprise. Nor was she to learn until long -afterward that President Matthews had been in possession of the true -state of Page and Dean’s dormitory set-backs at the time when she made -her earnest plea for Leslie. - -Generously ignoring the past Marjorie chose to dwell instead upon -Leslie’s great affection for her father and of her desire for -re-instatement at Hamilton solely on his account. - -“I came to you upon my own responsibility, and unbeknown to Miss Cairns. -Miss Susanna Hamilton and six of my best friends know this. Last night -we met informally at Wayland Hall and discussed the matter. We are ready -to help Miss Cairns in any way that we can should she be permitted to -return to Hamilton. When she told me, on the way home from California, -about her call upon you, I felt that she had not done herself justice. -You were not in possession of the real facts of why she wished to come -back to Hamilton. She could not put them before you as I could. So I am -here.” Her smile of kindly resolution was very beautiful. - -“I am regarding Miss Cairns in a more favorable light; far more -favorable than I had ever expected to regard her,” the president -admitted slowly. - -“Oh, I forgot to mention one very important point,” Marjorie added. “I -have talked with Miss Remson about Miss Cairns. I know her to be -great-spirited. She wishes to help Leslie.” - -“My own belief,” came the hearty reply. “After all, Miss Marjorie, the -burden of Miss Cairns’ offenses were against yourself, Miss Remson and -myself.” The president smiled rather wryly. “You have chosen to -eliminate yourself in the problem. I can do no better than to emulate -your fine example of true Christian spirit. It remains for Miss Remson -to speak her mind. In confidence I will say that the personal side of -Miss Remson’s and my grievances against Miss Cairns were never brought -before the Board. Miss Cairns was expelled from Hamilton College -together with her student confederates for hazing—and nothing other than -hazing.” - -“Oh!” Marjorie could not repress the quick anxious ejaculation. She was -suddenly seeing a dim light of hope, very faint, but a light, -nevertheless. - -The man saw the flash of hopeful eagerness spring into her face. His -next speech was even more reassuring. - -“You know how bitterly I am opposed to hazing,” he said. “My attitude -toward the students who were expelled from Hamilton for hazing you was -implacable. It was perhaps more severe than that of my colleagues. A -plea to the Board on my part for re-instatement for Miss Cairns may meet -with success. I will call a meeting of the members soon. Considerable -time has elapsed since the affair. Your wish in the matter——” - -“Pardon me. Must my name be mentioned?” Marjorie questioned in a tone of -dismay. - -“Yes, since you wish to help Miss Cairns. It will be one of my strongest -arguments in favor of re-instatement. While her desire to return to -college because of regard for her father is commendable, this, in -itself, may not impress the Board members. They may maintain that she -should have thought of her duty to her father before she defied the -rules of the college.” - -“If they could only know what such a re-instatement would mean to her!” -was Marjorie’s involuntary exclamation. “There is her side of it too. It -is the side I intended to present to you in case you had not been in -sympathy with me,” she added naively. - -“Indeed?” President Matthews regarded her with interested, half-amused -eyes. He was thoroughly admiring her invincible spirit. “Will you tell -me Miss Cairns’ side of it?” he requested gently. - -“Can you imagine anything harder than for Miss Cairns to re-enter -Hamilton College under a cloud?” Marjorie’s voice rang with appealing -earnestness. “Her story is well known on the campus even though many of -the students who were at Hamilton when she was there have been -graduated. The Travelers will stand by her and try to make other -students understand and respect her motive, should she be permitted to -return. But she will undoubtedly be subjected to many humiliations. It -will be a question of ethics, and there are so many different codes.” -Marjorie made a gesture expressive of futility. “Could she choose a -thornier path of restitution?” - -“True enough.” The doctor bowed agreement. “It is you, rather than I, -who should put Miss Cairns’ case before the Board,” he said, half -smiling. “You have the courage of your convictions.” - -“Oh, no!” Marjorie looked her alarm. “I beg your pardon,” she apologized -in the same breath. “I didn’t mean—I meant—” She stopped, rosy with -confusion. “I am sure no one else could explain Leslie’s case to the -Board as you could, Dr. Matthews,” she rallied with confidence. “It was -easy for me to come to you because you are my friend. I would go before -the Board, in order to help Leslie, if there were no other way open for -me to do. But I should not like to do so.” Her sunny smile flashed out -with the confession. - -“I understand your attitude in the matter, better, perhaps, than you may -guess. I shall respect it, and try to present Miss Cairns’ case to the -Board members as sympathetically as you have presented it to me.” The -president answered her smile, his grave features lighting. - -Marjorie breathed again at the reassurance. She was recalling the one -occasion on which she has appeared before the Board. It had had strictly -to do with expelling Leslie Cairns from Hamilton College. She was glad -to remember now that her testimony then had added no weight to the -evidence against Leslie. - -“You underestimate your own powers, Miss Marjorie.” She came back from -remembrance of that dark day to hear the president saying. “Of all -persons whom I know you have the best right to ask of and receive from -the executives of Hamilton College the concession which you ask. You -have accomplished for Hamilton that which I believe no one else could -have done.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - COMING BACK - - -“Well, Bean, beneficent, belated Bean, I thought you were never coming.” -Jerry Macy cheerfully addressed Marjorie from the top step of the -veranda of Wayland Hall on which she was sitting viewing her chums’ -progress up the walk with an encouraging grin. - -“It’s only ten minutes past five,” Marjorie defended, her eyes seeking -the clock tower of Hamilton Hall. - -“You said five o’clock,” Jerry rebukingly reminded. “Learn to be -dependable, my dear young lady. Then everyone will like you. I like you, -anyway.” Jerry favored Marjorie with an effulgent smile. - -“Thank you so much,” Marjorie bowed mock gratitude of Jerry’s -graciousness. “What are you doing out here all by yourself? Where is -everyone?” - -“I might say that I left the ‘madding crowd’ to watch for you. Alas, it -would not be true!” Jerry sighed. “Nobody’s home,” she added in a -practical tone. “Can you beat that?” - -“Where is everybody?” Marjorie mounted the steps and dropped gracefully -down beside Jerry. - -“Scattered to the four winds. Miss Remson went to town and Ronny and -Muriel went with her. Leila and Vera are off and away, whereabouts -unknown. The two freshies who are to have Number 12 arrived in a taxi -about an hour ago. I assisted them with their luggage in my grandest -post-graduate manner. They’re still roosting in 12, and getting -accustomed to the scenery. Where’s Luciferous? I thought she’d be with -you.” - -“She wasn’t at Prexy’s house. He was splendid, Jeremiah. He will do all -he can for Leslie.” Marjorie began an account of her interview with -President Matthews. - -“What do you know about that? What do you suppose she will say when she -hears the good word?” Jerry looked pleased in spite of her none too warm -regard for Leslie Cairns. “How do you suppose it will come to her? I -wonder if Prexy will send for her to come to his office or if the Board -will send her a notice, or what will happen?” - -“I don’t know. I’m wondering most of all when it will be. Prexy said he -should call a Board meeting soon. Do you think I ought to tell Leslie -what I’ve done?” Marjorie eyed Jerry with thoughtful anxiety. “It’s -almost certain.” Her color deepened as she thought of the president’s -words of earnest commendation. - -“No, I don’t.” Jerry’s answer was decided. “A surprise is one thing but -a disappointment is quite another. I suppose she will live at the -Hamilton House with Mrs. Gaylord. It seems queer to me—that our precious -Hob-goblin, should be coming back to Hamilton as our bosom friend. It’s -high time we wound up our campus affairs, Marvelous Manager, and kept -time to the wedding march.” - -“_We?_ What _do_ you mean, Jeremiah Macy?” Marjorie turned with merry -suspicion upon Jerry. - -“Nothing at all. I merely used ‘we’ as a figure of speech.” Jerry’s -expression of innocence was perfect. The rush of tell-tale color to her -cheeks betrayed her. - -“You are an old fraud. You’re going to marry Danny Seabrooke. You can’t -deny it.” Marjorie shook a playful finger at Jerry. - -“Bean, I cannot tell a lie. I am; someday. But not for a whole year. The -engagement won’t be announced till after your wedding. No one but Danny -and the Macys and you know it. Swear, Marjorie Dean, that you won’t——” - -Jerry broke off abruptly. She sprang up and ran down the steps calling -“Come along” over one plump shoulder. Approaching across the campus and -within a few hundred yards of Wayland Hall she had spied three -white-clad figures. Jerry made for the trio at a run, twirling a -welcoming arm high above her head. - -Marjorie rose hurriedly and followed Jerry in her jubilant dash, her -radiant face showing her delight in beholding the newcomers. - -“Robin Page! Dear precious Pagey!” she cried, holding out both arms to -her tried and trusted partner of campus enterprise. “I nearly looked my -eyes out coming across the campus this afternoon, hoping that three -girls I saw getting out of a taxi at Silverton Hall were you and Phil -and Barbara. They weren’t. I was so disappointed.” - -“We arrived in the usual taxi not more than half an hour ago. Silverton -Hall is filling up fast with aspiring freshmen. We didn’t wait to make -their acquaintance. Instead we started for Wayland Hall. We ’phoned the -Arms first. Miss Susanna said you would be here at five.” - -Robin delivered this information between the enthusiastic embraces of -her pretty partner. Page and Dean beamed at each other with utter good -will. Then Jerry claimed Robin with a vigorous hug and kiss. Marjorie, -Phyllis Moore and Barbara Severn entwined arms in a triangular -demonstration of buoyant affection. - -“You should have seen us leave our luggage in one grand pyramid in the -middle of Robin’s room,” laughed Phil Moore. - -“Bags, suit cases, golf sticks, musical instruments, bundles, magazines -and bandboxes all in reckless confusion,” declared Barbara with a wave -of the hand. - -“We were crazy to see you. Where are the other girls? How about dinner -at Baretti’s?” Robin cried all in a breath. - -“We’ve promised Miss Remson to stay here and spend the evening with her. -You’re respectfully invited to stick,” Jerry told the welcome arrivals. - -“All right. Guiseppe’s tomorrow evening then,” Robin returned radiantly. - -“No; Hamilton Arms tomorrow evening. There’s to be a Travelers’ -reunion,” Marjorie interposed. “Kathie and Lillian will be home this -evening. All the old Travelers except Helen Trent will be here then. And -Phil and Barbara of the new ones. Helen is coming to visit us at the -Arms in November. She’ll stay till after Thanksgiving; maybe longer.” - -“Oh, lovely. It’s simply glorious to be back.” Robin drew a long -rapturous breath. “The dormitory is progressing wonderfully. We made the -taxi driver stop a moment today so that we could take a look at it.” - -“Mr. Graham says it will be ready for occupancy by the middle of March. -Everything has gone as smoothly as could be this past summer, Robin. Mr. -Graham says hardly an hour has been lost. He is making up daily for the -time that was lost last winter. Things have gone ahead with such a rush -since that set-back. The dormitory will be finished, he believes, not -more than a month later than the date he first named for its -completion.” - -“Isn’t that glorious news?” Robin exclaimed animatedly. “Do you hear -that, girls?” she called out to Phyllis and Barbara. - -The reunited comrades were walking slowly toward the steps of the Hall -now, arm in arm, their gay voices rising buoyantly on the stillness of -the September afternoon. They had just reached the steps of the broad -veranda when the throbbing of a taxicab engine brought all eyes to bear -upon a station machine that was rolling up the drive. - -“I hope it’s the Bertramites,” declared Marjorie. - -“I choose to have it Doris Monroe,” Jerry laughingly differed. - -The Travelers had paused by common consent at the foot of the steps -eagerly watching the nearing automobile. - -“Good night!” broke from Jerry in a subdued, disgusted voice as she -glimpsed the occupants of the taxicab through the now opened doorway of -the machine. It had stopped on the graveled square before the house and -the driver had sprung from his seat to open the rear door of the machine -for his fares. - -The expressions on both Marjorie’s and Jerry’s faces were unconscious -indexes of their disappointment. Marjorie had been fondly hoping to see -Augusta Forbes’ tall graceful figure and handsome features emerge from -the taxicab. Jerry knew that Muriel was most anxious for the return to -the Hall of her roommate, Doris Monroe. To see moon-eyed Julia Peyton -poke her head suspiciously out of the door of the machine had inspired -Jerry with deep disgust. - -The tall squarely-built figure of the sophomore who had stirred up so -much trouble during the previous year followed the peering, pasty-white -face and large round black eyes with their owl-like stare. Julia Peyton -straightened, at the same time casting a darting glance at the group of -girls near the steps. She drew her black brows together frowningly at -sight of the quintette. With no sign of recognition she turned her back -belligerently upon them and devoted herself to paying the driver. - -Her companion of the taxicab, a short plump girl with a disagreeable -face and bright red hair, emulated Julia’s example, her nose elevated to -a haughty angle. - -With the air of a grenadier, Julia picked up a leather bag which she had -set down on the graveled space while she paid the driver. She stalked -toward the steps across the small graveled interval, her black eyes -fastened upon the front doorway of the Hall. - -“Good afternoon Miss Peyton,” Marjorie greeted composedly as the haughty -arrival passed the group. “Good afternoon, Miss Carter.” - -A combined murmur of greeting arose from the other four Travelers who -were quick to follow Marjorie’s lead. - -Neither by word nor sign did Julia Peyton indicate that she was aware of -the courteous salutation. Her chum and roommate, Clara Carter, imitated -Julia in the discourtesy. The pair went grandly up the steps and to the -door where Julia pressed a finger to the electric bell. Without waiting -for a maid she flung open the screen door and stepped into the reception -hall with Clara at her heels. - -“A bad beginning makes a good ending. So ’tis said,” Phil Moore -commented with cheerful satire as the unsociable pair of arrivals -disappeared into the house. - -“A decidedly bad beginning I should say,” Barbara Severn’s shoulders -lifted with a disapproving shrug. “How extremely silly to carry one’s -prejudices and resentments to such an extent.” - -“It certainly is. Just the same if Marjorie hadn’t spoken to those two -girls first, I shouldn’t have,” Robin confessed. “Not because of past -displeasure toward them. It is one’s first impulse to return such a -discourtesy in kind.” - -“Did you imagine they would speak to you, Marjorie?” was Barbara’s -interested question. - -Marjorie smilingly shook her head. “No,” she said, “Miss Peyton hasn’t -spoken to me since the evening of the Rustic Romp last spring. She has -been nice to Leila, though. And generally to you, Robin, hasn’t she?” - -“Um-m; so, so.” Robin answered lightly. “She certainly didn’t speak to -me today.” - -“That was only because you were with me,” Marjorie declared. - -“And me,” echoed Jerry. “Don’t leave me out of things. There has been a -Peyton-Macy feud ever since the night last year when Miss Peyton -reported the social gathering in Fifteen as noisy, and she and I -exchanged pleasantries. You three innocent, trusting Silvertonites were -snubbed because of the company you keep.” - -“May we always be found in the same company,” Robin said gaily. - -“I wish we could all go up to Fifteen,” Marjorie remarked half wistful. -“Annie says she thinks it has been taken. She heard Miss Remson tell -Leila yesterday that she was saving it for someone. It hadn’t been -taken, though, day before yesterday when I last saw Miss Remson.” - -“Oh, let’s go into the living room then,” Robin proposed. “I have stacks -of business to transact with you, dear partner.” She reached out and -drew Marjorie into the circle of a loving arm. “Phil and Barby and Jerry -can entertain one another.” - -“What sort of entertainment do you prefer?” Phil asked Jerry with polite -solemnity. - -“I don’t know. I am not used to being entertained,” giggled Jerry. - -The quintette were animatedly mounting the steps, their merry voices and -fresh, light-hearted laughter enlivening the vacation quiet which had -hung over the hall during the long summer days in the absence of the -Hamilton girls to whom it yearly gave canopy. - -Barbara’s keen ears were quick to catch the hum of an approaching motor. -“Oh, there’s another taxicab coming!” she called out. “This time let’s -hope it is Miss Remson and the girls.” - -A battery of expectant glances was turned upon the station taxicab as it -sped up the drive toward the house. A concerted little shout of -jubilation went up from the watchers as it stopped and Veronica stepped -lightly from the machine followed by Miss Remson, whom she gallantly -assisted to alight, and Muriel. - -“Oh, frabjous day!” Muriel made a rush for the three returned -Silvertonites. A joyful tumult ensued, during which the driver of the -taxicab circled the laughing, chattering knot of women in an uneasy -prance, anxious to collect his fares and be gone. - -Through an open window of the long second-story hall the merry sounds of -rejoicing floated to the ears of Julia Peyton, who had been conducting a -tour of investigation up and down the hall for her own satisfaction. She -went to the window which overlooked the front yard and drive. Standing -well back from it she sourly watched the animated, laughing group gather -on the gravelled space below. The instant she saw it begin to move -toward the steps she darted away from the window and into her room. - -“What’s the matter?” Clara Carter had already removed her hat and -traveling coat and was lounging in a cushioned wicker chair. She turned -pale blue curious eyes upon Julia as the latter fairly dashed into the -room, closing the door. - -“Nothing is the matter, except that I don’t choose to be out in the hall -when that crowd of P. G.’s comes upstairs,” she said crossly. “I’ve made -up my mind to one thing. This year I am not going to have any more silly -crushes like the one I had on Doris Monroe. I’m going to make the -dramatic club and be of importance on the campus.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - A MYSTERY ABOUT 15 - - -“It’s all right! It’s all right! Oh, splendid, great, celostrous!” - -Marjorie slipped from her chair at the breakfast table in the sun-lit -morning room of Hamilton Arms and began a vigorously joyful dance around -the room, waving a letter over her head, her lovely face aglow. - -“Thank you for using my new adjective,” Jerry commented politely, “but -why such enthusiasm? Why such joyful gyrations?” - -“Can’t you guess? Take a look at that envelope by my plate and you’ll -know.” Marjorie came back to the table and resumed her place. - -“I know. But then, I am a better guesser than Jerry,” Miss Susanna -declared jokingly. “Your letter is from Doctor Matthews.” - -“How could I know? Prexy Matthews never writes letters to me,” Jerry -defended. “I’m neither a benefactor nor a biographer.” - -“Yes, it is from Prexy. Listen to what he writes.” Marjorie read in an -utterly happy tone: - - “DEAR MISS MARJORIE: - - “It becomes my great pleasure to inform you that I have - successfully presented Miss Cairns’ case to the Hamilton College - Board. I took up the matter with the members at a special - meeting which I called on the day after our conversation - relative to the matter. They asked for three days’ time in which - to consider Miss Cairns’ case. - - “Yesterday afternoon at a special meeting called by the chairman - of the Board at Hamilton Hall the Board members came to the - decision that, in the circumstances, Miss Cairns was to be - commended in her desire toward moral restitution. Your plea in - her behalf was incorporated into a regular motion which was - voted upon. A unanimous vote in her favor was cast. It was also - voted that I should notify Miss Cairns of her eligibility to - return to Hamilton College as a student. - - “Relative to notifying Miss Cairns of the Board’s favorable - decision I should prefer to consult you in the matter before - taking action. You may have some special preference in this - respect which I should be glad to honor. Will you call at my - office in Hamilton Hall at your convenience, on any afternoon of - the week before Saturday, and before four o’clock? - - “Yours cordially, - “ROBERT EAMES MATTHEWS.” - -Miss Susanna rose, trotted from the head of the oblong table to the foot -and put both arms about Marjorie’s neck. “You good little thing,” she -said with half quavering tenderness. “You deserve all the happiness life -can give you. You’ve given Leslie her surest chance of becoming what she -hopes now to be.” - -“You would have done the same. I only happened to think of it first -because she told me about having gone to Prexy herself,” Marjorie -sturdily refused to credit herself with having done anything worthy of -laudation. - -“That’s the way all the big things for humanity have been done, child,” -Miss Susanna returned soberly. “Some wholly unselfish person has -happened to think of the other fellow first. Happened to think because -his or her mind was centered on doing good.” - -“You’re so dear, Goldendede.” Marjorie rubbed a soft cheek against Miss -Susanna’s encircling arm. She chose this method of wriggling gracefully -away from praise. “I’m going to send Leslie a telegram this morning -asking her to come to Hamilton at once. I’ll go to see Prexy this very -afternoon,” she decided with her usual promptness. - -“That’s the right idea,” Jerry commended. “How I wish I could do noble -deeds like you, Bean. I haven’t a single celostrous act to my credit -that I know of. At least Miss Susanna hasn’t praised me for any,” she -added. Her mischievous grin bespoke her lack of regret at her confessed -defection. - -“Nonsense.” Miss Susanna’s merry little chuckle was heard. “I’m -surprised at your lack of conceit, Jeremiah. I know right now of three -very celostrous acts to your credit.” - -“Name them,” challenged Jerry. “Listen closely, Bean. Jeremiah is going -to be praised. Ahem. All ready.” She straightened in her chair, lifted -her dimpled chin, and put on a fixed stare of expectant modesty. - -“You helped Jonas take up and put away the dahlia tubers. He hates that -job. Second. You planned every bit of the Santa Claus fun last Christmas -on purpose for a crotchety old woman who had never known much about -Santa when she was a lonely kiddie. Third. You are a never ending source -of diversion to your friends and a joy to have in the house. If you -don’t believe that you are, go and ask Jonas,” the old lady finished -humorously. - -“I wouldn’t think of being so conceited.” Jerry put one hand before her -face and peered bashfully around it at Miss Susanna. - -“I can add something to what Miss Susanna says.” Marjorie’s gaze rested -fondly upon Jerry. “You are the best pal in the world, Jeremiah. You -have——” - -“No, I haven’t. Excuse me. Good-bye. I’m going to help Jonas rake leaves -this morning to put around the rose bushes. Want me to run you over to -the campus in the car after luncheon?” she asked Marjorie as she reached -the door. - -“No, thank you. I’m going to walk. You’d better go with me, though. I am -going to the Hall to see Miss Remson and the girls. I have an idea -buzzing madly.” Marjorie smilingly tapped one side of her curly head. -“You can rally the Travelers in Ronny’s room while I go to the Hall to -see Prexy.” - -Jerry came back. She paused beside Marjorie, head bent toward Marjorie’s -curly one in an attitude of strained listening. “I can’t hear it,” she -said. - -“You’re going to, since you’ve taken the trouble to come back to listen -for it. I was going to tell you, anyway. We ought to initiate Leslie -Cairns into the Travelers on the same day she hears the good news from -Prexy.” Marjorie glanced inquiringly from Jerry to Miss Hamilton. “We’d -have a funny initiation for her; like the one we conducted for Phil and -Barbara. It would put her at ease with us.” - -“A good idea,” Miss Susanna instantly approved. - -“You bet it is,” Jerry echoed with slangy emphasis. “But for goodness’ -sake let us have it in Muriel’s room. It’s farthest away from the -retreat of the Screech Owl and the Phonograph. Let’s give them no chance -this time to complain of noise on our part.” - -“We’ll invite the Lady of the Arms and the Empress of Wayland Hall to -the initiation, then they won’t dare complain,” Marjorie laughed. “Too -bad we can’t have it in good old 15. It’s larger than either Ronny’s or -Muriel’s room.” - -“Has someone taken 15?” Jerry asked quickly. “I forgot to ask you about -it when you came from the Hall last time.” - -“Miss Remson said the other day that she was considering a student who -might take it. She seemed rather indefinite about it, so I didn’t ask -her any further questions. Will you come to Leslie’s initiation, Miss -Susanna?” - -In spite of Marjorie’s merry assertion that the Lady of the Arms would -be present on the gala occasion she now turned to the mistress of the -Arms with the pretty deference which she had ever accorded Miss Susanna -since their first meeting. - -“Thank you, Marvelous Manager. I shall be delighted to attend such a -splendid demonstration of your marvelous managing,” was the old lady’s -indulgent reply. - -“And we shall be even more delighted to have you.” Marjorie rose from -her chair and offered a gay arm to her hostess. “Let me escort you into -the sitting room, dear Goldendede.” - -“No; let me.” Jerry offered the other arm. - -The three paraded out of the morning room and down the wide, -old-fashioned center hall to the sitting room. - -“You’d better hurry up if you expect to rake any leaves today,” was -Jonas’s succinct advice to Jerry as he appeared in the hall in overalls -to consult Miss Susanna about certain of her rose bushes. “I’ll have ’em -all raked up myself before you get near ’em.” - -This warning, which was Jonas’s favorite method of joking sent Jerry’s -gallantry to the winds. She dropped Miss Susanna’s arm and fled for the -tool house and a rake. - -After spending an hour with Miss Hamilton in the sitting room Marjorie -went up stairs to the study. There, with Brooke Hamilton’s deep-blue -eyes upon her, she wrote her semi-weekly letter to Hal. She loved best -to write to him in the quietness and peace of the room where she had -learned the truth of her love for him because of Brooke Hamilton’s -disappointment and sorrow. - -“I am going to work on your story again before long,” she whimsically -promised the portrait of the founder of Hamilton College as she settled -herself at the antique library table to write to Hal. “I haven’t -forgotten you, but for a while I must leave you and work for your -college.” - -It was with a feeling of glad exultation which brought a starry -brightness to her eyes and a deeper tide of rose to her cheeks that she -left Jerry at Wayland Hall after luncheon and went on with a springy, -happy step to stately Hamilton Hall. She had already telephoned a -telegram to the telegraph office in the town of Hamilton. The telegram -was to Leslie, at her apartment in Central Park West, New York City. She -had confidently worded it: “Come to Hamilton at once. Important. Wire -day and train. Marjorie.” - -Her interview with President Matthews was brief but eminently -satisfactory. It resulted in the arrangement that on whatever day Leslie -Cairns should arrive in Hamilton she should be escorted to President -Matthews’ office by Marjorie, there to hear the good news from the head -of the college himself. - -As she went down the steps of Hamilton Hall she had hard work to keep -from setting off across the campus at a frisky run. She decided with a -smile dimpling the corners of her red lips that the dignity of the -occasion forbade it. When within a few yards of the Hall, however, -dignity ceased to count. She sped high-heartedly across the short thick -campus grass to the steps, intent only upon seeing her chums and laying -her kindly plan before them. - -“You had better make up your mind to stay here to dinner this evening, -children,” Miss Remson offered this advice to Marjorie and Jerry shortly -after Marjorie’s arrival. To the great disappointment of both girls not -one of the Wayland Hall Travelers was at home. “Call up the other -Travelers and tell them to come, too. Then you can go into your old -room, 15, and discuss the initiation of Leslie Cairns. I must say it is -the very last thing I should suppose might happen.” The little manager’s -tone was one of accepted wonder at such a state of affairs. - -“Hasn’t 15 been taken yet?” Jerry cannily fished for information. - -“Not yet.” Jerry surprised an odd, wise, bird-like gleam in the little -manager’s kindly eyes which she knew of old to mean that Miss Remson had -a secret she was shrewdly guarding. “A senior I know has the refusal of -it. She has not decided upon it yet. I had two applications yesterday -for it. I wish you and Marjorie were to have it this year. Now girls, go -and do your telephoning. I must see the cook about the dinner.” Miss -Remson bustled off in her alert, brisk manner. - -“There’s some kind of mystery afoot about old 15,” Jerry surmised -shrewdly. “You can’t fool Jeremiah. She has what Leila calls ‘the seeing -eye.’ I can see all right enough that Miss Remson has something on _her_ -mind about our old fond, familiar hanging-out place that she isn’t ready -to tell us. When she does get ready to talk about it, it will be some -surprise, Bean; some surprise.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - UNDER THE BIG ELM - - -“Am I awake, or dreaming? Did I come out of Hamilton Hall just now? If I -did, what was it I heard Prexy say? Prexy.” Leslie Cairns repeated the -name with tremulous satisfaction. “I’ve a right to say it now. Thanks to -_you_, Marjorie Dean, I am back on the campus again. I’m going to cry, -Marjorie. I was determined I wouldn’t before Prexy. I tried to take my -pardon like a good soldier. But now I am thinking of my father. What -will Peter the Great say?” - -“I think Peter the Great will say, ‘Go to it, Cairns II., and be the -happiest person I know.’” Marjorie assured, smiling her amusement of -Leslie’s reference to her father as Peter the Great. “Come on over to -the Bean holder, Leslie. We can sit there for awhile, and, if you must -cry, no one will notice your weeps.” - -Her arm tucked into one of Leslie Cairns’, Marjorie began steering her -companion gently toward a great-trunked, towering elm tree some distance -east of Hamilton Hall under which were two rustic benches. - -“This is my favorite tree on the campus, Leslie,” Marjorie introduced -her companion to the giant campus sentinel with a cheery wave of the -hand. “You named me Bean, and the girls named this seat the Bean holder -because I’ve always loved to come here.” All this with a view toward -dispelling Leslie’s desire to cry. - -That which Leslie had believed could never come to pass had happened. -She and Marjorie Dean had just emerged from Hamilton Hall where she had -gone with Marjorie a brief twenty minutes before to hear from President -Matthews the amazing news of her re-instatement as a student at Hamilton -College. - -“That wretched name, Bean. It makes me laugh.” Leslie was half laughing, -half crying. “It always made me laugh, even when I thought I hated you.” - -“It’s a fine name. I’m awfully fond of it,” Marjorie assured with sunny -good humor. - -They made the rest of the short journey to the seat under the big elm in -silence. Leslie continued to fight desperately against shedding tears. -Marjorie was sympathetically leaving her to herself until she should -recover her usual amount of poise. - -“The view of the campus is beautiful from here,” Marjorie said as they -seated themselves on one of the two benches drawn up near the tree. She -looked off across the expanse of living green, worship of her old -friend, the campus, in her wide brown eyes. - -Leslie assented. Her gaze was directed to Marjorie rather than the -campus. She thought she had never seen anyone quite so lovely. Today -Marjorie had blossomed out in the pale jade frock of softest silk and -black fur trimmings which Jerry had advocated on the occasion of her -first call upon President Matthews. From the crown of the small hat -which matched her frock to the dainty narrowness of her black satin -slippers Marjorie was a delight to the eyes. - -Attired in a two-piece traveling frock of distinctive English weave and -make, Leslie herself was looking far more attractive than in the old -days when she had been a student at Hamilton. Happiness and a clear -conscience had done much to change her former lowering, disagreeable -facial expression to one of pleasant alertness and good humor. She had -come to Hamilton the day following the receipt of Marjorie’s telegram on -an early afternoon train, Marjorie had met her at the station and after -a luncheon at the Ivy the two girls had gone direct to Hamilton Hall. - -Now that Leslie was in possession of the glad knowledge that her dearest -wish had been granted Marjorie had other plans for her of which she was -totally unaware as she sat staring half absently at the campus, her mind -busy with wondering what her father would say when he heard the blessed -news she had to tell him. - -“I’ll go back to New York tomorrow, Marjorie, and tell Peter the Great -the good news. Then I’ll give Mrs. Gaylord three times a year’s salary -and have my father book passage for her to Europe on the Monarch. She’s -crazy to go to England and France. I shan’t need her. I’m going to -engage board in one of the off-campus boarding houses.” Leslie broke the -silence with this decided announcement. “I could live at the Hamilton -House with Mrs. Gaylord as a chaperon, but I’d rather not. I’d be too -conspicuous. Of course, I’d love to live in one of the campus houses. -But that’s out of the question.” - -“I wish you could live on the campus, Leslie. I think it would be best -for you, if you could find a vacancy. It’s almost too late now to hope -to find one. I’ll inquire tomorrow for you, and see what I can learn.” -Marjorie spoke with the utmost friendly concern. - -“No; don’t.” Leslie shook a vigorous head. “There’s not a manager of a -campus house who doesn’t know my record when I was here before. Not one -of them would consent to take me. Besides”—Leslie hesitated—“there’s -only one house on the campus where I’d care to live—Wayland Hall. That’s -out of the question. You can understand why.” A flush of shame mounted -to Leslie’s cheeks. - -“It wouldn’t be if there were a vacancy at the Hall,” Marjorie declared. -“Miss Remson is glad you are to come back to Hamilton. She knows about -it. I told her the other day after receiving Prexy’s letter. Our old -room, Fifteen, was vacant when I first came back. If I had been sure of -succeeding with Prexy and the Board for you, I would have asked Miss -Remson to save Fifteen for you. But I wasn’t sure. Besides, I couldn’t -know what your plans might be, in case I should succeed.” - -“I’d never go back to the Hall after the way I made trouble for Miss -Remson,” Leslie replied with gloomy positiveness. “No; I’ll find as good -a boarding house as I can off the campus. Understand, Marjorie, I’d -rather live on the campus for one big reason. I’d have to fight to live -down my past record as a snob and a trouble-maker. That would be good -for me, though. I’d be gossiped about; maybe ostracized by a large -proportion of the students. But I’d work as hard for democracy as I’d -once worked against it. And the Travelers would stand by me. Perhaps -before next Commencement I’d have come into a better light in the eyes -of the Hamilton crowd, students and faculty.” - -She paused, then shrugged her shapely shoulders and continued with a -short laugh: “Forget it. That’s only a day dream I’ve been indulging -myself in. You see I keep thinking of trying to square myself on the -campus because of Peter the Great. I want him to come and live at Carden -Hedge, and be happy. I’d love to have the Leila Harper Playhouse -presented to Leila by him. So I soar off into splendid schemes of how I -can make good at Hamilton and bring everything out lovely like the end -of a fairy tale. It can’t be done, Bean.” Leslie used the nickname with -absent affection. - -“There is one thing I can do,” she went on in a tone of purposeful -energy. “I can complete my college course and win my sheepskin. You’ve -made that opportunity possible for me. I hope I can some day do -something for you to show my appreciation, Marjorie.” - -“You can. This very afternoon.” Marjorie had been wondering how she -might find means to persuade Leslie to go to Wayland Hall with her. She -was confident that Leslie would refuse the invitation which she was -awaiting a favorable moment to extend. She seized upon her companion’s -grateful declaration with dancing eyes. “You can come over to Wayland -Hall with me. I’m going to meet Jerry there. Come on.” Marjorie had -risen from the seat and was holding out an inviting hand to Leslie. - -“Oh, I—” Leslie checked herself and stood up. “All right,” she agreed -cheerfully. In the face of her recent serious assertion she was -determined not to flinch. - -Marjorie cast a furtive glance at her wrist watch as she drew one of -Leslie’s arms within her own. It was exactly 4 o’clock. The two girls -headed across the campus for the Hall. Leslie scanned the veranda of the -house where she had once courted and met disaster with anxious eyes. She -was relieved to see not a girl in sight. Marjorie was also watching the -veranda for a very different reason. - -They were within a short distance of the Hall when a girl in a -sleeveless apricot frock came out on the veranda. She spied the pair and -twirled a plump bare arm above her head, disappearing inside in a hurry. - -“There’s Jerry.” The dancing lights strengthened in Marjorie’s brown -eyes. “She’s watching for us.” Tightening her light hold upon her -companion’s arm she hastily escorted her up the steps and to the door. -It opened suddenly. Three pairs of arms reached forth from across the -threshold, seized Leslie and hustled her into the house. Next instant -she stood bewildered, but smiling, in the hall surrounded by a merry -group of girls. Her initiation in the Travelers had begun. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - AN AMBITIOUS PLAN - - -Two hours later Leslie Cairns had been initiated into the Travelers’ -jolly sorority and had acquitted herself with credit. She had done -herself proud in the cream-puff eating test, which consisted of -blindfolding the victim and giving her a cream puff to eat from her -hands. She had nobly pushed the required penny over the floor with her -nose, she had drunk a cup of deadly poison urged upon her by her -initiators which had turned out to be very strong sage tea, and she had -performed other ridiculously difficult stunts with giggling zest and -finish. - -By the time the dinner bell rang Leslie was feeling more at home with -the bevy of girls she had once scorned than she had ever dreamed she -might. With the exception of Helen Trent the original eleven Travelers -were present. Since their particular initial sorority had been enlarged -to nineteen members Leslie had been received into it as the twentieth -member. This meant the second chapter to which Phil and Barbara belonged -might also have the privilege of electing a twentieth member to their -chapter. The new chapter chosen the previous June were also in line for -a twentieth member. - -Neither by word nor sign had the merry party of girls shown themselves -to be aware of the fact that Leslie was returning to Hamilton under -unusual circumstances. Everything was ignored save that she was an -honored candidate for admission into the Travelers’ sorority. - -Despite the fact that Room 15 was to pass into the possession of a -mysterious senior who might appear at any time to claim it, Miss Remson -had urged the Travelers to make it their initiation headquarters. This -time there had been no hanging of heavy curtains over the doors of the -room. The preponderance of the students to reside at Wayland Hall had -not yet arrived on the campus. There was therefore small possibility of -anyone being disturbed by the merry-making in Fifteen. - -In honor of the occasion the Wayland Hall Travelers had converted one of -the couch beds into a throne such as had been erected on a previous -occasion when Miss Susanna Hamilton had first visited Marjorie in her -room at the Hall and been introduced to Miss Remson. - -The middle place upon the throne had been reserved for Leslie. She had -been impressively informed that, when she should have courageously -passed through the terrible ordeal ahead of her, she would then be -eligible to the middle place on the throne. Miss Susanna Hamilton and -Miss Remson occupied the seats on the right and left of the glorified -dais, looking like a pair of small bright-eyed birds in full plumage. - -Marjorie had fondly ordered the party to be a dress affair. In -consequence Miss Remson was resplendent in a ravishing gray satin gown -which Leila had brought from Europe as a present to her old friend. Miss -Susanna had on the wisteria satin gown which she had worn at Castle Dean -on the previous Christmas day. The Travelers had decked themselves in -their prettiest afternoon frocks. They resembled a flock of bright-hued -butterflies which had suddenly made pause in Marjorie’s and Jerry’s -old-time haunt before resuming their flight. - -When the gay revelers trooped down to dinner, which was to be served to -them at a special long table, the attention of the few students in the -dining-room immediately became riveted upon the merry little company. -Besides themselves there were eight other girls in the dining-room. Of -these eight only two pairs of eyes were directed in good-natured -amusement at the vivacious table full of girls. The other six pairs held -a variety of expressions running from curiosity to dark envy. - -“Catch Miss Remson allowing us to have any such noisy party,” Julia -Peyton muttered jealously to Clara Carter as the two girls left the -dining room. A rippling burst of laughter from the guest table further -fanned the displeasure that flamed in Julia’s breast against the merry -diners. She was particularly incensed at seeing Leslie Cairns among -them. - -“Miss Dean and Miss Macy must have come back to the Hall again. That’s -the reason for the pow-wow they’ve been having in 15,” Clara Carter -surmised as they started up the stairs. “That little old woman in -lavender must be Miss Remson’s sister. One is about as homely as the -other. It’s queer, though, about that Miss Cairns being with them.” - -“Very queer; _altogether too queer_,” was Julia’s bitter retort. “She -has no right to be here at the Hall. If she comes here again I shall -make an objection to Miss Remson. She’s an expelled student. Besides the -way she sneaked into the gym under cover of a mask at the Romp was -simply outrageous. I can’t understand how Miss Remson can overlook such -things.” - -“I heard that she lived at Wayland Hall until she was expelled and that -her father was a multi-millionaire. Probably Miss Remson has a healthy -respect for her father’s money. Maybe she is visiting Miss Remson. If -she is, you can’t say a word.” Clara pointed out sagely. - -A baffled expression crossed Julia’s frowning features. “It won’t take -me long to find out what she is doing here,” she sullenly boasted. “She -is entirely to blame for my falling-out with Doris. It was over her -Doris and I disagreed. I hope Doris will someday understand that I only -tried to be her friend in warning her against Miss Cairns.” - -“Doris Monroe is a very selfish girl. I don’t intend to bother being -nice to her at all this year,” Clara declared, pursing her lips in -disapproval. - -“Don’t be alarmed. She won’t bother herself about you, or me, either,” -Julia threw open the door of their room and stalked into it. She flung -herself sulkily into a chair, her pale, moon-eyed face full of vengeful -spleen. “I detest that hateful crowd of P.G.’s!” she exclaimed. “They do -precisely as they please, here. We other students have no rights. What -good does it do to assert oneself to Miss Remson? She is hand in glove -with them.” - -“I think it would be a good idea for us to change houses,” was Clara’s -meditative suggestion. She had seated herself in a chair opposite Julia -with an air of great wisdom. “It’s not too late to engage board -somewhere else on the campus.” - -“What are you talking about?” Julia turned a contemptuous gaze upon her -chum. “I’ll say there is not a vacancy on the campus by now.” - -“Well, we could find a couple of girls who would be glad to exchange -houses with us. Wayland Hall is considered the best house on the -campus.” There was crafty method in Clara’s suggestion. Secretly she had -no desire to leave the Hall. Knowing Julia’s stubborn contrariness she -had but to propose making a change in order to clinch her roommate’s -determination not to do so. - -“You are correct in saying it’s the best house on the campus. When you -see me leaving it because of a crowd of girls like the one down stairs, -you will see something startling. Last year I endured a great deal of -unfairness rather than be continually making complaints. This year I -shall do differently. I intend to begin this very evening,” Julia -announced with belligerent decision. - -“What are you going to do?” Clara focussed eager attention upon her -companion. In spite of hers and Julia’s frequent disagreements she could -be relied upon to do battle under Julia’s banner. - -“I’m going to unpack my traveling bag, first of all.” Julia rose with a -sudden burst of combative energy. “If those girls begin to be noisy when -they come up stairs I shall go straight down stairs to Miss Remson and -demand that she does something about it.” - -“Suppose she should be upstairs with them? You know yourself that she -was up there a long time before dinner. And her sister was with her.” -Clara had kept a vigilant watch upon the movements of the company in 15 -through a discreetly narrow opening in their own door. - -“Then I shall reprimand her before the whole crowd in 15 for not keeping -better order in the house.” - -“You wouldn’t dare do that?” Clara challenged in a half admiring tone. - -“Oh, yes, I should. Who is Miss Remson? A manager. Well, what is a -manager but an upper servant? I’d certainly not be afraid to speak my -mind to our housekeeper at home. That’s all Miss Remson is. What she -needs is to be told her place, and be made to keep it.” - -“I’ve often thought the same thing,” Clara refused to be subservient to -Julia in opinion. “Did you notice the other students in the dining room -tonight?” she asked with a knowing glance toward Julia. - -“No. What about them?” Julia paused in the midst of her unpacking to -look sharply at her Titian-haired roommate. - -“Every single one of them acted as though they didn’t think much of that -P. G. crowd. I kept watch of them. It seems to me,” Clara tilted her -flame-colored head to one side, a sure indication that she was planning -mischief, “that it would be a pretty good plan for us to start a crowd -of our own this year at the Hall. If we could count on as many as half -of the students at the Hall to stand by us, we could make Miss Remson -play fairly with us. She’d not dare favor that one crowd above us.” - -“That’s a good idea.” Julia looked impressed. She turned from laying out -her belongings on the study table and leaned against it, eyeing Clara -speculatively. She began counting on her fingers: “One, two, three, -four, five of those Bertram students. Then there are Miss Harper and -Miss Mason; seven. Five of the Sanford P. G. crowd; twelve. Doris Monroe -makes thirteen. Of course a few other students in the house will stick -to them. Not more than six or seven at most. Gussie Forbes isn’t popular -in this house except with the Sanford and Bertram crowds. You know the -sophs at the Hall voted against her at the election of class officers -last fall.” - -“But they voted for Doris Monroe,” Clara reminded with a frown, “and now -Doris has gone over to the P. G. crowd.” - -“Yes, and she is not going to gain a thing by it, either,” was Julia’s -satisfied prophesy. “Most of the sophs who voted for Doris don’t like -Miss Dean and her pals. They can’t stand the calm way those girls have -of trying to be the whole thing, and run everything. Annie told me today -that there were to be nine new students at the Hall, all freshies but -one. Those girls we saw tonight in the dining room must be freshies. -Tomorrow we’ll make it a point to get acquainted with the freshies. It’s -really our duty as upper classmen.” - -“Yes, indeed,” echoed Clara. “By the time Doris Monroe comes back we may -have our own crowd well started. We might form a sorority.” Her -mechanical tones, which Muriel and Jerry had naughtily compared to a -phonograph, rose exultantly. “You could be the president of it,” she -accorded magnanimously, “and I would be the vice-president. We could get -up a really exclusive, social club and entertain a lot—and be popular.” -Her pal’s eyes gleamed at the prospect of popularity. It was the dream -of both girls to enjoy a popularity on the campus equal to if not -greater than that of Doris Monroe, though neither possessed any of the -necessary requisites. - -“We’ll do it. We can get up a better sorority than that old Travelers’ -club, and not half try,” Julia predicted with supreme egotism. “This is -the way we’ll do. We’ll wait until the Hall is full, then we’ll select -the girls here that we want for the club and send them an invitation to -a luncheon at the Ivy. We’ll have very handsome engraved invitations, -and I’ll preside at the luncheon. After we have the sorority -well-started we can give plays and shows just for amusement. We shan’t -try to make money. Leave that to those beggarly Travelers. We’ll make -our entertainments strictly invitation affairs. Miss Dean and her crowd -have simply ruined the social atmosphere of Hamilton by welfare -experiments. The object of our club shall be to restore it. Let me tell -you we’ll have plenty of sympathizers. Just wait. Doris Monroe will be -very sorry yet that she didn’t stick to us.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - THE MYSTERIOUS SENIOR - - -Blissfully unaware of Julia Peyton’s ambitious schemes against them and -democracy at Hamilton the Travelers finished their dessert amidst plenty -of fun and laughter and flocked upstairs and into 15 again, there to -spend one of their old-time merry “stunt” evenings. - -Ronny danced to Phil’s violin music. Robin sang, accompanied by the same -talented, infallible musician. Phil’s violin playing had become -institutional with the Travelers. She was always equal to musical -emergency. Leila and Vera convulsed their buoyant audience with a -quaintly humorous Irish dialogue which they had found in an old book -while in Ireland and had gleefully learned. Jerry partly sang a popular -song off the key until she was drowned out by laughter. - -Muriel recited a monologue which she had composed and named: “Back on -the campus.” Barbara sang a French song. Kathie and Lillian endeavored -to sing together an old German song precisely as Professor Wenderblatt -was wont to sing it in his full bass voice. They broke down in the midst -of deep-uttered bass growls and gutterals and lost track of the tune so -completely they never found it again, but subsided with laughter. - -Marjorie and Lucy pleaded having no stunt to offer and were each ordered -to recite their favorite short poem. Marjorie thereupon recited “To a -Grecian Urn,” and Lucy gave Poe’s weird, “Ulalume.” Leslie won quick -approval by her prompt response to the demand by giving a funny series -of imitations. - -The feature of the stunt party was contributed, however, by Miss Remson -and Miss Susanna. They had conducted a chuckling confab together at one -end of the room into which they had invited Phil. She had listened to -them, then laughingly nodded, played a few bars of an odd little tune on -her violin and returned to her place in the center of the room. - -When Phil presently tapped on her violin with her bow, the two little -old ladies stepped gaily out, hand in hand, in a lively jigging dance. -They pranced forward and back, clasped right hands above their heads and -jigged around each other, clasped left hands and jigged again, joined -right and left hands and spun in a circle then polkaed up and down the -room with spirit. There were other variations to the dance which they -performed with equal sprightliness. Their delighted audience gurgled and -squealed with laughter, breaking forth into riotous applause as the -jigging pair reached their throne and sank upon their cushions, -breathless and laughing. - -Marjorie thought she had never seen a prettier sight than the pair of -dainty little old ladies in their charming satin dresses stepping out so -blithely to the old-fashioned polka. - -“That is the Glendon Polka if you care to know it,” Miss Susanna -informed the girls. “I used to dance it as a girl, and I found that the -Empress of Wayland Hall knew how to dance it, too. I learned to dance it -before going to my first party. Uncle Brooke engaged a dancing master to -come and teach me the latest dances.” - -“The latest dances.” Jerry said with an enjoying chuckle. “Not much like -a fox trot, is it?” - -“I believe I must have learned that polka from the same dancing master,” -Miss Remson said. “I lived in West Hamilton as a girl and went to -dancing school. It was a Professor Griggs who taught me the Glendon -polka.” - -“The same man,” Miss Susanna declared brightly. The two old ladies -beamed at each other. This little coincidence relative to their youth -served to strengthen the bond of friendship between them. - -“This is the queer part of the Glendon polka,” Phil said. “When Miss -Susanna said she and Miss Remson were going to do an old-time dance -called the Glendon polka, I remembered I’d seen that title in an old -music book at home. I had tried it and learned to play it when I first -began to take violin lessons as a kiddie. I had liked it because it was -such a frisky little tune.” - -“You never dreamed then that someday you would play it for two old -ladies to frisk to, did you?” Miss Remson gently pinched Phil’s cheek as -she sat balanced on the edge of the throne, her violin in hand. - -“I never did,” Phil laughed. “I’ll never forget the Glendon polka.” - -“It seems we hadn’t forgotten how to dance it in spite of our years,” -Miss Susanna said with a little nod of satisfaction. - -“Did you know there were prizes to be given for the best stunts?” -Katherine Langly joined the group around the throne. Kathie was looking -her radiant best in a coral beaded afternoon frock of Georgette. Her -blue eyes were sparkling with light and life and her red lips broke -readily into smiles. She bore small likeness to the sad, self-effacing -sophomore the Travelers had taken under their protective wing at the -beginning of their freshman year at Hamilton. Kathie was now commencing -her second year as a member of the faculty. She was famed on the campus -as a playwright and her triumphantly literary future was assured. She -had already sold several short stories to important magazines and had -begun her first novel. - -“Ronny is going to be magnificently generous, so she says, and give out -the prizes. She’s gone to her room after them,” Lillian added to the -information Kathie had just given. - -“‘Magnificently generous’” Kathie repeated suspiciously. “That doesn’t -sound promising to me. I know she means us.” - -“Could any persons be more worthy of a prize,” giggled Lillian. -“Remember how hard we worked.” - -Ronny soon returned wearing a mischievous expression. She carried a -good-sized paper-wrapped package on one arm. In one hand she held two -small packages which suggested jewelry. The girls guessed the large -bundle to contain one or more boxes of the delicious candied fruit from -her ranch home of which she always had a stock on hand. - -“Hear, hear!” Ronny placed her bundles on the table and waved both arms -above her head for attention. “Who had the best stunt?” she called out. -“Altogether; answer!” - -“The Lady of the Arms and the Empress of Wayland Hall,” came back an -instant concerted murmur of response. - -“Contrary-minded?” - -“No,” piped up these two distinguished but extremely modest dancers. - -“Two against eleven. Prepare to receive the prize.” Ronny importantly -opened the paper wrapper of the large package and took from it two -sweet-grass square baskets of candied fruit. She presented them in turn -with many bows and flourishes to the two elderly women. - -“Who won the booby stunt?” she next demanded of the company. - -Concerted opinion differed as to whether Jerry, or Kathie and Lillian -were more eligible to the booby prize. Further inquiry and Jerry was -eliminated in favor of Lillian and Kathie. The prizes turned out to be -two small willow whistles such as the cow-boys at Manaña were adept at -making. - -“Next time whistle. Don’t attempt to sing,” was Ronny’s succinct advice -as she presented the would-be bass singers with the whistles. - -“We can be noisy tonight and still be protected.” Marjorie made gay -declaration. She was realizing with the burst of light laughter which -greeted Ronny’s presentation of the booby prizes that the Travelers had -been enjoying a most hilarious session. “Miss Remson is right here to -know precisely how boisterous we are. Thank fortune, hardly anyone is -back.” - -“I can’t imagine why we haven’t been notified of our noise by Miss -Peyton,” Jerry commented to Marjorie under cover of conversation. - -As it happened Julia had become so greatly interested in her -inspirational plan for a new sorority which was to tear down democracy -at Hamilton and re-establish snobbery that she and Clara had forgotten -to be annoyed at the sounds of mirth, which, in reality, could hardly be -heard with her door closed. - -“I took pains to find out today if any of the freshmen had studying to -do this evening,” the little manager said. “None had. I haven’t -considered Miss Peyton and Miss Carter in the matter. They have not yet -spoken to me since they arrived. I am sure they have no studying to do -this evening.” Her tone grew dry at mention of the two discourteous -juniors. - -Immediately she went on to a change of subject. “Girls,” she said in her -brisk, pleasant fashion, “will you please make yourselves comfy, and -listen to me? I am going to tell you something of the student whom I -hope will take 15.” - -“At last.” Marjorie breathed a purposely audible sigh. “I think you have -been very mysterious about her, Empress of Wayland Hall.” - -A buzzing murmur rose from the others as they took seats around the -make-shift throne or comfortably established themselves upon cushions on -the floor. - -Leslie Cairns showed considerable embarrassment when Miss Susanna -imperiously waved her into the middle seat of the throne. She had -laughed unrestrainedly at the fun that evening, but she had said very -little. She was hardly beginning to get over the strangeness of being a -member of the very sorority she had once scorned. - -“This girl,” Miss Remson said, “is a young woman for whom I have a -growing regard. She wrote me in the summer and I was deeply impressed by -her letter. She did not then expect to enter Hamilton nor did I have 15 -in view for her. As it happened no one applied for 15. There was a -difference in price between it and the other rooms I had vacant which no -one who applied seemed to wish to pay. - -“As soon as I knew that she was coming to Hamilton I reserved 15 for -her, though by that time I had several applications for it. I am waiting -now to welcome her to Wayland Hall.” Miss Remson made an odd little -pause. - -“We shall all be ready to do the same.” Leila spoke in a peculiarly -significant tone; as though she was understanding something which the -others did not. Her bright blue eyes were fastened squarely upon -Marjorie. They seemed to be trying to communicate a message to her. - -In a sudden illuminating flash Marjorie understood the import of Miss -Remson’s remarks concerning the mysterious student who was to have Room -15. - -“Oh, Miss Remson!” she breathed, her face breaking into a radiance of -sunshine. Involuntarily her eyes strayed from Leila to Leslie. The -latter was paying polite attention to Miss Remson though Marjorie -divined instantly that Leslie had not comprehended a special meaning in -the manager’s speech. - -“Will you come to the Hall, Leslie?” The little manager had turned now -to Leslie, her thin pleasant face brimming with kindliness. “I should -like you to have 15. I have been saving it for you since Marjorie told -me you were to come back to Hamilton for your senior year.” - -“Why—I—” Leslie stammered. “Oh, I never thought of such a thing!” she -exclaimed with bewildered gratitude. “It’s wonderful in you to wish me -to come back after the way I treated you. I’d love to, but I can’t -accept. It wouldn’t be right.” Tears crowded to her eyes. She clenched -her hands and made a desperate effort at self-control. - -“Now, now, now!” Up went one of Miss Remson’s hands, arrestingly. “Never -mind anything but the present, child. I wish you to have 15. That -settles the matter. I must tell the girls a little more about your -letter. Leslie wrote me last June, children, such a splendid letter.” - -“Hurrah, hurrah!” Vera had raised a subdued cheer. “Hurrah for our new -Traveler in 15.” She started the hurrahing with the kindly object of -giving Leslie an opportunity to control a threatened burst of tears. The -others took up the cheering with moderated vigor. - -“Please don’t credit me with anything splendid, Miss Remson.” Leslie -forced tremulousness from her enunciation. “You girls understand me when -I say that I couldn’t have done differently, and feel right.” She made a -slight gesture of appeal toward the circle of faces approvingly turned -upon her. “I might have known Miss Remson would tell you in the nicest -way toward me. I meant to tell you all myself someday.” She bent a half -rueful glance of affection upon the little woman beside her. - -“Ah, but you have not told us something else which we think you should.” -Leila had risen from the cushion on which she had been sitting. She came -up to Leslie, hand extended. “Will you not accept the hand of fellowship -and say: ‘Thank you kindly, Irish Leila, it is myself that will be -moving my trunks to Wayland Hall and be settling down in 15.’” - -Leila’s inimitable touch of brogue was irresistible to Leslie. She began -to laugh. The two who had once been implacable enemies gripped hands -with a friendly strength and fervor. It was a silent acknowledgment -that, for them, there could be nothing in future less than devoted -friendship. The deep-rooted disapproval of Leslie which Leila had not -been able to conquer until within that very hour vanished never to -return. - -It was the signal for the others to press about Leslie, shaking her -hand, each one adding some pleasant plea for her return to the Hall. -Marjorie was last of the group to clasp hands with Leslie. She merely -said, as she regarded the other girl with a bright, winsome smile: -“Won’t you please take 15, Leslie?” - -“Yes.” Leslie’s tone was steady now. “How can I do otherwise? Not only -because all of you wish me to do it. It’s best for me, though it may be -the hard way for a while. You understand what I mean.” - -“Yes. We all understand. We know what you wish most. You can make a -stronger fight for it at the Hall than if you were to live off the -campus. We’ll all stand by you.” Marjorie had taken Leslie’s other hand. -The two girls faced each other, staunch comradeship in the pose. - -“I’ll stand by myself.” Leslie’s characteristic independent spirit, -obscured by emotion, flashed forth. “Not that I shan’t like to remember -that I’ve true pals ready to fight for me. But it’s this way. Once I did -a great deal of lawless damage on the campus. Now it’s up to me to -repair it, and stand all criticisms while I’m at the repairing job.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - PLANNING MISCHIEF - - -The appearance of Leslie Cairns the next week at Wayland Hall, followed -by her trunk, temporarily drove Julia Peyton’s club ambitions far -afield. To discover that Leslie, to whom Julia liked to refer in shocked -tones to others as “that terrible Miss Cairns,” was to become a resident -once more of Wayland Hall filled her with spiteful amazement and -speculation. - -“How do you suppose she ever got in here?” was the question she most -frequently addressed to Clara Carter during the first two days following -Leslie’s return to the Hall. Neither she nor Clara had been able to -glean any information in the matter from other students at the Hall. -Wayland Hall was filling up rapidly. The upper classmen were busy -arranging their programs and looking up their friends. The entering -freshmen at the Hall were busy either with entrance examinations or -unpacking and straightening their belongings. - -To add to Julia’s disgruntlement, Doris Monroe had been back at the Hall -almost a week, yet not once had she noticed either Julia or Clara except -by the distant courtesy of a bow or salutation whenever she chanced to -encounter her two treacherous classmates. - -Doris was far too greatly delighted with the way matters had shaped -themselves for Leslie to think much of anything else. Of all the girls -Leslie had known in her lawless days Doris had been the only one who had -liked her for herself. From the day of Leslie’s reconciliation with her -father Doris and Leslie had continued their growing friendship on an -even better basis than before. At last, each of the two girls knew the -joy of claiming a real “pal.” - -Muriel had generously offered to release Doris from rooming with her, -thus leaving her free to room in 15 with Leslie. Not only did Doris -refuse to take advantage of the offer, Leslie herself would not hear to -it. “Stay where you are,” she had laughingly ordered Doris. “I’ll hang -around with both of you.” Secretly she courted the prospect of Muriel’s -enlivening company as a third in the chumship. More than once in the old -days she had reluctantly admired “Harding’s nerve.” - -When, in the course of a week, Julia learned that Leslie Cairns had -re-entered Hamilton College as a member of the senior class her surprise -at the news was soon superceded by a resentful desire to oust Leslie -from Wayland Hall. Her jealous, vengeful disposition was an inheritance -from her father, who bore the title of “Wolf Peyton” among Wall Street -brokers where his offices were situated. Added to this grave flaw of -character was her paramount will to gossip which had developed in her as -a result of being the youngest child among three grown-up married -sisters who were prone to gossip freely in her presence about friends -and acquaintances. - -For two weeks succeeding Leslie’s advent at Wayland Hall, Julia racked -her brain for a plan of malicious procedure which she might turn against -Leslie. She consulted long and darkly with Clara Carter, whose ideas -were not more feasible than her own. - -“There’s only one way to force Miss Remson to take action against Miss -Cairns,” she declared moodily to Clara one evening after dinner as the -two sat down opposite each other at their study table. - -“What’s that?” Clara closed the Horace she had just opened and fixed -expectant eyes upon Julia. - -“Start a petition against having Miss Cairns in the house and then get -the majority of students here to sign it. There’s only one trouble. We -need something specially definite to charge her with.” - -“Well, what about the Rustic Romp?” Clara instantly suggested. - -“That doesn’t amount to much.” Julia shrugged scornfully. “Besides Miss -Dean and Doris would fight for her if I started that story again. I -don’t care to have them interfering in this business. I’ll have to be -careful. I shall expect you to nominate me for president of our new -club. I’ll nominate you in return for vice-president. Caroline Phelps -has promised to propose my name for class president. I’m letting her use -my new car, you know. She ought to do something for me. However, that’s -not to the point about Miss Cairns. What I’d like to find out is just -why she was expelled from Hamilton College.” - -“I thought you _knew_!” Clara opened innocent eyes. Here was an -opportunity to nettle Julia. She seized it with avidity. “Why, it was -for hazing. How strange that you——” - -“You may think you are telling me something, but you are not.” Julia -grew emphatically rude. “I knew before ever you knew that it was for -hazing. They say she and a crowd of girls, called the Sans Soucians -Club, hazed Miss Dean. Did you know that?” she inquired, loftily -incredulous. - -“Of course I knew it. You told me that yourself, long ago.” - -“Oh.” Julia showed a slightly crestfallen air. “It doesn’t interest me,” -she continued after a moment. “I’ve heard that she would have been -expelled long before that hazing affair if it hadn’t been for her -father’s millions. What are some of the other things she did that might -warrant expulsion here? That’s what I should like to know. It’s what I’m -going to find out. She made trouble between Doris and me. Doris only -speaks to me when she can’t avoid speaking. I’ll never forgive Leslie -Cairns for that.” Julia’s voice rose angrily. - -“Sh-h-h. You are talking loudly.” Clara held up a warning hand. “Someone -passing through the hall might hear you.” - -Julia frowned, but discreetly lowered her voice. “If I can learn just -one very dishonorable thing she did before she was expelled I can start -the petition and carry it out. Most of the girls here are juniors, and -will be on our side. You see last year Doris and Augusta Forbes were at -swords’ points at class election. Doris made a great mistake when she -buried the hatchet after class election and was nice to Miss Forbes. The -girls who rooted for her, and against Miss Forbes, are not going to -forget in a hurry the way Doris went back on them. Now she is crazy -about Miss Harper and Miss Dean and that provoking Miss Harding. _She_ -always looks as though she’d like to laugh in my face every time I -happen to meet her on the campus, or in the house.” - -“I can’t endure her.” Clara was willing to agree with Julia regarding -Muriel. More than once she had vaguely detected a furtive, laughing -gleam in Muriel’s velvety brown eyes when they had chanced to meet. “I’d -love to be vice-president of our club. I’d not care to be president. You -would make a better president than I—probably.” She could not resist -delivering this one tiny thrust. - -“Naturally. I have more initiative than you.” Julia retorted -complacently. “I am more competent to manage a club than you would be. -But you generally work very nicely with me,” she allowed with -condescension. - -“I always try to, unless you are too provoking,” Clara flung back. “How -many girls at the Hall do you believe we can count upon already? I’ll -write down their names in the back of my note book.” She was determined -to show herself as extremely useful to Julia’s scheme. - -“Very well.” Julia raised dignified brows. “First put down the name of -Miss Ferguson and Miss Waters, those two freshies in 17. They are dandy -girls. I’m rather glad now that I didn’t make a fuss about the noise in -15 that night before college opened. Miss Ferguson has told me since I -met her that she heard it but was too good a sport to make a fuss. She -said she detested a fusser, a dig, a prig or a wet blanket. When she was -at Davidson Prep she said she used to cut classes and stay out after -ten-thirty. Once she and another girl went to a dinner dance in New York -without permission.” Julia forgot dignity and grew animated. “Davidson -is only a few miles from New York. They had asked permission of the -registrar and she had refused them. They went just the same, came back -at noon the next day and not a soul except the girls in the next room to -them knew they were away. Wasn’t that cunning?” - -“Rash, I should say. I imagine I might like Miss Waters better than Miss -Ferguson. She’s not so swanky and flapperish.” - -“Go ahead then, and be nice to her. It will help our cause along,” Julia -advised with simulated heartiness. She craftily avoided arguing with -Clara. Her disagreement with Doris of the previous spring had taught her -at least one virtue. She could accomplish more by craftiness than by -belligerency. She was doggedly determined upon one point—the utter -humiliation of Leslie Cairns. - -As maliciously as Leslie Cairns had once planned to humiliate Marjorie -Dean, just as strongly Julia Peyton was now arrayed against Leslie -Cairns. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - THE ONLY WAY - - -The junior class election taught Julia Peyton one unflattering truth. -She was far from popular enough to win a nomination to the class -presidency. Augusta Forbes directed her efforts, heart and soul toward -the nomination of Doris Monroe. Doris as zealously rooted for Calista -Wilmot, who had come to be greatly liked among the Hamilton students. -Calista won the nomination by a majority of five votes and was -subsequently elected president. - -Notwithstanding the fact that Julia Peyton had not “a look in” at the -presidency she was not without sympathetic support so far as a number of -the juniors at Wayland Hall were concerned. These had been the sophs of -the previous year of whom Leila Harper had signally disapproved. Then -she had rated the Hall as a house divided against itself. With the -opening again of the college she had not changed her opinion. - -Counting Leslie Cairns she could number only fourteen staunch democrats -at the Hall. There were now eight freshmen at the Hall whose politics -were yet unannounced. Of the twenty-three other residents there was but -one on whom she could rely as a neutral. This was Miss Duncan, a tall -girl with a ministerial air who had succeeded in passing the set of -“Brooke Hamilton Perfect Examination Papers” and had been awarded the -special room at Wayland Hall set aside for this purpose. It had been -vacant since Katherine Langly had attained that honor. - -Hardly had the stir attending the junior election died away when Julia -Peyton began agitating the subject of the select social sorority which -she had been impatiently waiting to organize. She and Clara had -privately decided that it should be called the “Orchid” Club—the name -typifying, in her opinion, the select and exclusive. - -Mildred Ferguson, the freshman in 17 of whom Julia had glowingly spoken -to Clara, had hailed the idea of the club with flattering enthusiasm. -She was a small, slim girl with a pair of laughing blue eyes, a bright -brown bob and a bold boyish face. She drove her own car, wore clothes of -distinctive smartness and regarded everything in the way of luxury as -having been produced for her benefit. She had had everything she fancied -from babyhood. In consequence she never paused to consider anyone except -herself. She was not interested in college except as a necessary bridge -which had to be crossed into Society. - -She soon found the poise of the post graduates at Wayland Hall not to -her taste. The Bertram girls bored her, and she stood in secret awe of -Doris Monroe and Leslie Cairns. Miss Duncan she dubbed the Eternal Dig. -She found the more artificial standards of Julia Peyton, Clara Carter -and their junior supporters more to her liking. She enjoyed having a -“stand-in” with the juniors at the Hall and professed animated interest -in the organizing of the Orchid Club. At heart she was so thoroughly -snobbish as to agree with Julia’s sentiments in regard to it. - -Due to one delay or another, it was the early part of November before -the Orchid Club, consisting of twenty-six members, held its first -meeting in the living room of the Hall, Julia having haughtily requested -the use of it from Miss Remson beforehand. To her deep satisfaction -Julia was elected president of the club. Mildred Ferguson, however, won -the vice-presidency, and with it Clara Carter’s undying resentment. - -There were no other offices to be filled. The Orchid Club was to be of a -purely social nature, with no need of a secretary or treasurer. There -was to be a dinner or luncheon twice each week at the expense of one or -another of the club members, and a monthly meeting in the living room of -the Hall. - -“The Screech Owl has gone into local politics and is now a president,” -Muriel breezily informed Leslie Cairns and Doris Monroe as she entered -Doris’s and her room late one November afternoon to find the two deep in -a discussion of psycho-analysis. - -Leslie had taken up psychology and political science, the two subjects -she had had on her senior program at the time of her expulsion from -Hamilton. Thus far, since her return to Hamilton, she had wondered at -the lack of unpleasant stir which had marked her reappearance on the -campus as a student. It seemed that she might, after all, be fated to -escape the harsh criticism which she felt would be justly her due. She -had been agreeably disappointed in that Julia Peyton had not, to her -knowledge, brought up against her as a matter of gossip the eventful -night of the Rustic Romp. - -“Julia Peyton a president?” Doris Monroe turned her blue-green eyes -amusedly upon Muriel. “Of what, may I ask?” - -“Of the Orchid Club. Isn’t that a select name. It suggests luxury, -doesn’t it? Something like the Sans—I beg your pardon, Leslie.” Muriel -checked herself, looking comically contrite. “I never think of you now -as a San,” she went on in further apology. - -“Don’t mind me,” Leslie waved off the apology. “You are exactly right in -what you just said,” she continued half grimly. “I have been keeping a -wary eye upon Miss Peyton and Miss Carter since I came to the Hall. I -fully expected they might start trouble for me. I am amazed to think -they haven’t. Leila is right, too, in saying the Hall is a house divided -against itself. It’s not our side of it, though, that has put down a -dividing line. By ‘our side’ I mean the Travelers, the Bertram girls and -Doris. This Miss Peyton isn’t the sort of menace to the Hall that I used -to be.” She smiled her slow smile. “She is like Lillian Walbert.” - -“Right-o,” Muriel agreed with emphasis. “I’d forgotten all about her. -Julia Peyton is more aggressive, though. Miss Walbert’s favorite -amusement was gossiping, just the same. Only she thought it was -automobiling.” - -Muriel broke into a merry little run of laughter, an accompaniment to -her mischievous statement regarding Lillian Walbert as a motorist. - -“She was the worst flivver at driving a car that I ever recall having -seen,” Leslie said, her black eyes twinkling reminiscently. She was not -likely to forget the many ridiculous situations in which Lillian figured -at various times and points on Hamilton Highway as a result of her -fatuous belief in herself as a driver. - -“A gossip is never anything either clever, or useful,” Doris Monroe -observed with disdainful wisdom. “Julia Peyton is really quite stupid. -She isn’t consistent, even in her villainy. She never sticks to one -story. This isn’t intended as back-biting. I told her as much last -spring. It is too bad she happened to be the one you tripped up with -your umbrella, Leslie, at the Romp last spring. But I wouldn’t let it -worry me. Julia Peyton always over-reaches herself. If I should chance -to hear any spiteful remarks from her of you—” Doris paused, smiling -with dangerous sweetness. - -“Goldie to the rescue. Thank you, good pal.” Leslie flashed her a -grateful glance. “I can fight my own fights. I’m not exactly crazy to -get into the limelight here at the Hall, on my father’s account. Still, -I am not an ex-student who came back a doormat,” she declared with dry -significance. - -She rose, smiled her slow smile at her companions and walked to the -door. “See you later,” she nodded. She opened the door and was gone. - -“Oh, goodness.” Muriel collapsed into a chair, self-vexation plainly -evident on her pretty features. “I shouldn’t have made that slip about -the Sans. I am afraid I’ve hurt Leslie’s feelings.” - -“No, you haven’t.” Doris shook a positive head. “I know Leslie better -than you. She’s worried about something; probably about Miss Remson. She -is afraid, that, if Miss Peyton should begin gossiping about her, Miss -Remson might be blamed for admitting her again to the Hall to board. -That’s why I just said to her that I’d fight for her.” - -“So will Miss Remson. She can fight her own battles, and Leslie’s too,” -was Muriel’s quick assurance. - -In Room 15 Leslie was at that moment dejectedly considering the very -contingency Doris had mentioned to Muriel. Out of her long leadership of -the Sans Soucians she had derived at least one benefit. She had learned -to read character with surprising accuracy. A few days residence at -Wayland Hall had put her in possession of the knowledge that Mildred -Ferguson, rather than Julia Peyton, was the real promoter of the Orchid -Club. Leslie had taken reflective stock of the self-assured -smartly-attired freshman. Julia would be the club president in name -only. Mildred would be the real power behind the throne. Mildred -reminded her of Lola Elster, an ingrate whom she had boosted to campus -popularity in the old days. Lola had had one commendable trait, however. -She had ever tended strictly to her own affairs. Nor could any one -persuade her to join any kind of campus conspiracy. She had “played -safe” invariably to a disloyal degree. Mildred resembled her only in -point of selfishness. - -Leslie shrewdly rated Mildred as quarrel-seeking and gossiping, provided -she might gain by adopting such a course. She was more formidable than -Julia because she had a deceiving, attractive air of good-fellowship -which she kept well over her hard, self-seeking nature. - -What Leslie longed now to do was to make friendly overtures to Mildred -before she should succeed in egging shallow, spiteful Julia Peyton on to -“stir up a big fuss at the Hall.” Leslie was satirically confident that -she could, if she should try, quickly and effectually grow chummy with -Mildred because of Peter Cairns’ millions. She could soon influence -Mildred to desert Julia’s banner and enlist under hers. Mildred had -already exhibited calculating signs of friendliness toward her. - -Leslie somberly considered the idea from all sides, and shook a stern -head. That was the easy way; the way made possible by money. It was the -way she had always taken in the past. It had invariably brought her -chagrin and failure. Now the rocky road of democracy must be her choice. -Already she foresaw a condition of snobbery sprouting at the Hall which -was similar to the one which Marjorie Dean had once fought to uproot. - -“You are in for trouble, Cairns II,” she said aloud. “You can’t go -placidly along about what you think is your business. Your business is -to stand up for democracy—the way Marjorie Dean has always stood up for -it. This Orchid crowd is going to give an imitation of the Sans at the -Hall. I can see that. They need a change of policy. I’ll have to try to -supply it—in the right way.” She laughed mirthlessly. “The right way” -promised to be a rocky road indeed. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - THE GREAT AND ONLY BIRTHDAY GIFT - - -Thanksgiving that year proved memorable enough to the Sanford girls. -They had cheerfully decided against going home for the holidays and -devoting themselves to the entertainment of the dormitory girls. Pending -the completion of the dormitory the Hamilton College Bulletin had -already announced the glad tidings of its advantages. As a result twice -as many young women had applied for admission to the college that year -and had arrived at Hamilton campus to be numbered with the colony of -off-campus students who were living in the town of Hamilton at dormitory -rates until the Brooke Hamilton Dormitory should be ready for occupancy. - -On the day before Thanksgiving the Sanford girls had been ordered by -Miss Susanna Hamilton to be ready to go to the station with her when she -should stop for them at the western gates of the campus in her car at -precisely one o’clock in the afternoon. - -They had obeyed her mandate and gone with her to the station there to -behold Mr. and Mrs. Dean, Mr. and Mrs. Macy, and Hal, Mr. and Mrs. -Harding, Mrs. Warner, and the two Misses Archer, Ronny’s aunts, step -beaming off the one-five train from the north. Leila, Vera, Kathie, -Doris Monroe, Robin, Phil and Barbara and Leslie Cairns had also been -invited to the largest house party that Hamilton Arms had ever seen -invade its stately doors. Leslie’s joy had soared to dizzy heights when -the first person she had spied at the Arms was her father, standing -bare-headed on the veranda, waiting for her. - -Following Thanksgiving and the delightful season of merry-making at the -Arms the Travelers found December flying and Christmas approaching with -astonishing rapidity. This time the Sanford girls went to Sanford for -Christmas, taking Miss Susanna and their six Traveler chums with them. -Leslie and Doris spent Christmas in New York with Peter Cairns, a vastly -merrier and happier Christmas than they had spent in the metropolis the -previous year. - -There had been no need for any of the original chapter of Travelers to -remain on the campus, there to oversee the making of a merry Christmas -for the dormitory students. The senior “dorms” had become thoroughly -competent in the matter of providing Christmas amusement for the -off-campus dormitory colony. During the month of December, Leila, -Kathie, Robin and Phillys Moore had applied themselves zealously to the -pleasant task of arranging a couple of one-act plays and various other -interesting entertainments. They had, as a consequence, embarked on -their trip to Sanford with a pleasant sense of work well done. - -Leslie Cairns, of all the Travelers, had perhaps felt most sincerely the -true spirit of Christmas. Never before in her life had she quite -understood the meaning of “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Even -as a child she had not enjoyed the ineffably beautiful comradeship that -now existed between herself and her father. He in turn was fondly proud -of her fine spirit of resolution. She confided to him her determination -to try to do her part toward keeping up the spirit of democracy which -the original Travelers had fought so gallantly to establish and -maintain. - -“There’s only one drawback to it all, Peter the Great,” she had said to -her father during one of their firelight confabs. “If this crowd of -snobs at the Hall should start on me for anything I may feel it right to -do, contrary to their ideas, it would be bound to reflect upon you. That -is, if these girls should drag up that hazing business against me. You’d -be criticized, maybe, for not bringing me up with a stern hand, and all -that sort of talk. But I’ve struck a certain gait, Peter, and I’m going -to keep it. Maybe I’m borrowing trouble. Maybe the blow I’m always -dreading may never fall.” - -It was in such spirit that Leslie returned to the campus after the -holidays. On the afternoon of her return to Wayland Hall she was -notified by Leila that a hope chest party which the Travelers had -planned as a surprise for Marjorie was to take place that night at -Hamilton Arms. Since early in the fall the hope chest party had been in -the offing. - -During the previous summer each of Marjorie’s Traveler chums had picked -out a gift which was to go in a special carved rosewood chest which Miss -Susanna had been hoarding for her favorite. Leila had brought Marjorie a -wonderful package of fine Irish table linen. Vera had selected a frock -of rose-pattern Irish lace. Ronny’s gift was an amethyst necklace in an -old Peruvian setting. Each of the others had searched faithfully to find -a gift which she considered worthy of the girl who had long been their -leader. - -It had been left to Miss Susanna to name the date of the party. She had -named the fifth of January as the date, though none of the Travelers -knew why. - -“It’s a case of hustle off the train, flee for the campus, gobble one’s -dinner and be off again merry-making,” Muriel declared animatedly as the -hope chest partly stepped out into the starlight after dinner that -evening and set buoyantly off across the campus for a jolly hike. - -Jerry and Leila had been intrusted with the combined offerings of the -surprise party and had preceded the others to the Arms in Leila’s car. -They had been instructed by their companions to park the car just inside -the gates in the shadow where Miss Susanna had ordered George, the -stable man, to be on hand to look after the car and its precious -contents. According to a mysterious plan of Leila’s, which she -laughingly refused to divulge, the presents were to make an appearance -considerably later in the evening. - -After dinner at the Arms that evening Jonas had managed to disappear and -Miss Susanna had innocently requested, “Go to the door, child. Will you -please?” when the clang of the old-time knocker rang out resonantly. - -Willingly constituting herself doorkeeper in Jonas’s absence Marjorie -opened the door and was immediately swept into the great reception hall -on a buoyant tide of youthfully exhilarated chums. - -“Why, whatever is the matter?” Miss Susanna appeared in the open door of -the library trying hard to look shocked by the noise. Her small face was -full of gleeful mischief over having thus taken Marjorie quite off her -guard. - -“Yes, whatever is the matter?” Marjorie made one of her open-armed -rushes at the old lady. “You can see for yourself now. You dear -Goldendede.” She hugged Miss Susanna. “How did you know I needed a -surprise party more than anything else?” - -“Oh, this isn’t your party,” chuckled Miss Hamilton. “I only allowed you -to be surprised. This is my party. Today,” she tilted her head sideways -at a bird-like angle, “is my birthday. Now don’t smother—” - -Her warning was lost in the jolly concerted shout that went up from the -surprise guests. They surrounded her, hemmed her in; kissed her until -her face was rosy. Jerry even threatened to administer a birthday -whipping. It was the one thing which the girls had long been curious to -find out. Miss Susanna had steadily refused to divulge her birth date -even to Marjorie. - -“And we haven’t a single present for you,” wailed Vera regretfully. - -“So much the better. There’s nothing I need except more love. I’m rich -in that, by the Grace of God.” Miss Susanna had emerged from the -affectionate wooling she had received, radiantly smiling. - -Then began one of the delightful evenings, which, instead of being few -and far between, were now frequent occurrences in the contented life of -the once pessimistic mistress of the Arms. As it neared nine o’clock -Leila announced that she had a fine stirring song to sing and invited -Robin to vacate the piano stool. - -“Miss Susanna may have heard this gem. I am sure the rest of you have -not,” she declared with beaming smiles. “It is called ‘Wait for the -Wagon.’ It is a deeply significant song.” She turned to the piano and -began a jerky little prelude which Phil said sounded exactly like the -jolting of a wagon. Leila then lifted up her voice in a creaky -old-fashioned tune which convulsed her listeners. - -She sang two verses amid ripples of laughter. Nothing dismayed by the -laughing derision accorded her vocal efforts she vigorously began a -third. Then something happened. Down the hall outside came the -approaching squeak of wheels. The laughter rose to a mild shout as Jonas -appeared in the doorway, pulling after him a good-sized toy express -wagon piled high with fancy-wrapped, be-ribboned bundles. Strangely -enough each package was tied with pale violet satin ribbon. He trundled -the wagon into the room and to where Marjorie sat, winsome and laughing, -saying: “Miss Susanna says that she has the birthday, but you may have -the presents.” - -“Oh! Why! I don’t need any!” Marjorie exclaimed, looking abashed. “It’s -not my birthday.” - -“No, but you’ve a wedding day coming,” Miss Susanna said, matter-of-fact -and smiling, “and a hope chest, too. Go and bring it, Jonas. Open your -hope gifts, child, and be glad your friends aren’t stingy.” In spite of -her prosaic tone there was a tender gleam in her bright brown eyes. - -She lost it immediately and began to laugh at Jonas who turned solemnly -and trundled the wagon into the hall and out of sight. He came creaking -back again soon with the beautiful rosewood chest. - -Surrounded by a love knot of friends, Marjorie opened package after -package, smiling at first, but tenderly tearful toward the last. She was -especially touched by Jonas’s gift to her of a gorgeous Chinese vase -which Brooke Hamilton had given him and which had been one of his few -treasures. She also dropped two or three tears on an exquisite jade -figure which Leslie Cairns had given her. She understood it to be a -reminder of the momentous afternoon when she had worn the jade frock and -they had gone together to President Matthews’ office. - -When she had opened, loved and exclaimed over the last gift, a -hand-embroidered lunch cloth from Kathie, every stitch of which had been -taken by her patient fingers, she turned from the library table, now -gaily blossoming with her riches, and opened both arms in a gesture of -endearment. - -“I haven’t any words dear enough to tell you in how much I love you, and -thank you,” she said. “I only know I do. It seems to me my life has been -nothing but a succession of glorious surprises. I think I’ve been given -so much more than my share of love and happiness.” - -A chorus of fond dissent greeted her earnestly humble words. - -“Sh-h. That’s only half of my speech.” She held up a playfully -admonishing finger. “The other half is about Miss Susanna. It’s -something I’ve been wishing to ask her a long time. Because she has -loved me in the same way Captain and General have loved me I have the -courage to ask this great favor. Captain and General know I am going to -ask it. So does Hal. Please, Goldendede, dear Goldendede, may Hal and I -be married at the Arms on Mr. Brooke’s birthday?” - -“_May you?_” Miss Susanna got up from her chair and came straight to -Marjorie. On her small, keen face shone the light of a great devotion. -“May you?” she repeated. “How could you know, child, that this was what -I wished for most. I never dared mention it to you. It seemed so selfish -in me. You’ve given me the great and only birthday present.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE - - -“At last I’ve discovered what I’ve been dying to find out!” Julia Peyton -burst into the room occupied by herself and Clara Carter, her black, -moon-like eyes full of excitement. - -“Have you?” Clara made an elaborate pretense of indifference. She kept -her eyes fastened on the book before her on the study table. She was -thoroughly peeved with Julia for having gone across the hall to see -Mildred Ferguson at least an hour before. - -Julia had returned to Hamilton on the previous afternoon. Clara had not -returned, however, until that afternoon. She thought Julia might have -shown more interest in seeing her. Instead, she had hurried to Mildred -Ferguson’s room directly after dinner on the plea of consulting with -Mildred about the Orchid Club’s next luncheon. - -“Oh, drop your book, and listen to me.” Julia sat down on the edge of -her couch bed with an impatient bounce. - -“Why should I? You haven’t stopped to consider me?” Clara retorted, -frost in her tones. “But it doesn’t matter. Please say what you wish. I -am interested in this story. I began it on the train and I’m anxious to -finish it tonight. I shan’t have time to-morrow.” - -“Oh, bother your old story!” Julia exclaimed. “You are simply peeved. -The story I have to tell you is a good deal more interesting than the -one you’re reading. I have just heard the true story of Leslie Cairns. -What do you think of that?” Julia was full of malicious elation. - -“True story?” Clara returned interrogatively. She refused to let -curiosity interfere with her miffed assumption of dignity. - -“Yes, the true story of how she led the girls she chummed with into a -hazing party and then tried to lay the whole thing to them so as to save -herself from being expelled. That’s the sort of person _she_ is.” - -“I suppose Mildred Ferguson told you all this,” Clara said coolly. -“Where did she find out so much? How do you know what she says is true?” - -“She found out about Miss Cairns from a cousin. The cousin was one of -the girls who chummed with Miss Cairns, and who was with the hazing -party. I believe every word of what she told me.” Julia crested her head -in displeased defiance of Clara. - -“Mm-m.” Clara unbent a trifle. “Who is her cousin? When did she hear -about Miss Cairns? Off the campus, I believe. I’ve never found anyone on -the campus who knew the rights of that hazing business. They say Miss -Dean knows. She ought to, since she was the student those girls hazed. -She’d never tell anyone a word about it, though.” - -“She may keep her information,” shrugged Julia scornfully. “I know more -about it now, perhaps, than she does. I mean, I know the Cairns side of -it. You see Mildred’s cousin is a very rich girl named Dulcie Vale. She -is a society favorite, but she was a senior at Hamilton when it all -happened.” - -“Then she must have been expelled from Hamilton, too.” Clara put in half -contemptuously. “All those San Soucians were expelled.” - -“She was not,” Julia emphasized, frowning. “She left Hamilton before it -happened because she knew that Leslie Cairns had betrayed the whole -crowd of girls by being too confidential with another student named Miss -Walbert, who was noted on the campus as a tale-bearer and gossip.” - -“I thought they were _all_ expelled,” Clara persisted obstinately. - -“Miss Vale was _not_.” Julia showed signs of becoming exasperated. -“Please listen to me, Clara. This is very important for you to know. -That is, if you care to do your part toward making Wayland Hall a house -free from such derogatory influences as Miss Cairns is bound sooner or -later to exert.” - -“That’s one way of putting it.” Clara laid aside her book. Her pale blue -eyes shot sparks of resentment at Julia. “I happen to know you a little -better than anyone else here knows you.” - -“Of course you do.” Julia controlled her temper with an effort. She was -more anxious to tell Clara what she had heard about Leslie than she was -to squabble with Clara. “That’s precisely why I am trying to give you my -confidence,” she explained, with pretended warmth. - -“Hm-m. Go ahead, then.” Somewhat mollified, Clara gave in. She had -defeated her curiosity several times. Now she decided to gratify it. - -“Mildred’s mother is Dulcie Vale’s aunt,” Julia began with impressive -alacrity. “The Vale family held a re-union in New York this year over -New Year’s. Dulcie’s father is the president of the L., T. and M. -Railroad, and is worth a lot of money. But not as much as Miss Cairns’ -father is worth. Dulcie and Mildred met at the re-union. They hadn’t -seen each other for almost four years. Mildred thought Dulcie was a -Vassar graduate. She was surprised to hear that Dulcie had attended -Hamilton. Dulcie was surprised to know that Mildred was a Hamilton -freshman. She began asking Mildred all sorts of questions about the -campus and Wayland Hall.” - -Julia paused to take breath, then continued with relish: “Mildred said -Dulcie positively went up in the air when she heard that Leslie Cairns -was back at Hamilton. Then she started in and told Mildred the whole -story of the whole time she and Miss Cairns were at Hamilton together. -Mildred said she couldn’t begin to remember all Dulcie told her against -Miss Cairns. For one thing Miss Cairns hired a coach to teach her team a -lot of dishonest basket ball tricks. Then she tried to make the other -girls on the team, who were all Sans, learn them. Dulcie was on the -team. She absolutely refused to do a thing that was unfair in the game. -That made Leslie Cairns angry with her. After that they were never -friendly again, but Dulcie stood a good many things because she wanted -to be loyal to the Sans. - -“Then Miss Cairns ran Miss Langly down, speeding on Hamilton Pike. She -tried to pretend it was another motorist who had done it. She had to own -up to it, though. She had to go before Prexy, and was nearly expelled -that time.” - -“How did they haze Miss Dean? Did Miss Vale say?” Clara was in hopes of -hearing what she longed to discover. - -“Oh, they dressed up in dominos and masks and walked Miss Dean around -the campus two or three times. It was on Valentine’s night. That’s the -junior masquerade night, you know. Then they were going to let her go, -but Leslie Cairns said they shouldn’t. She and three or four of the Sans -took Miss Dean to an empty house and locked her in it. Dulcie and most -of the others went straight back to the gym to the dance.” - -“Then they shouldn’t have been expelled,” Clara declared stolidly. “They -should have been able to clear themselves.” - -“None of the Sans would have been expelled if Miss Cairns had been loyal -to them. She told this Miss Walbert about it, and that Dulcie was to -blame for the whole thing. Miss Walbert told every girl she knew on the -campus. The story went on till the faculty got hold of it. Somehow it -was reported to Prexy. Dulcie found out from his secretary, who was her -friend, that Prexy was going to bring the Sans on the carpet for hazing. -She went to Leslie and warned her to be on her guard. Leslie said she -had been telling tales. She set the other Sans against Dulcie, and they -treated her so outrageously she had a nervous collapse, and had to leave -college. She wrote President Matthews a lovely letter before she left, -saying how sorry she was to have to leave Hamilton. It must have -impressed him greatly.” Julia rolled her moon-like eyes. “He sent for -Leslie Cairns soon afterward. Then she turned against her chums and the -upshot was that they were all expelled. Only she didn’t expect that she -would be. Do you consider such a girl a good influence at the Hall? I -don’t.” She replied to her own question with vindictive stress. - -“But suppose this Dulcie Vale hadn’t told the truth?” Clara did not like -Mildred. She was therefore ready to doubt the integrity of Mildred’s -cousin. - -“She’s told it nearly enough so that we know what happened,” Julia -maintained in a slightly sullen tone. “Besides we aren’t going to put -everything I’ve just told you in the petition. We shall simply base the -petition upon what we know.” - -“Hm-m.” Clara vented her favorite satiric ejaculation. “You’ll have to -show the girls in the club, or else they will refuse to sign it. You -can’t simply state in it that Leslie Cairns is an undesirable person to -have at the Hall. You’ll have to substantiate your accusations.” - -“You must think we are infants. What makes you so snippy, Clara Carter? -We have arranged for everything. The girls in the Orchid Club will sign -the petition after Mildred goes before them at a special meeting. Dulcie -Vale is going to send Mildred a tabulated account of Leslie Cairns’ -doings here. She will read it out to the club. Then I think they will be -ready to sign the petition. After that—” Julia curled a confident lip. -“The majority rules, you know. We are twenty-six against twenty. At -least half a dozen of that twenty will not take sides. That makes it a -matter of only fourteen against twenty-six.” - -“Miss Remson will fight against making Miss Cairns leave the Hall. She -seems to like her. It seems queer to me that Miss Remson would take her -back again, and be so sweet to her. And Miss Dean and her crowd! Miss -Cairns is awfully chummy with them.” Deep within Clara a stubborn doubt -had risen as to the feasibility of Julia’s vengeful scheme. - -It had begun to form before Christmas as a result of Julia’s crush on -Mildred. Clara had sulked matters out alone. As a result she had freed -herself to a certain extent from Julia’s spiteful influence. And the -beneficial result of frequent hours spent alone was a general pulling-up -in her classes and a lack of impulse to gossip, since she had not Julia -to gossip with. She was beginning to lean toward a more charitable state -of mind though she had not yet discovered it. - -“Miss Remson may fuss all she pleases about the petition. We shall -appeal to Prexy and demand justice.” - -“How do you suppose Miss Cairns got back on the campus?” Clara laughed a -trifle scornfully. “By Prexy’s permission, of course. Of what use then -to appeal to him? You’d best let well enough alone. You’ll never win. I -am saying it to you for your own good, Julia.” - -“Much obliged, I’m sure.” Julia was now thoroughly incensed. “I don’t in -the least understand you, Clara. I do know this. We shall win. We are -prepared to take it even above Prexy’s head, and to the College Board. -We shall have our parents take up the matter, if necessary. You were in -sympathy with us at first. Now—” She sprang up from the couch and walked -to the door, her black eyes smouldering with anger. “All I’ll ask of you -is not to repeat what I’ve just said. You must do as you think wise -about signing the petition.” She went out the door, closing it after her -with a sharp little bang. - -“Julia had best let well enough alone,” Clara repeated aloud as she -resumed her book. “She’ll never win.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - A BRAVE RESOLVE - - -“The Orchid Club is most certainly in an enthusiastic state,” Vera Mason -remarked tranquilly as she raised her eyes from a bit of difficult Greek -prose and listened to the faint, concerted sounds of applause that -ascended in waves from behind the closed doors of the living room. - -“A regular gale of glee,” Leila spoke with a faint touch of good-humored -satire. “What is it that calls for such applause, I wonder?” - -“We shall never know.” Vera made a gesture of resigned futility. “Their -worthy president has forgotten how much she objected to our -demonstrations of joy in 15 last year. They are making a great deal more -noise than ever we made.” - -“They are welcome to make it. Shut up in the living room, they are at -least out of mischief.” Leila promptly forgot the demonstrative -assemblage below stairs in the writing of a stirring scene in the -“melodramer” she had long promised Robin and Marjorie she should one day -write. She had named it “The Fatal Message,” and it abounded in scenes, -villains and thrilling situations to a ludicrous extent. The hero’s name -was Rupert and the heroine’s Madelene. The greater part of the stage -scenery belonging to Leila’s theatrical paraphernalia divided the lovers -throughout the play until they met in the palatial drawing room of -Madelene’s long-lost millionaire father in the last scene of the fifth -act. - -As usual Augusta Forbes had been selected for the heroic part of Rupert. -Gentleman Gus had acquired great glory as a portrayer of male roles. -Because the Hamilton girls loved to see her grace the stage in her -golden beauty, Doris Monroe had been selected to play the part of -Madelene. In ministerial-appearing Miss Duncan, Leila had also -discovered a treasure. Miss Duncan had proved upon acquaintance to be as -humorous and jolly as she seemed staid and severe. She had confessed a -longing to swank about the stage in male attire and had covered herself -with glory as Henry the Fifth in three scenes from the splendid play -which had been given at a “Shakesperian Show” managed by Page and Dean. - -“Shut up in the living room,” however, the Orchid Club were hardly -verifying Leila’s light supposition. A week had passed since Julia -Peyton had triumphantly boasted to Clara Carter that she had found the -means she had been seeking to drive Leslie Cairns from Wayland Hall. All -she and Mildred Ferguson lacked toward starting the ball of injustice -rolling was the promised tabulated list from Dulcie Vale. - -Dulcie had not seen Leslie since the two girls had been students at -Hamilton. She had known herself to be so thoroughly despised by Leslie -and the other Sans for her treachery toward them that she had preferred -to keep at a distance from them. She had once met and greeted Joan Myers -and had received a snubbing which she never forgot. In her heart she had -the same old envious dislike for Leslie as in the days on Hamilton -campus when she had resented Leslie’s undeniable sway over the Sans. - -During the interval of more than two years which had elapsed since the -downfall of the San Soucians at Hamilton College, Dulcie Vale had not -improved either in wisdom or truth. She had the same lack of regard for -the truth as ever. When she had discovered at the Vale’s New Year’s -re-union that Mildred Ferguson was a student at Hamilton, and had also -learned to her nettled amazement that Leslie Cairns had by some means or -other managed to return to Hamilton, she immediately planned mischief. -She was as ready to drag Leslie down into the dust of humiliation as -ever. - -It was with malicious pleasure that she set to work on the tabulated -list of Leslie’s misdeeds the day following the re-union. She spent the -greater part of three days composing and arranging the list, then mailed -it to Mildred with satisfaction. It had arrived in the afternoon mail of -the previous day and the Orchid Club had been notified to a member to be -on hand at eight o’clock in the living room of the Hall on the next -evening. - -Julia and Mildred had spent the entire evening previous to that of the -meeting in drawing up the fateful petition. Due to Mildred’s selfish -ability to steer conveniently clear of snags, the petition was worded so -cleverly as to carry the effect of a protest against deep injury -reluctantly stated. It began: - -“We, the undersigned do hereby make plea for a condition of affairs at -Wayland Hall which shall be in entire harmony with the ideals and -traditions of Hamilton College.” - -Followed in “the interests of truth and honor” a dignified protest -against Leslie Cairns’ presence at the Hall. The petition ended with the -crafty assurance that three representatives from among the objectors -were prepared to state in private conference with Miss Remson their -objections to Leslie Cairns as a resident of Wayland Hall. - -While Julia Peyton had a known grievance against Leslie, Mildred also -had one, though it was less tangible. She had shrewdly estimated Leslie -at sight as a person of some consequence. She had accordingly decided to -cultivate Leslie’s acquaintance. She had met with a peculiar kind of -defeat. She had all of a sudden understood that Leslie understood her. -She sensed as clearly as though it had been said to her that Leslie had -quickly plumbed her soul and discovered her ignoble motive for making -friendly advances. On this very account she felt aggressive toward -Leslie, as is the way with persons of small nature. She was quite -content with Julia’s determination to shame Leslie. - -Mildred had chosen to read out Dulcie Vale’s list to the members of the -club. This to Julia’s only half concealed disappointment. She had -allotted the reading of the petition to Julia, who had accepted the -minor honor somewhat distantly. The reading of the petition evoked far -more applause than did Dulcie’s letter, which was gratifying to Julia. -She took the credit for its composition though Mildred had dictated its -policy. - -As a matter of fact the members of the Orchid Club were rather horrified -at the list of offenses Dulcie had tabulated against Leslie. The -psychological effect produced upon the company by the reading of the -list was decidedly unpleasant. They were a thoughtless, pleasure-loving -group of girls with undoubted snobbish tendencies. They were not in any -sense embued with the spirit of lawlessness which had brought the Sans -to grief. Nevertheless the list served its purpose to the extent that -the majority of the club were in instant favor of presenting the -petition to Miss Remson. - -There were a few faint-hearted objections to the proposal from four or -five girls who presented the arguments that Miss Cairns had powerful -friends at the Hall in the post graduates, that Miss Remson would fight -for Leslie and that Prexy might be a good friend of Miss Cairns’ father. -These arguments were energetically swept aside by Julia and Mildred, who -made mysterious promises to take the matter “higher” with the surety of -receiving justice from the College Board should both Miss Remson and -Prexy prove partial. - -“In the face of all Miss Cairns has done against the traditions and -rules of Hamilton it would be _nothing but partiality_ for President -Matthews to refuse to honor our petition.” Julia had risen to argue as -eloquently against Leslie as a district attorney might have against a -murderer. “If he should do this then we must come out boldly and accuse -him of partiality. We shall have our parents write letters of protest to -him, and to the Board.” - -While her hearers were not altogether satisfied with her arguments -neither were they pleased to have Leslie at the Hall. They had the -innate tendency of well-bred girls toward the keeping of honorable -company which in other circumstances might have been commendable. - -It was Mildred, however, who put the final touch to Julia’s harangue. -“Oh, what is the use of being afraid to sign that petition?” she -demanded, her blue eyes laughing scorn at her clubmates. It was the one -thing needed to decide them against Leslie. “What harm can it do you? -Haven’t you a right to the courage of your convictions? You can’t be -executed, you know, for signing. Incidentally we may win. Think it over, -then start at the left and come up to the table and sign. But take your -chairs again. We have other business to transact before the close of the -meeting.” - -Leslie, coming in later from a little expedition of her own, encountered -the chattering throng of girls as it poured into the hall from the -living room. In crossing the hall to the stairs she was curiously aware -of a stir among the chatterers which she could not but lay to her -appearance among them. She bade the students nearest to her a reserved -good evening and hurried on up the stairs feeling vexed with herself for -the odd premonition which had flashed through her mind of the approach -of something disagreeable. She shook off the feeling, impatiently -attributing it to the constant expectation of being harshly criticised -which she unwillingly harbored. - -Since the beginning of her senior year Leslie had quietly interested -herself in the poor of the town of Hamilton. Her program of only two -subjects gave her ample time to look about her. She had more money than -she could possibly spend. She no longer cared about spending it like -water for fancied costly luxuries. Her idea of charity consisted in -buying a car full of groceries and necessities, then driving around -among the needy families in the lower part of the town and making them -happy. She never stopped to inquire whether they were worthy. She simply -gave as her sympathies directed. Already she had planned, that, when she -and Peter the Great should come to live at Carden Hedge, she would ask -him to establish some sort of industry in South Hamilton which should -provide work for the poor there at a living wage. - -The day following the meeting Leslie came to a grim conclusion that -“something must be stirring” against her among her housemates. It was -the first time since her advent at the Hall that she had noticed -anything so general as the peculiarly disapproving aloofness which -showed itself among the tables full of girls as she went into the dining -room to breakfast. By night she had become convinced of her suspicion. -She set her jaws and brought an intrepid spirit to bear upon the -threatening situation. Whatever it might be she would not go whining -with it to Miss Remson. She would not run out to meet calamity, either. -But, if calamity came, she would walk bravely out to meet it, alone. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - A SURPRISE FOR THE ORCHID CLUB - - -“Please, Miss Leslie, Miss Remson says will you come to her room and -bring Miss Monroe with you? She’d like to see you right away.” Annie -beamed her whole-hearted regard upon Leslie, to whom she was indebted -for various pleasant gratuities. - -“I’ll be with her in ten minutes. Miss Monroe has gone out to mail a -letter. She’ll be back directly.” Leslie closed the door upon Annie’s -retreating back with slow reflectiveness. “I wonder,” she murmured: “I -wonder.” - -“Miss Remson just sent Annie for us,” she said to Doris as the latter -entered, her perfect face in charming relief against the dark bear’s fur -collar of her coat. Her head was bare and her hair was massed gold in -the lamplight. - -“For us?” Doris lifted her dark brows. “Why?” - -“Don’t know. I think I’m due to hear something unpleasant,” Leslie -returned with frowning conviction. “I saw it coming this morning.” - -“Saw what coming?” Doris looked concerned. “I mean, what did you see?” - -Leslie explained as well as she could. “I can’t kick, you know. Here it -is, January, and I’ve had smooth sailing. But I’m going to hit the -rocks, I guess. The question is: Who supplied the rocks, and how big are -they?” Leslie finished with mocking humor. - -“If you really are correct in your suspicion, Leslie, you can blame -Julia Peyton for the whole thing,” Doris spoke with anxious warmth. “She -supplied the rocks, if there are any. But she is so untruthful, no one -will take her word long for anything. She has probably woven a weird -tale about the Rustic Romp. I’ll soon put a stop to it if I can find out -what she has said.” - -“It may not be that at all.” Leslie shook her head. “It’s more apt to be -something I did when I was on the campus before. I did so many things I -shouldn’t have done. She may have happened to unearth one of them. -Well,” unconsciously Leslie squared her shoulders, “let’s go and see.” - -“Come in, girls.” To their surprise Doris and Leslie found Miss Remson -standing in the door of her upstairs sitting room, evidently on watch -for them. She beckoned the girls into the room and closed the door -quickly. - -“There,” she declared, “I am as well pleased to have no one see you. I -am so angry. Gr—r—r!” The little woman accompanied the growl with a -violent shake of the head. “I know you’d prefer me to be direct, Leslie. -Read this.” She handed Leslie a folded paper. “Then we’ll talk.” - -Leslie unfolded the sheet, scanned it eagerly, then passed it on to -Doris with a bitter little laugh. “Here’s the rock,” she said. “It’s a -big one.” - -“Outrageous!” Doris cried out indignantly, letting the fateful petition -flutter to the floor. - -Leslie picked it up and re-read it. “No one is to blame but myself,” she -asserted doughtily. “I’ll not have you annoyed, Miss Remson, by anything -I’m responsible for. I’ll leave the Hall tomorrow and go back to the -Hamilton House. At least I’ve Prexy’s permission to finish my course -here.” - -“You’ll _not_ leave the Hall, Leslie. Such a contemptible thing for a -crowd of girls to do,” Miss Remson’s eyes showed an angry sparkle. - -“Not half so bad as the things I——” - -“Now, now, Leslie. This is the present, you know.” Miss Remson said -soothingly. “That petition is only the beginning. Read this. But, first, -glance at the signature.” She tendered Leslie a thicker fold of paper. - -“Dulcie Vale!” Leslie’s voice rose in astonishment as she scanned the -well-remembered signature: “Dulciana Maud Vale.” “Now I begin to -understand what it’s all about. Please, pardon me, both of you, while I -give Dulcie’s latest outbreak the once-over. ‘The Leslie Cairns’ List,’” -she read out. “That’s exactly like Dulcie Vale, the little stupid.” - -Miss Remson waited silently for Leslie to read the several sheets of -typed paper. At last she glanced up with a laugh of satirical amusement. -“Dulcie must have hired a stenographer to type this. She never typed it -herself,” was her characteristically unexpected comment. “Here is a full -account of the crimes of Cairns, Doris. Only Dulcie has tied the truth -up in an awful snarl. Read about me in this monograph. If you are still -my friend after you read it, you deserve a friendship medal.” - -“That petition was handed to me last night after the meeting in the -living room,” Miss Remson said. “I read it, and went to Miss Peyton -before the ten-thirty bell rang. Her name heads the list, you see. I -suspected her as being at the bottom of the trouble. I told her very -sternly that I should expect to meet her committee of three next day at -noon in my office. Today at noon Miss Ferguson came to my office with a -great pretence of dignity. She brought with her this outrageous piece of -spite work,” she indicated the list Doris was perusing, her beautiful -face utterly impassive. - -“She said she would prefer me to read the list she handed me, then she, -Miss Peyton and Miss Waters would meet me in conference. At first I -thought of handing the list and petition back to her with a lecture. -Instead, I accepted the list and said that I would take up the matter -with them in three days. As yet I had nothing to say. They went away. -There was nothing else for them to do.” Miss Remson’s lips tightened. - -“Once upon a time, Leslie,” she continued, “Ronny Lynne and I held a -meeting in the living room. You remember why.” - -“Yes, I remember.” Leslie flushed. “I wish I had been wise enough to -profit by the experience of that evening.” - -Miss Remson referred to the eventful evening during Leslie’s sophomore -year at Hamilton when she had called a meeting in the living room of -Wayland Hall in order to see justice done to Marjorie Dean. Leslie had -then been the prime mover in an unworthy attempt to traduce Marjorie -which had ended in deserved defeat for Leslie. - -“Forgive me for mentioning it.” The little manager flashed Leslie a -smile of stanch friendship. “History may repeat itself. I wish you would -leave this matter entirely to me, Leslie. Think nothing further of it. -Don’t consider leaving the Hall. This report of you compiled by Dulcie -Vale is grossly untrue.” - -“It is, of course, garbled. It’s an entirely different story of the -hazing than the one she wrote in the letter to President Matthews. That -was our finish at Hamilton. Dulcie ought to do well writing fiction.” In -the midst of her dejection Leslie could not refrain from this humorous -thrust at Dulcie. - -“It’s too bad, Leslie.” Doris looked up from the papers in her hand, her -tone one of affection. “You are doing your best to make up for what you -once did that wasn’t honorable. We all make plenty of mistakes. Only it -takes a brave person to go back and try to retrieve them. I’ll stand by -you. So will the Travelers.” She came over to where Leslie sat, elbow on -chair, chin in hand, her dark face immobile as an Indian’s. She put a -reassuring arm across Leslie’s shoulders. - -“You are a good pal, Goldie.” Leslie raised her head from her hand in an -upward appreciative glance. “I’ve always said that, even when we -squabbled.” - -“I shall continue to be a good pal,” Doris assured, smiling. Secretly -she intended to find a means, if she could, to make the signers of the -petition feel ashamed and foolish. - -When the two friends left Miss Remson’s sitting room a few moments later -Doris went to her own room instead of stopping in Leslie’s. There she -found Muriel industriously writing to her fiancé, Harry Lenox. - -“Tell me about a meeting that once took place in the living room -downstairs because of something Leslie said about Marjorie,” she began -abruptly. - -“Um-m. Wait a minute until I have wound up my weekly love letter to my -intended,” giggled Muriel. “That’s what Annie calls the plumber she is -going to marry. My intended!” Muriel repeated the phrase admiringly. -“Isn’t that sweet?” - -“How romantic you are!” Doris duplicated the giggle. - -“Ain’t I jist?” Muriel came back buoyantly. “You ought to read my -letters to Harry. They are almost business-like enough to be signed -‘Yours very truly.’ Would you like me to read you this one?” - -“Mercy, no. I should not care to hear it.” Doris said with amused -stress. - -“And I shouldn’t care to read it to you,” Muriel replied with great -affability. - -“Nor to tell me about that meeting, either,” reminded Doris slyly. - -“Oh, yes, the meeting.” Muriel appeared to remember vaguely Doris’s -question. “Why don’t you ask—. No, you wouldn’t care to do that.” Muriel -stopped, surveying Doris quizzically. - -“You mean ask either Leslie or Marjorie,” Doris said quickly. “Not if I -can help it.” - -“What has happened?” Muriel continued to eye Doris shrewdly. - -“That’s what I should like to tell you.” - -“Don’t be afraid to confide in me,” Muriel assured flippantly. Sobering -her merry features, she added: “I’ll tell you about the meeting.” She -snapped her fountain pen shut, leaned back in her chair and recounted a -trifle sketchily the happenings of the eventful meeting in the living -room in which Marjorie had figured so prominently. - -“Poor Leslie.” Doris shook her head pityingly after Muriel had finished -the little story. “What a lot of trouble she has made for herself in the -past. I’m so glad everything is different with her now. I’m glad I found -myself in time. We girls who’ve been left without our mothers when we -are children to grow up in the care of servants are bound to be selfish, -even unprincipled. What ought I to do, Muriel? You are so clever at -suggestion. I have an idea that the way to deal with these girls is to -show them themselves from the standpoint of foolishness. Such attempts -from a group of students at injuring another student are so terribly -underbred, I think.” - -A sudden mischievous smile overspread Muriel’s face. “I know a good way -to do,” she said. She began outlining a plan which seemed to amuse her -more and more as she continued. Before she had finished speaking both -she and Doris were laughing. - -“Let’s go and tell it to Miss Remson now,” Doris proposed eagerly. She -held out her hand to Muriel. - -“The present is ours.” Muriel blithely accepted the hand and away the -two went. When they returned to their room almost an hour later they -left Miss Remson smiling over the surprise she had in store for the -Orchid Club. - -For the next three days Julia and Mildred held long, concerned confabs -regarding what Miss Remson intended to do about the petition. Her -manner, when they had talked with her, had been impersonal. They argued -it as a good sign, however, that she should have asked for three days in -which to consider the matter. - -“If she had been down on us for getting up the petition she would -probably have exploded like a firecracker,” Mildred declared to Julia on -the afternoon of the second day as they came from Science Hall. “We may -be doing her a favor by objecting to Miss Cairns. It may be that she -disapproves of Miss Cairns, too, but has to walk softly because Prexy -has shown such marked partiality in her case.” - -“Miss Remson likes Miss Cairns,” differed Julia. “She makes quite a good -deal of fuss over her. Of course, there is just a chance that she only -pretends to like her on account of her father’s money.” - -“The P. G.’s don’t act as though they knew a thing about the petition,” -Mildred observed triumphantly. “They are too busy with plays and college -welfare work to trouble themselves to watch us.” - -“It’s a good thing. I’m glad Miss Dean isn’t at the Hall now. Miss -Remson would surely tell her about our petition. She is Miss Remson’s -pet. She used always to be stirring up things here and interfering in -the girls’ private affairs. Doris Monroe is the only one I am uncertain -of. She is really Miss Cairns’ friend. Let her hear a word of this -business!” Julia paused impressively. - -“Oh, she isn’t so formidable. She dearly loves to swank. She is -altogether too top-lofty to suit me.” Mildred’s face clouded. Doris’s -superior air was a great cross to her. “She poses with that white fur -motor coat, and white car on purpose to keep herself before the campus.” - -“She knows better than to be top-lofty with me,” Julia said in an -independent tone. “I am the only girl on the campus who made her -understand that I’d not fall down and worship her.” - -“Hm-m,” was Mildred’s sole response. It reminded Julia forcibly of -Clara. Clara had signed the petition, but had secretly regretted the -act. She was hourly growing more disgusted with Julia and frequently -wondered how she had ever even believed she liked her quarrelsome -roommate. She was no longer jealous of Mildred. She detested the bold -freshman more than ever, and derived a resentful pleasure from the -thought that Julia and Mildred could not possibly stay friends for any -length of time. - -On the morning of the third day Miss Remson called Julia and Mildred -into her office from the breakfast table to inform them that she would -meet the Orchid Club as a body in the living room that evening at eight -o’clock to discuss with them the matter of the petition. - -At half past seven Annie ushered Marjorie, winsome and smiling into the -kitchen by way of the back door. “Miss Remson’s in her sitting room -watching for you, Miss Marjorie,” she gigglingly announced. Annie was -under the impression that a huge joke was to be played upon someone. She -had no idea as to what it might be, or who was the victim. She merely -giggled in sympathy. - -Up in Miss Remson’s room Marjorie found Leslie Cairns, Doris Monroe, -Muriel Harding and the manager awaiting her arrival at the Hall. As she -had spent the previous evening with them in the same sitting room she -responded to her friends’ laughingly significant greetings in the same -spirit. - -“Now girls,” Miss Remson addressed the quartette in her bright fond -fashion. “I leave the carrying out of the program to you. Keep in line -behind me when the door is opened and I step into the living room. If -objection to your presence at the meeting is made, let me talk to the -objectors.” - -“We’ll be silent as specters till it comes our turn to talk,” Muriel -assured, her velvety brown eyes twinkling her enjoyment of the occasion. - -At precisely eight o’clock Miss Remson’s doubled fist beat an imperative -little tattoo on the living room door. A small blue-eyed freshman with a -worried expression opened the door. She sent up an abashed “Oh!” and -watched the line of five file into the room in amazed fascination. The -manager led her companions straight up the aisle formed by the -arrangement of rows of chairs, oblivious to the growing murmur of voices -which attended her progress up the room. She paused near the two chairs -set in an open space at the end of the room which were occupied by the -president and vice-president of the Orchid Club. The four girls grouped -themselves behind her. A dead stillness descended upon the room. It was -an ominous stillness such as precedes a storm. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - THE WAY THE MEETING TURNED OUT - - -Suddenly the storm broke. A babel of protesting exclamations arose, -growing louder. A tall sophomore with glasses sprang to her feet crying -out: “This is not fair, Miss Remson. Our club is strictly private. No -one except the members and yourself was invited to be here tonight. I -object, Madame President.” She whirled, appealing to Julia. - -“Miss Saylor, your objection is sustained.” Julia’s expression was one -of empty dignity. She looked ludicrously owl-like. “We are glad of Miss -Remson’s presence here tonight. However, we prefer not to have outsiders -at our business meetings.” She regarded the four “outsiders” with a cold -stare. “Please take this chair, Miss Remson.” She nodded to a vacant -chair near her own. - -“Thank you.” Miss Remson seated herself without further remark. - -The noise attending the entrance of Miss Remson and her four aides had -partially subsided while Julia was speaking. It now began again. Half a -dozen girls simultaneously found their feet to make displeased protest. - -Suddenly Muriel stepped in front of her companions and raised a hand for -silence. Her gesture was thoroughly good-humored. Her sparkling face was -full of condescending geniality. “My, but you are an inhospitable -crowd!” she declared. “You don’t know what you are trying to do. You are -trying to put me out of the show business. These are my three performers -and this is our next stand. Have a heart!” - -No one could be more irresistibly funny than Muriel when she chose. -Laughter greeted her mock reproachful speech, rather half-hearted, but -laughter, nevertheless. The ominous babel of displeased voices died -down. - -“Miss Harding!” Julia adopted a tone of deep affront. “Won’t you please -consider the privacy of this club and——” - -“How can you?” Muriel looked grieved, then laughter chased away her -pretended grief. “Have pity on a poor showman, and his exhibits. -‘Remember the stranger within thy gates,’” she quoted affably, well -aware of the sighing breath that rose from the company at the reminder -of Hamilton’s first tradition. “There’s money in this business for me -this evening. I always take up a collection after each performance. Why -be haughty? Stay and see the show.” - -“Show! Show!” The sunny side of girl nature could not but respond to -Muriel’s nonsensical blandishments. Here and there among the group a -frowning face was to be seen. The majority were longing for fun, -however. And the majority ruled. Then, too, Muriel was extremely well -liked. - -The laughing cry of “Show” continued. Julia Peyton raised an imperious -hand in an effort to fix attention upon herself. She addressed the -crowd, but the crowd refused to listen to her. Muriel had won her point. -She had also delivered a pertinent rebuke under cover of her gaiety. - -“Assert yourself as president,” Mildred Ferguson urged Julia in low -stormy tones. She was furious at the unexpected intrusion. “What does -Miss Remson think she is going to do, I wonder? She’ll not honor the -petition. That’s certain. To bring Miss Cairns in here! She means to -fight for her and make us a whole lot of trouble—if she can.” - -“Oh, those provoking girls!” Julia was ready to cry with chagrin. -“They’re letting Miss Harding make perfect geese of them. And all -because she is funny, or thinks she is.” - -“She’s funny enough,” Mildred admitted sulkily. She turned to listen -against her will to Muriel’s flow of inimitable nonsense. - -Muriel had ranged Marjorie, Leslie and Doris in a row and was now -engaged in busily showing them off to the roomful of girls. She treated -them as she might have a collection of bisque dolls. She moved their -arms and hands about at will, took them by the shoulders, one after -another, spun them round then posed them in a series of ridiculously -stiff attitudes. She finally pretended to wind up a mechanism between -Marjorie’s shoulders and Marjorie came to life and sang Stevenson’s “In -Winter,” in a thin childish voice. She met with a cordial reception. - -Doris, when wound up, executed a graceful little dance which was -heartily applauded. Leslie came last. She sang a verse of a French song -with an artistry of expression and gesture that was a revelation to the -audience who had gathered to condemn her. After she had finished and -given a funny little exhibition of running down and becoming immobile -again an odd silence reigned. It was shattered by a girl’s voice from -the back of the room. “Clever, bravo!” she cried. “Encore, encore!” - -Next instant the room rang with cries of “Encore!” Muriel favored her -audience with a Cheshire puss smile and laboriously wound up Leslie -again. She sang the second verse with more clever gestures. - -When Muriel could make herself heard she went on to announce that the -performance would close with one verse of “Lightly row,” sung by the -“Great Little Three.” Then she promised to press speech buttons in the -backs of the trio’s necks. The Great Little Three would then thank their -audience for their attention. - -Rather to her surprise this announcement also elicited approval. She had -been afraid the girls would scent a lecture in her words and shy off -from it. Instead cries of “Speech! Speech!” ascended. - -“Thank you for your appreciation,” Marjorie began in her own sweet tones -as Muriel stepped back from pressing the speech button at the nape of -her white neck. “We should feel so hurt if we thought you hadn’t liked -us. Though we seem only mechanical we have very sensitive feelings. We -are glad if we have amused you and we hope you will always think as -kindly of us as we think of you.” Thus Marjorie’s little speech ended. - -Doris came next. She said with her soft, fascinating drawl: “As I am a -dancing doll it is very hard for me to speak. So I will say only that I -wish the Orchid Club may flourish long as one of Hamilton’s most -representative sororities, with truth, honor and justice for its motto.” - -“Rah, rah, rah, for the college beauty!” proposed someone. The cheers -were given with a will. Doris smiled and bowed her thanks, looking as -lovely as a veritable fairy-tale princess. The audience could no more -help liking her for her beauty than they could help succumbing to -Marjorie’s charm. - -Leslie’s speech began in French. She made two or three droll remarks in -the language, accompanying them by truly Gallic gestures of her hands -and shrugs of her shoulders. She was a French scholar, having spoken it -from early childhood. Ripples of laughter from her listeners testified -as to their admiration for her cleverness. - -Suddenly she dropped into English with a change of tone that brought -forth a kind of united gasp from the rows of girls. “And now the show is -over, and the play is played out,” she said in a steady, resolute tone -that somehow carried with it an unspoken determination toward courage of -the true sort. “I have read your petition. I have read the list written -by Dulcie Vale. Both are a waste of paper. You can neither make nor mar -me. I am the only one to do either. I know this now. I learned it by -failing to accomplish such injustices against others as those you have -lately framed against me. Whatever you may have heard of me belongs to -the past; not the present. I am here to do a certain thing which I have -promised myself shall be done. I shall continue to live at the Hall -because Miss Remson wishes me to do so. But for all I did when I was at -Hamilton nearly three years ago which was against tradition and honor I -am reaping in this one respect. To live at Wayland Hall is the greatest -punishment for me that could be devised. So my advice to you tonight is -to leave me to work out my own salvation. I promise not to trouble you.” -With a grave inclination of the head Leslie stepped back beside -Marjorie. Marjorie put out an arm and dropped it affectionately about -Leslie’s waist. - -“I think it’s too bad; shameful in us!” A pretty brown-eyed young woman -had sprung to her feet with the contrite cry. “How could we have been -so—so spitefully foolish? I shall cross my name off that petition. Miss -Remson won’t you please destroy both it and that list? How many are with -me in this?” She waved a rallying hand to the buzzing company. - -“I am. And I.” A babel of “I’s” was heard. - -Julia Peyton jumped up to defend the losing fight. Her voice was drowned -in the noise. Mildred Ferguson tried to make herself heard and met with -defeat. - -Muriel had forsaken her duties as showman and was animatedly talking to -two or three girls nearest to where she stood. Doris had come up on -Leslie’s other side and had also put an arm around Leslie. Miss Remson -sat watching the noisy company, a bright smile on her thin, kind face. - -Muriel stepped up to her and asked an eager question. Miss Remson handed -her a thin packet of folded papers. Muriel took them, then faced the -company. She waved them energetically in air until she had attracted -general attention to herself. - -“This is my license to go into the show business,” she cried laughingly. -“I find I shall be too busy from now on to need it. Is there anyone here -who would like to have it?” - -“No, no, no!” came the emphatic protest. “Burn it up. Tear it up. Lose -it in the furnace!” and plenty of other suggestions answered her -mischievous inquiry. - -“All right.” Muriel cast a laughing glance at Julia Peyton who was -looking the picture of impotent wrath. She caught the glance and turned -her head haughtily away. “I have no matches,” Muriel continued -apologetically, “and the furnace isn’t handy. Shall I?” She made a move -as though to tear the papers in half. - -“_Yes._” The welcome affirmation came with a shout. - -“And we are all friends?” Muriel asked with sly geniality. - -“_Yes._” Again the shout echoed through the big room. - -“Very well.” Muriel showed candid delight in tearing the papers intended -to cause unhappiness into bits. “Please pardon us for having interrupted -your meeting,” she went on. “We are going now. Good night. If any of you -are thinking of starting in the show business I can give you pointers. I -might even decide to lend you my dolls. Good night.” - -She made a smiling move toward leaving the room. The three other girls -and Miss Remson followed her. None of them had stepped half way down the -aisle before they were hemmed in by a jubilant, chattering crowd. An -impromptu reception started in the middle of the aisle. Leslie found -half a dozen hands extended to clasp hers. - -“Tell the girls if you can make them hear you that there are three big -ginger cakes in the cake box, and that free lemonade is a feature of -your show,” Miss Remson told Muriel. - -In the midst of the cheer that hailed this good news Julia and Mildred -skirted one side of the room, keeping as far from the jolly crowd as -they could. They reached the door and hurried away from the meeting they -had planned with such unkind zest. It had turned out very differently -from their expectation. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - OUT OF THE PAST - - -As a result of Muriel’s show Leslie Cairns found herself in better -standing among her housemates than she had dreamed ever of attaining. It -often takes some very small thing to turn the tide of approval or -disapproval. The tide had turned in Leslie’s favor when Muriel had -quoted Hamilton’s highest tradition. Hardly a girl present but that had -experienced a secret twinge of conscience for the petition they had -signed against Leslie Cairns. - -Nor had it been particularly reassuring to see Marjorie Dean, Doris -Monroe, Muriel Harding and Miss Remson firmly entrenched against them. -While they counted as the majority at the Hall the Bertram girls and the -post graduates were powers on the campus. At first Julia’s and Mildred’s -strenuous objections to Leslie had made an impression upon their -housemates. Dulcie Vale’s despicable communication had bolstered their -disapproval only at the time of hearing. Later, in thinking it over and -talking together about it, the more serious element of the girls had -cherished doubts as to its entire veracity. It was Julia’s stanchest -supporters who had started the objection when the four girls and Miss -Remson had walked in upon their meeting. In the end even they had come -shame-faced to a more charitable view of matters. - -Doris had been touched to learn from Miss Remson that on the day of the -meeting Clara Carter had come to her and asked to be permitted to strike -her name from the petition. Meeting Clara face to face on the campus the -day following the meeting Doris had shaken hands with the red-haired -girl and invited her to dinner at Baretti’s. Clara had accepted with -surprised joy and had agreeably surprised Doris by her avoidance of -personal gossip. Of Julia she said nothing. Nor did Doris mention -Julia’s name. - -At Hamilton Arms Marjorie was beginning to look forward to the fruits of -her planting. February was a triumphal month to her because toward the -latter part of it she completed the biography of Brooke Hamilton. On the -third Sunday in February she had completed her work except for a last -paragraph which she had purposely left to be written on a special -occasion. That Sunday having been chosen as the special occasion the -original Travelers came to Hamilton Arms to spend the afternoon and -evening. At five o’clock, the hour when Brooke Hamilton had welcomed tea -in his workshop, a reverent little company gathered in the study. There, -Marjorie, surrounded by her friends composed the final paragraph and -triumphantly wrote “The End” at the bottom of the last page of -manuscript. Then in turn the girls recited the Brooke Hamilton maxims -and Miss Susanna read a prayer, a translation from the German, of which -Brooke Hamilton had been fond. As a last tribute to him they had lifted -up their fresh young voices in the Hymn to Hamilton, filling the -departed founder’s workshop with melody while he appeared to smile -contentedly down from the wall at the sweet-voiced singers. - -The manuscript for the biography was to be placed in the hands of a New -York publisher. Marjorie’s color deepened every time she happened to -recall the fact that when the biography should have been published she -would then be Marjorie Dean Macy. - -“It is a relief to know the biography is done,” she said to Miss Susanna -on the morning after she had completed it in the presence of her -intimates. “There are so many other things to think of. Next week the -dormitory will be ready for the furniture. Then will come the dedication -of it. After that will be the library dedication. Then we must have a -house warming. It will take two weeks to place the furniture, and one -week to celebrate. There are three whole weeks of March gone and from -that on you know how it will be. Captain will be here, and I’ll have to -resign myself to innumerable fittings. Oh, dear!” Marjorie’s sunny smile -accompanied the half rueful exclamation. - -“You are a much harrassed person.” Miss Susanna’s sympathy was too dry -to be genuine. She smiled her crinkly smile at Marjorie and said: “Are -you going to be very busy this morning. Marvelous Manager?” - -“Very. I have an engagement with Miss Susanna Hamilton to do whatever -she would like to have me do.” Marjorie rose from where she had been -sitting at the study table writing to her Captain and crossed to the -small, bright-eyed figure in the doorway. She offered Miss Susanna both -hands with the pretty impulsiveness that was one of her charms. - -“Come then.” Miss Susanna took Marjorie by the arm and began walking her -gently down the long hall and toward her own spacious, airy bed room. It -was a beautiful room with a big sunny bow window and handsome -old-fashioned furnishings. There was a canopied four poster bed, -high-backed mahogany chairs, with a highboy and immense dresser to -match. A gate-legged table, high desk and several other notable antiques -made up a collection which a dealer in antiques would have regarded with -envious eyes. - -From girlhood it had been Miss Susanna’s room, and she had never allowed -any change to be made in it from the way in which she had found it when -she came to Hamilton Arms to live with her distinguished kinsman. - -As she stepped over the threshold of her girlhood sanctum, clinging to -Marjorie’s arm, she steered the young girl across the room and brought -her to a forced, playful halt before a very large black teakwood chest. -It was purely Chinese in character, the lid being decorated with an -intricate gold pattern, the spiral complicated curves of which emanated -from the wide-open jaws of a gold dragon. - -Marjorie had always greatly admired the chest. Once she had asked Miss -Susanna if it had not been brought from China by Brooke Hamilton. The -old lady had replied “Yes, my dear,” with a peculiar brevity which -Marjorie had early learned to recognize as a sign that Miss Hamilton -preferred to close the subject before it had hardly been broached. - -“I brought you here with me this morning, dear child, to show you -something that belongs to the long ago. It’s something I’ve often -debated letting you see. I have decided as many times against it as for -it. But after I knew that you were going to put a cranky old person -named Hamilton in the seventh heaven of delight by getting married at -the Arms, I knew I should show you this chest, and what’s in it, and -tell you the history of it. This is only for you, Marjorie. But you may -tell your Captain, and Hal, for you must never have secrets from either -your mother, or your husband.” - -“Then Mystified Manager said to Goldendede, the keeper of the castle, ‘I -will obey you in all things, Goldendede, for I know you to be a wise -woman.’” Marjorie laughingly improvised. “That’s the way I feel. The -enchantment of the castle hangs over me, and I am on the way to -marvelous revelations.” - -“Marvelous? I don’t know.” The old lady’s head tilted to its bird-like -angle. “I believe the only marvelous part is that I did not get married. -Now perhaps you can guess what’s in that chest.” She eyed Marjorie -shrewdly. - -“Miss Susanna!” Light had suddenly dawned upon Marjorie. “You mean—” She -stopped, then cried: “Was that chest your hope—” - -“It was,” came the crisp response. “In it is my wedding dress.” She -threw back the lid as she spoke, then removed a white linen cover -arranged over the contents of the chest as a protection. - -Marjorie gasped in girl admiration as she caught sight of fold upon fold -of heavy pearl-seeded white satin. “Oh!” she exhaled rapturously. “How -beautiful!” - -Miss Susanna lifted the billows of satin from the box. “I’ll lay out the -dress on my bed.” She gathered the creamy folds in her arms and trotted -over to her bed. Looking in the box, Marjorie saw a teakwood tray that -extended across the box. In it were a pair of long white gloves, a pair -of the most exquisitely embroidered white silk stockings she had ever -seen and an underslip of thin white Chinese silk embroidered in a -pattern of orange blossoms. The stockings also bore the same pattern -embroidered in a straight strip up and down the fronts. - -“Bring over the accessories which I didn’t need, child,” Miss Susanna -directed, matter-of-fact in the midst of reminders of her own romance. - -Marjorie gathered up the lovely things and carried them over to the bed. -As Miss Susanna had already walked toward the chest Marjorie laid the -dainty articles of the bridal outfit reverently upon the snowy expanse -of linen spread. - -While she was engaged in the pleasant yet half sad task, Miss Susanna -returned to her side. Her eyes directed toward the wedding gown, which -was a dream of loveliness, she suddenly felt something falling down over -her head and face in misty, transparent folds. She cried out and looked -through the delicate transparency to see Miss Susanna smiling at her -with untold tenderness. - -“It was to have been my wedding veil, Marjorie. I wish it to be yours. -Come over to the mirror and let me drape it on you. You are not much -taller than I. Thank fortune this veil is yards and yards in length and -width. The present-day veils are so very voluminous.” - -“This veil is a poem, Goldendede,” Marjorie declared fervently; “a poem -in pearls, mist and orange blossoms. Surely, there was never its equal -on land or sea!” - -She had obediently moved to the great oval mirror of the dresser, -standing slim and lovely in her white lawn morning gown. Over her head -and flowing down to her feet and far beyond them was the exquisite veil -of finest Brussels net, outlined with pearls and caught up here and -there with sprays of creamy satin orange blossoms which closely -resembled the natural blossoms. The dainty bridal cap formed by the -gathering together of the veil was banded with pearls and orange -blossoms. Squarely in front and slightly below the pearl band was a star -of matched pearls. - -“Can this be I?” Marjorie cried jokingly, yet half embarrassed. The -mirror told her the story of her own beauty so clearly she felt an -unbidden desire to cry over the fact that she was beautiful in the -marvelous veil. “Where did it come from, Goldendede?” she asked -wonderingly. “It’s not that I am beautiful. It’s the veil. It could -transform the plainest person from positive homeliness to beauty.” - -“It would go a long way toward it,” Miss Susanna smiled indulgently at -the enchanting vision before the mirror. “Still, I must say that I never -looked as you do in it, child. And I was a fairly pretty girl, too. -Uncle Brooke and I made a voyage to Europe on purpose to order my -trousseau. He bought the most expensive piece of net for sale in -Brussels. We took it to Paris and had the veil made there with the rest -of the trousseau. That is the history of it.” - -The old lady stood back to view the effect of the veil upon Marjorie, an -absent, meditative look in her bright eyes. - -“The days that followed the breaking of my engagement with Gray were -hard; hard indeed,” she continued. “His name was Grayson Landor. He was -very good-looking. But he did not love me; nor I him. He knew it when he -proposed marriage to me. I did not know until after I had steeled myself -against seeing him. He was unworthy, child; utterly unworthy. He was in -love with a poor young girl, really in love with her, yet he was content -to forsake her and marry me for my money, and because I was a Hamilton. -I am glad I found him out in time. I realize more and more that I was -chosen to carry on Uncle Brooke’s plans, and alone. I regret the years I -lost through Alec Carden’s interference.” - -The mistress of the Arms sat down on the edge of a chair and folded her -hands together. “Yes; I lost so much time,” she said musingly, almost as -though she had forgotten Marjorie’s presence. - -“Why did I name you Goldendede?” Marjorie demanded with severity. “What -about the dormitory site, and the Brooke Hamilton Library and the -biography, and your general generousness to Hamilton? Even when you felt -resentment against Hamilton you tried to carry out his wishes so far as -the business part of the college was concerned. Many persons placed in -the same circumstances would have refused to continue the endowment -which Mr. Brooke made Hamilton, but subject to your approval after his -death. You were truly chosen to carry out his plans. I always feel that -somewhere in eternity Mr. Brooke knows and is glad.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - LOVE YOUR ENEMIES - - -True to Marjorie’s prediction one momentous event after another, -relative to her many campus interests, caused March to skim away on -wings. On the fifth day of March, which fell upon Saturday, Hamilton -College turned out in full force to attend the dedication of the -dormitory. Due to the large crowd that must inevitably be present the -exercises had been scheduled to take place in the open air in the large -open space in front of the building. In the event of bad weather they -would be conducted in the assembly hall of the building. It was hoped by -the Travelers that the day for which they had toiled so faithfully would -be mild and sunny. - -When the day came it proved to be a marvel of balmy breezes and warm -sunshine. It was one of those rare early spring days which promise so -smilingly of the return of Spring in her glory. - -The dedication exercises began at one o’clock before the largest student -body ever enrolled at Hamilton College and in charge of the Reverend -Compton Greene, the oldest minister in the county of Hamilton, and also -the Episcopal minister at Hamilton Estates. A platform had been erected -as a speakers’ stand. On the platform sat President Matthews, the -members of the Hamilton College Board, Miss Susanna, Peter Graham, -Professor Venderblatt, Miss Remson, Signor Baretti, Marjorie, Robin and -the other eight members of the original Travelers’ Chapter. The two new -chapters of Travelers attended the dedication in a body, occupying a -special place on the lawn roped off for them. - -The faculty also attended in a body, grouped well to the right of the -speakers’ stand. To the left stood row upon row of dark-faced men -dressed in their best, their faces bright with smiles. Their leader, -Peter Graham had Signor Baretti on one side of him and on the other a -tall, broad-shouldered man with keen dark eyes and a firm mouth. Peter -Cairns had demurred at accepting the honor of standing with Peter Graham -on such an occasion. “Oh, I’ll stay at the edge of the crowd,” he had -declared, but had been overruled by his two friends. - -“You don’t come and make the strike break up, and my countrymen go work -like these should, we don’t have any dorm now. So you help, too, and you -should go with us. Why you are ashamed to be seen with us? I am once -poor Italiano, but very respec’bl,” had been the argument Baretti had -used to Mr. Cairns. He had finally won his point. - -Among the company of Travelers in the roped-in space was Leslie Cairns. -She had also yielded to persuasion, though she had still the humiliated -inner conviction that she did not deserve such kindness on the part of -the Travelers. - -Marjorie, Robin and Miss Susanna had all vowed firmly before hand that -under no circumstances would they be drawn into speech making. “Let the -men make the speeches,” Miss Susanna had said with an emphatic nod. The -uneasy partners had agreed with her and informed her that they should -depend upon her to stick to her guns. - -When the time came, however, Miss Susanna found herself the center of a -student body, ready to bow down to her. She received an ovation that -amazed her to the point of all but reducing her to tears. Sturdy soul -that she was she set her jaws and refused to break down. She had to make -a speech, however, and the few terse sentences she spoke came straight -from her heart. - -Neither were Page and Dean permitted “to get by” without a speech. Robin -came first and spoke with the charming sincerity which was the keynote -of her disposition. Marjorie listened to her in active discomfort, all -too sure that she would be called upon next. She tried to think of -something to say, but her mind suddenly seemed to become blank. - -Worried over her own lack of inspiration she scarcely heard what Robin -said. She merely caught the tones of her partner’s earnest voice. -Presently Robin had finished speaking and applause broke out in -deafening waves. After a little it subsided. Then—Marjorie heard -President Matthews announce her to the acclaiming throng. As she rose it -came to her that there was one subject on which she could speak—the -greatness of Brooke Hamilton. There were so many wonderful things to be -said of him. - -She began her speech with: “Dear friends of Hamilton College.... Because -Mr. Brooke Hamilton adored and venerated his mother, because he wished -the highest for womankind, we are here today to do him honor by adding -our bit to the splendid educational plans he made and carried out so -nobly in the building of Hamilton College.” Her voice, clear and -ringing, carried to the farthest limits of the enthusiastic throng. - -Brooke Hamilton could have had no stauncher advocate than Marjorie. In -the short speech she made she brought before the assembled company the -man as she had come to know him through her work on his biography. She -ended eloquently with: - -“When his biography is given to the world he will take his rightful -place among the great men who have devoted their lives to aiding the -cause of education. He planned unselfishly, and gave royally. He must be -to us who love our Alma Mater the great example. Because we have -believed in his maxims we shall try to live by them.” - -She was surprised when she resumed her chair next to Jerry to find her -eyes full of tears. She had been carried away by the very earnestness of -her praise for the founder of Hamilton. - -“Pretty fair, Bean; pretty fair,” was the welcome whisper from Jerry, -which threatened to upset her gravity. “You done noble.” - -“_Taisez vous_, Jeremiah. I almost cried. Now please don’t make me -laugh. I’m glad it’s all over. I never was intended as a speechifier.” - -“You only think you weren’t, Bean, dear Bean. ‘Speechifier’s’ a fine -word; I shall adopt it. I’m sure it isn’t in the ‘dic.’ That’s what I’m -looking for, original words; like ‘celostrous,’ for instance.” - -Satisfied to have made Marjorie laugh Jerry subsided. Presently a final -prayer was said by the Reverend Greene, and the large company joined in -the singing of the Doxology. Following the exercises the enthusiastic -throng moved forward to inspect the new dormitory, the massive entrance -doors of which stood open as though inviting visitors. - -Among the few students who did not follow the crowd were Julia Peyton -and Mildred Ferguson. Mildred was frankly contemptuous over the whole -affair. She was not interested in a dormitory for the use of needy -students, nor did she care anything about Brooke Hamilton as the founder -of the college. - -“Shucks,” she commented disdainfully to Julia as the two turned away -from the animated scene. “Let’s go back to the campus. Somebody had to -found Hamilton. Why should there be so much fuss made over it?” - -“That small woman on the platform!” Julia exclaimed in consternation. -“That was Miss Susanna Hamilton! I saw her at the Hall and thought she -was Miss Remson’s sister.” - -“Well, she doesn’t know it,” shrugged Mildred. - -Julia, however, was anything but at ease in mind. Ever since the dismal -failure of the attempt to force Leslie Cairns from Wayland Hall she had -been more or less gloomy and morose. She had haughtily declared on the -day after Muriel’s “show” that she would not any longer keep the -presidency of the club. She would not even attend any future meetings. -She wrote a resignation as president and intrusted it to Mildred to read -to the club. - -Mildred read it out to the members at the next meeting of the Orchid -Club. It was accepted with such alacrity, and a new president so -promptly elected, that she decided she would not be so foolish as risk -her membership in the club by offering to resign. She was inwardly -peeved in that she had not been appointed president and another girl -elected as vice-president. Only her ability to brazen things out kept -her in a club in which the attitude of its other members toward her was -one of polite endurance. - -Julia’s club troubles were less to her, however, than Clara Carter’s -defection. Clara still roomed with her, but paid very little attention -to her. The red-haired girl was trying to model her acts on a higher -basis. She was completely out of sympathy with her former intimate. - -Julia also had another worry which had at first seemed too remote for -anxiety. Her mother had written her that her father had met with severe -losses in his manipulations of stocks. She had paid little attention to -this news from home. Her father frequently engaged in the daring raids -on the market which had earned him the name of “Wolf Peyton.” Later, her -mother had written her again of her father’s critical financial -situation. This time Julia had heeded the alarm of her mother’s -sounding. She knew it to be serious from the very fact that her mother -had written her twice on the subject. - -The day after the dedication of the dormitory she received a third -letter from home that sent her into a panic. She let it overcome her to -the extent of cutting her classes for the day and staying in her room to -weep dismally over the Peytons’ changed prospects. - -“What is the matter?” Clara Carter asked Julia not unsympathetically as -she came in from her Greek recitation to find Julia seated lachrymosely -in the very chair she had been occupying when Clara had left their room. - -“Nothing,” Julia gulped, and sighed. - -“There certainly must be. You hardly ever cry.” - -“You wouldn’t be interested to know if I tell you,” Julia quavered. “You -are not my friend any more.” - -“I would be if you would try to do as you should,” Clara returned with -stolid dignity. “I don’t care much about you lately, Julia, but I used -to like you. Only both of us were wrong in the way we gossiped about the -girls. We used to wonder sometimes why Doris was so queer and haughty -with us at times. I know now that it was because she disapproved of our -gossiping. Now when I am with her I never say an unkind word about -anyone. And she is sweet to me on that very account.” - -“I wish I had never got up that miserable petition, or listened to a -word Mildred Ferguson told to me about that Dulcie Vale, her cousin,” -Julia’s voice rose to a disconsolate wail. - -“I am very glad I came to my senses in time and had my name taken off -the list,” Clara returned grimly. “I feel sorry for you, somehow, Julia, -though you’ve only yourself to blame for what’s happened.” Clara had not -yet reached a point of forbearance wherein she could honestly sympathize -with her roommate. She had not yet arrived at the charitable spirit of -which she now gave signs of someday achieving. - -“I know it.” Julia held her handkerchief to her eyes, continuing to cry -softly. - -“I’d truly like to know what troubles you, Julia,” Clara presently said -in a softer tone than she had at first used. - -“I can’t come back to Hamilton next year,” Julia sobbed out. “We’ve lost -our money; everything we own, too. My father has been having bad luck in -the market for the past year. My mother knew he was losing, but didn’t -think things were so bad as they’ve just turned out to be. We are poor, -terribly poor. I am going to stay here the rest of this year, but I -can’t come back next year. My father says I’ll have to become his -secretary, and he’ll have only a small office. It will take him quite a -while to get over this failure and we’ll have to live in a common three -story house, and maybe not have even one car. Mother says we will try to -keep my car for her use. It’s all so terrible. I was never poor. I can’t -bear to think about it. And I want to come back to Hamilton for my -senior year more than anything.” - -“Why don’t you come back and live at the dormitory? Your father could -afford to pay your fees, couldn’t he?” Clara suggested. This time she -showed real sympathy. - -“No. That is I’m not sure. It’s his idea—for me to be his secretary. He -says I’ve always been so wasteful and extravagant that it is time I had -to shoulder a little responsibility. He’d have to pay a confidential -secretary capable of doing his work not less than from fifty to a -hundred dollars a month. He says he must cut expenses to a minimum in -order to pull himself up again financially. It may take him a year to do -it. He made my mother write me all this. She is dreadfully upset by the -whole thing. Anyway I wouldn’t come back to the campus as a dormitory -girl. I simply _couldn’t_!” Julia exclaimed vehemently. - -“My father would lend your father some money, Julia, if I were to ask -him,” Clara said after a short silence, broken only by the sound of -Julia’s muffled sobs. - -“No, no.” Julia made a dissenting gesture. “My father is awfully proud. -He wouldn’t accept help from even his oldest friends. He’s an out and -out crank about such things. Thank you just the same, Clara. It’s sweet -in you to wish to help me. I—I—appreciate—it. Never mind me. You’d -better hurry along, or you’ll be late for French.” - -Clara cast a hasty glance at the wall clock, gathered up her books and -hurried away. On her way to her recitation she racked her brain for some -way in which she might help Julia. Of the Wall Street realm of -financiering she knew very little. Her father was a manufacturer and had -inherited wealth from his father. Julia had occasionally told her tales -of “Wolf” Peyton’s exploits as a financier. She had never been much -interested in hearing them. She now wished she had listened to them more -attentively. - -Her mind fixed on the subject of Julia’s misfortunes, she paid little -attention to her French lesson. On the way back to Wayland Hall she -chanced to encounter Doris Monroe. - -“What are you looking so solemn about, Clara?” Doris greeted in friendly -fashion. - -“Oh, I was just thinking. Somebody just told me some bad news. Not about -myself,” she added quickly. “I was just trying to think of a way I could -help the person.” - -“Is there anything I can do?” Doris’ alert brain instantly reverted to -Julia Peyton. She had caught a glimpse of Julia hurrying through the -hall to her room that morning and had noticed her woebegone expression. - -“No. Why, I don’t know.” Clara paused uncertainly. “I’d be breaking a -confidence to tell you, but you might know of a way to help.” - -“I’d rather you wouldn’t break a confidence,” Doris returned candidly. - -“I know. But—” Clara hesitated again, “—I think I could tell you of the -difficulty without naming the person. It would do no harm, Doris, I can -assure you of that.” - -“I’ll take your word for it,” Doris made quick response. - -Clara colored with pleasure. Doris’s confidence in her was gratifying. -“The father of a certain student here has lost all his money. He is a -Wall Street financier. He is going to be awfully poor for a while. This -student I speak of will not be able to come back to Hamilton next year. -Her father says she will have to be his secretary. She feels very badly -about it. She’d like to complete her college course. I wish I knew a way -to help her father financially. I told her that my father would lend her -father some money, but she said he would not accept a loan from even a -friend. I can’t think of any other way to help. Can you?” - -“No; not this minute. But I will think it over. Perhaps I may hit upon a -brilliant idea. I’ll see you tonight about it. Come to my room. We’ll -have more time to talk things over. I must run along.” With a little -farewell gesture Doris turned and ran toward Hamilton Hall, where she -would make her next recitation. - -While Clara continued to ponder the matter without success it haunted -Doris, also. She was now positive that the student in question was Julia -Peyton. She had heard that Julia’s father was a Wall Street “raider.” -Leslie Cairns had gone to some pains to explain the term to her. -Leslie—of course! The very one to know what should be done. Thought of -Julia’s despicable part in the recent plot against Leslie’s welfare -recurred to Doris. Leslie could hardly be blamed if she refused to -consider helping Julia. Leslie, however, understood a great deal about -the world in which her father had piled up millions. Doris decided with -her usual calm judgment that Leslie should be in her room that evening -when Clara came to it. Muriel would be away at the rehearsal of a play -which Leila was directing. She would ask Clara in Leslie’s presence to -tell Leslie what the red-haired girl had just told her. - -When Clara stepped into Doris’s room that evening she cast an -unconsciously disappointed look at Doris. She had not expected to see -Leslie Cairns. Doris caught the glance, understood it and said -instantly: - -“Please don’t mind Leslie’s being here, Clara. I asked her to come. I -wish you to tell her what you told me this morning. Her father is one of -the greatest financiers in the United States, or in Europe, perhaps. -Leslie knows a great deal about finance. She will surely find a way to -help you.” - -“I—I—you couldn’t help in this affair, Miss Cairns,” Clara burst forth -in embarrassment. “It wouldn’t be possible for you to.” - -“Why not?” Leslie turned a direct kindly glance upon the red-haired -girl. “Please tell me. I know nothing of what it may be. I do know that -I’d like to be of service. I have several years of pleasing no one but -myself to make up for.” She smiled her grimly humorous smile. - -It took a little more coaxing, however, before Clara would yield. -Finally she did so, telling Leslie what she had previously told Doris. -Leslie listened without comment, until Clara had wound up her doleful -little tale. She sat with one elbow on an arm of her chair, one hand -cupping her chin. - -“I think my father can find the way to help this man,” she said -reassuringly. “Pardon me when I say I believe I know who this man is. I -have heard of him often from my father.” She paused, viewing Clara with -mute inquiry. - -Clara understood. “I—I—it’s Julia’s father,” she stammered. “Perhaps I -should not have told you his name. Julia did not ask me not to. But she -gave me her confidence. It—” - -“It was necessary for me to know,” Leslie cut in with a trace of her -old-time brusqueness. “How can my father help a man regain his financial -ground unless he knows that man’s identity?” she asked half humorously. - -“Well, of course not.” Clara brightened, laughing a little. - -“Will you trust the matter to me for a few days, perhaps weeks, Miss -Carter?” Leslie asked kindly. “I will write to my father at once. -Meanwhile the matter shall be one of strict confidence among us three. I -should prefer Miss Peyton never to know the source from which help came -to her father through any of us. I believe my father may wish not to be -known in the matter, either.” - -“You speak with great confidence, Miss Cairns. You are sure something -can be done by your father for Mr. Peyton?” Clara asked half doubtfully. - -“Very sure,” Leslie repeated encouragingly. - -Clara did not remain in Doris’s room long. She went back to her own room -to find Julia making a conscientious effort to study. - -“I mustn’t neglect what last few opportunities I have,” she said -soberly. “I shall try to do well in all my subjects for the rest of the -year.” - -“That’s a brave view to take.” Clara longed to tell Julia what she had -just done. She smiled to herself. The more she considered Leslie’s quiet -confidence in her father’s success the more she was inclined herself to -believe in it. - -In her room Leslie had just finished a brief but forceful letter to her -father. It read: - - “DEAR PETER THE GREAT: - - “Here is a further chance for you to prove your greatness. Do - you know a raider on the Street named Wolf Peyton? Of course you - do. You know them all. He has lost his fortune. Dead broke. His - daughter expects nothing but to leave college this June. She - must come back for her senior year. It seems he needs her as his - secretary, or thinks he does. I think the secretary business - would flivver after he had tried it. Anyhow please put him on - his feet so it won’t be necessary for her to sacrifice her - senior year. He may be your bitterest enemy, his daughter - thought she was mine, but, never mind. We should tremble. Fix it - up without him knowing you did anything. - - “I am going to be in one of Page and Dean’s shows. It is to be a - revue, and will be given on the evening of the eighth of April. - You had better come to it. I am going to sing a French song and - give some of those funny imitations of Parisians which you like - to see me do. I am happy, Peter. The Hedge begins to look like a - near future proposition. With oceans of love. I’ll write again - soon. - - “Faithfully, - “LESLIE.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - THE REWARD OF COURAGE - - -Ten days later Julia Peyton gloomily opened a letter from home and read -in it news as surprisingly joyful as the news she had formerly received -from home had been full of trouble. Her mother wrote that her father had -managed somehow to tide over his losses and was on his financial feet -again. - -Clara shared the good news with Julia and privately Doris and Leslie -shared it with Clara. As a result of Leslie’s little “flier” in human -happiness Doris made a special luncheon engagement with Marjorie Dean on -purpose to confide to Marjorie what Leslie had done. Marjorie in turn -confided the story of the girl who had obeyed the command of Christ, -“Love your enemies,” to the letter. - -“She deserves a citation,” was Miss Susanna’s hearty opinion. “I will -have a maxim hung for her at the college. Peter Carden and I will go -over to chapel together that morning. She is a dear courageous child and -deserves to be honored. That will put her on a splendid basis on the -campus and she will have won the right to have her father named as the -giver of the Leila Harper Playhouse.” - -“And we can have the presentation of the theatre to Leila made in the -chapel during Commencement week,” Marjorie planned joyously. “The -theatre will be completed then. Mr. Graham said yesterday that he hoped -to have it ready not later than the twentieth of June. You see, -Goldendede, Hal has promised that we shall come down from our camp in -the Adirondacks for Commencement at Hamilton.” - -“It is a good thing he has promised that you shall.” Miss Susanna put on -a mildly threatening air which vanished in a smile. - -“Which motto are you going to give Leslie, Goldendede?” Marjorie -inquired interestedly. The two fond comrades were strolling about the -grounds of the Arms in the early spring sunshine. - -“I’ll let you choose.” - -“Then I know exactly the one I’d like for Leslie. It suits her so well. -I mean the way she has tried this year on the campus to be a credit in -all ways to her Alma Mater. The motto I’d like for her is the single one -that hangs over near the portrait of him: ‘A truly great soul is never -dismayed.’” - -“I wondered if you would choose that. It is in my mind, too, for her, -Marvelous Manager. We had better have the citation this week so that -Leslie may have that much longer to enjoy her glory on the campus. -Saturday afternoon I think we’d better give a luncheon for her at the -Arms and invite the three chapters of Travelers.” - -“You are always planning happiness for someone, dearest Lady of the -Arms. Let’s have Leslie here to tea this afternoon and make a fuss over -her. We’re not supposed to know about what she did for Julia Peyton. -Wait until after the citation. Then I am going to tell her quietly that -she has been found out,” Marjorie declared, her eyes dancing. - -“You are always planning happiness for someone, Marvelous Manager.” Miss -Susanna gave a fond imitation of Marjorie’s tone. - -“Oh, you!” Marjorie made one of her usual merry rushes at the old lady -and the pair hugged each other with a will. Both were supremely happy -over the way Leslie Cairns had turned out. - -“All this means that I’ll soon have Peter as my next-door neighbor,” the -mistress of the Arms exhibited the utmost satisfaction at the prospect. -“Peter has turned out to be a man worth while; a man in a hundred -thousand. Perhaps I shall have him teach me the finance game,” she -added, jokingly. “At least he and Leslie will be good company.” - -Undreaming of the honor in store for her, Leslie walked into chapel on -the following Friday morning after Marjorie’s talk with Miss Susanna and -met with a surprise which made her gasp. Up in front with President -Matthews, who it seemed was to conduct the services that morning, sat -her father and Miss Susanna. Why Peter the Great should be there she -could not guess. She could only surmise that he and Miss Hamilton had -been invited to the morning exercises by Prexy. - -She saw her father’s keen dark eyes search the rows of young women until -he had found her. Their eyes met and the smile of comradeship which -passed between them was a beautiful thing to see. It thrilled Leslie -with a pride in herself which before that morning she had hardly dared -recognize. Peter the Great need no longer be ashamed of her. She had -tried to redeem her past offenses and she had not failed entirely. She -had discovered in the methodical living over of her senior year at -Hamilton that she was, after all, a person of small consequence. She had -long since discarded her belief in money as power. She knew from her own -earnest efforts in the right direction that work alone counted. It was -not she personally who mattered. It was the earnest spirit within that -was to be considered. - -When, presently, Doctor Matthews announced that three citations were on -the program of the morning exercises Leslie immediately jumped to the -conclusion that Barbara Severn and Phyllis Moore were to be honored. She -generously hoped that Doris Monroe might be the third student for the -honor. Doris was so charming to her fellow students. She had changed -from indifferently proud to calmly sympathetic in the past year, and was -rapidly coming to be liked as much for her graciousness as she had -formerly been admired for her beauty. - -“The maxims which Miss Susanna Hamilton has chosen to hang in various -parts of Hamilton College in honor of the three young women she has -chosen as deserving of a citation are maxims by Brooke Hamilton, framed -and hung separately about his historic home, Hamilton Arms.” President -Matthews gave out the information to a breathlessly interested chapel -full of girls. - -Then Phyllis Moore was asked by him to rise. After he had accorded her a -friendly commendation which made her cheeks burn he quoted the maxim to -be hung in her honor, at the same time stating the place at Hamilton -which it would occupy. It was: “Harmony followed in her footsteps.” As a -last touch he added: “This maxim was hung by Brooke Hamilton in his -study as a tribute to Miss Angela Vernon, his fiancee, who died shortly -before the date set for her marriage to Mr. Hamilton.” - -Barbara’s maxim was “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” and she -was particularly complimented upon her sunny outlook on life. - -As the applause attending Barbara’s citation died out, Leslie listened -eagerly for the name of the third student. She could not believe the -evidence of her own ears when she heard Doctor Matthews requesting her -to rise, then continuing: - -“It is with great pleasure that I name Miss Leslie Cairns as the third -student to have earned a citation. In our opinion Miss Hamilton has made -a singularly happy choice of maxim.” Then he quoted the motto Miss -Susanna and Marjorie had chosen: “A truly great soul is never dismayed.” - -As she stood listening in stupefaction to the announcement she could see -in all the chapel nothing but her father’s face. He was smiling at her -with a light in his dark eyes that repaid her a thousand times over for -the effort she had made toward restitution. She was ready to break down -and weep unrestrainedly. Nevertheless she did not. She controlled -herself with an effort and received the honor as a true daughter of -Peter Cairns might be counted upon to do. What amazed her, even more -than the citation, was the tumultuous applause which broke out as she -resumed her seat. - -After the chapel the students held an impromptu reception outside the -chapel in which she and Phil and Barbara were the center of an admiring -and congratulatory crowd. Leslie had already clasped hands with her -father and had heard his hearty: “Good work, Cairns II.” It was the only -commendation she craved. - -“You are to be at Wayland Hall this afternoon at four o’clock,” Muriel -informed her as she shook hands vigorously with Leslie. “I am going to -conduct a citation there for the benefit of Jeremiah Macy. She is in -line for honors, too. She doesn’t know it yet. It is up to Marjorie to -drag her to the scene on time.” - -That Marjorie succeeded in dragging Jerry to Muriel’s room was apparent -that afternoon. At precisely four o’clock she marched her into the midst -of a giggling throng of girls who were awaiting her arrival in exuberant -spirits. - -“What is the matter with you girls?” she demanded as she glanced -comically from one to another of the laughing company. “What sort of -joke do you think you are going to play on me?” - -“It isn’t a joke, Jeremiah, that we have in store for you,” Ronny -assured in a soothing tone. “You are in line for a citation; a very -great honor, you know.” - -“No. I don’t know. I can guess just about how great an honor it will -be,” Jerry retorted suspiciously. - -“You are going to know this instant, Jeremiah. Vera is ready and waiting -to laud and praise you. Now, Vera.” Ronny made an impressive signal to -Vera. - -Vera came forward, bearing in her hands a medium-sized square book, thin -as to pages and bound in soft dark blue leather. On the outside of the -cover was printed in gold lettering the pertinent title: “Jingles to -Bean. By Jeremiah Macy.” - -Vera thereupon began a speech which was drowned by laughter most of the -time during the utterance. She concluded the presentation speech by -opening the book and proudly disclosing to Jerry a kodak photograph of -Jerry in the act of reciting a jingle. She was even shown with her mouth -open and one hand out in a flamboyant gesture. - -“How did you ever manage to catch me?” was Jerry’s wondering query after -she had laughed over the little book, which contained as many of the -Bean jingles as the girls had been able to gather at the time when Jerry -had improvised them. - -“It was that afternoon on the campus when Leila had her camera and was -taking pictures of the campus. She went out with it and you, on purpose. -She planned with Marjorie to come over to the campus unexpectedly.” - -“Do not you remember I said to you, ‘Since you are so glad to see Beauty -then why do you not spout a jingle’!” Leila broke in, laughing. “While -you were spouting it Vera walked off a little way with the camera and -snapped the picture of our Jeremiah at the height of inspiration.” - -“Yes, I remember now. You crafty things!” Jerry pretended disapproval -for a brief second. “It’s celostrous,” she said. “I’d rather have it -than even a citation in chapel. But I’ve had that. I’m really -embarrassed with riches. I shall keep my Bean Jingle Book as my most -precious possession. I shall—” - -“Put it on your parlor table when you become Mrs. Daniel Seabrooke,” -Muriel slyly supplemented. - -“Who told you? Oh-h!” Jerry clapped a hand to her lips. - -It was too late. She was surrounded by a buzzing, laughing, -congratulatory mob. - -Ronny stood back a little from the group watching the tumultuous -reception of Jeremiah’s news with an odd little smile. She was wondering -what her friends would say if they knew a certain dear secret of which -she had been in wondering possession only a few days. Ronny had -fulfilled Marjorie’s prediction. She had tumbled into love and with the -last person she had dreamed she might come to care for. - -Due to her love of dancing she had willingly consented to help Professor -Leonard with his work as physical instructor at Hamilton by taking a -class in folk dancing. Through her association with him she had learned -to know and care for him. She had not believed, however, that he cared -for her. Naturally secretive, she had never by a shade of tone or -expression betrayed her secret to anyone. She had been deeply incensed -with herself for having yielded to love in the least. - -Then had come an afternoon when they two had been deep in planning the -usual May Day procession on the campus. She had never known just how it -all happened, except that he had told her the story of his early life. -His mother, who had died in his boyhood, had been a Spanish Mexican. His -father, a professor in a Mexican university, had been an American. From -them he had inherited a desire to help the poor of the country of his -birth. His one dream was to place himself financially in position where -he might some day go about the welfare work of his heart. It would take -years of self-denial and economy, but he was willing to work and wait. - -Then he had told Ronny he loved her, but would not ask her to live a -life of privation with him. Ronny had said that nothing in the world -except love mattered. So they had sworn faith to each other. Privately -Ronny was possessed of a certain knowledge which would make the way -clear. It had long been her father’s dream to establish a welfare -station in Mexico by the planting of a great fruit ranch upon which the -unfortunate, poverty-stricken Mexican peons might find work the year -round at living wages. What Mr. Lynne wished most was the right man to -put in charge of the proposed vast charitable enterprise. Ronny had -regarded the idea as one which might become her life work. Now she knew -that it would be, but that she would not go to it alone. - -Thus the Sanford five who had so gayly entered into the land of college -had all found love and betrothal except Lucy Warner. It was hanging over -sedate Lucy, however. And in the time of June and roses she was to hear -the old, old story from the only young man with whom she had ever -managed to feel on easy terms. Lucy was destined some day to acknowledge -dignified President Matthews as father-in-law. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - MARJORIE DEAN MACY - - -“Have you any orders for me, Captain?” Marjorie Dean turned from the -full-length wall mirror, both hands held out to her mother. - -“None, Lieutenant, except the instruction, be happy.” Mrs. Dean caught -the slim, outstretched hands in hers and drew the beautiful vision in -white brocade into her arms. - -“Dearest child. I am so happy that this day has come for you.” she -murmured. “We are favored by God, darling, in that General and I are not -going to be called to give you up. We shall still be with you, only we -shall have gained a dear son.” - -“That is the most beautiful part of it all, Captain. I can never love -Hal enough for wishing and arranging things so gloriously for us all.” - -“I mustn’t embrace you to the extent of wrinkling your wedding gown,” -her mother said half tremulously, as she held Marjorie off from her and -rejoiced in her loveliness. - -“That doesn’t make the least bit of difference.” Marjorie wrapped her -arms about her mother afresh and hugged her hard. - -Her wedding gown was a marvel in a silvery white brocade satin. It was -sleeveless and its simple artistic lines clung lovingly to her girlish -slenderness. Around her neck was the string of pearls which her Sanford -friends had given her at the party held in her honor at Gray Gables on -the evening before she had started for Hamilton College as a freshman. - -Pinned to the front of her pearl-trimmed corsage was a diamond star, -Hal’s wedding gift to her. It held in place a tiny knot of purple -sweet-scented violets, from Brooke Hamilton’s garden. The misty fall of -her veil about her lovely face brought out its beauty anew. Never, even -as the violet girl, would Marjorie Dean appear more beautiful. - -As she stood affectionately clasping her mother in the last few moments -left her as Marjorie Dean she was feeling that life had been almost too -perfect to her. The crowning happiness had come to her within the past -few days. Unbeknown to her Hal had purchased the Clements’ estate across -the pike from Hamilton Arms. There he and she would settle after their -short honeymoon at his camp in the Adirondacks, and with them were to -live General and Captain. Danny Seabrooke had purchased Castle Dean, and -he and Jerry were to live in it when they should be married the -following September. - -For a week prior to the wedding Hamilton Arms had been in a state of -dignified upheaval. The marriage ceremony of Hal and Marjorie was to be -performed by the Reverend Compton Greene at sunset. The great drawing -room doors leading into a long back parlor had been removed, leaving a -space almost as large as that of a church. No place could have been more -ideally suited to the violet wedding which Marjorie had wished for. At -the end of the long back parlor was a small balcony. On it were to be -Constance Stevens, Harriet Delaney, Robin Page, Blanche Scott, Phyllis -Moore and Charlie Stevens. These last two were to play the obligatos for -the singers. All her dear friends far and near had been invited to the -ceremony, and the entire student body of Hamilton to the reception to -follow. - -Vera Mason and Barbara Severn had been chosen by Marjorie as flower -girls on account of their diminutive stature. It was Marjorie’s idea to -have as many of her chums as possible figure in the wedding ceremony. -Ronny was to be the ring bearer. Jerry her maid of honor. The -bridesmaids were to be Leila Harper, Leslie Cairns, Helen Trent, Muriel -Harding, Lucy Warner and Doris Monroe. - -She had studied long and patiently for a way to include the remaining -Travelers of her chapter and those of the other two chapters, as well as -the Bertram group of girls. Finally inspiration had hit upon a plan -beautifully in keeping with her desire for a violet wedding. In -pursuance of it she had gathered her chums, as well as the girls who -were to take part in her plan, at Hamilton Arms, the day before the -wedding. There a merry afternoon had been spent picking the long-stemmed -purple single violets that grew in profusion in the meadow behind the -Arms. - -Each girl had gathered her own immense bouquet of violets, which she -would carry at the wedding. Dressed in white they would form an aisle -between which the bridal party would walk down the room to the altar. -Each girl holding her violets, fastened with graceful streamers of pale -violet ribbon. - -Now the last plan had been carried out. Downstairs an eager company was -seated on each side of the broad ribbon-enclosed aisle, awaiting the -arrival of the bride. - -Came a gentle knock on the door. In response to Marjorie’s “Come,” Miss -Susanna entered, a distinguished little figure in her dull silver lace -frock. - -“I only came up for a last minute with Marjorie Dean,” she said. She -took Marjorie very gently in her arms. “I wish you and Captain to come -with me,” was her crisp request, after she and Marjorie had indulged in -one of their hearty embraces. - -She led them down the hall to her room. As they entered both Marjorie’s -and her mother’s eyes were attracted to a new object in the room. It was -a chest of some sort of creamy white rare wood polished to a high -degree. On the lid and sides were painted exquisite clusters of double -purple violets. - -“This is Brooke Hamilton’s wedding present to you, child.” Miss -Susanna’s brisk tones faltered a trifle. “It was Angela Vernon’s hope -chest which he brought her from the far East. I could not find it in my -heart to place it downstairs with your other gifts. It is only for us. -And now I will say, too, that when I shall have passed on to the -brightness of beyond, Hamilton Arms and all it entails will be yours. I -shall always feel that Uncle Brooke knew and sent you to me, so that you -may carry on the work of loving and preserving Hamilton College unto the -perfect end after I shall have finished my part of it.” - -Five minutes later Marjorie was smiling again after a sudden little tear -shower that she had not tried to control. Then Miss Susanna and her -captain left her, and her throng of pretty wedding attendants gathered -in the upstairs hall for the formation to the altar. Jerry was looking -her prettiest in her gown of pale violet chiffon and a huge bouquet of -violets and orchids. It was to be a hatless wedding. The bridesmaids -were in orchid colored chiffon growns, each carrying a sheaf of white -and purple lilacs. Ronny, as ring-bearer wore a marvelous gown of white -gold-embroidered tissue. Robin and Barbara, as flower girls, wore -crystal-beaded chiffon gowns of palest lavender and carried artistic -long-handled baskets filled with white and purple sweet-scented violets. - -The procession formed in anything but a stately manner. There was a -great deal of fond laughing and talking, as the girls fluttered into -place. First went the advance guard of white. They descended the stairs -two by two, separating at the wide entrance doorway leading into the -drawing room and taking their places inside the two stretches of broad -violet satin ribbon. - -Waiting only until the advance guard had formed below stairs, the -bridesmaids led the way on Marjorie Dean’s most momentous journey. -Behind them come Jerry, with a heart overflowing with happiness because -she was Marjorie’s maid of honor. - -Marjorie followed Jerry, her lovely face wearing the mildly serious -expression which came to her naturally in moments of deep reverence. She -was so utterly beautiful in her brave white array that Hal, watching her -with his heart in his eyes as she came drifting toward him, was -convinced that he could never hope to be truly worthy of her. Ronny -followed with the ring on a white velvet pillow, and the flower girls -came last. - -From the balcony came the tenderest of all love songs, “Oh, Promise Me.” -The singers had begun the singing of it before the appearance of the -bridal party. As the little procession began to move down the long aisle -toward the white violet smothered altar, the exquisite third verse of -the song which is seldom sung floated out upon the roomful of rapt -spectators. - - Oh, promise me that when with bated breath - I wait the presence of the angel Death, - You will be near me, guide my faltering feet, - And softly breathe these words in accents sweet. - Come sometime to me from that distant shore - Caress and comfort as in days of yore; - Triumphant over death our life shall be: - Oh, promise me; oh, promise me. - -Back on the wall behind the altar a blue-eyed man looked down from a -portrait with the same kindly, questioning expression Marjorie had -always read in his fine eyes. She had asked that the study portrait -might be brought down and hung on the wall behind the altar. “I should -like him to be there,” she had said simply to Miss Susanna. The old lady -had replied rather huskily: “I am sure he will be.” - -When within a few feet of the flower-decked spot where Hal and his best -man, Danny Seabrooke, waited for her, she cast a calm friendly glance -upward at Brooke Hamilton’s portrait. She thought she could almost catch -a gleam of approval in his eyes. Then her eyes wandered to Hal, and she -smiled and blushed in a kind of tender confusion. - -The wedding party took their places before the altar. At Marjorie’s -request Mrs. Dean joined her husband and daughter there. Marjorie had -declared that she could not be content not to have both her superior -officers beside her at the great moment. - -Came the solemn, beautiful words of the Episcopal ring service. Marjorie -loved the deep tones of Hal’s voice as he made his vows to her of life -and death. Her own replies came clear and steady. She had found love and -was happily confident for the future. Then their vows were plighted and -Hal had placed the ring of their covenant upon her finger. - -“Sweetheart,” he said, as he kissed the little ringed hand and then -sought her lips. Then he whispered with the fondness of proud -possession: “Marjorie Dean Macy.” - - - THE END. - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - _SAVE THE WRAPPER!_ - -_If_ you have enjoyed reading about the adventures of the new friends -you have made in this book and would like to read more clean, wholesome -stories of their entertaining experiences, turn to the book jacket—on -the inside of it, a comprehensive list of Burt’s fine series of -carefully selected books for young people has been placed for your -convenience. - -_Orders for these books, placed with your bookstore or sent to the -Publishers, will receive prompt attention._ - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -[Illustration] - - THE - Ann Sterling Series - By HARRIET PYNE GROVE - - Stories of Ranch and College Life - For Girls 12 to 16 Years - - _Handsome Cloth Binding with - Attractive Jackets in Color_ - - - - -ANN STERLING - - The strange gift of Old Never-Run, an Indian whom she has - befriended, brings exciting events into Ann’s life. - -THE COURAGE OF ANN - - Ann makes many new, worthwhile friends during her first year at - Forest Hill College. - -ANN AND THE JOLLY SIX - - At the close of their Freshman year Ann and the Jolly Six enjoy a - house party at the Sterling’s mountain ranch. - -ANN CROSSES A SECRET TRAIL - - The Sterling family, with a group of friends, spend a thrilling - vacation under the southern Pines of Florida. - -ANN’S SEARCH REWARDED - - In solving the disappearance of her father, Ann finds exciting - adventures, Indians and bandits in the West. - -ANN’S AMBITIONS - - The end of her Senior year at Forest Hill brings a whirl of new - events into the career of “Ann of the Singing Fingers.” - -ANN’S STERLING HEART - - Ann returns home, after completing a busy year of musical study - abroad. - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers, - 114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -[Illustration] - - Books for Girls - - By GRACE MAY NORTH - - Author of - THE VIRGINIA DAVIS SERIES - - All Clothbound. Copyright Titles. - - _With Individual Jackets in Colors_ - - -MEG OF MYSTERY MOUNTAIN - - This story tells of the summer vacation some young people spent in - the mountains and how they cleared up the mystery of the lost cabin - at Crazy Creek Mine. - -RILLA OF THE LIGHTHOUSE - - “Rilla” had lived all her life with only her grandfather and “Uncle - Barney” as companions, but finally, at High Cliff Seminary, her - great test came and the lovable girl from Windy Island Lighthouse - met it brilliantly. - -NAN OF THE GYPSIES - - In this tale of a wandering gypsy band, Nan, who has spent her - childhood with the gypsies, is adopted by a woman of wealth, and by - her love and loyalty to her, she proves her fine character and true - worth. - -SISTERS - - The personal characteristics and incidents in the lives of two - girls—one thoughtless and proud, the other devoted and - self-sacrificing—are vividly described in this story, told as it is - with sympathy and understanding for both. - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers, - 114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -[Illustration] - - The Camp Fire - Girls Series - - By HILDEGARD G. FREY - -A Series of Outdoor Stories for Girls 12 to 16 Years. - - All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles - - PRICE 50 CENTS EACH - Postage 10c. Extra. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The Winnebagos go Camping. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo Weavers. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic Garden. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road That Leads the Way. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS’ LARKS AND PRANKS; or, The House of the Open Door. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON ELLEN’S ISLE; or, The Trail of the Seven Cedars. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON THE OPEN ROAD; or, Glorify Work. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS DO THEIR BIT; or, Over the Top with the Winnebagos. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS SOLVE A MYSTERY; or, The Christmas Adventure at - Carver House. - -THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT CAMP KEEWAYDIN; or, Down Paddles. - - For sale by all booksellers, or sent - on receipt of price by the Publishers - A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -[Illustration] - - The - Girl Scouts - Series - - BY EDITH LAVELL - -A new copyright series of Girl Scouts stories by an author of wide -experience in Scouts’ craft, as Director of Girl Scouts of Philadelphia. - - Clothbound, with Attractive Color Designs. - - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL - THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ GOOD TURN - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CANOE TRIP - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ RIVALS - THE GIRL SCOUTS ON THE RANCH - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ VACATION ADVENTURES - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ MOTOR TRIP - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CAPTAIN - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ DIRECTOR - - For sale by all booksellers, or sent - on receipt of price by the Publishers - A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -[Illustration] - - The - Greycliff Girls - Series - - By HARRIET PYNE GROVE - -Stories of Adventure, Fun, Study and Personalities of girls attending -Greycliff School. - - For Girls 10 to 15 Years - - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - Cloth bound, with Individual Jackets in Color. - - CATHALINA AT GREYCLIFF - THE GIRLS OF GREYCLIFF - GREYCLIFF WINGS - GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN CAMP - GREYCLIFF HEROINES - GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN GEORGIA - GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ RANCHING - GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ GREAT ADVENTURE - - For sale by all booksellers, or sent - on receipt of price by the Publishers - A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE MERRY LYNN - SERIES - - By HARRIET PYNE GROVE - - Cloth Bound. Jackets in Colors. - -The charm of school and camp life, out-door sports and European travel -is found in these winning tales of Merilyn and her friends at boarding -school and college. These realistic stories of the everyday life, the -fun, frolic and special adventures of the Beechwood girls will be -enjoyed by all girls of high school age. - - MERILYN ENTERS BEECHWOLD - MERILYN AT CAMP MEENAHGA - MERILYN TESTS LOYALTY - MERILYN’S NEW ADVENTURE - MERILYN FORRESTER, CO-ED. - THE “MERRY LYNN” MINE - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, _Publishers_ - 114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -[Illustration] - - The - Virginia Davis - Series - - By GRACE MAY NORTH - - Clean, Wholesome Stories of Ranch Life. - - For Girls 12 to 16 Years. - - All Clothbound. - - _With Individual Jackets in Colors._ - - PRICE, 75 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - VIRGINIA OF V. M. RANCH - VIRGINIA AT VINE HAVEN - VIRGINIA’S ADVENTURE CLUB - VIRGINIA’S RANCH NEIGHBORS - VIRGINIA’S ROMANCE - - For sale by all booksellers, or sent - on receipt of price by the Publishers - A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - Transcriber’s note: - -Variations in hyphenation have been retained. - -Chapter headings have been regularized. - -Page 13, ‘Travelers-campus’ changed to ‘Travelers’ campus,’ “at the -Travelers-campus spreads” - -Page 14, double quote struck after ‘Well,’ “Well, don’t you?” - -Page 17, ‘is’ changed to ‘in,’ “rising in the east” - -Page 22, ‘chrystal’ changed to ‘crystal,’ “crystal-beaded white frock” - -Page 28, ‘rythmic’ changed to ‘rhythmic,’ “rose in rhythmic measure” - -Page 28, comma changed to full stop after ‘evening,’ “the evening. -Marjorie was sure” - -Page 32, double quote inserted before ‘The,’ ““The moment when you” - -Page 37, ‘approbrium’ changed to ‘opprobrium,’ “be buried under -opprobrium” - -Page 37, ‘explusion’ changed to ‘expulsion,’ “circumstances of my -expulsion” - -Page 52, ‘a’ struck after ‘had,’ “and had felt a kind of” - -Page 57, ‘flourish’ changed to ‘flourished,’ “and flourished it over” - -Page 57, full stop inserted after ‘College,’ “year at Hamilton College.” - -Page 59, ‘estimiable’ changed to ‘estimable,’ “can’t we, estimable” - -Page 60, ‘session’ changed to ‘sessions,’ “social sessions in Leila’s” - -Page 62, double quote inserted before ‘She,’ ““She came to me and” - -Page 64, single quote inserted after ‘question,’ “that question.’ Then -I” - -Page 66, ‘Cairn’s’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “Leslie Cairns’ own pet” - -Page 68, question mark changed to full stop after ‘we,’ “him better than -we.” - -Page 70, ‘emited’ changed to ‘emitted,’ “emitted a prolonged sigh” - -Page 71, ‘years’’ changed to ‘year’s,’ “of last year’s Travelers” - -Page 73, double quote struck before ‘It,’ “It is a beautiful” - -Page 73, question mark changed to comma after ‘Arms,’ “windows at -Hamilton Arms,” - -Page 75, double quote struck before ‘Besides,’ “Besides you girls and” - -Page 79, double quote struck before ‘Lucy,’ “Lucy said Prexy would” - -Page 80, ‘mahoghany’ changed to ‘mahogany,’ “long mahogany table busily” - -Page 80, ‘dilletante’ changed to ‘dilettante,’ “on her dilettante task” - -Page 81, ‘bouyant’ changed to ‘buoyant,’ “her free buoyant stride” - -Page 85, double quote inserted before ‘Yes,’ “Yes, I came to see” - -Page 85, ‘pleesse’ changed to ‘pleese,’ “come in, pleese, Miss” - -Page 85, ‘Majorie’ changed to ‘Marjorie,’ “ushered Marjorie into the” - -Page 85, ‘afternon’ changed to ‘afternoon,’ “Good afternoon, President” - -Page 86, ‘reinstantement’ changed to ‘reinstatement,’ “for reinstatement -of the” - -Page 88, ‘Cairnss’’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “of Miss Cairns’ offenses” - -Page 89, comma inserted after ‘commendable,’ “her father is -commendable,” - -Page 90, ‘famused’ changed to ‘amused,’ “interested, half-amused eyes” - -Page 90, double quote inserted after ‘codes,’ “so many different -codes.”” - -Page 91, apostrophe struck after ‘Cairns,’ “expelling Leslie Cairns -from” - -Page 92, ‘understimate’ changed to ‘underestimate,’ “You underestimate -your” - -Page 93, double quote inserted before ‘Can,’ ““Can you beat that?”” - -Page 94, ‘post graduate’ changed to ‘post-graduate,’ “grandest -post-graduate manner” - -Page 101, ‘say’ changed to ‘saw,’ “I last saw Miss” - -Page 102, ‘Remsen’ changed to ‘Remson,’ “followed by Miss Remson” - -Page 104, double quote inserted after ‘writes,’ “to what he writes.”” - -Page 106, ‘head’ changed to ‘foot,’ “to the foot and put” - -Page 107, commas inserted after ‘chair’ and ‘chin,’ “chair, lifted her -dimpled chin,” - -Page 108, single quote inserted after ‘goodness,’ “But for goodness’ -sake” - -Page 108, ‘intitation’ changed to ‘initiation,’ “to the initiation, -then” - -Page 109, ‘Its’ changed to ‘It’s,’ “It’s larger than either” - -Page 110, ‘whimisically’ changed to ‘whimsically,’ “she whimsically -promised” - -Page 113, double quote inserted before ‘I,’ ““I think Peter the Great” - -Page 113, double quote changed to single before ‘Go,’ “‘Go to it, -Cairns” - -Page 113, single quote inserted after ‘know,’ “happiest person I know.’” - -Page 114, ‘sheeding’ changed to ‘shedding,’ “against shedding tears” - -Page 116, ‘conspicious’ changed to ‘conspicuous,’ “be too conspicuous” - -Page 116, double quote struck before ‘Not,’ “Not one of them” - -Page 121, ‘preponderence’ changed to ‘preponderance,’ “The preponderance -of the students” - -Page 122, ‘daiz’ changed to ‘dais,’ “left of the glorified dais” - -Page 122, ‘revited’ changed to ‘riveted,’ “became riveted upon the” - -Page 124, ‘contemptous’ changed to ‘contemptuous,’ “turned a -contemptuous gaze” - -Page 124, ‘roommate’ changed to ‘roommate’s,’ “clinch her roommate’s -determination” - -Page 125, ‘focussd’ changed to ‘focussed,’ “Clara focussed eager -attention” - -Page 134, ‘elegible’ changed to ‘eligible,’ “Lillian were more eligible” - -Page 135, double quote inserted before ‘will,’ ““will you please make” - -Page 136, ‘significient’ changed to ‘significant,’ “peculiarly -significant tone” - -Page 138, single quote inserted after ‘15,’ “be settling down in 15.’” - -Page 140, full stop changed to comma after ‘disgruntlement,’ -“disgruntlement, Doris Monroe” - -Page 141, full stop changed to comma after ‘offer,’ “the offer, Leslie -herself” - -Page 142, ‘precedure’ changed to ‘procedure,’ “malicious procedure -which” - -Page 144, ‘swords’ changed to ‘swords’,’ “were at swords’ points” - -Page 148, ‘Betram’ changed to ‘Bertram,’ “taste. The Bertram girls” - -Page 151, ‘would’ changed to ‘wouldn’t,’ “But I would let it” - -Page 152, double quote inserted before ‘See,’ “door. “See you later” - -Page 158, ‘proceeded’ changed to ‘preceded,’ “and had preceded the -others” - -Page 163, comma inserted after ‘child,’ “you know, child, that” - -Page 164, ‘thorougly’ changed to ‘thoroughly,’ “She was thoroughly -peeved” - -Page 167, full stop inserted after ‘Year’s,’ “over New Year’s. Dulcie’s” - -Page 170, ‘culb’ changed to ‘club,’ “the girls in the club” - -Page 170, question mark inserted after ‘Carter,’ “so snippy, Clara -Carter?” - -Page 170, ‘Remsen’ changed to ‘Remson,’ “Miss Remson will fight” - -Page 175, full stop changed to comma after ‘College,’ “at Hamilton -College, Dulcie” - -Page 176, ‘Cairns’s’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “against Leslie Cairns’ -presence” - -Page 177, ‘embued’ changed to ‘imbued,’ “any sense imbued with” - -Page 178, ‘Cairns’s’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “of Miss Cairns’ father” - -Page 178, ‘harrangue’ changed to ‘harangue,’ “to Julia’s harangue” - -Page 179, ‘avare’ changed to ‘aware,’ “curiously aware of a stir” - -Page 182, comma changed to full stop after ‘see,’ “let’s go and see.” - -Page 185, ‘Dulce’ changed to ‘Dulcie,’ “at Hamilton. Dulcie ought” - -Page 186, question mark changed to exclamation point after ‘are,’ “How -romantic you are!” - -Page 188, question mark changed to comma after ‘now,’ “to Miss Remson -now,” - -Page 190, double quote inserted before ‘They,’ ““They are too busy” - -Page 193, ‘irresistably’ changed to ‘irresistibly,’ “be more -irresistibly funny” - -Page 195, ‘Marjorie’ changed to ‘Marjorie’s,’ “between Marjorie’s -shoulders” - -Page 196, ‘Gaelic’ changed to ‘Gallic,’ “by truly Gallic gestures” - -Page 198, ‘buzing’ changed to ‘buzzing,’ “to the buzzing company” - -Page 198, full stop and double quote reversed after ‘I,’ “I am. And I.”” - -Page 199, ‘furance’ changed to ‘furnace,’ “and the furnace isn’t” - -Page 202, ‘gosip’ changed to ‘gossip,’ “personal gossip. Of Julia” - -Page 207, ‘lovliness’ changed to ‘loveliness,’ “a dream of loveliness” - -Page 209, double quote inserted before ‘His,’ ““His name was Grayson” - -Page 209, ‘cary’ changed to ‘carry,’ “you tried to carry out” - -Page 212, ‘eigth’ changed to ‘eight,’ “the other eight members” - -Page 213, ‘reducng’ changed to ‘reducing,’ “all but reducing her to” - -Page 219, ‘terrribly’ changed to ‘terribly,’ “We are poor, terribly -poor” - -Page 220, ‘litened’ changed to ‘listened,’ “wished she had listened” - -Page 224, ‘necesary’ changed to ‘necessary,’ “It was necessary for me” - -Page 227, full stop inserted after ‘sunshine,’ “the early spring -sunshine.” - -Page 227, double quote inserted after ‘choose,’ “let you choose.”” - -Page 227, quotes regularized around “‘A truly great soul is never -dismayed.’” - -Page 227, ‘chose’ changed to ‘choose,’ “if you would choose” - -Page 228, ‘satisfcation’ changed to ‘satisfaction,’ “the utmost -satisfaction at” - -Page 228, double quote inserted before ‘Peter,’ ““Peter has turned out” - -Page 230, double quote inserted after ‘maxim,’ “happy choice of maxim.”” - -Page 231, ‘Yiu’ changed to ‘You,’ “You are to be at” - -Page 238, ‘remaning’ changed to ‘remaining,’ “include the remaining -Travelers” - -Page 240, ‘grown’ changed to ‘gown,’ “gown of pale violet” - -Page 240, ‘growns’ changed to ‘gowns,’ “orchid colored chiffon gowns” - -Page 241, ‘come’ changed to ‘came,’ “Behind them came Jerry” - -Ad Page 4, ‘ALLENS’ changed to ‘ALLEN’S,’ “THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS -ALLEN’S SCHOOL” - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Marjorie Dean Macy, by Pauline Lester - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE DEAN MACY *** - -***** This file should be named 53637-0.txt or 53637-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/6/3/53637/ - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from images made available by the HathiTrust -Digital Library.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Marjorie Dean Macy - -Author: Pauline Lester - -Release Date: November 30, 2016 [EBook #53637] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE DEAN MACY *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from images made available by the HathiTrust -Digital Library.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Surrounded by a love knot of friends, Marjorie opened package after package.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>(Page <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>)</i> <i>(Marjorie Dean Macy)</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>MARJORIE DEAN<br />MACY</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='sc'>By PAULINE LESTER</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='sc'>Author of</span></div> - <div class='c000'>“The Marjorie Dean High School Series,” “The</div> - <div>Marjorie Dean College Series,” “The Marjorie</div> - <div>Dean Post-Graduate Series,” etc.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/title-page.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY</div> - <div>Publishers New York</div> - <div>Printed in U. S. A.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>MARJORIE DEAN</div> - <div>POST-GRADUATE SERIES</div> - <div class='c000'>A SERIES FOR GIRLS 12 TO 18 YEARS OF AGE</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='sc'>By PAULINE LESTER</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>MARJORIE DEAN, POST-GRADUATE</div> - <div class='line'>MARJORIE DEAN, MARVELOUS MANAGER</div> - <div class='line'>MARJORIE DEAN AT HAMILTON ARMS</div> - <div class='line'>MARJORIE DEAN’S ROMANCE</div> - <div class='line'>MARJORIE DEAN MACY</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Copyright, 1926</div> - <div>By A. L. BURT COMPANY</div> - <div class='c000'>MARJORIE DEAN MACY</div> - <div class='c000'>Made in “U. S. A.”</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span><span class='xxlarge'>MARJORIE DEAN MACY</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER I.<br /> <br />MANAÑA</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“Here I am—all booted and spurred and ready -to ride,” Marjorie Dean called out gaily to Veronica -Lynne as Ronny entered the cool spacious patio of -Lucero de la Manaña, the Lynnes’ beautiful ranch -home in southern California.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie was a feast for beauty-loving eyes as -she sat on the wide stone edge of the silver-spraying -fountain with its musical murmur of water splashing -into a white marble basin. The mannish cut -of her gray knickered riding clothes merely made her -look more than ever like a little girl. From under -her little round gray hat with its bit of irridescent -color her bright brown curls showed in a soft fluff. -She sat smiling at Ronny, a sleeve of her riding coat -pushed back from one rounded arm, one hand trailing -idly in the clear water of the basin.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You <i>sound</i> like Paul Revere. At least, that is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>what he said, supposedly, on the night of his famous -ride. You <i>look</i> like Leila Harper’s friend, -Beauty, even in riding togs.” Ronny came over -to Marjorie, smiling.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I only remember Leila Harper.” Marjorie -glanced up teasingly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are altogether too forgetful,” Ronny lightly -reproved.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She paused, looking amusedly down at her pretty -chum. She was wearing a white linen, knickered -riding suit which was vastly becoming. Her wide -gray eyes gave out a happy light that her heart -switched on every time her gaze came to rest upon -Marjorie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Since first she had known Marjorie Dean, back -in their senior high school days at Sanford, she -had cherished a pet dream. That dream had come -true six weeks previous when Marjorie, her father -and mother had arrived from the East to make -Ronny a long deferred visit. To range the great -ranch, pony-back, with Marjorie riding beside her, -ever a gracious, inspiriting comrade, was Ronny’s -highest desire toward happiness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How long have you been waiting for me, Miss -Paul Revere?” she playfully questioned. “Why -didn’t you come to Ronny’s room and hang around? -Why so unsociable?” Ronny drew down her face -into an aggrieved expression which her dancing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>eyes contradicted. “I’ve known you to be much -more cordial at old Wayland Hall.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, I’ve only been here about three minutes. I’m -miles more sociable than I was at Wayland Hall,” -laughed Marjorie. “I thought you’d be ready and -ahead of me. When I found you weren’t, I couldn’t -resist stopping to dabble my hand in the water. I -love the patio, Ronny, and adore the fountain. If -I lived here three months longer I should be so -steeped in the beauty of Manaña that I’d forget the -East—maybe.” Her “maybe” was stronger than -her light prediction.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The magic spell of Manaña is upon you,” Ronny -confidently asserted. “There is a mystical, romantic -beauty about Manaña. I have searched for it -over and over again in the East, but have never -found it. It seems to me our Manaña is Nature’s -own ideal of grandeur and beauty. I think the -Spanish influence in the house and about the ranch -heightens its claim to the romantic. Hamilton Arms -has a certain stateliness of beauty, all its own. But -has it anything more romantically beautiful than -this patio?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s true as you live, Ronny Lynne,” agreed Marjorie -gaily.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You couldn’t love the patio better than I do.” -Ronny cast a fond glance about the great square-covered -court with its central crystal-spraying -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>fountain and its ancient stone floor, gay with rugs -and colorful Navajo blankets. The few inviting -lounging chairs, the reading stand piled with current -magazines, the quaint leather-covered Spanish -couch, long and narrow, and heaped with gorgeous-hued -silken cushions seemed only to accentuate the -primitive charm of the old-time inclosure. Above it -a railed-in Spanish balcony extended around the -four sides. It was bright with flowering plants and -further beautified by the masses of trailing vines -which clambered over the old-time mahogany railing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I know it.” Marjorie gave a quick nod. “I’d -not wish to love it as much as Hamilton Arms. I -never thought I could care more for the Arms than -dear Castle Dean. But I do. My whole heart is -bound up in it, and Hamilton. I hope that I—that—we—will—” -Marjorie stopped, her color -deepening. “I hope Hal and I will live at Hamilton -some day.” She continued in shy haste to -finish what she had begun to say when girlish embarrassment -had overtaken her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I believe Hamilton to be the one place for you -and Hal to live,” Ronny made hearty response. “It -would be splendid if General and Captain should -decide to live in Hamilton Estates, too. ‘Where the -treasure is, there shall the heart be also,’ you know. -You are General’s and Captain’s treasure, and Hamilton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>is your treasure, so why shouldn’t you all get -together and be happy? None of you have really -anything special to bind you to Sanford. That is, -not as you have at Hamilton.” Ronny smiled very -tenderly at Marjorie’s glowing face.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s different with me,” Ronny continued. “My -treasure is Father. So Manaña means most of any -place on earth to me. I love Hamilton devotedly. -Remember, there are plenty of Travelers to help -complete the dormitory, but only one Traveler to -comfort a lonely man. Father has considered me -above himself always. Now I must begin to consider -him.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie sprang up from her seat upon the fountain’s -stone edge. “It’s odd to me still, Ronny—being -engaged to be married to Hal,” she confessed -as she shyly busied herself with the drying of her -wet hand with her handkerchief.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny nodded sympathetically. “I always believed -it would happen some day,” she said. “You -can’t help but feel strange about it, though. You’ve -hardly seen him since college closed.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“But I’m going to see him soon.” The note -of unmistakable happiness in Marjorie’s reply was -in itself convincing of the true state of the little -Lieutenant’s heart.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The two friends had now passed through the -arched stone doorway of the patio and stepped out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>upon the lawn. They crossed it to the ancient brick -drive and followed the drive toward a point near the -heavy iron entrance gates, where a young Mexican -boy stood holding the bridles of two horses. The -girls were going for a ride before sunset.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Bueno; muy bueno, Ramon. Muchas gracias</i> -(Good; very good, Ramon. Thank you very much),” -Ronny brightly smiled her further thanks at the -pleased groom.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ramon showed white teeth, acknowledging her -thanks in Spanish. Due to her love of action Marjorie -had learned to ride with a readiness which delighted -and amazed Ronny. She had picked for -Marjorie a handsome white pony which she had fancifully -named Dawn. Pony and rider had quickly -become fast friends. Ronny’s own pet mount, -Lightning, a soft black thoroughbred that deserved -his name, was the admiration and the despair of -the majority of the cowboys on the ranch. Few -besides Ronny and Mr. Lynne had been able to stay -long upon his back. He obeyed Ronny because he -loved her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Your going home will leave a horrible blank -space at my hearthstone,” Ronny regretfully told -Marjorie as they rode their ponies slowly through -the opened gates and out onto a broad trail which -descended gradually in an easterly direction.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wish you could be in two places at once,” Marjorie -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>returned with a soft little sigh. “I hate to -leave you, Ronny. What are we going to do without -you on the campus? What are Page and Dean -without their greatest show feature? Think of all -you’ve done as a Traveler for the good of Hamilton. -I haven’t dared write Miss Susanna and the -girls that you weren’t coming back. Does your -father know yet what good fortune’s in store for -him?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; I’ve not broached the subject to him yet. -Before long he will probably ask me when I think -of going East. Then I shall say ‘Not at all,’ and -stick to it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’ll simply <i>have</i> to come East to—to—” She -paused, her eyes meeting Ronny’s with a significantly -happy light.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, of course, <i>then</i>,” Ronny smilingly emphasized.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are to be one of my bridesmaids, Ronny,” -Marjorie decreed. “I’ve been thinking quite a lot -about my wedding. I have an idea that it will be -different from most weddings, I’d like to have gathered -around me that day the girls I’ve known and -loved best. I’m going to try to find a place for -them all in my bridal procession. I’ve not settled -upon a single thing yet, but I have just one inspiration -that I hope I can carry out.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“When is it to be, Marjorie?” Ronny questioned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>with the lighting of her fair face which Marjorie -loved to see.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I don’t quite know yet. It will all depend on -when the dormitory is finished. I—I haven’t made -any plans for it except I’ve thought to myself about -the kind of wedding I’d like to have. I’ve said -more to you than I have even to Captain,” Marjorie -declared with a shy laugh.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am highly honored, Marvelous Manager.” -Ronny leaned to the right in her saddle with a respectful -bow. “Having marvelously managed everything -and everybody for a period of years on the -campus, may we not expect you to manage your own -wedding with <i>eclat</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Don’t expect too much,” Marjorie warned laughingly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As they talked the ponies had been impatiently enduring -the slow walk to which their riders, absorbed -in confidences, had put them. The trail was broad -and smooth; wide enough for two ponies to run on, -side by side. It dipped gradually down into a green -valley of oak, larch and aspen trees. There the trail -narrowed to a bridle path, winding in and out -among wooded growths, and overhanging steep ravines. -After half a mile it emerged from shadowed -woods into the sunshine of the open country, growing -wider again.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There he is!” Ronny had been keeping up a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>bright look-out ahead. Her white-clad arm began -a vigorous signaling to a horseman who had reined -in near a large rock some distance ahead of them. -He was sitting on a big bay horse, waiting for the -riders to come up.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Every day, since Marjorie had learned to ride the -two girls had gone pony-back at sunset to meet -Mr. Lynne on his return from the daily supervision -of the planting of a peach orchard of choice variety.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll race you,” Ronny challenged. She started -her horse, Lightning, with a quick pat of her hand -on his silky neck. He shot forward like a veritable -streak of lightning, glad of a chance to run.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER II.<br /> <br />FOND REALITY</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Dawn was only a second or two behind him. The -pair of mettlesome ponies fled along the trail toward -the waiting horseman, their riders uttering -buoyant little cries of encouragement and laughter. -It was the usual race, and Ronny always won. -Dawn could not quite keep up with Lightning.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Buenos dias, señor</i> (how are you, sir)?” Ronny -greeted cheerily as she reined in near her father’s -horse. “Stand and deliver. What’s in that fat, interesting -package at your saddle bow? I can guess. -You’ve been to Teresa’s.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Who is Teresa?” Mr. Lynne inquired with guileless -interest.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Teresa is a most amiable Spanish donna who is -famed for the deliciousness of her candied fruits, -such as you have in two tin boxes wrapped in one -package,” Ronny triumphantly informed. “Get -down from your horse, Señor Lynne, and hand -over the spoils to us. If you’re good, we may ask -you to sit beside us on that nice flat rock over there -and attend a picnic.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>“You win. Come and get it.” Mr. Lynne had -sprung from his horse and was waving the large -package temptingly at Ronny. Marjorie sat on her -pony, watching the devoted pair with an affectionate -smile. She was thinking that Mr. Lynne was almost -as dear and full of fun as General. But not -quite, she made loyal reservation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny had left Lightning’s back in a twinkling -and was making energetic grabs at the package her -father was swaying back and forth just out of her -reach.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’re in this, Lightning. Candy, old dear. -Think of that.” The pony sent up an approving -whinny. Dawn also began to neigh vigorously. -“Can’t fool you two beauties. You know what’s in -those boxes as well as I.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny managed to secure the package. She had -the wrapper off of it in a flash, revealing two square -tin boxes such as she was famed for having provided -at the Travelers’ campus spreads. She handed -one of the tin boxes to Marjorie and sat down -on the flat rock with the other on her lap to explore -its contents.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Um-m. Cherries, apricots and plums!” she exclaimed. -“Two hours yet till dinner. Sit down, -Señor Lynne and Señorita Dean. You’re invited to -a feast.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Teresa sends you her best wishes and says she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>will have plenty of candied fruit packed for you by -the time you are ready to go East to Hamilton.” -Teresa was the wife of Mr. Lynne’s oldest foreman -and was noted for her skill in candying fruit.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Teresa doesn’t know yet that I’m not going -East again this fall.” Ronny turned calm gray -eyes upon her father as she bit into a luscious -cherry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’m afraid you will have to go,” Mr. Lynne -said with apparent regretful seriousness. He was a -big fair giant of a man with penetrating blue eyes, a -strong square chin and thick fair hair brushed -high off his broad forehead. His facial expression -was kindly, yet suggested great will-power.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am going to Mexico on a prospecting trip for -silver. I promised some friends of mine long ago -that I would join their expedition. I shall be gone -all winter. I can’t take you with me, and I don’t -wish you to be alone at Manaña. It’s lucky I can -pack you off to Hamilton again. Such a strain off -my mind,” he ended teasingly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are a sham,” Ronny set the box of cherries -on the ground. Her arms went round her father’s -neck. She placed a playful hand to his lips. -“Not another word. You know you only think I -want to go East again. So you have joined——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Well, don’t you?” her father tenderly demanded.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>“Not more than to stay here with you,” she answered -honestly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“But how can you stay here with me when I -shan’t be here? You aren’t going to say I can’t go -to Mexico, are you?” he put on an expression of -blank disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Can you say on your word of honor that you -aren’t going away on my account?” Ronny countered -severely.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You haven’t answered my questions yet,” came -the laughing evasion. “Besides you took me so by -surprise that I forgot I had two letters for Marjorie.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Mr. Lynne reached into a pocket of his tweed -riding coat and drew forth two envelopes. One was -square and pale gray. The other was square and -white. Sight of it sent two happy color signals -flying to Marjorie’s cheeks. Hal’s familiar hand -on the white square made her heart beat faster. -Quickly she laid the gray envelope over it, striving -to keep her lovely face from indexing her love for -Hal. She bent purposely wrinkled brows over the -gray envelope. It bore a San Francisco postmark. -The writing on it seemed oddly familiar, yet she -could not place it. So far as she knew she had -neither acquaintances nor friends in San Francisco. -She courteously tucked both letters into a coat pocket -and again turned her attention to the merry little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>tilt still going on between Ronny and her father.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll confess, if you will,” Mr. Lynne was saying. -“But you first.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Confess what?” Ronny put on a non-comprehending -air.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Can you truthfully say that you’d rather stay -at home this year than go back to Hamilton and -finish your part of the work of building the dormitory?” -There was an undercurrent of seriousness -in the light tone of the question.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“When you put matters that way, no. You’re -awfully mean.” Ronny laughed half vexedly. “Now -it’s my turn. Hadn’t your friends forgotten all -about that silver expedition until you reminded them -of it? Why need you go prospecting when you are -not a prospector?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I really don’t know much about my friends’ -memories. I am obliged to become a prospector in -order to make you go back to Hamilton. It’s the -only way. Now, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I can’t think of any other,” Ronny admitted. “It’s -dear in you.” There was a tiny quaver in her clear -enunciation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Not a bit of it. It’s necessary for you to return -to Hamilton to finish your part of the dormitory -enterprise,” came her father’s crisp decision. “Never -undertake a thing unless you are prepared to finish -it, Little Comrade.” It was her father’s pet name -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>for Ronny. “What do you say, Marjorie?” he -turned to the radiant-faced Lieutenant.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I ought to be sympathizing with you because you -won’t see Ronny this winter. But if you only knew -how we need her on the campus. She is Page and -Dean’s greatest show feature, not to mention what -she is to the Travelers and the dormitory enterprise. -It’s the best news I could possibly hear,” Marjorie -said with happy enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Seated on the flat rock and enjoying Teresa’s -delicious candied fruit an hour winged away before -the trio ended their absorbed confab and rose to -take the trail to Manaña. The sun was fast dropping -in the West, a huge flaming ball against the -pale tints of the evening sky.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Mounted again upon Dawn’s back Marjorie gazed -dreamily across the broad acres of Manaña. The -great ranch lay in waves of undulating green forest -and meadow, rising in the east to distant purple-tipped -heights. She was experiencing an odd sense -of unreality in the scene. Was it really, she, Marjorie -Dean, who looked down from a height upon -a magnificent verdant summer world so far removed -from the one she had ever known. To her, Lucero -de la Manaña was indeed the star of the morning—but -of a magic realm.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Reality? Her hand sought the pocket of her riding -coat in which reposed Hal’s letter. She had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>told Ronny that it seemed strange to her to be -betrothed to Hal. Her fingers closed around the -envelope that held his letter with the conviction -that, after all, Hal was the beloved reality; Manaña -was a beautiful illusion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She knew in her glad heart that she had not -dreamed of a spring night of magic and moonshine -when she had walked with Hal in the sweet fragrance -of Spring, aflower, and felt the tender clasp -of his arms and the touch of his lips on her own. -She had not dreamed that she had promised him -her future when her work should have been done. -It was all true.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER III.<br /> <br />THE ROAD TO THE HEART’S DESIRE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Marjorie rode back to the ranch house in a kind -of tender daze. She heard Ronny’s and Mr. Lynne’s -voices addressing her, and her own voice answering -them as far-off sounds. For one who had -formerly never understood love she could not but -marvel at the great change within herself. She was -now experiencing the stillness of happiness of which -Constance had tried to tell her when she had confided -to Marjorie the news of her engagement to -Lawrence Armitage. Constance had said then she -hoped Marjorie would some day fall in love with -Hal. Marjorie smiled as she recalled the half displeased -reply she had made. How hard-hearted she -had been. She was remorseful now. Loving Hal -with all the strength of her fine nature she could -not forgive herself for having caused him so much -of lover’s pain.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Alone in her high-ceilinged, luxurious sleeping -room at the ranch house she dropped hastily into a -wicker arm chair and drew the cherished letter from -her pocket. Her smile was a thing of tender beauty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>as she opened the envelope and extracted two closely -written sheets of thick gray paper. Hal’s letters to -Marjorie had usually been brief affairs until after -the eventful spring evening when she had turned -life from drab to rose for him. Love had given his -pen new impetus. With starry eyes and heightened -color Marjorie read his fond salutation:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Dearest:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Your latest letter told me the news I have been -waiting anxiously for. You are coming home soon. -So glad you and General and Captain expect to be -at Severn Beach by the twelfth of September. Connie -and Laurie arrived here from New York last -week. You must have heard from Connie by now. -I am planning a moonlight stroll on the beach and a -sail in the Oriole for the same old six of us who -went strolling and sailing on a certain white moonlight -night last summer; the unhappiest I have ever -known. So I am sure that our next stroll together -in the moonlight will be the happiest.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is such a long way to Manaña. I have to remind -myself often that the violet girl who made me -a wonderful promise one night at Hamilton Arms -was real, and not a dream. I shall not be sure of -my good fortune until we meet again. You went -away from me to Ronny’s so soon after that enchanted -night. I had not had time to realize my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>great happiness. How came you to love me, I am -always wondering, when there seemed no hope? -You will tell me how it came to pass. Won’t you, -sweetheart?</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is so much I should like to say to you. -I cannot write it. Whenever I try to write you my -whole thought is that I love you and hope soon to -see you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie read on, the starriness on her brown -eyes softening to wistful tenderness. The depth of -Hal’s love for her filled her with a strange tender -humility. She could hardly believe herself worthy -of such devotion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She sat immersed in her love dream until the -tinkling chime of the French clock on the mantel -shattered it.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Seven</i>,” she counted in consternation, sentiment -fading to dismay. “And I’ve not started to change -my riding togs yet. I’ll surely have to hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Half past seven was the dinner hour at Manaña. -Marjorie dropped a light kiss upon Hal’s letter and -hurriedly deposited it in a drawer of the dressing -table. She plumped down on a cushioned stool and -began a quick removing of her riding boots. By -twenty minutes after seven she was deftly hooking -her slim form into a sleeveless white faille frock, -charmingly embroidered with little clusters of rosy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>double daisies. It had been a present to her from -Leila who was abroad with Vera, and had come from -“L’harmonie” the most exclusive shop in Paris. -Marjorie, full of devotion toward Hal, had picked -out the gown to wear down to dinner as somehow -expressing her best in her happiness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Five minutes to spare.” She closed the last -snap with satisfaction. “I could do my hair a little -smoother, but it’s pretty fair, Bean, pretty fair.” -She said this last aloud, laughing a little. It brought -pleasant memories of Jerry Macy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She reopened the drawer, holding Hal’s letter with -intent to read it again. Then she remembered the -other letter in the pocket of her riding coat and went -smiling into the small adjoining dressing room for -it. She was chipping open an end of its envelope -when Ronny knocked on the door.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Come,” Marjorie called.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny opened the door and entered, her individually -charming self in a crystal-beaded white frock -of chiffon.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I forgot all about this letter.” Marjorie held up -the square envelope. “I—you see—the other was -from Hal, and——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I understand perfectly.” Mischief gleamed in -Ronny’s gray eyes. The two girls laughed. “Go -ahead and read the one Hal didn’t write. I give -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>you permission. Three minutes yet until the dinner -ring.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Thank you, kind Ronny.” Marjorie made Ronny -a gay little obeisance. “I haven’t the least idea who -it’s from.” Marjorie now had the letter out of the -envelope and was searching it for the signature. -She found it, stared at it in surprise, then cried: -“This letter is from Leslie Cairns. Pardon me while -I read it.” A moment or two and she dropped into -a chair, glancing up at Ronny rather helplessly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why, she has written the <i>last</i> thing I’d expect -her to write!” she exclaimed wonderingly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Leslie Cairns always was a surprising person,” -Ronny remarked with good-humored satire. “Only -her surprises were generally more startling than -agreeable.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am sure she wouldn’t mind if I read you her -letter. Wen Lo hasn’t rung the bell yet. We still -have a minute.” Marjorie commenced in a brisk -tone:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Miss Dean</span>:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My father and I lunched at the Arms with Miss -Hamilton several weeks ago and from her learned -that you were visiting Miss Lynne in California, -at Lucero de la Manaña.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We came West over a week ago on a flying -business trip. My father is trying to initiate me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>into the mysteries of financiering. I find them decidedly -intricate. We are now in San Francisco, and -staying at the Albemarle. Our telephone number -is Oakland 842. If you should come to San Francisco -in the near future will you not look me up?</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My real reason for writing, however, is this. -We shall go East before long in my father’s private -car, the Speedwell. Can your father and mother -and you not arrange to be our guests on the eastern -journey? We shall be glad to suit our time -for going East to your own. It would be a great -pleasure for my father and me to meet your father -and mother, and entertain them and you. We are -both ambitious to serve the interests of Hamilton. -We feel, that, aside from the pleasure of yours and -your parents’ company, you will be able to teach -us the way to be of use to Hamilton College. We -shall be in the neighborhood of the Lynne ranch -next Tuesday and will stop for a few moments to -see you. Think the matter over and be prepared -to say ‘yes.’</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Cordially yours,</div> - <div class='line'> “<span class='sc'>Leslie A. Cairns</span>.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>“And Leslie Cairns wrote that letter!” Ronny -made a gesture of incredulity. “It seems hard to -believe she isn’t Jeremiah’s Hob-goblin any longer.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It seemed queer to me for a little while last June -to think of her as a friend,” Marjorie confessed. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>“That feeling soon died out of my mind. After -she took the stand she did about the Leila Harper -Playhouse I had a great deal of admiration for her. -I knew she was truly sincere in her resolve to be -different.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie referred to a certain decision at which -Leslie had arrived after she had visited Hamilton -Arms in company with her father one day during -the previous spring. It was then Leslie had outlined -to Marjorie her generous proposal to erect a theatre -on the site of her garage “flivver” which she wished -to name “The Leila Harper Playhouse.” The theatre -was to be owned and controlled by Leila with -only the one stipulation that whatever performances -might be given in it should be for the benefit of the -Brooke Hamilton Dormitory.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie had then urged Leslie to permit her -name to be given as the donor of the theatre when -it should be completed the following spring. Leslie -had confided to Marjorie her great desire that -her father should be named as the giver of the theatre. -Her own unworthy record at Hamilton College -forbade her that pleasure. She had somberly -argued that mention of either her name or her -father’s as the giver of the theatre would serve -only to recall her misdeeds and expulsion from Hamilton -to faculty and students alike. She had already -disappointed her father too greatly, she told Marjorie, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>without placing either him or herself in line -for further criticism.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’m going to tell you something, Ronny. Leslie -gave me permission last spring to use my own discretion -in regard to keeping it a secret. Miss Susanna -and Jerry know. So does Robin. I’d rather -the other girls shouldn’t for awhile. You see it’s -something wonderful for Leila. We wish it to be -a great surprise. She’s so quick to divine things. -I’m awfully afraid she may find it out unless I am -very careful.” Marjorie put Ronny in possession -of Leslie’s pet plan.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There ought to be some way, Ronny, to manage -things so that Leslie or her father—she’d rather -it would be he—might be named as the giver of the -Leila Harper Playhouse at the dedication and presentation.” -Marjorie laid Leslie’s letter on the willow -magazine stand with a little sigh.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There will be.” Ronny made the assertion with -positiveness. “What a splendid thing for Leslie -Cairns to wish to do! The way will open for her. -You’ll see. She is trying earnestly to think of everyone -but herself. And that is truly the only sure -road to the heart’s desire.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER IV.<br /> <br />A TWILIGHT SERENADE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>After dinner that night in the beautiful summer -dining room which opened upon a broad side veranda, -tropically picturesque with palms and oleanders, -Marjorie and Ronny repaired to their favorite -haunt. It was a second-story balcony which overlooked -a rose garden. There Wen Lo, the enigmatic-faced -Chinese butler, long in the service of -the Lynnes, brought them their dessert of ices and -sweets and coffee. Mr. Lynne had declined dessert -and gone into the library to enjoy an after-dinner -cigar and a new book on fruit culture which had -been written by his Chinese friend and ranch neighbor, -Sieguf Tah.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You must be feeling both glad and sorry about -going back to Hamilton, Ronny,” Marjorie said -presently drawing in a deep breath of the fragrant, -rose-scented air. “Glad to be at Hamilton, and -with us; sorry to leave Manaña. It’s so beautiful -at all times. One day I think I love the early -mornings best. Next day, it’s the sunset that seems -most beautiful. Now the twilight’s coming on, and -the roses are so sweet. Oh-h-h!”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>A sturdy trellised vine, odorous with scented -clusters of pinkish-yellow roses clambered up and -over the balcony. Marjorie bent and buried her face -in the clustered riot of bloom.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’ve learned, even in this short time, to love -Manaña in the way I love it,” Ronny said softly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>A pleasant silence ensued between the two friends, -Ronny, gazing absently into the approaching twilight, -seemed lost in reverie. Her finely-chiseled -profile turned toward Marjorie gave her the look of -a young Greek goddess, dispassionately viewing a -world of her own ruling.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As the twilight merged into dusk and the first -stars of evening lit their twinkling lamps, from -underneath the balcony the musical beat of a guitar -rose in rhythmic measure. Came a characteristic -Spanish prelude, then an old Mexican love song -floated out upon the rose-scented dusk, sung by a -trio of golden-voiced Mexican boys.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>La serenata</i> (the serenade),” Ronny murmured, -“How dear in Father. He has asked Teresa’s sons -to serenade us. They are singing a very old Mexican -song called, ‘<i>Mi novia</i>.’ That means ‘my -sweetheart.’”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny became silent again with this brief explanation. -The dulcet, mellow voices of the Mexican -boys swelled enchantingly upon the stillness of -the evening. Marjorie was sure she had never before -listened to anything more tenderly romantic than -the plaintive rise and fall of the old song. More -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>than once she had heard from Ronny of the fine -singing voices which were the natural heritage of -the Spanish Mexicans.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The singers followed their tuneful offering with -another old Spanish ballad which Ronny told Marjorie -was called “The Love Tears.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>“Cuando de tu lado ausente,</i></div> - <div class='line in1'><i>Triste muy triste es mi vida!”</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>rose the high sweet tenor of Ricardo, Teresa’s oldest -son.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“When thou art absent from my side,</div> - <div class='line in1'>Sad, how sad, is my life!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Ricardo was eighteen and still heart-whole yet -the Latin inheritance of heartbreak was in his voice. -All the sadness of an unrequited love, which he had -certainly never yet experienced, rang in his impassioned -singing. Nor were the voices of his -younger brothers scarcely less emotional. The wistful -yearning golden notes were no more than the -heritage of romance and sentiment so peculiarly -Spanish.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When the song was done Ronny leaned over the -balcony and called softly down to them in Spanish: -“<i>Hermosa</i> (beautiful). <i>Que se repetia</i> (please sing -again). <i>Muy bien venido, amigos. Nos alegramos -mucho de que nos honre con su compania.</i> (Welcome, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>friends. We are glad of the honor of your -company.)”</p> - -<p class='c005'>The serenaders had been standing well under the -overhanging balcony. Now they stepped out from -its shadow a little, three dark outlines in the paler -dusk.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Muchas gracias, Señorita Veronica</i> (thank you, -Miss Veronica).” came the full-toned voice of Ricardo -in pleased return. He went on to say in English. -“Señor Lynne, your father, has asked us to -give you the serenade on our way to the <i>fiesta</i> this -evening which is to be at Pedro’s house in honor -of his birthday. We are pleased to sing for you -and the señorita from the East. Now we will sing -for you your favorite song, ‘<i>Pregunte las estrelles</i>.’ -Then we must hurry or be late to sing the birthday -song for Pedro.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Muchas gracias</i>, Ricardo. Señorita Dean and I -love your songs. Presently we shall walk over to -Pedro’s <i>casa</i> (house) to look in upon the <i>fiesta</i>. We -have been invited by Annunciata, his wife. Tomorrow -evening I wish you to bring Donna Teresa with -your brothers to a <i>fiesta</i> here. The mother and -father of Señorita Dean will then be there. They -will wish to hear you sing.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Followed a quick flow of appreciative Spanish, -then a pair of musicianly hands picked out a ravishing -little prelude on the guitar. Again the three -in the soft darkness below took up the heart-stirring, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>painful sweetness of one of the old-time Spanish -<i>cantares</i> (songs).</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Perhaps the stars in Heaven</div> - <div class='line in1'>Know this night how much I love:”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie had learned a few Spanish words since -she had come to Manaña. She could not understand -those of the song. Nevertheless she understood its -import. Ronny had translated the title for her. -She was now lost in happy wonderment as to -whether the stars in Heaven could possibly know -how truly she loved Hal.</p> - -<p class='c005'>With the ending of the song she called down -pleasantly to the three young men. “Thank you for -your beautiful singing. I think ‘The Stars’ is the -sweetest song you sang.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We are happy to have pleased you, <i>hermosa</i> -(beautiful) señorita. It is the song we also like -best.” Ricardo added something daringly respectful -to Ronny in Spanish. She laughingly translated -his speech as the three dark figures strode away -across the lawn. “Ricardo says that you are the -most beautiful young lady he has ever seen.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><i>“Oh, bother.”</i> Marjorie’s tone was half vexed. -“I wish I had a pug nose and freckles. No. I’m -glad I haven’t them.” She turned the subject -abruptly with: “I should not have understood the -beauty of those songs last year as I do now. Love -has opened a new, wonderful world to me.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>“And this is hard-hearted Marjorie Dean to -whom I’m listening,” Ronny said in a tone of light -incredulity. Candidly she added: “I know how you -feel about love. I feel so about it now. I see -nothing deeper in Ricardo’s songs than beauty of -voice and unconscious expression. Teresa says -Ricardo has never been in love. His brothers are -young boys of only twelve and fourteen. But the -Spanish Mexicans have emotion in their voices when -they are mere babies.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Have you ever known a young man you thought -you cared a little for?” Marjorie asked half curiously. -She could not recall in her several years of -friendship with Ronny that her brilliant talented -friend had ever accorded more than careless attention -to a young man of her acquaintance.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, I have not, and I don’t wish to,” Ronny replied -with considerable emphasis. “I never expect -to meet any such person. I couldn’t fall in love if -I tried.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s what I used to think.” Marjorie held up -a warning hand. “Be careful,” she continued, laughing -softly. “The moment when you are the most -certain that you can <i>never</i> fall in love may be the -signal for a change in your destiny. You may never -<i>fall</i> in love. You may just <i>tumble</i> into it someday -without a sign or word of warning.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER V.<br /> <br />ON THE SPEEDWELL</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“I’ve always tried my hardest to get whatever -I wanted for myself no matter how much trouble I -made for other people in the getting. Now here I -am, caught in a snare. What’s hardest of all to -bear, Marjorie, is having hurt Peter the Great. Because -I behaved like a vandal at Hamilton he’s -ashamed in his heart to come back to Carden Hedge -to live the year round.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Seated opposite Marjorie on the comfortable observation -platform of Peter Cairns’ luxurious private -car “Speedwell,” Leslie cast a gloomy glance at her -pretty companion out of remorseful eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s why I realized what a mistake it would -be to have that Leila Harper Playhouse business announced -in chapel with my father’s and my name -attached,” Leslie continued. “Again if it were announced -in chapel with us left out it might start a -whole lot of wondering about whom I had sold the -garage site to, et cetera. Every move Peter and I -made afterward would be watched. Of course we’d -be found out. Then someone might start a rumor -that we were ashamed to come forward because of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>my misdeeds. It would be true, but not very pleasant. -If we wait till the theatre is built and ready -for Leila we’ll have a good chance of getting away -with it, sub rosa.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I like the idea of waiting until the theatre is -finished before honoring Leila in chapel,” Marjorie -returned frankly. “But, Leslie, by then you may -feel differently about not wishing your name or your -father’s given.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; I shan’t. I’m very sure I shan’t.” Leslie -moodily shook her head. “It can never be that way, -Marjorie. I wish it could.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was the last afternoon of the journey across -continent which Mr. and Mrs. Dean and Marjorie -were completing in Peter Cairns’ private car. The -next morning would see the travelers in New York -City. From New York the Deans were going for -two weeks to their favorite summer resort, Severn -Beach.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie had not altogether relished the idea of -the journey East in so much exclusive luxury. She -had looked forward to the merry more democratic -canopy of the Pullman car where from San Francisco -to Chicago they might count upon finding -plenty of pleasant traveling acquaintances in the -same car with themselves. They had had great -fun going West.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Yet it had seemed to her that an acceptance of -Leslie’s invitation was the only true way of showing -Peter Cairns’ daughter that she held nothing of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>past against her. Leslie and her father motored to -Manaña there to extend their invitation to the Deans -in person. Marjorie’s General and Captain had left -the decision to her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>During the enjoyable trip East Leslie and Marjorie -had had time to grow gradually acquainted -with each other in a pleasant, half reserved fashion -which promised someday to merge into a real friendship. -Thrown in each other’s company the two -girls had discussed little else except the subject of -Hamilton College. Leslie was never tired of -hearing of the funny sayings and doings of Leila, -Jerry and Muriel Harding. She discussed her own -troubles with the San Soucians as their ring-leader -in a humorous fashion which Marjorie found vastly -amusing. It had revealed in Leslie a keen sense of -humor which Marjorie had often suspected her of -possessing even in her lawless days.</p> - -<p class='c005'>While she talked freely of Hamilton College as -she had known it when a student there Leslie had -thus far pointedly avoided mention of the one thing -she wished most to tell Marjorie. She and Marjorie -had more than once discussed her determination -to present Leila with the directorship of the -theatre anonymously when the playhouse should be -completed. Under the able management of Peter -Graham work on the new theatre had been going -forward steadily since the previous June.</p> - -<p class='c005'>On this last afternoon of the journey Mr. and -Mrs. Dean, Peter Cairns and his confidential secretary, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>Wilkins, were deep in a game of whist in the -small salon of the Speedwell. Marjorie and Leslie -had the observation platform to themselves. Soberly -glancing at Leslie’s clouded features Marjorie felt -nothing but the deepest sympathy for the girl she -had once been tempted to rank as an enemy. She -was understanding only too clearly the difficulties -which now beset Leslie’s proposed path of benevolence.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Never is such a long time, Leslie,” Marjorie’s -tone was brightly comforting. “It’s two years, you -know, since you left college. Most of the students -you knew then, or who knew of you, have been -graduated. There is a much better spirit abroad -on the campus, too, than in the old days.” Marjorie -stopped, flushing. “I didn’t mean to remind you—” -she began contritely.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No harm done, Bean.” A faint lighting of Leslie’s -dark features accompanied the ridiculous nickname -she had once derisively given Marjorie. “Of -course there’s a better spirit now on the campus. -You won what you fought for. But there are a -certain number of students there still who would -love to pick me to pieces, given an opportunity. It -would be said of me that I was trying to make -money cover my flivvers.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“But your motive is sincere,” Marjorie cried. -“Besides the theatre is not to be built on the campus. -I think you ought to brave matters out, Leslie. The -Travelers will stand by you through thick and thin. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>We understand how generous you are, and in time -we shall make others see it. That is, if there should -be others. Sometimes one sweeping act of nobility -such as you propose to do changes everything for -the best.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It won’t for me,” was Leslie’s pessimistic prediction. -“It’s not really about myself I care. To -honor Leila, and help the dorms along. What more -can one ask?” Leslie made an earnest gesture. “It’s -like this, Marjorie. As an unknown donor I’ll be -covered with glory. As a known one I’ll be buried -under opprobrium.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“‘Alas for him who never sees the stars shine -through his cypress trees,’” Marjorie quoted lightly -with an effort toward bringing Leslie out of her -somber mood. “I still advise you to go ahead and -not hide your light under a bushel.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, I can’t,” Leslie replied with a trace of her -old-time gruffness. “I’m going to tell you a secret. -I went to Prexy Matthews last spring and asked -him if he would give me a chance to come back to -Hamilton and do over my senior year. When I -went there I intended to tell him how much it would -mean to me on my father’s account and of how hard -I would try to redeem my past flivvers. He was -frosty as a January morning with the mercury way -below zero. I had hardly mentioned what I came -for when he set his jaws and said that under the -circumstances of my expulsion from college he -could not for a moment entertain such a request.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>“Leslie Cairns!” Marjorie could not repress a -sympathetic exclamation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s a fact.” The blood rose to Leslie’s dark -cheeks in a crimson wave. She went on with -shamed reluctance. “I thought he might say ‘no,’ -but he made me feel as though he hated even to -speak to me. I know I deserved it. I wasn’t in his -office five minutes hardly. My nerve went back on -me. I had to hurry away, or else cry. I didn’t -have time to tell him anything but that I’d like to -try my senior year over again.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, that was too bad!” Marjorie reached over -and laid a consoling hand on one of Leslie’s. “Did -you go to Hamilton Hall to see him, or to his -house?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“To Hamilton Hall,” Leslie returned briefly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am sorry you didn’t go to his house instead. -It might have made a difference. I can’t be sure -that it would have,” she added honestly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She was remembering President Matthews’ anger -at the time of Leslie’s expulsion from Hamilton; -not only because of the hazing affair in which she -and Leslie had figured. There was also the recollection -of the misunderstanding which Leslie had -made between the president and his old friend, Miss -Remson, the manager of Wayland Hall. Again -there was the ugly fact of secret collusion between -Leslie and Miss Sayres, the president’s secretary to -be considered.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, it was too much to expect. I knew Prexy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>would frown me down without a hearing. But I’d -promised myself, that, for my father’s sake, there’d -be nothing I’d leave undone to make up for the disappointment -I caused him,” Leslie said with regretful -vehemence.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You were very brave to do it, Leslie.” Marjorie’s -hand tightened its clasp on Leslie’s.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I was glad to try to make amends.” Leslie was -silent for a moment. “You’ve never done anything -to harm another person, Marjorie,” she burst forth. -“You can’t possibly understand how my heart went -down when my father said to me last spring that -he had hoped some day to live at Carden Hedge, but -that—he’d changed his mind. He never said once: -‘It’s all your fault.’ I wish he had. And I am the -one who cheated him of happiness. He’d love to -live at the Hedge—if I hadn’t made such a mess of -things at Hamilton. That’s what I did to my father, -the person I love best in the world. And all the -time I thought I was doing smart things, and getting -even with you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie looked drearily away across the green fleeing -landscape, her face bleak and somber.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Don’t feel so crushed, Leslie. You are anxious -to please your father. After a while you will find -a way. To be willing is half the battle. First thing -you know some good will come of it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wish I could make myself believe it.” Leslie -still kept her head turned away. “The one thing -I’d like most to do, I can’t do. That’s to try over -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>again my senior year at Hamilton. If only Prexy -had softened and said I might! After I had been -graduated from Hamilton, the way would have been -smooth for my father and me to live at the Hedge -and be happy. After Prexy turned me down so -frigidly I knew he’d never permit my name to be -announced at chapel as the giver of the theatre. I’ll -never put foot on the campus again, not even to -see Doris Monroe. Would you?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; not in the present circumstances,” Marjorie -made frank reply. “There is no reason why -you shouldn’t come to the Arms to see Miss Susanna -and Jerry and me. We’ll welcome you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll come.” Leslie brightened. “Mrs. Gaylord -and I will have our old apartment at the Hamilton -House. There’s really no place else for us in Hamilton. -I want to stay on there to watch the building -of the theatre. My father will be off and away. -There is nothing to keep him in a small place like -Hamilton. If we lived at the Hedge, he’d be keen -on gardening, and beautifying the estate. He’d enjoy -the Hamilton links, and probably get up a polo -team. He’s a wonder at polo.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie clasped her hands behind her head in a -quick, nervous motion. She closed her eyes, forcing -back the tears which were gathering behind her -tightly-shut eyelids.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie stole a sympathetic, furtive glance at -her. She thought the touches of vivid cherry color -on Leslie’s sleeveless gray wash satin frock charmingly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>lightened her companion’s dark skin and irregular -features. She guessed Leslie to be perilously -near tears and noted that her subdued pensive -expression had softened her face to a peculiar -attractiveness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>While Leslie had given up all hope of a return to -Hamilton campus as a student, Marjorie was just -beginning to consider how such a miracle might be -brought to pass. She wondered if an appeal on her -part to President Matthews would help Leslie’s case. -At least she could put forward to the president a -generous side of Leslie of which he was not yet -aware. She resolved to tell him of Leslie’s love -for her father, of her deep regret at being unable -to make the restitution she so greatly desired to -make, of her anxiety to promote his happiness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Recollection of Doctor Matthews’ stern face, on -the fateful day when the San Soucians had been -arraigned before him and the College Board, returned -vividly to Marjorie. For an instant her impulsive -determination to seek such an interview -with him in behalf of Leslie wavered.</p> - -<p class='c005'>What argument could she present to the learned -man of affairs which should be strong enough to -justify her request for another trial for Leslie at -Hamilton College? She could not but believe that -no such request had ever been made to him before. -Then, again, Leslie was rated by the Hamilton executive -board as the most lawless student who had -ever enrolled at that college.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>Leslie watched the fleeting scenery as the train -rushed eastward, her eyes misted and unseeing. She -was not even aware of the shifting panorama of -woods, meadows, streams and houses as the train -steamed on its way. Instead she was seeing herself -as she had been when she flaunted through college, -unscrupulous, bullying and untruthful.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She was amazed to think that she had lasted until -her senior year. Her one redeeming trait had been -her ability to keep up in her classes. She had always -been able to make fair recitations on a small -amount of study. She wished with desperate fervor -now that she had been a “dig” instead of a -thorn to the faculty. No; she had been foolish in -imagining that she could live down her past unenviable -reputation were she to return to the campus.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh!” Marjorie straightened in her chair with a -suddenness that made Leslie open her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Is that all?” Leslie smiled faintly as she saw -Marjorie carefully brush a large cinder from the -skirt of her white frock. She folded her hands -again behind her head and resumed her dark musing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie smiled, too, but said nothing. She -might have told Leslie that it was not the appearance -of the cinder which had brought forth the -“Oh!” She had inadvertently stumbled upon a -truth relative to a possible return to the campus of -Leslie which she believed could not fail to impress -President Matthews.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER VI.<br /> <br />LOVE’S YOUNG DREAM</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“We are lucky. This is the very kind of night -we most wish for our stroll and sail.” Marjorie -was rejoicing in the beauty of the night as she and -Hal walked slowly along over the white sands.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How could the night be anything but perfect -with you home again, Marjorie?” Hal Macy -glanced down at the white-clad girl walking beside -him as though he contemplated stopping and gathering -her in his arms.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It might be raining torrents, and still I’d have -just come home,” Marjorie answered in the matter-of-fact -tone which had once been Hal’s despair. She -cast a swift roguish upward glance at her adoring -fiancé from under her long curling lashes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“But it isn’t. It couldn’t be,” Hal tenderly asserted -“Say it again, dear. That you are glad -to see me; to be walking this old beach again with -me. That——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I do love to walk this old beach with you—but -not too far behind the others. That’s the way Connie -and Laurie used to do, and then we used to -laugh at them,” Marjorie gaily assured. “Come on, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>let’s hurry.” She ran playfully ahead of Hal, a -radiantly pretty figure in the white moonlight.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Hal overtook her in a few long, purposeful strides, -saying: “You can’t escape me, beautiful moonbeam -girl. You are all in white just as you were on that -other night last year when you wouldn’t let me tell -you that I loved you. You’ve the same kind of soft -white scarf over your shoulders, and two stars for -eyes. It’s you instead of the moonlight who lures -my poor heartstrings out of me.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You have never forgotten that moonlight verse, -have you?” Marjorie said lightly. She refused to -say that she was pleased to know he had not forgotten -it.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How could I forget it? You quoted it to me -on the unhappiest night of my life. Afterward I -quoted it you on the happiest night. Is it a wonder—”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’d better hurry up if you expect to go sailing -this evening,” admonished a cheerful, interrupting -voice. Unnoticed by the lovers Danny Seabrooke -had come up behind them, bent on teasing -the absorbed couple.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’d better run ahead, Dan-yell, and untie the -boat,” Hal advised in an anything but sentimental -tone.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are miles behind the times. Our gallant -ship floats free. Only Armitage is getting peeved -because he has to hang on to the straining galleon’s -rope,” Danny added with grinning significance.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>“Run along and tell him that patience is a virtue,” -retorted Hal with pleasant irony.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Tell him yourself when you see him. That will -be some time during the evening—we hope. I’ve -run till I’m out of breath. I’m going to poke along -with you two. It will be restful—and interesting.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You may find cause to change your mind,” Hal -warned darkly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Never. Marjorie will protect me.” Danny beamed -trusting faith at Marjorie. He prudently ranged -himself upon her other side, peering timidly forward -at Hal, his freckled features alive with ludicrous -anxiety.</p> - -<p class='c005'>In the midst of a merry argument between him -and Hal the trio arrived at the little pier to which -the Oriole, Hal’s motor launch, was tied. On the -dock three smiling-faced young people awaited Hal -and Marjorie. The happiness which Jerry Macy, -Constance and Lawrence Armitage felt over the -beautiful culmination of Marjorie’s and Hal’s comradeship -was as deep and abiding in its own way -as was the love between the newly betrothed pair.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Such a lovely evening.” Jerry greeted them with -effusive politeness. “So glad you managed to get -here after all.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You may give <i>me</i> credit for rushing ’em to the -pier,” put in Danny modestly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There’s plenty of room for an argument, but -who wants to argue on a night like this?” Hal returned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>equably, fixing laughing blue eyes upon -Danny.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are right, Mr. Macy.” Danny made Hal -a derisively respectful bow. “I hope others here besides -us cherish the same opinion. <i>You</i> do, I am -sure. <i>Don’t</i> you, Geraldine?” He turned hopefully -to Jerry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I don’t cherish anything,” Jerry returned crushingly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Ha-a-a! How sad!” Danny heaved a loud -sigh. “What a dreary life you must lead!”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It suits me,” Jerry asserted, with a cheerful -smile. “Who’s going to take the wheel on the run -seaward?” she inquired generally. “Don’t all -speak at once. Don’t speak at all, if you’re not -crazy for the pilot job. I’d like it, if no one else -wants it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, if you insist.” Laurie Armitage willingly -accorded Jerry the wheel. He stood steadying the -boat at the little pier while Hal helped the three girls -over the side and into the launch.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Constance and Laurie Armitage had lately returned -from another year’s study of music in -Europe. They had not reached Sanford in time to -see Marjorie before she had gone West with her -father and mother to visit Ronny. In consequence -they had looked forward to her sunny presence at -Severn Beach with an affectionate impatience second -only to Hal’s.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“So glad you brought the guitar, Laurie,” Marjorie -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>said as Laurie picked it up from the pier -floor, where he had laid it briefly, and passed it over -the side of the launch to Constance. “Do you know -any Spanish songs? I heard such beautiful ones -at Manaña.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Only two or three. We are going to Spain next -winter to study the Spanish music and find a very -old Spanish opera for Connie, if we can. We found -an old music folio in Paris in a queer little odds -and ends shop that had three numbers in it from -an old Spanish opera called ‘<i>la Encantadora</i>’; the -enchantress. Next time we go abroad it will be on -the trail of <i>la Encantadora</i>,” Laurie declared lightly -as he stepped into the launch behind the trio of girls.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Sometime you and Connie must go to Mexico -and hunt up some Spanish Mexican music,” Marjorie -said with enthusiasm. She went on to tell -them of how she and Ronny had been serenaded by -Teresa’s sons and of the tender beauty of the old -Spanish song “<i>Las Estrellas</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Presently the Oriole was darting seaward in the -white moonlight with Jerry at the wheel and Danny -beside her entertaining her with his ever ready flow -of nonsense. Laurie was lightly strumming the -guitar as he waited for Constance to decide upon -a song. Marjorie and Hal sat side by side on a -long cushioned bench looking like two contented -children.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Hal would have been far better content, however, -to hold one of Marjorie’s hands in his own. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>He allowed them to lie loosely in her lap because -he knew she preferred them to be thus. His Violet -Girl did not wear her heart on her sleeve. She -treated him with her old-time friendly gaiety, showing -only occasional flashes of deeper feeling for him. -Hal was confident that Marjorie loved him. Unless -she had been very sure of her own heart she -would never have given him her promise. Yet the -reserve which he had for so long schooled himself -to maintain when with her still clung to him.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Constance began the impromptu concert with an -old French harvest song which was one of the vocal -gems the Armitages had brought to light during -the past winter. Laurie accompanied her softly on -the guitar, the rhythmic beat of the music blending -with the faint wash of the water against the boat’s -sides. From that she drifted to “Hark, the gentle -lark!” and from it to one and another of Brahms’ -songs, already favorites of the little company.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The next number of our program will be a -touching sentimental song by Dan-yell Seabrooke,” -Laurie banteringly announced. After singing their -old Brahms’ favorite, “The Sapphio Ode,” Constance -had laughingly gone on a strike, declaring -that it was time for someone else to sing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What reason have you to suspect that it will -be?” Danny fixed a severe gaze upon Laurie. “Do -I <i>look</i> sentimental? Do I <i>act</i> sentimental? Do I -<i>seem</i> sentimental?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nothing like trying.” Laurie ignored the forceful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>interrogations. “If you try, and don’t succeed—” -He made a motion as of pitching something -over the boat’s side into the water.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nev-vur! I shall succeed; if not in singing, then -in dodging,” Danny averred with great resolution. -“Hand me the guitar. I wouldn’t trust you with it -in such an emergency. You might play off the key -and spoil my song.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Is that so? What about my risk in handing -you the guitar and having it spoiled?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“About fifty-fifty, I should say.” Danny grinned -amiably and reached for the guitar. He pretended -to tune it, grumbling. Presently in the midst of -his pretense of disfavor he surprised his smiling -companions with the charming prelude of “What -does your heart say?” a popular baritone solo from -“The Orchid,” a New York musical success.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was the first time that any of the five listeners -to Danny had ever heard him seriously attempt a -sentimental song. Possessed of a tuneful baritone -voice Danny had earned a reputation among his -friends as a singer of comic songs. Hal and Laurie -regarded the departure merely as a decidedly successful -attempt upon Danny’s part to make good. -Into Marjorie’s and Constance’s minds, however, the -thought sprang instantly that Danny was deeply in -love—with Jerry, of course.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As for Jerry! She was hoping no one could see -the added color in her cheeks by the bright moonlight. -During Danny’s rendition of the song she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>had occupied herself industriously with the wheel, -her round, babyish face as nearly a blank as she -could make it. Danny hardly ended the solo when -she began clapping her hands in light applause.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Bravo! You win!” she called out. “You certainly -gave a fine imitation of a sentimental warbler, -Dan-yell. Laurie didn’t think you could do it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, I have nerve enough for anything,” Danny -retorted. “What does Mr. Lawrence Armitage know -of my talents and capabilities?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Not a thing, thank fortune,” asserted Laurie -with stress.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You may have your guitar. I wouldn’t sing you -another song if you begged me to. I am going to -devote myself to Geraldine. She never treats me -kindly, but she’s an improvement upon you.” Danny -wisely produced this plea as an excuse to seat himself -close to the wheel and Jerry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She received him without comment, pretending to -be listening to the buzz of conversation going on -among the others. Laurie was running a series of -chords up and down the guitar strings which had -an oddly familiar sound both to her ears and Marjorie’s. -He continued sounding them a moment or -two, then glanced at Hal, nodding.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Suddenly Hal’s sweet echoing tenor voice lifted -itself on the moonlit air in a lilting melody that Marjorie -had good cause to remember.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Down the center, little one,</div> - <div class='line in1'>Life for us has just begun!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>Hal was singing the quaint words of the Irish -Minuet. To Marjorie it would ever be the song -of songs. Like the prince’s kiss which had wakened -the sleeping beauty from her enchanted sleep, sound -of it had awakened her dreaming heart and opened -her ears to the voice of love.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Involuntarily she stretched forth a hand until it -rested lightly upon one of the singer’s. Instantly -Hal had caught it, holding it in his own. He bent -an adoring glance upon her, and sang on.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“This was what I was wishing for,” he declared -fondly the moment he had finished the song. He -gathered her slim hand more closely in his own. “I -hardly dared take it with everybody looking on, for -fear you’d not wish it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It was dear in you to sing that, Hal.” The eyes -of the pair met in a long fond glance of affection. -“You know I shall always love it best of all songs. -You understand why.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, dear.” There was quiet rapture in the response. -“I forgot to send back the music to it to -Leila last spring. So I brought it to the Beach for -Laurie to play. I thought you’d like to hear it -again.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I love it. Think how much of happiness we owe -Leila Greatheart. If it had not been for her Irish -play you would never have come to Hamilton. You’d -probably have gone to Alaska, as you had planned -to do.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I had begun to feel that I couldn’t bear to see -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>you for a while, knowing you didn’t love me,” Hal -confessed. “I knew I’d never stop caring for you. -I was sure it was the only thing for me to do.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’m so glad you didn’t go. You see, Hal, I -should have known later—that I cared—perhaps too -late.” Marjorie’s lovely features shadowed. “I had -begun to know that I missed you, and I’d read -Brooke Hamilton’s journal and had felt a kind of -terrible despair over it. He hadn’t understood Angela’s -love for him until after her serious illness. -Just when he was beginning to be happy he lost her. -I couldn’t help wondering if it would be so with me. -Brooke Hamilton helped us to our happiness. On -that account there is something I’d like to do—I -know it would please Miss Susanna. It’s about—about -our wedding.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Our wedding.” Hal repeated the two magic -words in a kind of beatified daze. “What about -our wedding, dearest. Are you going to tell me -that you’ve changed your mind and are going to -marry me in the fall instead of next June?” There -was a suppressed, hopeful note in the question.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Not in the fall, or next June, either.” Marjorie’s -up-flashing smile did not match her negative answer. -“I can’t desert Hamilton until the dormitory is finished -and dedicated and the biography completed. -And there’s the Leila Harper Playhouse, too. So it -couldn’t possibly be in the fall. But”—Marjorie -made a tiny pause—“I think my work at Hamilton -will have been completed by the last of next April.” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>She made another brief pause, then said with direct -simplicity: “I’d like our wedding to take place on -the evening of May Day, at Hamilton Arms. May -Day was Brooke Hamilton’s birthday.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Marjorie!” Hal exclaimed very softly. He -caught Marjorie’s free hand, then prisoned both -her hands between his own. “My heart went down -when you said ‘not next June.’ But the first of -May! That is sooner than I had hoped for. You -can depend upon Miss Susanna to back that plan. -She’ll be delighted. How about General and Captain? -Have you told them yet?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No.” Marjorie shook her curly head. “Not -yet. There is to be a grand Dean confab tomorrow -morning right after breakfast. Oh, I know they -will be willing to give up having the wedding at -Castle Dean. In some ways I’d love to be married -from my dear pretty home in Sanford where our -old crowd had such good times. But the Arms has -an even stronger claim upon me. I want to make -Miss Susanna happy. She has been so wonderful -to Hamilton College, and to me,” Marjorie ended -eloquently.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Hal’s approval of her idea was not expressed in -words. It came in the tightening of his hands on -Marjorie’s and the glance of unutterable devotion -which he bent upon her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You see, Hal,” Marjorie said after a short interval -of rapt silence between them, “Hamilton Arms -has become like a second home to me. I’m not afraid -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>Miss Susanna would object to the fuss and decorating -that must naturally go with a house wedding. -She’d love it, because she loves us. I thought it all -out when I was at Manaña. That is, the main points. -Violets were Brooke Hamilton’s favorite flowers, -and you call me your Violet girl. So I am going -to have a violet wedding in the spring when there -are loads of double, sweet-scented violets in bloom -at the Arms.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Completely absorbed in each other, Hal and Marjorie -had drifted far away from the amused quartette -of friends who were considerately ignoring -their presence. While their friends kept up a lively -murmur of conversation the lovers floated far and -free upon the boundless sea of romance with love -for their pilot.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“If they should come back this evening I’ll see -that Macy takes his trick at the wheel,” Danny said -to Jerry in a purposeful undertone.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, they won’t be back until someone leads them -off the Oriole onto the pier.” Jerry’s reply was full -of deep satisfaction. Marjorie’s final awakening to -love for Hal would ever be a blessed marvel to Jerry. -“What’s the matter with my steering? Don’t you -like it?” she demanded of Danny.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I have a high opinion of it,” Danny hastily assured. -“Only I hate to see you so overworked. I -should enjoy having you sit beside me on that bench -over there, and holding your hand. I should enjoy——”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>“I shouldn’t enjoy having you,” Jerry interrupted -cruelly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Say not so. You have never trusted me with -your nice plump little hand. I would be very careful -of it,” he added ingratiatingly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No thank you. I’d rather be excused.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why would you?” Danny persisted with an interested -inquiring grin.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Jerry had to laugh. “How can I tell?” she countered. -She felt the color rise to her cheeks, and was -glad Danny couldn’t detect it by moonlight.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You can’t—not until you’ve tried holding hands -with me,” Danny asserted with a wise air.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Some other time,” Jerry made indefinite, careless -promise.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No time like the present.” One of Danny’s hands -suddenly covered one of Jerry’s as it rested on the -wheel. “You wouldn’t be so mean as to leave me -out of this hand-holding party, would you?” he -asked, an undercurrent of seriousness in his bantering -tones.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No,” replied Jerry with sudden shy brevity. And -for the remainder of the ride the Oriole had the -advantage of double handpower at the wheel.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER VII.<br /> <br />A BIT OF NEWS</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“And Fifteen is vacant, you say? How queer.” -Marjorie commented, her eyes on Leila Harper, who -was arranging a row of glasses on her study table -preparatory to filling them with imported ginger -ale.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“As queer as the pea green hat that Mother -Molly O’Toole found hanging on a gooseberry bush -the day before the fair at Dongerry,” agreed Leila -Harper with her broadest smile. She kept on smiling -as she recited in her inimitable Celtic accent:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Acushla, ’twas near to the day of the fair</div> - <div class='line in1'>And poor Mother Molly’d no bonnet to wear,</div> - <div class='line in1'>Except a frilled cap she had worn day by day,</div> - <div class='line in1'>And year after year in the same humble way.</div> - <div class='line in1'>She went out of doors, and she heaved such a sigh</div> - <div class='line in1'>She blew up a gale in the garden near-by,</div> - <div class='line in1'>It whisked a wee leprechaun out of a tree</div> - <div class='line in1'>He lost his green hat as away he did flee:</div> - <div class='line in1'>It hung on the bush where the gooseberries grew;</div> - <div class='line in1'>Next morn Molly found it all covered with dew.</div> - <div class='line in1'>She dried it, ’twas grandly becoming to wear,</div> - <div class='line in1'>And she took a fine prize at the Dongerry fair.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>“Certainly some remarkable things have happened -in Ireland,” Muriel Harding declared mischievously. -“Please, Irish witch woman, may I pass the glasses?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You may; but spill not a drop out of one of -them,” Leila cautioned. She picked up a cake knife -from the table and flourished it over a huge black -chocolate cake with thick white icing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You haven’t told me yet how it happens that -Fifteen is vacant, Leila Greatheart,” Marjorie reminded.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“In a minute. Let me start Midget going with -the cake and I will tell you anything,” was Leila’s -rash promise.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Whether you know it or not,” slyly added -Ronny Lynne.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Whether I know it or not,” Leila repeated firmly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>A burst of laughter rose from her six companions. -The little group of seven girls who had been -the first Travelers at Hamilton College five years -before were gathered once more in the room occupied -by Leila Harper and Vera Mason at Wayland -Hall during that long happy period. It lacked only -a few days of the formal opening of Hamilton College -and the seven post-graduates were already back -on the campus eager to begin what would undoubtedly -be to them their most momentous year at Hamilton -College.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Readers of the “<span class='sc'>Marjorie Dean High School -Series</span>,” “<span class='sc'>The Marjorie Dean College Series</span>” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>and “<span class='sc'>The Marjorie Dean Post Graduate -Series</span>,” each comprising four volumes, have followed -Marjorie through many of her girlhood adventures -as a student, first at Sanford High School, -later at Hamilton College, where she found her -work and brought happiness to Miss Susanna Hamilton, -the embittered great-niece of Brooke Hamilton, -who was the distinguished founder of Hamilton -College.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie, having been chosen by Miss Susanna -as best fitted, in her estimation, to write the biography -of Brooke Hamilton, had returned to Hamilton -Arms once more there to bring to completion -the delightful literary task she had begun the previous -March.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As yet, her General and her Captain alone were -in possession of her plan for a violet wedding at -the Arms on the evening of May Day. Miss Susanna -had not yet been made acquainted with what -would seem to her a visitation of good fortune. -Marjorie was saving the request she purposed to -make of her devoted friend until a particularly propitious -occasion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Hurry and pass the cake, Vera. This tyrannical -Celtic person says you must before she will tell us -a thing,” Marjorie urged, laughing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Here, help yourselves.” Vera hastily set the -plate of cake Leila had handed her upon the table -with a hospitable gesture. “You can’t even have -paper plates to put it on. We forgot to buy them. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>We used to boast of four china plates, but our -guests are so rough.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Too bad. Never mind. Luciferous has a notebook. -Delighted, Luciferous.” Muriel laid calm -hold upon the notebook in Lucy’s hand. “Yes, you -must,” she said with reproving stress as Lucy clung -to the book. She captured it, tore sheets of paper -from it and handed them round to the tune of Lucy’s -grumbling at such a waste of good paper. “Just -as good as plates,” Muriel declared jovially. She -hastily transferred a slice of cake to her make-shift -plate and beamed encouragingly upon Leila.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leila returned the smile in kind. “The reason -Fifteen is still vacant,” she began, “is because no -one has applied for it. Now what could be queerer?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Not anyone?</i>” Jerry Macy’s eyes grew round.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Not anyone. All Miss Remson’s other vacancies -have been filled. She thinks it is odd, but she -doesn’t mind. She will probably have an application -for it soon. It is a very desirable room, you -know.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We surely do,” Marjorie and Jerry answered -in merry chorus.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Perhaps two girls from one of the other campus -houses may hear it is vacant and take it. Undoubtedly -they will. It will never go begging,” was -Jerry’s opinion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Fifteen is one of the best rooms at the Hall. -We can speak from experience, can’t we, estimable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>Bean?” Jerry remarked, turning humorous eyes -upon Marjorie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Can we?</i>” Marjorie returned the glance of affection. -“When will Miss Remson be home, Leila? -It seems odd to come back to the Hall and not see -her first thing.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>The five Sanford chums had arrived at Hamilton -late on the previous afternoon. They had been -met at the Hamilton station by Leila and Vera and -triumphantly whisked to Hamilton Arms in Vera’s -car. There Miss Susanna Hamilton had been awaiting -their arrival with fond impatience. Exuberant -celebration had followed their arrival at the Arms. -There had been a delightful dinner in the famous -Chinese room and the buoyant guests had remained -at the Arms overnight.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was now early afternoon of the next day. Marjorie -and Jerry had come over to Wayland Hall for -one of their old-time social sessions in Leila’s and -Vera’s rooms. The latter had returned from a summer -spent in Ireland over a week previous to the -Sanford girls’ arrival on the campus. They had -come direct from the big ocean steamer to Hamilton -campus and Wayland Hall.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She’ll be here tomorrow.” Miss Remson, the -brisk little manager of the Hall, was away on a -brief vacation of a week at the seashore. “She was -going to refuse an old friend’s invitation on account -of expecting you girls. Midget and I made her -change her mind, and go.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>“I’m so glad that you did,” Marjorie returned. -“I’m anxious to see her. I hope two dandy girls -will take Fifteen.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We shall need them,” Leila said with a suspicion -of dryness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why do you say that, Leila Greatheart?” A -little pucker of anxiety showed itself upon Marjorie’s -smooth forehead. “You must have some very -good reason for such an opinion.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I have,” Leila made prompt reply. “There is -still danger at the Hall of the calamity of the house -divided against itself.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Isn’t there less now than when Muriel was on -the outs with the Ice Queen and the Ice Queen was -on the outs with Gentleman Gus and the Bertramites?” -Ronny humorously referred to the Travelers’ -vernacular in the way of names. “This year, -remember, they will all stand shoulder to shoulder -with us.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You forget the Screech Owl, who was born a -gossip and a disturber,” Leila reminded with a -frown. “She was on her good behavior last spring -when she had a part in my Irish play. Did not I write -the part of the village gossip for her, on purpose, -that she might see herself? She saw nothing but -her own glory as an actress. But she was so pleased -that she talked of herself and not of anyone else -for a while. This much good I did. But I happen -to know she went back to gossiping again.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Whom did she gossip about? Doris? She naturally -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>would, since Doris had cut her acquaintance,” -Muriel showed considerable interest. “That was -directly after the Rustic Romp, you know. They -disagreed over Leslie Cairns.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That was precisely where the shoe pinched,” -Leila asserted. “It was Leslie Cairns who Miss -Peyton chose to blame for her falling out with -Doris. Then she could not resist the temptation to -be spiteful.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What did Miss Peyton say about Leslie?” Marjorie -asked with a suspicion of troubled annoyance -in her question.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What you might expect. That she had attended -the Rustic Romp. That fine bit of news came to -me through Miss Crawford, on the day before college -closed,” Leila said sarcastically. “She came to -me and asked me in horrified tones if it were true -that Miss Dean had smuggled Miss Cairns, an expelled -student, into the gym on the night of the -Romp.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Who could have told Miss Crawford that except -Miss Peyton?” Vera cried indignantly. “And -why should she start such a tale about Marjorie?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Because she is still angry with me,” Marjorie -returned composedly. “She wanted Jane to blow -the whistle for unmasking. I asked Jane to wait -a little. Miss Peyton does not know positively that -Leslie was at the Romp.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s exactly the point. She has no real ground -for circulating that story. It’s unjust to Marjorie. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>There has been too much of such unfairness in the -past.” Leila’s lips set in a forbidding line.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Don’t worry about it for a minute, Leila Greatheart,” -said Marjorie soothingly. “I mean about -anything Miss Peyton may choose to say of me. -We’ll have to try to conquer her by winning over -the Hall to our code of ethics. When she discovers -that no one likes to hear gossip, perhaps she will -stop gossiping.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s a fine, rosy Bean view of things. But -will it ever come true?” Jerry propounded, tilting -her head to one side and rolling doubtful eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It won’t if you scoff at it, and treat it lightly,” -Marjorie retorted.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Depend on the Screech Owl to start something. -Screech Owl!” Muriel repeated the name with mock -admiration. “What could be more appropriate? -My nobility doesn’t extend to refraining from that -fond title.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>You</i> are gossiping.” Lucy Warner pointed an -accusing finger at Muriel.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Never.</i> Truth is truth, no matter where ’tis -uttered. I’m merely saying to you girls what I -should take great pleasure in saying to the Screech -Owl herself. I long to tell her her right name.” -Muriel accompanied her fervent declaration with a -sweeping gesture.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Perhaps vacation joys will make her forget the -Rustic Romp and what she thinks she knows about -Leslie,” Ronny made light prediction.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>“Very optimistic, but not at all likely,” was -Vera’s opinion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How did you answer Miss Crawford, Leila.” -Marjorie had missed most of the gay exchange of -raillery among her companions. Her brain was busy -with the same problem that had invaded her thoughts -on the last afternoon she and Leslie Cairns had been -together on the Speedwell.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I asked her a question in return for hers. I said: -‘Who told you that such a thing had happened?’ -She tossed her head and said: ‘I prefer not to answer -that question.’ Then I smiled at her with fine -Celtic good humor, and said: ‘And I prefer not to -answer yours.’ It was on the campus near the Bean -holder that we met. She walked away in a miff. -And I have not seen her since,” Leila ended genially.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s too bad.” Marjorie stared at Leila with a -troubled air.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Now why should it be?” Leila demanded, smiling. -“I have no admiration for Miss Crawford, nor -never did have. She is too ready to believe unpleasant -gossip.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’m not thinking of Miss Crawford. I’m thinking -of Leslie.” Marjorie’s winsome smile broke -out.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I suspected that you had sympathy for someone -besides me. I kept quiet out of Irish politeness.” -Despite her light retort Leila was surveying Marjorie -with true Celtic shrewdness. She knew Marjorie -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>to be at the point of announcing something of -especial import.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The other girls were hardly less keen at reading -the signs and arriving at the same conclusion. Thus -far none of her chums knew of the intimate conversation -she and Leslie Cairns had held on that last -memorable afternoon the two girls had spent on -the observation platform of Peter Cairns’ private -car. Marjorie had regarded it in the light of a secret -confidence. Now, however, she had decided to -impart it to the little group of Travelers as a matter -of interest to Leslie. The six Travelers present already -knew of the part Leslie Cairns had played the -previous spring in the Rustic Romp. Leslie had -requested Marjorie to tell her intimates of the affair. -“I’d like your Beanstalks to know the rights of that -performance,” she had said to Marjorie with a tinge -of humor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Girls;” Marjorie’s clear decided intonation -brought all eyes to bear upon her; “Leslie Cairns -wants just one thing above all others that I wish -we could help her to gain. She wants to come back -to the campus and do her senior year over again.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> <br />PLEDGED TO STAND BY</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“What?” Jerry allowed the cake knife in her -hand to drop squarely upon the cake. She had been -poising it over the big square delicacy preparatory -to replenishing the cake plate. In her surprise she -vented Leslie Cairns’ own pet ejaculation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good night!” Muriel Harding pretended collapse -in her chair.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am afraid she is courting the impossible.” -Vera Mason shook her head.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There’s something in your tone, Beauty, that -makes me think it might not be impossible.” Leila -was regarding Marjorie with a quizzical smile. -“Yet for the life of me I cannot see how it might -happen.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’m not in the least sure that it could,” was Marjorie’s -candid reply. “I had thought that as soon -as Prexy came back to the campus I would go to -him and put in a plea for Leslie. I have in mind -certain arguments that might appeal to him. In -thinking about her I have realized, that, if he gave -her permission to enroll again she would have to go -through a good deal of unpleasantness on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>campus. I realized it more when Leila was telling -us about what Miss Crawford had said.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It might not be so terribly hard for her, Marjorie. -She wouldn’t try, of course, to live on the -campus. Her father would undoubtedly open Carden -Hedge.” Ronny took this cheerful view of -the matter.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; Leslie says if she could try her senior year -over she would not risk living at the Hedge for -fear a lot of things about her old lawless days on -the campus might come up and be talked over. Then -her father would probably be criticized for her bad -behavior. She says she couldn’t bear that.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She could live at the Hamilton House and get -away with it,” Muriel said confidently. “She could -arrange her program so as to go from one class to -another without having to stay on the campus a -moment longer than recitation hours.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She made satisfactory recitations in the old -days,” Leila remarked musingly. “I used to wonder -how she did it. She was always out in her car -or entertaining at Baretti’s, or the Colonial.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She was within two months of being graduated -from Hamilton when the sword fell,” Vera reminded.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The trouble is,” Marjorie drew a regretful -breath, “she has already been to Prexy about it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She has?” rose a concerted cry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie nodded soberly. “He wouldn’t listen to -her,” she continued. “She was so hurt and confused -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>at his brusqueness that she didn’t try to explain -at all why she wanted to come back to the -campus. That was the very thing that might have -influenced President Matthews to give her another -trial.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“This <i>is</i> news,” Leila emphasized. “How can -one help but admire Leslie Cairns for her courage -in facing Prexy. I believe now she may turn out -well.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie smiled. She wondered what Leila -would say could she have even an inkling of the -wonderful plan Leslie had in view for her. “She -is brave as can be,” she agreed. “I feel as though -she hadn’t had a fair opportunity to soften the hard -heart of Prexy. That is the reason I am going -to brave Prexy in his den all by myself. Miss Susanna -offered to go with me. Then we talked it -over and decided I had best go alone. What do -you think, Lucy? Is there any possibility that -Prexy might change his mind about Leslie? You -know him better than we.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, Luciferous Warniferous, high and exalted -scribe of the Prexy realm, speak, and tell us the -worst,” Muriel made a commanding gesture at -which Lucy merely giggled.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I don’t know what to say.” Her small face -suddenly sobered. “Prexy is the kindest man I -know until he has been really shocked by something -that someone has done. Then he grows -terribly stern. He was angrier about the trouble -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>Leslie Cairns made between him and Miss Remson -than the hazing. Yet he will do more for you, Marjorie, -than he would for almost anyone else. You -may be able to persuade him to give Leslie another -trial. But—” She came to an abrupt pause, her -green eyes fastened peculiarly upon Marjorie’s face -with eloquent significance.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I understand you, Lucy. You are right. I -shouldn’t care to have Prexy offer Leslie another -trial just to please me. The only way for him to -offer it to her is because he has become convinced -that it is the best thing to do.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“And that will be your job, Bean—to convince -Prexy that second thoughts are best. Such an easy -little task,” Jerry declared satirically. “You certainly -have had some splendid jobs since you came -to Hamilton. I feel the inspiration stealing over -me to jingle. Ahem! Aha! Bzzz-zz! Whir-r-r! -Br-rr-p!”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“No easy task, it is to ask,</div> - <div class='line in1'>Our Prexy to relent,</div> - <div class='line in1'>Smile on, serene, undaunted Bean,</div> - <div class='line in1'>Until he has unbent.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>“That is good advice, Jeremiah. I shall proceed -to follow it,” laughed Marjorie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“And I shall proceed to copy the jingle.” Leila -confiscated another sheet of paper from Lucy’s notebook -and jotted down the jingle. She smiled widely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>to herself as she wrote. Leila had a plan of her -own regarding Jerry’s jingles which she intended -to carry out presently.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I shall go to see President Matthews as soon -as he returns from the shore. That will be the -last of the week. I’ll wait until Monday to make -my call,” Marjorie announced decisively.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“If I were you I should go to his house, Marjorie,” -Lucy advised in her serious fashion. “It’s -more quiet at his home office. At Hamilton Hall -he has so many interruptions. Persons are continually -passing in and out of his office.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That was what I thought. And if I should -succeed—” Marjorie broke off. Her brown eyes -traveled from one face to another in the group. “I -was thinking of what Muriel said about Leslie -hurrying away from the campus as soon as her -classes were over. As good Travelers we couldn’t -let her do that. If she comes back to the senior -class we must stand by her on all occasions. I -know a way in which we could help her a great -deal. We could ask her to belong to the Travelers.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Whu-u-u!” Muriel emitted a prolonged sigh of -surprise. A united murmur went up from the -others.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Is that a murmur of objection?” Marjorie asked -with a little laugh.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No,” was the ascending hearty protest.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You simply stunned us for a second, Beauty,” -Leila said reassuringly. “Stop and think if it is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>not an amazing idea that Leslie Cairns should become -a member of the Travelers. Consider all the -past troubles she has caused that worthy organization.” -She showed her white teeth in an amused -smile.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Do you mean <i>our</i> Nineteen?” Muriel could not -keep a faint note of amazement, bordering on disapproval -out of her question.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She couldn’t very well belong to either of the other -chapters,” Jerry pointed out. “The only members -of last year’s Travelers at Hamilton to be here this -year will be Phil Moore and Barbara Severn. Oh, -yes. Anna Towne is coming back to teach English -Literature. The new Travelers were all chosen before -college closed last June, weren’t they?” She -turned inquiringly to Marjorie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes. The only Travelers’ chapter Leslie could -very well belong to would be ours. Of course all -this is only tentative. If Prexy declines to do anything -for Leslie it would be of no use to ask her -to join the Travelers.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The Board would have to give consent as well -as Prexy to her coming back,” Vera interposed.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, but I dare say the Board members would -if President Matthews recommended another trial -for her,” Marjorie answered.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Did you ever hear of an ex-Hamilton student -being permitted to return to Hamilton again?” -Ronny asked dubiously.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, I never have. Perhaps this will be the first -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>case of the kind on the Hamilton records,” Marjorie -replied brightly. “I wish you girls would tell -me exactly the way you feel about helping Leslie -Cairns if she should come back to college.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Just the way you do, I hope,” Vera made loyal -return.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It is a fine diversion you are providing for my -old age,” was Leila’s mock-enthusiastic response. -“But I can stand it, if you can, Beauty.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yours truly.” Muriel thus pledged her devotion. -“Doris would be glad of it. She really cares -a good deal for Leslie Cairns.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You should have more faith in your pals,” -Ronny rebuked with simulated severity. “When -have we ever gone back on you?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wish there was something I could say to President -Matthews that would help,” was Lucy’s regretful -cry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Is it necessary for me to say, Bean, dear Bean, -that I will never desert you?” Jerry contributed reproachfully.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are darling old dears.” Marjorie beamed -warmest affection on the group of white-clad girls -who had just sworn fealty afresh to her standard.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“And you are the same beautiful Beauty that you -were five years ago when you walked into Baretti’s -one fine September evening and began the conquest -of Leslie Cairns which has ended in her unconditional -surrender.” Leila was looking a world of -affectionate admiration at Marjorie. “Did I not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>say to you then, Midget, that Beauty had arrived -on the campus, and that great doings would come -to pass?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You surely did say it, and that is at least one -of your prophesies which has come true,” Vera -made ready response.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nonsense. It was not I. It was my faithful -Beanstalks. What could I have done for democracy -without them? You are the same splendid Leila -Harper, who worked like mad to make things come -right on the campus and then wouldn’t believe she’d -done anything worth while. You see I can say as -much about you as you said about me,” Marjorie -triumphantly retaliated. “Who was it—.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Never mind who it was,” Leila cut in hastily. -“Let us talk of the campus. It is a beautiful piece -of ground. Is it not?” She inquired of Marjorie -with polite affability. “Have I not heard you say -you admire it?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wish I could see it from my windows at Hamilton -Arms,” Marjorie said half wistfully, though -she smiled at Leila’s ridiculous air and questions. -“I do miss you girls and the Hall and the campus -dreadfully, much as I love the Arms. It was fine, -you know, to be right in the middle of the campus, -as it were. I shan’t settle down again at the biography -much before the first of November. As soon -as Robin comes back, Page and Dean will have to -get busy in the show business again.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Robin ought to be here by this time. We received -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>a letter from her just before we sailed for -home in which she wrote that she was coming back -to Hamilton as early as the first of September.” -Vera gave out this news as she hospitably replenished -the glasses from the case of ginger ale on the -floor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She has probably waited for Phil, and Phil may -have been delayed by an influx of visiting relatives,” -was Marjorie’s guess. “The Moores are the most -hospitable of southerners Robin says.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It will be a week before the campus begins to -be inhabited,” Ronny predicted. “Then the campus -dwellers will arrive in numbers. Did you and Vera -see Doris Monroe while you were abroad, Leila? -Of course you had her Paris address.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We spent three days with her in Paris. She -was with an aunt in a cunning little apartment in -the Rue de Rivoli. Her father and his party of explorers -have unearthed a buried city in Peru. He -will not return to France for another year.” Vera -went on to relate the details of their visit to Doris -Monroe. She ended with: “Doris must be on the -way across the Atlantic now. She was intending to -sail for the United States the first of September.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What news from the Bertramites?” asked -Muriel.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“None,” replied Leila. “That means you may -expect them to come breezing back to Hamilton -any day. Kathie and Lillian will be here on next -Friday evening, according to Kathie’s letter. And -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>now are you not glad that I would tell you nothing -about the campus news last night?” Leila viewed -her friends with indulgently twinkling eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>On the previous evening she had laughingly refused -to give out a word of information concerning -campus matters. “If Midget and I were to -tell you all the news tonight we should have nothing -to entertain you with at the Hall tomorrow,” she -had argued.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leila’s good-humored inquiry evoked a buzz of -laughing rejoinders. “I am so kind,” she continued, -“I will keep on giving you the news. Besides -you girls and ourselves there are only four -other students back at the Hall; Miss Peters and -Miss Finch, those two nice freshies who had 14 -last year, and Miss Keller and Miss Ryan, the two -sophs who roomed next to Miss Peyton and Miss -Carter. They are sophs and juniors now, but their -hats will continue to fit their heads, I believe. Let -me see. Midget and I have only half unpacked our -trunks. We have done a great deal of visiting at -the Arms, and no work.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Tomorrow we are going to clean house and unpack -and buy some plates at the ten cent store. -Lead really useful lives, you know,” Vera announced -with joking energy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Midget is that ambitious!” Leila became colloquially -Celtic.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Vera’s light announcement brought forth plenty -of similar jesting resolves from the others. With -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>conversation flowing in a purely personal channel -Leslie Cairns’ name was not mentioned again. Having -pledged their word to do all they could to help -her six of the reunited Travelers were only too well -content to allow the subject to drop. They had -not yet come to the stage of regarding Leslie from -Marjorie’s great-spirited viewpoint.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Of them all Vera was the nearest to Marjorie in -tolerance. She was willing to help Leslie for Leslie’s -sake; not because of her regard for Marjorie. -With the others it was solely on Marjorie’s account -that they had agreed to stand by Leslie, -should future need of their support arise. Jerry -and Ronny, the only ones besides Marjorie who -knew of Leslie’s plan for Leila, had at heart not -yet entirely forgiven Leslie for past offenses against -Marjorie. Muriel Harding would probably never -cherish any degree of liking for Leslie, no matter -how well she might do in future. Muriel had a -peculiarly obdurate side of character in spite of her -natural sunnyness of disposition.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As for Leila, only Leila herself knew how greatly -she still detested Leslie Cairns. Though she had -been first to credit Leslie for her courage in seeking -President Matthews, even this incident had not -altered in the slightest degree her basic dislike for -the financier’s once lawless daughter. Her secret -aversion for Leslie had not died with the knowledge -of the other girl’s change of heart.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Once before Leila had found occasion to admire -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>Leslie’s moral courage, tardily as it had shown itself. -This was on the day in spring when she and -Marjorie had encountered Leslie Cairns on the road -to Orchard Inn and the latter had halted their car -to make brave confession to Marjorie. In spite of -it Leila had not warmed toward the penitent then. -Nor had this latest report of Leslie’s courage stirred -in Leila any real sympathy. Leila would not have -admitted such an attitude of mind, even to Vera. -For Marjorie’s sake she was resolved to hide her -dislike for Leslie so securely that no one should -even suspect her of it.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER IX.<br /> <br />A MOMENTOUS ERRAND</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“How do I look, Jeremiah? Very grave and serious, -I hope.” Marjorie walked sedately to the -center of the spacious sitting room which was a part -of hers and Jerry’s luxurious quarters at Hamilton -Arms. She paused, casting an interrogative glance -at Jerry, who was sitting on the edge of a chair -interestingly following Marjorie’s every movement.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You don’t look half as solemn as you think you -feel,” was Jerry’s opinion delivered with a faint -chuckle.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How discouraging.” Marjorie stopped before -the long plate glass wall mirror for a last critical -inspection. She thought she made a really unobtrusive -appearance in her plain dark blue faille gown -and small blue faille hat.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You might better wear your new jade afternoon -frock with the black fur bands,” Jerry grumbled -critically. “The world is yours in that rig.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’re a fond goose, Jeremiah. It has to be a case -of ‘I won’t speak of myself’ today. I wish to eliminate -Marjorie Dean from the situation as thoroughly -as I can. I wish Prexy’s interest to be all for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>Leslie. The color of my new dress might interfere -with his thought processes. This is strictly a matter -of psychology, you know,” she declared gaily.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“All right, Bean. You win. You look almost as -beautiful as ever, if not more so. True beauty cannot -be hidden.” Jerry rose in a declamatory attitude, -one arm raised stiffly. “It peereth forth from -even the humblest of blue faille—”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Stop it this instant.” Marjorie forgot sedateness -and rushed upon Jerry, open-armed. Jerry -threw up both arms and accidentally knocked Marjorie’s -hat off. “Now see what you’ve done.” -Laughing, Marjorie straightened a dent in her little -blue hat and went over to the mirror to readjust -it. “You’ve completely chased away my seriousness, -Jeremiah Macy.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“A good thing. Don’t worry about the way you -ought to approach Prexy. Whatever you say to -him will be the best thing that could possibly be -said for Leslie.” This time it was Jerry who turned -momentarily serious.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I hope so.” Marjorie gave a quick, longing -sigh. “Now I must be on my way. Lucy said -Prexy would surely be at the house after four today. -It’s a quarter to four now. I’ll meet you at -Wayland Hall at five o’clock. Coming down stairs -with me?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No. I’ve a letter to write. I must start it this -minute. It’s to Hal. Any messages,” she called -slyly. Marjorie was at the door.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>“Not any.” Marjorie laughed and blushed charmingly. -“Good-bye, Jeremiah. See you later.” She -tripped down the broad staircase and into the -library where Miss Susanna Hamilton sat at the -long mahogany table busily occupied with sorting -the loose yellow leaves of an old book.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“So you are off on the momentous errand, are -you, child?” she greeted, her eyes still on her dilettante -task. She laid down the leaf in her hand -and turned her keen dark eyes smilingly upon Marjorie. -“What a plain little dress! But I like it. -It’s suitable to the errand on which you are going. -Marvelous Manager with no frills or furbelows.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“If I succeed with Prexy this afternoon I shall -feel that I can lay claim to that ridiculous title for -just once.” Marjorie came over to Miss Hamilton. -She bent and kissed the old lady’s pink cheek. -“Please don’t be lonely without us at dinner tonight, -Goldendede,” she said. “Remember we’ll -all be here tomorrow night for a regular Travelers’ -reunion.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Run along, my dear. I’ll be glad to be rid of -both you and Jerry this evening,” chuckled Miss -Susanna. “Think what an opportunity I shall have -to collate this book, uninterrupted.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good-bye.” Marjorie started for the door in -pretended offense. Half way across the library she -paused, looking back and laughing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Wait a minute, Marjorie. Try not to feel downcast -if President Matthews should be brusque with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>you in regard to Leslie,” was the older woman’s -advice. “He is broader-minded than most presidents -of colleges that I have known. And I have -known a good many of them. They are all alike -in their deep disapproval of particularly lawless -students. Leslie’s case seems very doubtful to me. -I don’t mean to be discouraging. I know how -strongly prejudiced such men are against flagrant -student offenders.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I understand.” Marjorie gave a little comprehending -nod. She came back and kissed Miss Susanna -again, saying: “Wish me good fortune, Goldendede. -I’m going on a quick hike to a trying -engagement.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good luck attend you, Lieutenant Dean.” Miss -Susanna watched the trim little figure across the -room and through the open door.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie left the Arms and sped lightly down the -wide stone walk to the gates. She was soon swinging -along with her free buoyant stride through -picturesque Hamilton Estates and toward the campus. -For a little the tender beauty of the early September -day caused her to forget her errand in fervent -Nature worship. Overhead the sun’s golden -gleams filtered down from skies of palest blue between -snatches of drifting, snowy clouds. The -sweeping lawns and gardens of the Estates were -bright with scarlet sage, dahlias and early autumn -flowers. Along the sides of the pike and in the -fields grew goldenrod, daisies and purple asters in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>Nature’s own profusion. Here and there the foliage -of a tree had been touched by magic fingers and -turned from green to red and gold.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie greeted the emerald-hued campus with -a fond smile and a soft: “You’re as splendid as -ever, old friend.” She entered the east gates and -followed the drive for a little way, then left it to -travel straight across the broad green sweep toward -President Matthews’ house which was situated at -the extreme west side of the campus.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was now almost a week since the initial band -of Travelers had gathered at the Hall and Marjorie -had then announced her determination to go -to President Matthews in behalf of Leslie Cairns. -She had been obliged to delay her call upon the President -for the very good reason that he had not -returned to Hamilton campus from the sea shore -until Tuesday of that week. It was now Thursday. -The next day, Friday, would see the return of -Katherine Langly and Lillian Wenderblatt to the -campus. There was to be a jolly celebration at the -Arms on Friday evening in honor of them. In view -of happiness so near at hand Marjorie was desirous -of immediately putting Leslie’s case before the -President and having the self-appointed interview -with “Prexy” off her mind.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As she crossed the broad green, endeared by long -familiarity to her feet, her gaze wandered from one -to another of the campus houses. Her eyes brightened -to see three girls seated on the steps of Craig -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>Hall. At Acasia House a slim girl shape stood on -the top step of the front veranda, waving an arm -at an expressman coming up the walk with a heavy-looking -trunk. In front of Silverton Hall three -girls were emerging from a taxicab. Marjorie -stopped to stare at them. No; they were not -Phyllis Moore, Barbara Severn and Robin Page. -She was not sure of their identity. She experienced -a glad sense of happiness at the thought that the -campus dwellers were gathering home again. The -end of another week and Hamilton Campus would -have again become its old delightful center of -activity.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As she turned in at the gateway of the ornamental -hedge which surrounded the president’s home, Marjorie’s -buoyant interest in the campus receded and -was replaced by the graver import of her errand. -She hoped she would find the president alone. Perhaps -Lucy would be there. Lucy had been working -for him for the past two days.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I shan’t mind if Lucy is there,” Marjorie was -thinking as she neared the steps. Her heart was -beating uncomfortably fast. She had a strong inclination -to turn and run away. She did not dread -the coming interview. What she did dread was -the probable event of defeat.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER X.<br /> <br />FOR LESLIE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Ringing the bell with a brave little air Marjorie -waited. She recalled the first visit she had ever -made to the president’s house. On that occasion -she had been a messenger for Miss Humphrey the -registrar. That had been long ago, in her sophomore -year. Since that day, her first personal meeting -with President Matthews, Marjorie had become -a welcome visitor and guest at Prexy’s home. The -maid, a stolid Swedish girl with pale gold hair -and round blue eyes broke into smiles at sight of -her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Gude afternoon, Miss Dean. How you ben all -sommer?” she greeted Marjorie with pleased effusion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good afternoon, Hilda. How have you been? -I have been very well, and very happy.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Tha’s gude. I am pritty gude, too. We go sea -shore, you know. Nize place. I go tak the bathe -in the oshin. I gat awful much sunburn. Ha, -ha!” Hilda showed her white teeth enjoyingly over -her calamity. “You come see Mrs. Matthews? -She is gone away this afternoon. The president is -here. May-bee you come see him?”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“I hope your sunburn is all well now.” Marjorie -smiled at the jolly pink and white maid. “Yes, -I came to see President Matthews. Is he busy?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“He see you.” Hilda nodded confidently. “You -come in, pleese, Miss Dean. I tell him.” She -ushered Marjorie into the colonial reception hall and -disappeared into the room at the right, the president’s -office. She was back in an instant with: -“The president pleese to see you, Miss Dean.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good afternoon, Miss Marjorie. This is a most -unexpected pleasure.” President Matthews met -Marjorie at the door of his office and warmly shook -her by the hand. She saw that he was alone in -the office.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good afternoon, President Matthews. I am very -glad to see you. Miss Susanna and I are coming -to make a social call upon Mrs. Matthews and you -as soon as you are fairly settled again after your -summer away from the campus. I came today on -business of my own. I hoped to find you here and -not too busy to see me.” Marjorie’s color heightened -a trifle as she made the frank statement.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am at your service, Miss Marjorie.” The -president bowed her into a chair in his courtly -fashion and sat down opposite her in his own. -“What can I do for you?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I will give you a direct answer, and explain -things afterward.” Marjorie raised candid eyes to -those of the president. “I wish you would give -Leslie Cairns an opportunity to return to Hamilton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>College, and earn the degree she forfeited when -she was expelled from Hamilton.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>A dead silence followed her straight-forward request. -President Matthews regarded her with contemplative -gravity.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When he spoke it was to say: “You astonish me. -Still I am confident you realize the peculiarity of -the request you have just made.” He continued to -regard Marjorie as though half curious to learn -what strong motive had prompted her amazing plea -for reinstatement of the girl who had despitefully -used her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, I understand fully how much I am asking -of you. Can it be done for Miss Cairns?” Again -she came directly to the point.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You mean from the standpoint of my permission -and that of the Board?” he interrogated with -equal directness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes.” Marjorie inclined her head in affirmation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Well,” President Matthews paused briefly; -“such a thing has never been done at Hamilton. I -do not say that it could not be arranged. Let me -ask you, Miss Marjorie, what I regard as a most -pertinent question: Why should such a sweeping -favor be granted Miss Cairns? She furnished in -my opinion, the most glaring example of bad conduct -of any Hamilton culprit with whom I have -ever had occasion to deal. However, I know -you would not be here today with such a request -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>except under strong conviction of right.” He paused -again, looking at her as though inviting an explanation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Cairns has undergone a great change of -mind and heart, President Matthews. I should like -to tell you as much as I know of it,” Marjorie returned. -She was resolved to be frank, yet to -choose her words so carefully as to spare Leslie so -far as she could.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I never knew Miss Cairns personally when she -was a student at Hamilton,” she began, “but last -spring we became acquainted by chance.” Marjorie -thus magnanimously bridged over her years at -Hamilton which Leslie Cairns had made so troublous -for her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Followed the interesting story of Peter Carden -who had run away from Carden Hedge and made -a name in finance for himself as Peter Cairns. She -felt the intensity of President Matthews’ interest -as she continued to tell of Leslie’s humiliating business -mistake of having paid sixty thousand dollars -for a garage site, the ground of which had already -belonged to her father. Again Marjorie omitted -all reference to the intended spitefulness of Leslie’s -business venture as in relation to the Travelers’ -dormitory enterprise. Nor was she to learn until -long afterward that President Matthews had been -in possession of the true state of Page and Dean’s -dormitory set-backs at the time when she made her -earnest plea for Leslie.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>Generously ignoring the past Marjorie chose to -dwell instead upon Leslie’s great affection for her -father and of her desire for re-instatement at Hamilton -solely on his account.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I came to you upon my own responsibility, and -unbeknown to Miss Cairns. Miss Susanna Hamilton -and six of my best friends know this. Last -night we met informally at Wayland Hall and discussed -the matter. We are ready to help Miss -Cairns in any way that we can should she be permitted -to return to Hamilton. When she told me, -on the way home from California, about her call -upon you, I felt that she had not done herself justice. -You were not in possession of the real facts -of why she wished to come back to Hamilton. She -could not put them before you as I could. So I -am here.” Her smile of kindly resolution was very -beautiful.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am regarding Miss Cairns in a more favorable -light; far more favorable than I had ever expected -to regard her,” the president admitted slowly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, I forgot to mention one very important -point,” Marjorie added. “I have talked with Miss -Remson about Miss Cairns. I know her to be great-spirited. -She wishes to help Leslie.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“My own belief,” came the hearty reply. “After -all, Miss Marjorie, the burden of Miss Cairns’ offenses -were against yourself, Miss Remson and myself.” -The president smiled rather wryly. “You -have chosen to eliminate yourself in the problem. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>I can do no better than to emulate your fine example -of true Christian spirit. It remains for Miss -Remson to speak her mind. In confidence I will -say that the personal side of Miss Remson’s and -my grievances against Miss Cairns were never -brought before the Board. Miss Cairns was expelled -from Hamilton College together with her -student confederates for hazing—and nothing other -than hazing.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh!” Marjorie could not repress the quick anxious -ejaculation. She was suddenly seeing a dim -light of hope, very faint, but a light, nevertheless.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The man saw the flash of hopeful eagerness spring -into her face. His next speech was even more reassuring.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You know how bitterly I am opposed to hazing,” -he said. “My attitude toward the students who -were expelled from Hamilton for hazing you was -implacable. It was perhaps more severe than that -of my colleagues. A plea to the Board on my part -for re-instatement for Miss Cairns may meet with -success. I will call a meeting of the members soon. -Considerable time has elapsed since the affair. Your -wish in the matter——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Pardon me. Must my name be mentioned?” -Marjorie questioned in a tone of dismay.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, since you wish to help Miss Cairns. It -will be one of my strongest arguments in favor of -re-instatement. While her desire to return to college -because of regard for her father is commendable, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>this, in itself, may not impress the Board members. -They may maintain that she should have -thought of her duty to her father before she defied -the rules of the college.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“If they could only know what such a re-instatement -would mean to her!” was Marjorie’s involuntary -exclamation. “There is her side of it too. It -is the side I intended to present to you in case you -had not been in sympathy with me,” she added -naively.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Indeed?” President Matthews regarded her with -interested, half-amused eyes. He was thoroughly -admiring her invincible spirit. “Will you tell me -Miss Cairns’ side of it?” he requested gently.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Can you imagine anything harder than for Miss -Cairns to re-enter Hamilton College under a cloud?” -Marjorie’s voice rang with appealing earnestness. -“Her story is well known on the campus even -though many of the students who were at Hamilton -when she was there have been graduated. The -Travelers will stand by her and try to make other -students understand and respect her motive, should -she be permitted to return. But she will undoubtedly -be subjected to many humiliations. It will be a -question of ethics, and there are so many different -codes.” Marjorie made a gesture expressive of futility. -“Could she choose a thornier path of restitution?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“True enough.” The doctor bowed agreement. -“It is you, rather than I, who should put Miss -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>Cairns’ case before the Board,” he said, half smiling. -“You have the courage of your convictions.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, no!” Marjorie looked her alarm. “I beg -your pardon,” she apologized in the same breath. -“I didn’t mean—I meant—” She stopped, rosy with -confusion. “I am sure no one else could explain -Leslie’s case to the Board as you could, Dr. Matthews,” -she rallied with confidence. “It was easy -for me to come to you because you are my friend. -I would go before the Board, in order to help Leslie, -if there were no other way open for me to do. But -I should not like to do so.” Her sunny smile -flashed out with the confession.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I understand your attitude in the matter, better, -perhaps, than you may guess. I shall respect -it, and try to present Miss Cairns’ case to the Board -members as sympathetically as you have presented -it to me.” The president answered her smile, his -grave features lighting.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie breathed again at the reassurance. She -was recalling the one occasion on which she has appeared -before the Board. It had had strictly to do -with expelling Leslie Cairns from Hamilton College. -She was glad to remember now that her testimony -then had added no weight to the evidence -against Leslie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You underestimate your own powers, Miss Marjorie.” -She came back from remembrance of that -dark day to hear the president saying. “Of all persons -whom I know you have the best right to ask -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>of and receive from the executives of Hamilton College -the concession which you ask. You have accomplished -for Hamilton that which I believe no -one else could have done.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XI.<br /> <br />COMING BACK</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“Well, Bean, beneficent, belated Bean, I thought -you were never coming.” Jerry Macy cheerfully -addressed Marjorie from the top step of the veranda -of Wayland Hall on which she was sitting -viewing her chums’ progress up the walk with an -encouraging grin.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s only ten minutes past five,” Marjorie defended, -her eyes seeking the clock tower of Hamilton -Hall.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You said five o’clock,” Jerry rebukingly reminded. -“Learn to be dependable, my dear young -lady. Then everyone will like you. I like you, -anyway.” Jerry favored Marjorie with an effulgent -smile.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Thank you so much,” Marjorie bowed mock -gratitude of Jerry’s graciousness. “What are you -doing out here all by yourself? Where is everyone?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I might say that I left the ‘madding crowd’ to -watch for you. Alas, it would not be true!” Jerry -sighed. “Nobody’s home,” she added in a practical -tone. “Can you beat that?”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>“Where is everybody?” Marjorie mounted the -steps and dropped gracefully down beside Jerry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Scattered to the four winds. Miss Remson -went to town and Ronny and Muriel went with her. -Leila and Vera are off and away, whereabouts unknown. -The two freshies who are to have Number -12 arrived in a taxi about an hour ago. I assisted -them with their luggage in my grandest post-graduate -manner. They’re still roosting in 12, and -getting accustomed to the scenery. Where’s Luciferous? -I thought she’d be with you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She wasn’t at Prexy’s house. He was splendid, -Jeremiah. He will do all he can for Leslie.” Marjorie -began an account of her interview with President -Matthews.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What do you know about that? What do you -suppose she will say when she hears the good -word?” Jerry looked pleased in spite of her none -too warm regard for Leslie Cairns. “How do you -suppose it will come to her? I wonder if Prexy -will send for her to come to his office or if the -Board will send her a notice, or what will happen?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I don’t know. I’m wondering most of all when -it will be. Prexy said he should call a Board meeting -soon. Do you think I ought to tell Leslie what -I’ve done?” Marjorie eyed Jerry with thoughtful -anxiety. “It’s almost certain.” Her color deepened -as she thought of the president’s words of earnest -commendation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, I don’t.” Jerry’s answer was decided. “A -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>surprise is one thing but a disappointment is quite -another. I suppose she will live at the Hamilton -House with Mrs. Gaylord. It seems queer to me—that -our precious Hob-goblin, should be coming -back to Hamilton as our bosom friend. It’s high -time we wound up our campus affairs, Marvelous -Manager, and kept time to the wedding march.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>We?</i> What <i>do</i> you mean, Jeremiah Macy?” -Marjorie turned with merry suspicion upon Jerry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nothing at all. I merely used ‘we’ as a figure -of speech.” Jerry’s expression of innocence was -perfect. The rush of tell-tale color to her cheeks -betrayed her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are an old fraud. You’re going to marry -Danny Seabrooke. You can’t deny it.” Marjorie -shook a playful finger at Jerry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Bean, I cannot tell a lie. I am; someday. But -not for a whole year. The engagement won’t be -announced till after your wedding. No one but -Danny and the Macys and you know it. Swear, -Marjorie Dean, that you won’t——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Jerry broke off abruptly. She sprang up and ran -down the steps calling “Come along” over one -plump shoulder. Approaching across the campus -and within a few hundred yards of Wayland Hall -she had spied three white-clad figures. Jerry made -for the trio at a run, twirling a welcoming arm high -above her head.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie rose hurriedly and followed Jerry in her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>jubilant dash, her radiant face showing her delight -in beholding the newcomers.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Robin Page! Dear precious Pagey!” she cried, -holding out both arms to her tried and trusted partner -of campus enterprise. “I nearly looked my eyes -out coming across the campus this afternoon, hoping -that three girls I saw getting out of a taxi at -Silverton Hall were you and Phil and Barbara. -They weren’t. I was so disappointed.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We arrived in the usual taxi not more than half -an hour ago. Silverton Hall is filling up fast with -aspiring freshmen. We didn’t wait to make their -acquaintance. Instead we started for Wayland -Hall. We ’phoned the Arms first. Miss Susanna -said you would be here at five.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Robin delivered this information between the enthusiastic -embraces of her pretty partner. Page -and Dean beamed at each other with utter good -will. Then Jerry claimed Robin with a vigorous -hug and kiss. Marjorie, Phyllis Moore and Barbara -Severn entwined arms in a triangular demonstration -of buoyant affection.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You should have seen us leave our luggage in -one grand pyramid in the middle of Robin’s room,” -laughed Phil Moore.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Bags, suit cases, golf sticks, musical instruments, -bundles, magazines and bandboxes all in -reckless confusion,” declared Barbara with a wave -of the hand.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We were crazy to see you. Where are the other -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>girls? How about dinner at Baretti’s?” Robin -cried all in a breath.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We’ve promised Miss Remson to stay here and -spend the evening with her. You’re respectfully -invited to stick,” Jerry told the welcome arrivals.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“All right. Guiseppe’s tomorrow evening then,” -Robin returned radiantly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; Hamilton Arms tomorrow evening. There’s -to be a Travelers’ reunion,” Marjorie interposed. -“Kathie and Lillian will be home this evening. All -the old Travelers except Helen Trent will be here -then. And Phil and Barbara of the new ones. -Helen is coming to visit us at the Arms in November. -She’ll stay till after Thanksgiving; maybe -longer.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, lovely. It’s simply glorious to be back.” -Robin drew a long rapturous breath. “The dormitory -is progressing wonderfully. We made the taxi -driver stop a moment today so that we could take -a look at it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Mr. Graham says it will be ready for occupancy -by the middle of March. Everything has gone as -smoothly as could be this past summer, Robin. Mr. -Graham says hardly an hour has been lost. He is -making up daily for the time that was lost last -winter. Things have gone ahead with such a rush -since that set-back. The dormitory will be finished, -he believes, not more than a month later than the -date he first named for its completion.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Isn’t that glorious news?” Robin exclaimed animatedly. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>“Do you hear that, girls?” she called out -to Phyllis and Barbara.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The reunited comrades were walking slowly toward -the steps of the Hall now, arm in arm, their -gay voices rising buoyantly on the stillness of the -September afternoon. They had just reached the -steps of the broad veranda when the throbbing of -a taxicab engine brought all eyes to bear upon a -station machine that was rolling up the drive.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I hope it’s the Bertramites,” declared Marjorie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I choose to have it Doris Monroe,” Jerry laughingly -differed.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The Travelers had paused by common consent at -the foot of the steps eagerly watching the nearing -automobile.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good night!” broke from Jerry in a subdued, -disgusted voice as she glimpsed the occupants of -the taxicab through the now opened doorway of -the machine. It had stopped on the graveled square -before the house and the driver had sprung from -his seat to open the rear door of the machine for -his fares.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The expressions on both Marjorie’s and Jerry’s -faces were unconscious indexes of their disappointment. -Marjorie had been fondly hoping to see -Augusta Forbes’ tall graceful figure and handsome -features emerge from the taxicab. Jerry knew that -Muriel was most anxious for the return to the Hall -of her roommate, Doris Monroe. To see moon-eyed -Julia Peyton poke her head suspiciously out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>of the door of the machine had inspired Jerry with -deep disgust.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The tall squarely-built figure of the sophomore -who had stirred up so much trouble during the -previous year followed the peering, pasty-white face -and large round black eyes with their owl-like stare. -Julia Peyton straightened, at the same time casting -a darting glance at the group of girls near the steps. -She drew her black brows together frowningly at -sight of the quintette. With no sign of recognition -she turned her back belligerently upon them and devoted -herself to paying the driver.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Her companion of the taxicab, a short plump -girl with a disagreeable face and bright red hair, -emulated Julia’s example, her nose elevated to a -haughty angle.</p> - -<p class='c005'>With the air of a grenadier, Julia picked up a -leather bag which she had set down on the graveled -space while she paid the driver. She stalked toward -the steps across the small graveled interval, -her black eyes fastened upon the front doorway of -the Hall.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Good afternoon Miss Peyton,” Marjorie greeted -composedly as the haughty arrival passed the group. -“Good afternoon, Miss Carter.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>A combined murmur of greeting arose from the -other four Travelers who were quick to follow -Marjorie’s lead.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Neither by word nor sign did Julia Peyton indicate -that she was aware of the courteous salutation. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>Her chum and roommate, Clara Carter, imitated -Julia in the discourtesy. The pair went grandly -up the steps and to the door where Julia pressed -a finger to the electric bell. Without waiting for a -maid she flung open the screen door and stepped into -the reception hall with Clara at her heels.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“A bad beginning makes a good ending. So ’tis -said,” Phil Moore commented with cheerful satire -as the unsociable pair of arrivals disappeared into -the house.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“A decidedly bad beginning I should say,” Barbara -Severn’s shoulders lifted with a disapproving -shrug. “How extremely silly to carry one’s prejudices -and resentments to such an extent.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It certainly is. Just the same if Marjorie hadn’t -spoken to those two girls first, I shouldn’t have,” -Robin confessed. “Not because of past displeasure -toward them. It is one’s first impulse to return such -a discourtesy in kind.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Did you imagine they would speak to you, Marjorie?” -was Barbara’s interested question.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie smilingly shook her head. “No,” she -said, “Miss Peyton hasn’t spoken to me since the -evening of the Rustic Romp last spring. She has -been nice to Leila, though. And generally to you, -Robin, hasn’t she?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Um-m; so, so.” Robin answered lightly. “She -certainly didn’t speak to me today.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That was only because you were with me,” -Marjorie declared.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>“And me,” echoed Jerry. “Don’t leave me out -of things. There has been a Peyton-Macy feud -ever since the night last year when Miss Peyton reported -the social gathering in Fifteen as noisy, and -she and I exchanged pleasantries. You three innocent, -trusting Silvertonites were snubbed because of -the company you keep.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“May we always be found in the same company,” -Robin said gaily.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wish we could all go up to Fifteen,” Marjorie -remarked half wistful. “Annie says she thinks it -has been taken. She heard Miss Remson tell Leila -yesterday that she was saving it for someone. It -hadn’t been taken, though, day before yesterday -when I last saw Miss Remson.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, let’s go into the living room then,” Robin -proposed. “I have stacks of business to transact -with you, dear partner.” She reached out and drew -Marjorie into the circle of a loving arm. “Phil -and Barby and Jerry can entertain one another.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What sort of entertainment do you prefer?” -Phil asked Jerry with polite solemnity.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I don’t know. I am not used to being entertained,” -giggled Jerry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The quintette were animatedly mounting the -steps, their merry voices and fresh, light-hearted -laughter enlivening the vacation quiet which had -hung over the hall during the long summer days in -the absence of the Hamilton girls to whom it yearly -gave canopy.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>Barbara’s keen ears were quick to catch the hum -of an approaching motor. “Oh, there’s another -taxicab coming!” she called out. “This time let’s -hope it is Miss Remson and the girls.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>A battery of expectant glances was turned upon -the station taxicab as it sped up the drive toward -the house. A concerted little shout of jubilation -went up from the watchers as it stopped and Veronica -stepped lightly from the machine followed by -Miss Remson, whom she gallantly assisted to alight, -and Muriel.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, frabjous day!” Muriel made a rush for -the three returned Silvertonites. A joyful tumult -ensued, during which the driver of the taxicab circled -the laughing, chattering knot of women in an -uneasy prance, anxious to collect his fares and be -gone.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Through an open window of the long second-story -hall the merry sounds of rejoicing floated to -the ears of Julia Peyton, who had been conducting -a tour of investigation up and down the hall for her -own satisfaction. She went to the window which -overlooked the front yard and drive. Standing -well back from it she sourly watched the animated, -laughing group gather on the gravelled space below. -The instant she saw it begin to move toward -the steps she darted away from the window and into -her room.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What’s the matter?” Clara Carter had already -removed her hat and traveling coat and was lounging -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>in a cushioned wicker chair. She turned pale -blue curious eyes upon Julia as the latter fairly -dashed into the room, closing the door.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nothing is the matter, except that I don’t choose -to be out in the hall when that crowd of P. G.’s -comes upstairs,” she said crossly. “I’ve made up -my mind to one thing. This year I am not going -to have any more silly crushes like the one I had on -Doris Monroe. I’m going to make the dramatic -club and be of importance on the campus.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XII.<br /> <br />A MYSTERY ABOUT 15</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“It’s all right! It’s all right! Oh, splendid, -great, celostrous!”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie slipped from her chair at the breakfast -table in the sun-lit morning room of Hamilton Arms -and began a vigorously joyful dance around the -room, waving a letter over her head, her lovely face -aglow.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Thank you for using my new adjective,” Jerry -commented politely, “but why such enthusiasm? -Why such joyful gyrations?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Can’t you guess? Take a look at that envelope -by my plate and you’ll know.” Marjorie came back -to the table and resumed her place.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I know. But then, I am a better guesser than -Jerry,” Miss Susanna declared jokingly. “Your -letter is from Doctor Matthews.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How could I know? Prexy Matthews never -writes letters to me,” Jerry defended. “I’m neither -a benefactor nor a biographer.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, it is from Prexy. Listen to what he writes.” -Marjorie read in an utterly happy tone:</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>“<span class='sc'>Dear Miss Marjorie</span>:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It becomes my great pleasure to inform you that -I have successfully presented Miss Cairns’ case to -the Hamilton College Board. I took up the matter -with the members at a special meeting which I called -on the day after our conversation relative to the -matter. They asked for three days’ time in which -to consider Miss Cairns’ case.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yesterday afternoon at a special meeting called -by the chairman of the Board at Hamilton Hall the -Board members came to the decision that, in the -circumstances, Miss Cairns was to be commended -in her desire toward moral restitution. Your plea -in her behalf was incorporated into a regular motion -which was voted upon. A unanimous vote in -her favor was cast. It was also voted that I should -notify Miss Cairns of her eligibility to return to -Hamilton College as a student.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Relative to notifying Miss Cairns of the Board’s -favorable decision I should prefer to consult you -in the matter before taking action. You may have -some special preference in this respect which I should -be glad to honor. Will you call at my office in -Hamilton Hall at your convenience, on any afternoon -of the week before Saturday, and before four -o’clock?</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Yours cordially,</div> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>Robert Eames Matthews</span>.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>Miss Susanna rose, trotted from the head of the -oblong table to the foot and put both arms about -Marjorie’s neck. “You good little thing,” she said -with half quavering tenderness. “You deserve all -the happiness life can give you. You’ve given Leslie -her surest chance of becoming what she hopes -now to be.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You would have done the same. I only happened -to think of it first because she told me about having -gone to Prexy herself,” Marjorie sturdily refused -to credit herself with having done anything worthy -of laudation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s the way all the big things for humanity -have been done, child,” Miss Susanna returned -soberly. “Some wholly unselfish person has happened -to think of the other fellow first. Happened -to think because his or her mind was centered on doing -good.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’re so dear, Goldendede.” Marjorie rubbed -a soft cheek against Miss Susanna’s encircling arm. -She chose this method of wriggling gracefully away -from praise. “I’m going to send Leslie a telegram -this morning asking her to come to Hamilton at -once. I’ll go to see Prexy this very afternoon,” -she decided with her usual promptness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s the right idea,” Jerry commended. “How -I wish I could do noble deeds like you, Bean. I -haven’t a single celostrous act to my credit that I -know of. At least Miss Susanna hasn’t praised me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>for any,” she added. Her mischievous grin bespoke -her lack of regret at her confessed defection.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nonsense.” Miss Susanna’s merry little chuckle -was heard. “I’m surprised at your lack of conceit, -Jeremiah. I know right now of three very celostrous -acts to your credit.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Name them,” challenged Jerry. “Listen closely, -Bean. Jeremiah is going to be praised. Ahem. All -ready.” She straightened in her chair, lifted her -dimpled chin, and put on a fixed stare of expectant -modesty.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You helped Jonas take up and put away the -dahlia tubers. He hates that job. Second. You -planned every bit of the Santa Claus fun last Christmas -on purpose for a crotchety old woman who -had never known much about Santa when she was -a lonely kiddie. Third. You are a never ending -source of diversion to your friends and a joy to -have in the house. If you don’t believe that you -are, go and ask Jonas,” the old lady finished humorously.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wouldn’t think of being so conceited.” Jerry -put one hand before her face and peered bashfully -around it at Miss Susanna.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I can add something to what Miss Susanna -says.” Marjorie’s gaze rested fondly upon Jerry. -“You are the best pal in the world, Jeremiah. You -have——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, I haven’t. Excuse me. Good-bye. I’m going -to help Jonas rake leaves this morning to put -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>around the rose bushes. Want me to run you over -to the campus in the car after luncheon?” she asked -Marjorie as she reached the door.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, thank you. I’m going to walk. You’d better -go with me, though. I am going to the Hall to -see Miss Remson and the girls. I have an idea -buzzing madly.” Marjorie smilingly tapped one side -of her curly head. “You can rally the Travelers in -Ronny’s room while I go to the Hall to see Prexy.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Jerry came back. She paused beside Marjorie, -head bent toward Marjorie’s curly one in an attitude -of strained listening. “I can’t hear it,” she said.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’re going to, since you’ve taken the trouble -to come back to listen for it. I was going to tell -you, anyway. We ought to initiate Leslie Cairns -into the Travelers on the same day she hears the -good news from Prexy.” Marjorie glanced inquiringly -from Jerry to Miss Hamilton. “We’d have -a funny initiation for her; like the one we conducted -for Phil and Barbara. It would put her at ease -with us.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“A good idea,” Miss Susanna instantly approved.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You bet it is,” Jerry echoed with slangy emphasis. -“But for goodness’ sake let us have it in -Muriel’s room. It’s farthest away from the retreat -of the Screech Owl and the Phonograph. Let’s -give them no chance this time to complain of noise -on our part.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We’ll invite the Lady of the Arms and the Empress -of Wayland Hall to the initiation, then they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>won’t dare complain,” Marjorie laughed. “Too bad -we can’t have it in good old 15. It’s larger than -either Ronny’s or Muriel’s room.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Has someone taken 15?” Jerry asked quickly. -“I forgot to ask you about it when you came from -the Hall last time.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Remson said the other day that she was -considering a student who might take it. She seemed -rather indefinite about it, so I didn’t ask her -any further questions. Will you come to Leslie’s -initiation, Miss Susanna?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>In spite of Marjorie’s merry assertion that the -Lady of the Arms would be present on the gala -occasion she now turned to the mistress of the Arms -with the pretty deference which she had ever accorded -Miss Susanna since their first meeting.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Thank you, Marvelous Manager. I shall be delighted -to attend such a splendid demonstration of -your marvelous managing,” was the old lady’s indulgent -reply.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“And we shall be even more delighted to have -you.” Marjorie rose from her chair and offered a -gay arm to her hostess. “Let me escort you into -the sitting room, dear Goldendede.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; let me.” Jerry offered the other arm.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The three paraded out of the morning room and -down the wide, old-fashioned center hall to the sitting -room.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’d better hurry up if you expect to rake -any leaves today,” was Jonas’s succinct advice to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>Jerry as he appeared in the hall in overalls to consult -Miss Susanna about certain of her rose bushes. -“I’ll have ’em all raked up myself before you get -near ’em.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>This warning, which was Jonas’s favorite method -of joking sent Jerry’s gallantry to the winds. She -dropped Miss Susanna’s arm and fled for the tool -house and a rake.</p> - -<p class='c005'>After spending an hour with Miss Hamilton in -the sitting room Marjorie went up stairs to the -study. There, with Brooke Hamilton’s deep-blue -eyes upon her, she wrote her semi-weekly letter to -Hal. She loved best to write to him in the quietness -and peace of the room where she had learned -the truth of her love for him because of Brooke -Hamilton’s disappointment and sorrow.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am going to work on your story again before -long,” she whimsically promised the portrait of the -founder of Hamilton College as she settled herself -at the antique library table to write to Hal. “I -haven’t forgotten you, but for a while I must leave -you and work for your college.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was with a feeling of glad exultation which -brought a starry brightness to her eyes and a deeper -tide of rose to her cheeks that she left Jerry at Wayland -Hall after luncheon and went on with a springy, -happy step to stately Hamilton Hall. She had already -telephoned a telegram to the telegraph office -in the town of Hamilton. The telegram was to Leslie, -at her apartment in Central Park West, New -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>York City. She had confidently worded it: “Come -to Hamilton at once. Important. Wire day and -train. Marjorie.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Her interview with President Matthews was brief -but eminently satisfactory. It resulted in the arrangement -that on whatever day Leslie Cairns -should arrive in Hamilton she should be escorted to -President Matthews’ office by Marjorie, there to -hear the good news from the head of the college -himself.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As she went down the steps of Hamilton Hall -she had hard work to keep from setting off across -the campus at a frisky run. She decided with a -smile dimpling the corners of her red lips that the -dignity of the occasion forbade it. When within -a few yards of the Hall, however, dignity ceased -to count. She sped high-heartedly across the short -thick campus grass to the steps, intent only upon -seeing her chums and laying her kindly plan before -them.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You had better make up your mind to stay -here to dinner this evening, children,” Miss Remson -offered this advice to Marjorie and Jerry -shortly after Marjorie’s arrival. To the great disappointment -of both girls not one of the Wayland -Hall Travelers was at home. “Call up the other -Travelers and tell them to come, too. Then you -can go into your old room, 15, and discuss the initiation -of Leslie Cairns. I must say it is the very -last thing I should suppose might happen.” The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>little manager’s tone was one of accepted wonder at -such a state of affairs.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Hasn’t 15 been taken yet?” Jerry cannily fished -for information.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Not yet.” Jerry surprised an odd, wise, bird-like -gleam in the little manager’s kindly eyes which -she knew of old to mean that Miss Remson had a -secret she was shrewdly guarding. “A senior I -know has the refusal of it. She has not decided -upon it yet. I had two applications yesterday for it. -I wish you and Marjorie were to have it this year. -Now girls, go and do your telephoning. I must -see the cook about the dinner.” Miss Remson -bustled off in her alert, brisk manner.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There’s some kind of mystery afoot about old -15,” Jerry surmised shrewdly. “You can’t fool -Jeremiah. She has what Leila calls ‘the seeing eye.’ -I can see all right enough that Miss Remson has -something on <i>her</i> mind about our old fond, familiar -hanging-out place that she isn’t ready to tell us. -When she does get ready to talk about it, it will -be some surprise, Bean; some surprise.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> <br />UNDER THE BIG ELM</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“Am I awake, or dreaming? Did I come out of -Hamilton Hall just now? If I did, what was it I -heard Prexy say? Prexy.” Leslie Cairns repeated -the name with tremulous satisfaction. “I’ve a right -to say it now. Thanks to <i>you</i>, Marjorie Dean, I am -back on the campus again. I’m going to cry, Marjorie. -I was determined I wouldn’t before Prexy. -I tried to take my pardon like a good soldier. But -now I am thinking of my father. What will Peter -the Great say?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I think Peter the Great will say, ‘Go to it, Cairns -II., and be the happiest person I know.’” Marjorie -assured, smiling her amusement of Leslie’s reference -to her father as Peter the Great. “Come on -over to the Bean holder, Leslie. We can sit there -for awhile, and, if you must cry, no one will notice -your weeps.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Her arm tucked into one of Leslie Cairns’, Marjorie -began steering her companion gently toward -a great-trunked, towering elm tree some distance -east of Hamilton Hall under which were two rustic -benches.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>“This is my favorite tree on the campus, Leslie,” -Marjorie introduced her companion to the giant -campus sentinel with a cheery wave of the hand. -“You named me Bean, and the girls named this -seat the Bean holder because I’ve always loved to -come here.” All this with a view toward dispelling -Leslie’s desire to cry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>That which Leslie had believed could never come -to pass had happened. She and Marjorie Dean had -just emerged from Hamilton Hall where she had -gone with Marjorie a brief twenty minutes before -to hear from President Matthews the amazing news -of her re-instatement as a student at Hamilton College.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That wretched name, Bean. It makes me laugh.” -Leslie was half laughing, half crying. “It always -made me laugh, even when I thought I hated you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s a fine name. I’m awfully fond of it,” Marjorie -assured with sunny good humor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>They made the rest of the short journey to the -seat under the big elm in silence. Leslie continued -to fight desperately against shedding tears. Marjorie -was sympathetically leaving her to herself until -she should recover her usual amount of poise.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The view of the campus is beautiful from here,” -Marjorie said as they seated themselves on one of -the two benches drawn up near the tree. She looked -off across the expanse of living green, worship of -her old friend, the campus, in her wide brown eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie assented. Her gaze was directed to Marjorie -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>rather than the campus. She thought she had -never seen anyone quite so lovely. Today Marjorie -had blossomed out in the pale jade frock of softest -silk and black fur trimmings which Jerry had advocated -on the occasion of her first call upon President -Matthews. From the crown of the small hat -which matched her frock to the dainty narrowness -of her black satin slippers Marjorie was a delight -to the eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Attired in a two-piece traveling frock of distinctive -English weave and make, Leslie herself was -looking far more attractive than in the old days -when she had been a student at Hamilton. Happiness -and a clear conscience had done much to change -her former lowering, disagreeable facial expression -to one of pleasant alertness and good humor. She -had come to Hamilton the day following the receipt -of Marjorie’s telegram on an early afternoon train, -Marjorie had met her at the station and after a -luncheon at the Ivy the two girls had gone direct -to Hamilton Hall.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Now that Leslie was in possession of the glad -knowledge that her dearest wish had been granted -Marjorie had other plans for her of which she was -totally unaware as she sat staring half absently at -the campus, her mind busy with wondering what -her father would say when he heard the blessed -news she had to tell him.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll go back to New York tomorrow, Marjorie, -and tell Peter the Great the good news. Then I’ll -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>give Mrs. Gaylord three times a year’s salary and -have my father book passage for her to Europe on -the Monarch. She’s crazy to go to England and -France. I shan’t need her. I’m going to engage -board in one of the off-campus boarding houses.” -Leslie broke the silence with this decided announcement. -“I could live at the Hamilton House with -Mrs. Gaylord as a chaperon, but I’d rather not. I’d -be too conspicuous. Of course, I’d love to live in -one of the campus houses. But that’s out of the -question.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wish you could live on the campus, Leslie. I -think it would be best for you, if you could find a -vacancy. It’s almost too late now to hope to find -one. I’ll inquire tomorrow for you, and see what -I can learn.” Marjorie spoke with the utmost friendly -concern.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; don’t.” Leslie shook a vigorous head. -“There’s not a manager of a campus house who -doesn’t know my record when I was here before. -Not one of them would consent to take me. Besides”—Leslie -hesitated—“there’s only one house on -the campus where I’d care to live—Wayland Hall. -That’s out of the question. You can understand -why.” A flush of shame mounted to Leslie’s cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It wouldn’t be if there were a vacancy at the -Hall,” Marjorie declared. “Miss Remson is glad -you are to come back to Hamilton. She knows -about it. I told her the other day after receiving -Prexy’s letter. Our old room, Fifteen, was vacant -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>when I first came back. If I had been sure of succeeding -with Prexy and the Board for you, I would -have asked Miss Remson to save Fifteen for you. -But I wasn’t sure. Besides, I couldn’t know what -your plans might be, in case I should succeed.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’d never go back to the Hall after the way I -made trouble for Miss Remson,” Leslie replied with -gloomy positiveness. “No; I’ll find as good a boarding -house as I can off the campus. Understand, -Marjorie, I’d rather live on the campus for one big -reason. I’d have to fight to live down my past record -as a snob and a trouble-maker. That would be -good for me, though. I’d be gossiped about; maybe -ostracized by a large proportion of the students. -But I’d work as hard for democracy as I’d once -worked against it. And the Travelers would stand -by me. Perhaps before next Commencement I’d -have come into a better light in the eyes of the Hamilton -crowd, students and faculty.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>She paused, then shrugged her shapely shoulders -and continued with a short laugh: “Forget it. -That’s only a day dream I’ve been indulging myself -in. You see I keep thinking of trying to square myself -on the campus because of Peter the Great. I -want him to come and live at Carden Hedge, and -be happy. I’d love to have the Leila Harper Playhouse -presented to Leila by him. So I soar off into -splendid schemes of how I can make good at Hamilton -and bring everything out lovely like the end -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>of a fairy tale. It can’t be done, Bean.” Leslie -used the nickname with absent affection.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There is one thing I can do,” she went on in a -tone of purposeful energy. “I can complete my college -course and win my sheepskin. You’ve made -that opportunity possible for me. I hope I can -some day do something for you to show my appreciation, -Marjorie.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You can. This very afternoon.” Marjorie had -been wondering how she might find means to persuade -Leslie to go to Wayland Hall with her. She -was confident that Leslie would refuse the invitation -which she was awaiting a favorable moment -to extend. She seized upon her companion’s grateful -declaration with dancing eyes. “You can come -over to Wayland Hall with me. I’m going to meet -Jerry there. Come on.” Marjorie had risen from -the seat and was holding out an inviting hand to -Leslie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, I—” Leslie checked herself and stood up. -“All right,” she agreed cheerfully. In the face of -her recent serious assertion she was determined not -to flinch.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie cast a furtive glance at her wrist watch -as she drew one of Leslie’s arms within her own. -It was exactly 4 o’clock. The two girls headed -across the campus for the Hall. Leslie scanned the -veranda of the house where she had once courted -and met disaster with anxious eyes. She was relieved -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>to see not a girl in sight. Marjorie was also -watching the veranda for a very different reason.</p> - -<p class='c005'>They were within a short distance of the Hall -when a girl in a sleeveless apricot frock came out on -the veranda. She spied the pair and twirled a plump -bare arm above her head, disappearing inside in a -hurry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There’s Jerry.” The dancing lights strengthened -in Marjorie’s brown eyes. “She’s watching for us.” -Tightening her light hold upon her companion’s -arm she hastily escorted her up the steps and to the -door. It opened suddenly. Three pairs of arms -reached forth from across the threshold, seized Leslie -and hustled her into the house. Next instant she -stood bewildered, but smiling, in the hall surrounded -by a merry group of girls. Her initiation in the -Travelers had begun.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> <br />AN AMBITIOUS PLAN</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Two hours later Leslie Cairns had been initiated -into the Travelers’ jolly sorority and had acquitted -herself with credit. She had done herself proud in -the cream-puff eating test, which consisted of blindfolding -the victim and giving her a cream puff to eat -from her hands. She had nobly pushed the required -penny over the floor with her nose, she had drunk -a cup of deadly poison urged upon her by her initiators -which had turned out to be very strong sage -tea, and she had performed other ridiculously difficult -stunts with giggling zest and finish.</p> - -<p class='c005'>By the time the dinner bell rang Leslie was feeling -more at home with the bevy of girls she had -once scorned than she had ever dreamed she might. -With the exception of Helen Trent the original -eleven Travelers were present. Since their particular -initial sorority had been enlarged to nineteen -members Leslie had been received into it as the twentieth -member. This meant the second chapter to -which Phil and Barbara belonged might also have -the privilege of electing a twentieth member to their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>chapter. The new chapter chosen the previous June -were also in line for a twentieth member.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Neither by word nor sign had the merry party of -girls shown themselves to be aware of the fact that -Leslie was returning to Hamilton under unusual circumstances. -Everything was ignored save that she -was an honored candidate for admission into the -Travelers’ sorority.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Despite the fact that Room 15 was to pass into -the possession of a mysterious senior who might appear -at any time to claim it, Miss Remson had urged -the Travelers to make it their initiation headquarters. -This time there had been no hanging of heavy -curtains over the doors of the room. The preponderance -of the students to reside at Wayland Hall -had not yet arrived on the campus. There was -therefore small possibility of anyone being disturbed -by the merry-making in Fifteen.</p> - -<p class='c005'>In honor of the occasion the Wayland Hall Travelers -had converted one of the couch beds into a -throne such as had been erected on a previous occasion -when Miss Susanna Hamilton had first visited -Marjorie in her room at the Hall and been introduced -to Miss Remson.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The middle place upon the throne had been reserved -for Leslie. She had been impressively informed -that, when she should have courageously -passed through the terrible ordeal ahead of her, she -would then be eligible to the middle place on the -throne. Miss Susanna Hamilton and Miss Remson -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>occupied the seats on the right and left of the glorified -dais, looking like a pair of small bright-eyed -birds in full plumage.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie had fondly ordered the party to be a -dress affair. In consequence Miss Remson was resplendent -in a ravishing gray satin gown which -Leila had brought from Europe as a present to her -old friend. Miss Susanna had on the wisteria satin -gown which she had worn at Castle Dean on the -previous Christmas day. The Travelers had decked -themselves in their prettiest afternoon frocks. They -resembled a flock of bright-hued butterflies which -had suddenly made pause in Marjorie’s and Jerry’s -old-time haunt before resuming their flight.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When the gay revelers trooped down to dinner, -which was to be served to them at a special long -table, the attention of the few students in the dining-room -immediately became riveted upon the merry -little company. Besides themselves there were -eight other girls in the dining-room. Of these eight -only two pairs of eyes were directed in good-natured -amusement at the vivacious table full of girls. The -other six pairs held a variety of expressions running -from curiosity to dark envy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Catch Miss Remson allowing us to have any such -noisy party,” Julia Peyton muttered jealously to -Clara Carter as the two girls left the dining room. -A rippling burst of laughter from the guest table -further fanned the displeasure that flamed in Julia’s -breast against the merry diners. She was particularly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>incensed at seeing Leslie Cairns among them.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Dean and Miss Macy must have come back -to the Hall again. That’s the reason for the pow-wow -they’ve been having in 15,” Clara Carter surmised -as they started up the stairs. “That little old -woman in lavender must be Miss Remson’s sister. -One is about as homely as the other. It’s queer, -though, about that Miss Cairns being with them.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Very queer; <i>altogether too queer</i>,” was Julia’s -bitter retort. “She has no right to be here at the -Hall. If she comes here again I shall make an -objection to Miss Remson. She’s an expelled student. -Besides the way she sneaked into the gym -under cover of a mask at the Romp was simply outrageous. -I can’t understand how Miss Remson can -overlook such things.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I heard that she lived at Wayland Hall until she -was expelled and that her father was a multi-millionaire. -Probably Miss Remson has a healthy -respect for her father’s money. Maybe she is visiting -Miss Remson. If she is, you can’t say a word.” -Clara pointed out sagely.</p> - -<p class='c005'>A baffled expression crossed Julia’s frowning -features. “It won’t take me long to find out what -she is doing here,” she sullenly boasted. “She is -entirely to blame for my falling-out with Doris. It -was over her Doris and I disagreed. I hope Doris -will someday understand that I only tried to be her -friend in warning her against Miss Cairns.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Doris Monroe is a very selfish girl. I don’t intend -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>to bother being nice to her at all this year,” -Clara declared, pursing her lips in disapproval.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Don’t be alarmed. She won’t bother herself -about you, or me, either,” Julia threw open the door -of their room and stalked into it. She flung herself -sulkily into a chair, her pale, moon-eyed face full -of vengeful spleen. “I detest that hateful crowd -of P.G.’s!” she exclaimed. “They do precisely as -they please, here. We other students have no rights. -What good does it do to assert oneself to Miss Remson? -She is hand in glove with them.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I think it would be a good idea for us to change -houses,” was Clara’s meditative suggestion. She -had seated herself in a chair opposite Julia with an -air of great wisdom. “It’s not too late to engage -board somewhere else on the campus.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What are you talking about?” Julia turned a -contemptuous gaze upon her chum. “I’ll say there is -not a vacancy on the campus by now.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Well, we could find a couple of girls who would -be glad to exchange houses with us. Wayland Hall -is considered the best house on the campus.” There -was crafty method in Clara’s suggestion. Secretly -she had no desire to leave the Hall. Knowing -Julia’s stubborn contrariness she had but to propose -making a change in order to clinch her roommate’s -determination not to do so.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are correct in saying it’s the best house on -the campus. When you see me leaving it because -of a crowd of girls like the one down stairs, you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>will see something startling. Last year I endured -a great deal of unfairness rather than be continually -making complaints. This year I shall do differently. -I intend to begin this very evening,” Julia announced -with belligerent decision.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What are you going to do?” Clara focussed -eager attention upon her companion. In spite of -hers and Julia’s frequent disagreements she could -be relied upon to do battle under Julia’s banner.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’m going to unpack my traveling bag, first of -all.” Julia rose with a sudden burst of combative -energy. “If those girls begin to be noisy when they -come up stairs I shall go straight down stairs to -Miss Remson and demand that she does something -about it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Suppose she should be upstairs with them? You -know yourself that she was up there a long time -before dinner. And her sister was with her.” Clara -had kept a vigilant watch upon the movements of -the company in 15 through a discreetly narrow opening -in their own door.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Then I shall reprimand her before the whole -crowd in 15 for not keeping better order in the -house.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You wouldn’t dare do that?” Clara challenged -in a half admiring tone.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, yes, I should. Who is Miss Remson? A -manager. Well, what is a manager but an upper -servant? I’d certainly not be afraid to speak my -mind to our housekeeper at home. That’s all Miss -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>Remson is. What she needs is to be told her place, -and be made to keep it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ve often thought the same thing,” Clara refused -to be subservient to Julia in opinion. “Did -you notice the other students in the dining room tonight?” -she asked with a knowing glance toward -Julia.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No. What about them?” Julia paused in the -midst of her unpacking to look sharply at her Titian-haired -roommate.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Every single one of them acted as though they -didn’t think much of that P. G. crowd. I kept -watch of them. It seems to me,” Clara tilted her -flame-colored head to one side, a sure indication that -she was planning mischief, “that it would be a -pretty good plan for us to start a crowd of our own -this year at the Hall. If we could count on as many -as half of the students at the Hall to stand by us, -we could make Miss Remson play fairly with us. -She’d not dare favor that one crowd above us.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s a good idea.” Julia looked impressed. -She turned from laying out her belongings on the -study table and leaned against it, eyeing Clara speculatively. -She began counting on her fingers: “One, -two, three, four, five of those Bertram students. -Then there are Miss Harper and Miss Mason; -seven. Five of the Sanford P. G. crowd; twelve. -Doris Monroe makes thirteen. Of course a few -other students in the house will stick to them. Not -more than six or seven at most. Gussie Forbes isn’t -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>popular in this house except with the Sanford and -Bertram crowds. You know the sophs at the Hall -voted against her at the election of class officers -last fall.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“But they voted for Doris Monroe,” Clara reminded -with a frown, “and now Doris has gone -over to the P. G. crowd.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, and she is not going to gain a thing by it, -either,” was Julia’s satisfied prophesy. “Most of -the sophs who voted for Doris don’t like Miss Dean -and her pals. They can’t stand the calm way those -girls have of trying to be the whole thing, and run -everything. Annie told me today that there were -to be nine new students at the Hall, all freshies but -one. Those girls we saw tonight in the dining room -must be freshies. Tomorrow we’ll make it a point -to get acquainted with the freshies. It’s really our -duty as upper classmen.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, indeed,” echoed Clara. “By the time Doris -Monroe comes back we may have our own crowd -well started. We might form a sorority.” Her -mechanical tones, which Muriel and Jerry had -naughtily compared to a phonograph, rose exultantly. -“You could be the president of it,” she accorded -magnanimously, “and I would be the vice-president. -We could get up a really exclusive, -social club and entertain a lot—and be popular.” -Her pal’s eyes gleamed at the prospect of popularity. -It was the dream of both girls to enjoy a popularity -on the campus equal to if not greater than that of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>Doris Monroe, though neither possessed any of the -necessary requisites.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We’ll do it. We can get up a better sorority -than that old Travelers’ club, and not half try,” -Julia predicted with supreme egotism. “This is the -way we’ll do. We’ll wait until the Hall is full, then -we’ll select the girls here that we want for the club -and send them an invitation to a luncheon at the -Ivy. We’ll have very handsome engraved invitations, -and I’ll preside at the luncheon. After we -have the sorority well-started we can give plays and -shows just for amusement. We shan’t try to make -money. Leave that to those beggarly Travelers. -We’ll make our entertainments strictly invitation affairs. -Miss Dean and her crowd have simply ruined -the social atmosphere of Hamilton by welfare experiments. -The object of our club shall be to -restore it. Let me tell you we’ll have plenty of -sympathizers. Just wait. Doris Monroe will be -very sorry yet that she didn’t stick to us.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XV.<br /> <br />THE MYSTERIOUS SENIOR</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Blissfully unaware of Julia Peyton’s ambitious -schemes against them and democracy at Hamilton -the Travelers finished their dessert amidst plenty -of fun and laughter and flocked upstairs and into -15 again, there to spend one of their old-time merry -“stunt” evenings.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny danced to Phil’s violin music. Robin -sang, accompanied by the same talented, infallible -musician. Phil’s violin playing had become institutional -with the Travelers. She was always equal -to musical emergency. Leila and Vera convulsed -their buoyant audience with a quaintly humorous -Irish dialogue which they had found in an old book -while in Ireland and had gleefully learned. Jerry -partly sang a popular song off the key until she was -drowned out by laughter.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Muriel recited a monologue which she had composed -and named: “Back on the campus.” Barbara -sang a French song. Kathie and Lillian endeavored -to sing together an old German song precisely as -Professor Wenderblatt was wont to sing it in his -full bass voice. They broke down in the midst of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>deep-uttered bass growls and gutterals and lost track -of the tune so completely they never found it again, -but subsided with laughter.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie and Lucy pleaded having no stunt to -offer and were each ordered to recite their favorite -short poem. Marjorie thereupon recited “To a -Grecian Urn,” and Lucy gave Poe’s weird, “Ulalume.” -Leslie won quick approval by her prompt -response to the demand by giving a funny series -of imitations.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The feature of the stunt party was contributed, -however, by Miss Remson and Miss Susanna. They -had conducted a chuckling confab together at one -end of the room into which they had invited Phil. -She had listened to them, then laughingly nodded, -played a few bars of an odd little tune on her violin -and returned to her place in the center of the room.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When Phil presently tapped on her violin with -her bow, the two little old ladies stepped gaily out, -hand in hand, in a lively jigging dance. They -pranced forward and back, clasped right hands above -their heads and jigged around each other, clasped -left hands and jigged again, joined right and left -hands and spun in a circle then polkaed up and -down the room with spirit. There were other variations -to the dance which they performed with equal -sprightliness. Their delighted audience gurgled and -squealed with laughter, breaking forth into riotous -applause as the jigging pair reached their throne -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>and sank upon their cushions, breathless and laughing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie thought she had never seen a prettier -sight than the pair of dainty little old ladies in their -charming satin dresses stepping out so blithely to -the old-fashioned polka.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That is the Glendon Polka if you care to know -it,” Miss Susanna informed the girls. “I used to -dance it as a girl, and I found that the Empress -of Wayland Hall knew how to dance it, too. I -learned to dance it before going to my first party. -Uncle Brooke engaged a dancing master to come -and teach me the latest dances.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The latest dances.” Jerry said with an enjoying -chuckle. “Not much like a fox trot, is it?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I believe I must have learned that polka from -the same dancing master,” Miss Remson said. “I -lived in West Hamilton as a girl and went to dancing -school. It was a Professor Griggs who taught -me the Glendon polka.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The same man,” Miss Susanna declared brightly. -The two old ladies beamed at each other. This -little coincidence relative to their youth served to -strengthen the bond of friendship between them.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“This is the queer part of the Glendon polka,” -Phil said. “When Miss Susanna said she and Miss -Remson were going to do an old-time dance called -the Glendon polka, I remembered I’d seen that title -in an old music book at home. I had tried it and -learned to play it when I first began to take violin -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>lessons as a kiddie. I had liked it because it was -such a frisky little tune.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You never dreamed then that someday you -would play it for two old ladies to frisk to, did -you?” Miss Remson gently pinched Phil’s cheek as -she sat balanced on the edge of the throne, her violin -in hand.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I never did,” Phil laughed. “I’ll never forget -the Glendon polka.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It seems we hadn’t forgotten how to dance it in -spite of our years,” Miss Susanna said with a little -nod of satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Did you know there were prizes to be given for -the best stunts?” Katherine Langly joined the -group around the throne. Kathie was looking her -radiant best in a coral beaded afternoon frock of -Georgette. Her blue eyes were sparkling with light -and life and her red lips broke readily into smiles. -She bore small likeness to the sad, self-effacing -sophomore the Travelers had taken under their protective -wing at the beginning of their freshman -year at Hamilton. Kathie was now commencing her -second year as a member of the faculty. She was -famed on the campus as a playwright and her -triumphantly literary future was assured. She had -already sold several short stories to important -magazines and had begun her first novel.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Ronny is going to be magnificently generous, so -she says, and give out the prizes. She’s gone to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>her room after them,” Lillian added to the information -Kathie had just given.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“‘Magnificently generous’” Kathie repeated suspiciously. -“That doesn’t sound promising to me. -I know she means us.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Could any persons be more worthy of a prize,” -giggled Lillian. “Remember how hard we worked.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny soon returned wearing a mischievous expression. -She carried a good-sized paper-wrapped -package on one arm. In one hand she held two -small packages which suggested jewelry. The girls -guessed the large bundle to contain one or more -boxes of the delicious candied fruit from her ranch -home of which she always had a stock on hand.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Hear, hear!” Ronny placed her bundles on the -table and waved both arms above her head for attention. -“Who had the best stunt?” she called out. -“Altogether; answer!”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The Lady of the Arms and the Empress of Wayland -Hall,” came back an instant concerted murmur -of response.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Contrary-minded?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No,” piped up these two distinguished but extremely -modest dancers.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Two against eleven. Prepare to receive the -prize.” Ronny importantly opened the paper wrapper -of the large package and took from it two sweet-grass -square baskets of candied fruit. She presented -them in turn with many bows and flourishes -to the two elderly women.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>“Who won the booby stunt?” she next demanded -of the company.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Concerted opinion differed as to whether Jerry, -or Kathie and Lillian were more eligible to the -booby prize. Further inquiry and Jerry was eliminated -in favor of Lillian and Kathie. The prizes -turned out to be two small willow whistles such as -the cow-boys at Manaña were adept at making.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Next time whistle. Don’t attempt to sing,” was -Ronny’s succinct advice as she presented the -would-be bass singers with the whistles.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We can be noisy tonight and still be protected.” -Marjorie made gay declaration. She was -realizing with the burst of light laughter which -greeted Ronny’s presentation of the booby prizes -that the Travelers had been enjoying a most hilarious -session. “Miss Remson is right here to know -precisely how boisterous we are. Thank fortune, -hardly anyone is back.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I can’t imagine why we haven’t been notified -of our noise by Miss Peyton,” Jerry commented -to Marjorie under cover of conversation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As it happened Julia had become so greatly interested -in her inspirational plan for a new sorority -which was to tear down democracy at Hamilton -and re-establish snobbery that she and Clara -had forgotten to be annoyed at the sounds of -mirth, which, in reality, could hardly be heard -with her door closed.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I took pains to find out today if any of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>freshmen had studying to do this evening,” the little -manager said. “None had. I haven’t considered -Miss Peyton and Miss Carter in the matter. They -have not yet spoken to me since they arrived. I -am sure they have no studying to do this evening.” -Her tone grew dry at mention of the two discourteous -juniors.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Immediately she went on to a change of subject. -“Girls,” she said in her brisk, pleasant fashion, -“will you please make yourselves comfy, and -listen to me? I am going to tell you something of -the student whom I hope will take 15.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“At last.” Marjorie breathed a purposely audible -sigh. “I think you have been very mysterious -about her, Empress of Wayland Hall.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>A buzzing murmur rose from the others as they -took seats around the make-shift throne or comfortably -established themselves upon cushions on -the floor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie Cairns showed considerable embarrassment -when Miss Susanna imperiously waved her into the -middle seat of the throne. She had laughed unrestrainedly -at the fun that evening, but she had -said very little. She was hardly beginning to get -over the strangeness of being a member of the very -sorority she had once scorned.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“This girl,” Miss Remson said, “is a young woman -for whom I have a growing regard. She wrote -me in the summer and I was deeply impressed by -her letter. She did not then expect to enter Hamilton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>nor did I have 15 in view for her. As it happened -no one applied for 15. There was a difference -in price between it and the other rooms I had vacant -which no one who applied seemed to wish to -pay.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“As soon as I knew that she was coming to Hamilton -I reserved 15 for her, though by that time -I had several applications for it. I am waiting now -to welcome her to Wayland Hall.” Miss Remson -made an odd little pause.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We shall all be ready to do the same.” Leila -spoke in a peculiarly significant tone; as though she -was understanding something which the others did -not. Her bright blue eyes were fastened squarely -upon Marjorie. They seemed to be trying to communicate -a message to her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>In a sudden illuminating flash Marjorie understood -the import of Miss Remson’s remarks concerning -the mysterious student who was to have -Room 15.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, Miss Remson!” she breathed, her face -breaking into a radiance of sunshine. Involuntarily -her eyes strayed from Leila to Leslie. The -latter was paying polite attention to Miss Remson -though Marjorie divined instantly that Leslie had -not comprehended a special meaning in the manager’s -speech.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Will you come to the Hall, Leslie?” The little -manager had turned now to Leslie, her thin pleasant -face brimming with kindliness. “I should like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>you to have 15. I have been saving it for you since -Marjorie told me you were to come back to Hamilton -for your senior year.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why—I—” Leslie stammered. “Oh, I never -thought of such a thing!” she exclaimed with bewildered -gratitude. “It’s wonderful in you to wish -me to come back after the way I treated you. I’d -love to, but I can’t accept. It wouldn’t be right.” -Tears crowded to her eyes. She clenched her hands -and made a desperate effort at self-control.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Now, now, now!” Up went one of Miss Remson’s -hands, arrestingly. “Never mind anything but -the present, child. I wish you to have 15. That -settles the matter. I must tell the girls a little more -about your letter. Leslie wrote me last June, children, -such a splendid letter.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Hurrah, hurrah!” Vera had raised a subdued -cheer. “Hurrah for our new Traveler in 15.” She -started the hurrahing with the kindly object of giving -Leslie an opportunity to control a threatened -burst of tears. The others took up the cheering with -moderated vigor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Please don’t credit me with anything splendid, -Miss Remson.” Leslie forced tremulousness from -her enunciation. “You girls understand me when I -say that I couldn’t have done differently, and feel -right.” She made a slight gesture of appeal toward -the circle of faces approvingly turned upon her. “I -might have known Miss Remson would tell you in -the nicest way toward me. I meant to tell you all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>myself someday.” She bent a half rueful glance -of affection upon the little woman beside her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Ah, but you have not told us something else -which we think you should.” Leila had risen from -the cushion on which she had been sitting. She -came up to Leslie, hand extended. “Will you not -accept the hand of fellowship and say: ‘Thank you -kindly, Irish Leila, it is myself that will be moving -my trunks to Wayland Hall and be settling down -in 15.’”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leila’s inimitable touch of brogue was irresistible -to Leslie. She began to laugh. The two who had -once been implacable enemies gripped hands with -a friendly strength and fervor. It was a silent -acknowledgment that, for them, there could be -nothing in future less than devoted friendship. The -deep-rooted disapproval of Leslie which Leila had -not been able to conquer until within that very hour -vanished never to return.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was the signal for the others to press about -Leslie, shaking her hand, each one adding some -pleasant plea for her return to the Hall. Marjorie -was last of the group to clasp hands with Leslie. -She merely said, as she regarded the other girl with -a bright, winsome smile: “Won’t you please take -15, Leslie?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes.” Leslie’s tone was steady now. “How -can I do otherwise? Not only because all of you -wish me to do it. It’s best for me, though it may -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>be the hard way for a while. You understand what -I mean.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes. We all understand. We know what you -wish most. You can make a stronger fight for it -at the Hall than if you were to live off the campus. -We’ll all stand by you.” Marjorie had taken Leslie’s -other hand. The two girls faced each other, -staunch comradeship in the pose.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll stand by myself.” Leslie’s characteristic independent -spirit, obscured by emotion, flashed forth. -“Not that I shan’t like to remember that I’ve true -pals ready to fight for me. But it’s this way. Once -I did a great deal of lawless damage on the campus. -Now it’s up to me to repair it, and stand all -criticisms while I’m at the repairing job.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XVI.<br /> <br />PLANNING MISCHIEF</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>The appearance of Leslie Cairns the next week -at Wayland Hall, followed by her trunk, temporarily -drove Julia Peyton’s club ambitions far -afield. To discover that Leslie, to whom Julia liked -to refer in shocked tones to others as “that terrible -Miss Cairns,” was to become a resident once more -of Wayland Hall filled her with spiteful amazement -and speculation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How do you suppose she ever got in here?” -was the question she most frequently addressed to -Clara Carter during the first two days following -Leslie’s return to the Hall. Neither she nor Clara -had been able to glean any information in the matter -from other students at the Hall. Wayland Hall -was filling up rapidly. The upper classmen were -busy arranging their programs and looking up their -friends. The entering freshmen at the Hall were -busy either with entrance examinations or unpacking -and straightening their belongings.</p> - -<p class='c005'>To add to Julia’s disgruntlement, Doris Monroe -had been back at the Hall almost a week, yet not -once had she noticed either Julia or Clara except -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>by the distant courtesy of a bow or salutation whenever -she chanced to encounter her two treacherous -classmates.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Doris was far too greatly delighted with the way -matters had shaped themselves for Leslie to think -much of anything else. Of all the girls Leslie had -known in her lawless days Doris had been the only -one who had liked her for herself. From the day -of Leslie’s reconciliation with her father Doris and -Leslie had continued their growing friendship on -an even better basis than before. At last, each of -the two girls knew the joy of claiming a real “pal.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Muriel had generously offered to release Doris -from rooming with her, thus leaving her free to -room in 15 with Leslie. Not only did Doris refuse -to take advantage of the offer, Leslie herself would -not hear to it. “Stay where you are,” she had laughingly -ordered Doris. “I’ll hang around with both -of you.” Secretly she courted the prospect of -Muriel’s enlivening company as a third in the chumship. -More than once in the old days she had reluctantly -admired “Harding’s nerve.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>When, in the course of a week, Julia learned -that Leslie Cairns had re-entered Hamilton College -as a member of the senior class her surprise at the -news was soon superceded by a resentful desire to -oust Leslie from Wayland Hall. Her jealous, -vengeful disposition was an inheritance from her -father, who bore the title of “Wolf Peyton” among -Wall Street brokers where his offices were situated. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>Added to this grave flaw of character was her paramount -will to gossip which had developed in her -as a result of being the youngest child among three -grown-up married sisters who were prone to gossip -freely in her presence about friends and acquaintances.</p> - -<p class='c005'>For two weeks succeeding Leslie’s advent at Wayland -Hall, Julia racked her brain for a plan of -malicious procedure which she might turn against -Leslie. She consulted long and darkly with Clara -Carter, whose ideas were not more feasible than -her own.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There’s only one way to force Miss Remson to -take action against Miss Cairns,” she declared moodily -to Clara one evening after dinner as the two sat -down opposite each other at their study table.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What’s that?” Clara closed the Horace she had -just opened and fixed expectant eyes upon Julia.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Start a petition against having Miss Cairns in -the house and then get the majority of students here -to sign it. There’s only one trouble. We need -something specially definite to charge her with.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Well, what about the Rustic Romp?” Clara -instantly suggested.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That doesn’t amount to much.” Julia shrugged -scornfully. “Besides Miss Dean and Doris would -fight for her if I started that story again. I don’t -care to have them interfering in this business. I’ll -have to be careful. I shall expect you to nominate -me for president of our new club. I’ll nominate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>you in return for vice-president. Caroline Phelps -has promised to propose my name for class president. -I’m letting her use my new car, you know. -She ought to do something for me. However, that’s -not to the point about Miss Cairns. What I’d like -to find out is just why she was expelled from Hamilton -College.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I thought you <i>knew</i>!” Clara opened innocent -eyes. Here was an opportunity to nettle Julia. She -seized it with avidity. “Why, it was for hazing. -How strange that you——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You may think you are telling me something, -but you are not.” Julia grew emphatically rude. -“I knew before ever you knew that it was for hazing. -They say she and a crowd of girls, called the -Sans Soucians Club, hazed Miss Dean. Did you -know that?” she inquired, loftily incredulous.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Of course I knew it. You told me that yourself, -long ago.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh.” Julia showed a slightly crestfallen air. -“It doesn’t interest me,” she continued after a moment. -“I’ve heard that she would have been expelled -long before that hazing affair if it hadn’t -been for her father’s millions. What are some of -the other things she did that might warrant expulsion -here? That’s what I should like to know. It’s -what I’m going to find out. She made trouble between -Doris and me. Doris only speaks to me when -she can’t avoid speaking. I’ll never forgive Leslie -Cairns for that.” Julia’s voice rose angrily.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>“Sh-h-h. You are talking loudly.” Clara held up -a warning hand. “Someone passing through the -hall might hear you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Julia frowned, but discreetly lowered her voice. -“If I can learn just one very dishonorable thing -she did before she was expelled I can start the -petition and carry it out. Most of the girls here -are juniors, and will be on our side. You see last -year Doris and Augusta Forbes were at swords’ -points at class election. Doris made a great mistake -when she buried the hatchet after class election -and was nice to Miss Forbes. The girls who -rooted for her, and against Miss Forbes, are not -going to forget in a hurry the way Doris went back -on them. Now she is crazy about Miss Harper and -Miss Dean and that provoking Miss Harding. <i>She</i> -always looks as though she’d like to laugh in my -face every time I happen to meet her on the campus, -or in the house.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I can’t endure her.” Clara was willing to agree -with Julia regarding Muriel. More than once she -had vaguely detected a furtive, laughing gleam in -Muriel’s velvety brown eyes when they had chanced -to meet. “I’d love to be vice-president of our club. -I’d not care to be president. You would make a -better president than I—probably.” She could not -resist delivering this one tiny thrust.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Naturally. I have more initiative than you.” -Julia retorted complacently. “I am more competent -to manage a club than you would be. But you generally -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>work very nicely with me,” she allowed with -condescension.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I always try to, unless you are too provoking,” -Clara flung back. “How many girls at the Hall do -you believe we can count upon already? I’ll write -down their names in the back of my note book.” -She was determined to show herself as extremely -useful to Julia’s scheme.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Very well.” Julia raised dignified brows. “First -put down the name of Miss Ferguson and Miss -Waters, those two freshies in 17. They are dandy -girls. I’m rather glad now that I didn’t make a -fuss about the noise in 15 that night before college -opened. Miss Ferguson has told me since I met -her that she heard it but was too good a sport to -make a fuss. She said she detested a fusser, a dig, -a prig or a wet blanket. When she was at Davidson -Prep she said she used to cut classes and stay -out after ten-thirty. Once she and another girl went -to a dinner dance in New York without permission.” -Julia forgot dignity and grew animated. “Davidson -is only a few miles from New York. They had -asked permission of the registrar and she had refused -them. They went just the same, came back -at noon the next day and not a soul except the girls -in the next room to them knew they were away. -Wasn’t that cunning?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Rash, I should say. I imagine I might like Miss -Waters better than Miss Ferguson. She’s not so -swanky and flapperish.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>“Go ahead then, and be nice to her. It will help -our cause along,” Julia advised with simulated heartiness. -She craftily avoided arguing with Clara. -Her disagreement with Doris of the previous spring -had taught her at least one virtue. She could accomplish -more by craftiness than by belligerency. -She was doggedly determined upon one point—the -utter humiliation of Leslie Cairns.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As maliciously as Leslie Cairns had once planned -to humiliate Marjorie Dean, just as strongly Julia -Peyton was now arrayed against Leslie Cairns.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XVII.<br /> <br />THE ONLY WAY</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>The junior class election taught Julia Peyton -one unflattering truth. She was far from popular -enough to win a nomination to the class presidency. -Augusta Forbes directed her efforts, heart and soul -toward the nomination of Doris Monroe. Doris as -zealously rooted for Calista Wilmot, who had come -to be greatly liked among the Hamilton students. -Calista won the nomination by a majority of five -votes and was subsequently elected president.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Notwithstanding the fact that Julia Peyton had -not “a look in” at the presidency she was not without -sympathetic support so far as a number of the -juniors at Wayland Hall were concerned. These -had been the sophs of the previous year of whom -Leila Harper had signally disapproved. Then she -had rated the Hall as a house divided against itself. -With the opening again of the college she had not -changed her opinion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Counting Leslie Cairns she could number only -fourteen staunch democrats at the Hall. There were -now eight freshmen at the Hall whose politics were -yet unannounced. Of the twenty-three other residents -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>there was but one on whom she could rely -as a neutral. This was Miss Duncan, a tall girl -with a ministerial air who had succeeded in passing -the set of “Brooke Hamilton Perfect Examination -Papers” and had been awarded the special room at -Wayland Hall set aside for this purpose. It had -been vacant since Katherine Langly had attained that -honor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Hardly had the stir attending the junior election -died away when Julia Peyton began agitating the -subject of the select social sorority which she had -been impatiently waiting to organize. She and -Clara had privately decided that it should be called -the “Orchid” Club—the name typifying, in her opinion, -the select and exclusive.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Mildred Ferguson, the freshman in 17 of whom -Julia had glowingly spoken to Clara, had hailed the -idea of the club with flattering enthusiasm. She -was a small, slim girl with a pair of laughing blue -eyes, a bright brown bob and a bold boyish face. -She drove her own car, wore clothes of distinctive -smartness and regarded everything in the way of -luxury as having been produced for her benefit. -She had had everything she fancied from babyhood. -In consequence she never paused to consider anyone -except herself. She was not interested in college except -as a necessary bridge which had to be crossed -into Society.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She soon found the poise of the post graduates -at Wayland Hall not to her taste. The Bertram girls -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>bored her, and she stood in secret awe of Doris Monroe -and Leslie Cairns. Miss Duncan she dubbed the -Eternal Dig. She found the more artificial standards -of Julia Peyton, Clara Carter and their junior -supporters more to her liking. She enjoyed having -a “stand-in” with the juniors at the Hall and professed -animated interest in the organizing of the -Orchid Club. At heart she was so thoroughly snobbish -as to agree with Julia’s sentiments in regard to -it.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Due to one delay or another, it was the early part -of November before the Orchid Club, consisting -of twenty-six members, held its first meeting in the -living room of the Hall, Julia having haughtily requested -the use of it from Miss Remson beforehand. -To her deep satisfaction Julia was elected president -of the club. Mildred Ferguson, however, won the -vice-presidency, and with it Clara Carter’s undying -resentment.</p> - -<p class='c005'>There were no other offices to be filled. The Orchid -Club was to be of a purely social nature, with -no need of a secretary or treasurer. There was to -be a dinner or luncheon twice each week at the expense -of one or another of the club members, and a -monthly meeting in the living room of the Hall.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The Screech Owl has gone into local politics and -is now a president,” Muriel breezily informed Leslie -Cairns and Doris Monroe as she entered Doris’s -and her room late one November afternoon to find -the two deep in a discussion of psycho-analysis.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>Leslie had taken up psychology and political -science, the two subjects she had had on her senior -program at the time of her expulsion from Hamilton. -Thus far, since her return to Hamilton, she -had wondered at the lack of unpleasant stir which -had marked her reappearance on the campus as a -student. It seemed that she might, after all, be -fated to escape the harsh criticism which she felt -would be justly her due. She had been agreeably -disappointed in that Julia Peyton had not, to her -knowledge, brought up against her as a matter of -gossip the eventful night of the Rustic Romp.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Julia Peyton a president?” Doris Monroe turned -her blue-green eyes amusedly upon Muriel. “Of -what, may I ask?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Of the Orchid Club. Isn’t that a select name. -It suggests luxury, doesn’t it? Something like the -Sans—I beg your pardon, Leslie.” Muriel checked -herself, looking comically contrite. “I never think -of you now as a San,” she went on in further apology.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Don’t mind me,” Leslie waved off the apology. -“You are exactly right in what you just said,” she -continued half grimly. “I have been keeping a wary -eye upon Miss Peyton and Miss Carter since I came -to the Hall. I fully expected they might start trouble -for me. I am amazed to think they haven’t. -Leila is right, too, in saying the Hall is a house -divided against itself. It’s not our side of it, though, -that has put down a dividing line. By ‘our side’ I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>mean the Travelers, the Bertram girls and Doris. -This Miss Peyton isn’t the sort of menace to the -Hall that I used to be.” She smiled her slow smile. -“She is like Lillian Walbert.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Right-o,” Muriel agreed with emphasis. “I’d -forgotten all about her. Julia Peyton is more aggressive, -though. Miss Walbert’s favorite amusement -was gossiping, just the same. Only she -thought it was automobiling.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Muriel broke into a merry little run of laughter, -an accompaniment to her mischievous statement regarding -Lillian Walbert as a motorist.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She was the worst flivver at driving a car that -I ever recall having seen,” Leslie said, her black eyes -twinkling reminiscently. She was not likely to forget -the many ridiculous situations in which Lillian -figured at various times and points on Hamilton -Highway as a result of her fatuous belief in herself -as a driver.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“A gossip is never anything either clever, or useful,” -Doris Monroe observed with disdainful wisdom. -“Julia Peyton is really quite stupid. She isn’t -consistent, even in her villainy. She never sticks to -one story. This isn’t intended as back-biting. I -told her as much last spring. It is too bad she happened -to be the one you tripped up with your umbrella, -Leslie, at the Romp last spring. But I wouldn’t -let it worry me. Julia Peyton always over-reaches -herself. If I should chance to hear any spiteful remarks -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>from her of you—” Doris paused, smiling -with dangerous sweetness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Goldie to the rescue. Thank you, good pal.” -Leslie flashed her a grateful glance. “I can fight -my own fights. I’m not exactly crazy to get into -the limelight here at the Hall, on my father’s account. -Still, I am not an ex-student who came back -a doormat,” she declared with dry significance.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She rose, smiled her slow smile at her companions -and walked to the door. “See you later,” she -nodded. She opened the door and was gone.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, goodness.” Muriel collapsed into a chair, -self-vexation plainly evident on her pretty features. -“I shouldn’t have made that slip about the Sans. -I am afraid I’ve hurt Leslie’s feelings.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, you haven’t.” Doris shook a positive head. -“I know Leslie better than you. She’s worried -about something; probably about Miss Remson. -She is afraid, that, if Miss Peyton should begin -gossiping about her, Miss Remson might be blamed -for admitting her again to the Hall to board. That’s -why I just said to her that I’d fight for her.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“So will Miss Remson. She can fight her own -battles, and Leslie’s too,” was Muriel’s quick assurance.</p> - -<p class='c005'>In Room 15 Leslie was at that moment dejectedly -considering the very contingency Doris had mentioned -to Muriel. Out of her long leadership of the -Sans Soucians she had derived at least one benefit. -She had learned to read character with surprising -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>accuracy. A few days residence at Wayland Hall -had put her in possession of the knowledge that -Mildred Ferguson, rather than Julia Peyton, was the -real promoter of the Orchid Club. Leslie had taken -reflective stock of the self-assured smartly-attired -freshman. Julia would be the club president in name -only. Mildred would be the real power behind the -throne. Mildred reminded her of Lola Elster, an -ingrate whom she had boosted to campus popularity -in the old days. Lola had had one commendable -trait, however. She had ever tended strictly to her -own affairs. Nor could any one persuade her to -join any kind of campus conspiracy. She had -“played safe” invariably to a disloyal degree. Mildred -resembled her only in point of selfishness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie shrewdly rated Mildred as quarrel-seeking -and gossiping, provided she might gain by adopting -such a course. She was more formidable than -Julia because she had a deceiving, attractive air of -good-fellowship which she kept well over her hard, -self-seeking nature.</p> - -<p class='c005'>What Leslie longed now to do was to make -friendly overtures to Mildred before she should succeed -in egging shallow, spiteful Julia Peyton on to -“stir up a big fuss at the Hall.” Leslie was satirically -confident that she could, if she should try, -quickly and effectually grow chummy with Mildred -because of Peter Cairns’ millions. She could soon -influence Mildred to desert Julia’s banner and enlist -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>under hers. Mildred had already exhibited calculating -signs of friendliness toward her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie somberly considered the idea from all sides, -and shook a stern head. That was the easy way; -the way made possible by money. It was the way -she had always taken in the past. It had invariably -brought her chagrin and failure. Now the rocky -road of democracy must be her choice. Already she -foresaw a condition of snobbery sprouting at the -Hall which was similar to the one which Marjorie -Dean had once fought to uproot.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are in for trouble, Cairns II,” she said -aloud. “You can’t go placidly along about what -you think is your business. Your business is to -stand up for democracy—the way Marjorie Dean -has always stood up for it. This Orchid crowd is -going to give an imitation of the Sans at the Hall. -I can see that. They need a change of policy. I’ll -have to try to supply it—in the right way.” She -laughed mirthlessly. “The right way” promised to -be a rocky road indeed.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> <br />THE GREAT AND ONLY BIRTHDAY GIFT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Thanksgiving that year proved memorable -enough to the Sanford girls. They had cheerfully -decided against going home for the holidays and -devoting themselves to the entertainment of the dormitory -girls. Pending the completion of the dormitory -the Hamilton College Bulletin had already announced -the glad tidings of its advantages. As a -result twice as many young women had applied for -admission to the college that year and had arrived -at Hamilton campus to be numbered with the colony -of off-campus students who were living in the town -of Hamilton at dormitory rates until the Brooke -Hamilton Dormitory should be ready for occupancy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>On the day before Thanksgiving the Sanford -girls had been ordered by Miss Susanna Hamilton -to be ready to go to the station with her when she -should stop for them at the western gates of the -campus in her car at precisely one o’clock in the -afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c005'>They had obeyed her mandate and gone with her -to the station there to behold Mr. and Mrs. Dean, -Mr. and Mrs. Macy, and Hal, Mr. and Mrs. Harding, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>Mrs. Warner, and the two Misses Archer, -Ronny’s aunts, step beaming off the one-five train -from the north. Leila, Vera, Kathie, Doris Monroe, -Robin, Phil and Barbara and Leslie Cairns had -also been invited to the largest house party that -Hamilton Arms had ever seen invade its stately -doors. Leslie’s joy had soared to dizzy heights -when the first person she had spied at the Arms -was her father, standing bare-headed on the veranda, -waiting for her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Following Thanksgiving and the delightful season -of merry-making at the Arms the Travelers found -December flying and Christmas approaching with -astonishing rapidity. This time the Sanford girls -went to Sanford for Christmas, taking Miss Susanna -and their six Traveler chums with them. Leslie -and Doris spent Christmas in New York with -Peter Cairns, a vastly merrier and happier Christmas -than they had spent in the metropolis the previous -year.</p> - -<p class='c005'>There had been no need for any of the original -chapter of Travelers to remain on the campus, there -to oversee the making of a merry Christmas for the -dormitory students. The senior “dorms” had become -thoroughly competent in the matter of providing -Christmas amusement for the off-campus -dormitory colony. During the month of December, -Leila, Kathie, Robin and Phillys Moore had applied -themselves zealously to the pleasant task of -arranging a couple of one-act plays and various -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>other interesting entertainments. They had, as a -consequence, embarked on their trip to Sanford with -a pleasant sense of work well done.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie Cairns, of all the Travelers, had perhaps -felt most sincerely the true spirit of Christmas. -Never before in her life had she quite understood -the meaning of “Peace on earth, good will toward -men.” Even as a child she had not enjoyed the -ineffably beautiful comradeship that now existed -between herself and her father. He in turn was -fondly proud of her fine spirit of resolution. She -confided to him her determination to try to do her -part toward keeping up the spirit of democracy -which the original Travelers had fought so gallantly -to establish and maintain.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There’s only one drawback to it all, Peter the -Great,” she had said to her father during one of -their firelight confabs. “If this crowd of snobs -at the Hall should start on me for anything I may -feel it right to do, contrary to their ideas, it would -be bound to reflect upon you. That is, if these -girls should drag up that hazing business against -me. You’d be criticized, maybe, for not bringing -me up with a stern hand, and all that sort of talk. -But I’ve struck a certain gait, Peter, and I’m going -to keep it. Maybe I’m borrowing trouble. Maybe -the blow I’m always dreading may never fall.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was in such spirit that Leslie returned to the -campus after the holidays. On the afternoon of -her return to Wayland Hall she was notified by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>Leila that a hope chest party which the Travelers -had planned as a surprise for Marjorie was to take -place that night at Hamilton Arms. Since early in -the fall the hope chest party had been in the offing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>During the previous summer each of Marjorie’s -Traveler chums had picked out a gift which was -to go in a special carved rosewood chest which -Miss Susanna had been hoarding for her favorite. -Leila had brought Marjorie a wonderful package -of fine Irish table linen. Vera had selected a frock -of rose-pattern Irish lace. Ronny’s gift was an -amethyst necklace in an old Peruvian setting. Each -of the others had searched faithfully to find a gift -which she considered worthy of the girl who had -long been their leader.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It had been left to Miss Susanna to name the -date of the party. She had named the fifth of -January as the date, though none of the Travelers -knew why.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s a case of hustle off the train, flee for the -campus, gobble one’s dinner and be off again merry-making,” -Muriel declared animatedly as the hope -chest partly stepped out into the starlight after dinner -that evening and set buoyantly off across the -campus for a jolly hike.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Jerry and Leila had been intrusted with the combined -offerings of the surprise party and had preceded -the others to the Arms in Leila’s car. They -had been instructed by their companions to park the -car just inside the gates in the shadow where Miss -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>Susanna had ordered George, the stable man, to be -on hand to look after the car and its precious contents. -According to a mysterious plan of Leila’s, -which she laughingly refused to divulge, the presents -were to make an appearance considerably later in -the evening.</p> - -<p class='c005'>After dinner at the Arms that evening Jonas had -managed to disappear and Miss Susanna had innocently -requested, “Go to the door, child. Will you -please?” when the clang of the old-time knocker -rang out resonantly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Willingly constituting herself doorkeeper in -Jonas’s absence Marjorie opened the door and was -immediately swept into the great reception hall on -a buoyant tide of youthfully exhilarated chums.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why, whatever is the matter?” Miss Susanna -appeared in the open door of the library trying hard -to look shocked by the noise. Her small face was -full of gleeful mischief over having thus taken -Marjorie quite off her guard.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, whatever is the matter?” Marjorie made -one of her open-armed rushes at the old lady. “You -can see for yourself now. You dear Goldendede.” -She hugged Miss Susanna. “How did you know I -needed a surprise party more than anything else?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, this isn’t your party,” chuckled Miss Hamilton. -“I only allowed you to be surprised. This is -my party. Today,” she tilted her head sideways at -a bird-like angle, “is my birthday. Now don’t -smother—”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>Her warning was lost in the jolly concerted shout -that went up from the surprise guests. They surrounded -her, hemmed her in; kissed her until her -face was rosy. Jerry even threatened to administer -a birthday whipping. It was the one thing which -the girls had long been curious to find out. Miss -Susanna had steadily refused to divulge her birth -date even to Marjorie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“And we haven’t a single present for you,” wailed -Vera regretfully.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“So much the better. There’s nothing I need except -more love. I’m rich in that, by the Grace of -God.” Miss Susanna had emerged from the affectionate -wooling she had received, radiantly smiling.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Then began one of the delightful evenings, which, -instead of being few and far between, were now -frequent occurrences in the contented life of the -once pessimistic mistress of the Arms. As it neared -nine o’clock Leila announced that she had a fine -stirring song to sing and invited Robin to vacate -the piano stool.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Susanna may have heard this gem. I am -sure the rest of you have not,” she declared with -beaming smiles. “It is called ‘Wait for the Wagon.’ -It is a deeply significant song.” She turned to the -piano and began a jerky little prelude which Phil -said sounded exactly like the jolting of a wagon. -Leila then lifted up her voice in a creaky old-fashioned -tune which convulsed her listeners.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>She sang two verses amid ripples of laughter. -Nothing dismayed by the laughing derision accorded -her vocal efforts she vigorously began a -third. Then something happened. Down the hall -outside came the approaching squeak of wheels. -The laughter rose to a mild shout as Jonas appeared -in the doorway, pulling after him a good-sized -toy express wagon piled high with fancy-wrapped, -be-ribboned bundles. Strangely enough -each package was tied with pale violet satin ribbon. -He trundled the wagon into the room and to where -Marjorie sat, winsome and laughing, saying: “Miss -Susanna says that she has the birthday, but you -may have the presents.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh! Why! I don’t need any!” Marjorie exclaimed, -looking abashed. “It’s not my birthday.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, but you’ve a wedding day coming,” Miss -Susanna said, matter-of-fact and smiling, “and a -hope chest, too. Go and bring it, Jonas. Open -your hope gifts, child, and be glad your friends -aren’t stingy.” In spite of her prosaic tone there -was a tender gleam in her bright brown eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She lost it immediately and began to laugh at -Jonas who turned solemnly and trundled the wagon -into the hall and out of sight. He came creaking -back again soon with the beautiful rosewood chest.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Surrounded by a love knot of friends, Marjorie -opened package after package, smiling at first, but -tenderly tearful toward the last. She was especially -touched by Jonas’s gift to her of a gorgeous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>Chinese vase which Brooke Hamilton had given him -and which had been one of his few treasures. She -also dropped two or three tears on an exquisite jade -figure which Leslie Cairns had given her. She understood -it to be a reminder of the momentous afternoon -when she had worn the jade frock and they -had gone together to President Matthews’ office.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When she had opened, loved and exclaimed over -the last gift, a hand-embroidered lunch cloth from -Kathie, every stitch of which had been taken by her -patient fingers, she turned from the library table, -now gaily blossoming with her riches, and opened -both arms in a gesture of endearment.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I haven’t any words dear enough to tell you in -how much I love you, and thank you,” she said. “I -only know I do. It seems to me my life has been -nothing but a succession of glorious surprises. I -think I’ve been given so much more than my share -of love and happiness.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>A chorus of fond dissent greeted her earnestly -humble words.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Sh-h. That’s only half of my speech.” She -held up a playfully admonishing finger. “The other -half is about Miss Susanna. It’s something I’ve -been wishing to ask her a long time. Because she -has loved me in the same way Captain and General -have loved me I have the courage to ask this great -favor. Captain and General know I am going to -ask it. So does Hal. Please, Goldendede, dear -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>Goldendede, may Hal and I be married at the Arms -on Mr. Brooke’s birthday?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>May you?</i>” Miss Susanna got up from her -chair and came straight to Marjorie. On her small, -keen face shone the light of a great devotion. “May -you?” she repeated. “How could you know, child, -that this was what I wished for most. I never dared -mention it to you. It seemed so selfish in me. -You’ve given me the great and only birthday -present.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XIX.<br /> <br />LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“At last I’ve discovered what I’ve been dying to -find out!” Julia Peyton burst into the room occupied -by herself and Clara Carter, her black, moon-like -eyes full of excitement.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Have you?” Clara made an elaborate pretense -of indifference. She kept her eyes fastened on the -book before her on the study table. She was thoroughly -peeved with Julia for having gone across -the hall to see Mildred Ferguson at least an hour -before.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Julia had returned to Hamilton on the previous -afternoon. Clara had not returned, however, until -that afternoon. She thought Julia might have -shown more interest in seeing her. Instead, she -had hurried to Mildred Ferguson’s room directly -after dinner on the plea of consulting with Mildred -about the Orchid Club’s next luncheon.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, drop your book, and listen to me.” Julia -sat down on the edge of her couch bed with an -impatient bounce.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why should I? You haven’t stopped to consider -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>me?” Clara retorted, frost in her tones. “But -it doesn’t matter. Please say what you wish. I -am interested in this story. I began it on the train -and I’m anxious to finish it tonight. I shan’t have -time to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, bother your old story!” Julia exclaimed. -“You are simply peeved. The story I have to tell -you is a good deal more interesting than the one -you’re reading. I have just heard the true story -of Leslie Cairns. What do you think of that?” -Julia was full of malicious elation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“True story?” Clara returned interrogatively. -She refused to let curiosity interfere with her miffed -assumption of dignity.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, the true story of how she led the girls she -chummed with into a hazing party and then tried -to lay the whole thing to them so as to save herself -from being expelled. That’s the sort of person -<i>she</i> is.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I suppose Mildred Ferguson told you all this,” -Clara said coolly. “Where did she find out so -much? How do you know what she says is true?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She found out about Miss Cairns from a cousin. -The cousin was one of the girls who chummed with -Miss Cairns, and who was with the hazing party. -I believe every word of what she told me.” Julia -crested her head in displeased defiance of Clara.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Mm-m.” Clara unbent a trifle. “Who is her -cousin? When did she hear about Miss Cairns? -Off the campus, I believe. I’ve never found anyone -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>on the campus who knew the rights of that hazing -business. They say Miss Dean knows. She ought -to, since she was the student those girls hazed. -She’d never tell anyone a word about it, though.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She may keep her information,” shrugged Julia -scornfully. “I know more about it now, perhaps, -than she does. I mean, I know the Cairns side of -it. You see Mildred’s cousin is a very rich girl -named Dulcie Vale. She is a society favorite, but -she was a senior at Hamilton when it all happened.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Then she must have been expelled from Hamilton, -too.” Clara put in half contemptuously. “All -those San Soucians were expelled.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She was not,” Julia emphasized, frowning. -“She left Hamilton before it happened because she -knew that Leslie Cairns had betrayed the whole -crowd of girls by being too confidential with another -student named Miss Walbert, who was noted -on the campus as a tale-bearer and gossip.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I thought they were <i>all</i> expelled,” Clara persisted -obstinately.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Vale was <i>not</i>.” Julia showed signs of becoming -exasperated. “Please listen to me, Clara. -This is very important for you to know. That is, -if you care to do your part toward making Wayland -Hall a house free from such derogatory influences -as Miss Cairns is bound sooner or later to -exert.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s one way of putting it.” Clara laid aside -her book. Her pale blue eyes shot sparks of resentment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>at Julia. “I happen to know you a little -better than anyone else here knows you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Of course you do.” Julia controlled her temper -with an effort. She was more anxious to tell Clara -what she had heard about Leslie than she was to -squabble with Clara. “That’s precisely why I am -trying to give you my confidence,” she explained, -with pretended warmth.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Hm-m. Go ahead, then.” Somewhat mollified, -Clara gave in. She had defeated her curiosity -several times. Now she decided to gratify it.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Mildred’s mother is Dulcie Vale’s aunt,” Julia -began with impressive alacrity. “The Vale family -held a re-union in New York this year over New -Year’s. Dulcie’s father is the president of the L., -T. and M. Railroad, and is worth a lot of money. -But not as much as Miss Cairns’ father is worth. -Dulcie and Mildred met at the re-union. They -hadn’t seen each other for almost four years. Mildred -thought Dulcie was a Vassar graduate. She was -surprised to hear that Dulcie had attended Hamilton. -Dulcie was surprised to know that Mildred was a -Hamilton freshman. She began asking Mildred all -sorts of questions about the campus and Wayland -Hall.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Julia paused to take breath, then continued with -relish: “Mildred said Dulcie positively went up -in the air when she heard that Leslie Cairns was -back at Hamilton. Then she started in and told -Mildred the whole story of the whole time she and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>Miss Cairns were at Hamilton together. Mildred -said she couldn’t begin to remember all Dulcie told -her against Miss Cairns. For one thing Miss -Cairns hired a coach to teach her team a lot of dishonest -basket ball tricks. Then she tried to make -the other girls on the team, who were all Sans, -learn them. Dulcie was on the team. She absolutely -refused to do a thing that was unfair in the -game. That made Leslie Cairns angry with her. -After that they were never friendly again, but Dulcie -stood a good many things because she wanted to -be loyal to the Sans.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Then Miss Cairns ran Miss Langly down, speeding -on Hamilton Pike. She tried to pretend it was -another motorist who had done it. She had to -own up to it, though. She had to go before Prexy, -and was nearly expelled that time.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How did they haze Miss Dean? Did Miss Vale -say?” Clara was in hopes of hearing what she -longed to discover.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, they dressed up in dominos and masks and -walked Miss Dean around the campus two or three -times. It was on Valentine’s night. That’s the -junior masquerade night, you know. Then they -were going to let her go, but Leslie Cairns said -they shouldn’t. She and three or four of the Sans -took Miss Dean to an empty house and locked her -in it. Dulcie and most of the others went straight -back to the gym to the dance.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Then they shouldn’t have been expelled,” Clara -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>declared stolidly. “They should have been able to -clear themselves.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“None of the Sans would have been expelled if -Miss Cairns had been loyal to them. She told this -Miss Walbert about it, and that Dulcie was to -blame for the whole thing. Miss Walbert told -every girl she knew on the campus. The story -went on till the faculty got hold of it. Somehow -it was reported to Prexy. Dulcie found out from -his secretary, who was her friend, that Prexy was -going to bring the Sans on the carpet for hazing. -She went to Leslie and warned her to be on her -guard. Leslie said she had been telling tales. She -set the other Sans against Dulcie, and they treated -her so outrageously she had a nervous collapse, and -had to leave college. She wrote President Matthews -a lovely letter before she left, saying how sorry she -was to have to leave Hamilton. It must have impressed -him greatly.” Julia rolled her moon-like -eyes. “He sent for Leslie Cairns soon afterward. -Then she turned against her chums and the upshot -was that they were all expelled. Only she didn’t -expect that she would be. Do you consider such a -girl a good influence at the Hall? I don’t.” She -replied to her own question with vindictive stress.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“But suppose this Dulcie Vale hadn’t told the -truth?” Clara did not like Mildred. She was -therefore ready to doubt the integrity of Mildred’s -cousin.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She’s told it nearly enough so that we know -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>what happened,” Julia maintained in a slightly sullen -tone. “Besides we aren’t going to put everything -I’ve just told you in the petition. We shall -simply base the petition upon what we know.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Hm-m.” Clara vented her favorite satiric -ejaculation. “You’ll have to show the girls in the -club, or else they will refuse to sign it. You can’t -simply state in it that Leslie Cairns is an undesirable -person to have at the Hall. You’ll have to substantiate -your accusations.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You must think we are infants. What makes -you so snippy, Clara Carter? We have arranged for -everything. The girls in the Orchid Club will sign -the petition after Mildred goes before them at a -special meeting. Dulcie Vale is going to send -Mildred a tabulated account of Leslie Cairns’ doings -here. She will read it out to the club. Then -I think they will be ready to sign the petition. -After that—” Julia curled a confident lip. “The -majority rules, you know. We are twenty-six -against twenty. At least half a dozen of that twenty -will not take sides. That makes it a matter of only -fourteen against twenty-six.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Remson will fight against making Miss -Cairns leave the Hall. She seems to like her. It -seems queer to me that Miss Remson would take -her back again, and be so sweet to her. And Miss -Dean and her crowd! Miss Cairns is awfully -chummy with them.” Deep within Clara a stubborn -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>doubt had risen as to the feasibility of Julia’s vengeful -scheme.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It had begun to form before Christmas as a -result of Julia’s crush on Mildred. Clara had -sulked matters out alone. As a result she had freed -herself to a certain extent from Julia’s spiteful influence. -And the beneficial result of frequent hours -spent alone was a general pulling-up in her classes -and a lack of impulse to gossip, since she had not -Julia to gossip with. She was beginning to lean -toward a more charitable state of mind though she -had not yet discovered it.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Remson may fuss all she pleases about the -petition. We shall appeal to Prexy and demand -justice.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How do you suppose Miss Cairns got back on -the campus?” Clara laughed a trifle scornfully. “By -Prexy’s permission, of course. Of what use then -to appeal to him? You’d best let well enough alone. -You’ll never win. I am saying it to you for your -own good, Julia.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Much obliged, I’m sure.” Julia was now thoroughly -incensed. “I don’t in the least understand -you, Clara. I do know this. We shall win. We -are prepared to take it even above Prexy’s head, -and to the College Board. We shall have our parents -take up the matter, if necessary. You were -in sympathy with us at first. Now—” She sprang -up from the couch and walked to the door, her -black eyes smouldering with anger. “All I’ll ask -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>of you is not to repeat what I’ve just said. You -must do as you think wise about signing the petition.” -She went out the door, closing it after -her with a sharp little bang.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Julia had best let well enough alone,” Clara -repeated aloud as she resumed her book. “She’ll -never win.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XX.<br /> <br />A BRAVE RESOLVE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“The Orchid Club is most certainly in an enthusiastic -state,” Vera Mason remarked tranquilly -as she raised her eyes from a bit of difficult Greek -prose and listened to the faint, concerted sounds -of applause that ascended in waves from behind -the closed doors of the living room.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“A regular gale of glee,” Leila spoke with a -faint touch of good-humored satire. “What is it -that calls for such applause, I wonder?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We shall never know.” Vera made a gesture -of resigned futility. “Their worthy president has -forgotten how much she objected to our demonstrations -of joy in 15 last year. They are making -a great deal more noise than ever we made.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“They are welcome to make it. Shut up in the -living room, they are at least out of mischief.” -Leila promptly forgot the demonstrative assemblage -below stairs in the writing of a stirring scene -in the “melodramer” she had long promised Robin -and Marjorie she should one day write. She had -named it “The Fatal Message,” and it abounded -in scenes, villains and thrilling situations to a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>ludicrous extent. The hero’s name was Rupert and -the heroine’s Madelene. The greater part of the -stage scenery belonging to Leila’s theatrical paraphernalia -divided the lovers throughout the play -until they met in the palatial drawing room of -Madelene’s long-lost millionaire father in the last -scene of the fifth act.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As usual Augusta Forbes had been selected for -the heroic part of Rupert. Gentleman Gus had -acquired great glory as a portrayer of male roles. -Because the Hamilton girls loved to see her grace -the stage in her golden beauty, Doris Monroe had -been selected to play the part of Madelene. In ministerial-appearing -Miss Duncan, Leila had also discovered -a treasure. Miss Duncan had proved upon -acquaintance to be as humorous and jolly as she -seemed staid and severe. She had confessed a longing -to swank about the stage in male attire and had -covered herself with glory as Henry the Fifth in -three scenes from the splendid play which had been -given at a “Shakesperian Show” managed by Page -and Dean.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Shut up in the living room,” however, the -Orchid Club were hardly verifying Leila’s light -supposition. A week had passed since Julia Peyton -had triumphantly boasted to Clara Carter that she -had found the means she had been seeking to drive -Leslie Cairns from Wayland Hall. All she and -Mildred Ferguson lacked toward starting the ball -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>of injustice rolling was the promised tabulated list -from Dulcie Vale.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Dulcie had not seen Leslie since the two girls had -been students at Hamilton. She had known herself -to be so thoroughly despised by Leslie and the -other Sans for her treachery toward them that she -had preferred to keep at a distance from them. She -had once met and greeted Joan Myers and had received -a snubbing which she never forgot. In her -heart she had the same old envious dislike for -Leslie as in the days on Hamilton campus when she -had resented Leslie’s undeniable sway over the -Sans.</p> - -<p class='c005'>During the interval of more than two years -which had elapsed since the downfall of the San -Soucians at Hamilton College, Dulcie Vale had -not improved either in wisdom or truth. She had -the same lack of regard for the truth as ever. When -she had discovered at the Vale’s New Year’s re-union -that Mildred Ferguson was a student at Hamilton, -and had also learned to her nettled amazement -that Leslie Cairns had by some means or other -managed to return to Hamilton, she immediately -planned mischief. She was as ready to drag Leslie -down into the dust of humiliation as ever.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was with malicious pleasure that she set to -work on the tabulated list of Leslie’s misdeeds the -day following the re-union. She spent the greater -part of three days composing and arranging the -list, then mailed it to Mildred with satisfaction. It -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>had arrived in the afternoon mail of the previous -day and the Orchid Club had been notified to a -member to be on hand at eight o’clock in the living -room of the Hall on the next evening.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Julia and Mildred had spent the entire evening -previous to that of the meeting in drawing up the -fateful petition. Due to Mildred’s selfish ability to -steer conveniently clear of snags, the petition was -worded so cleverly as to carry the effect of a protest -against deep injury reluctantly stated. It -began:</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We, the undersigned do hereby make plea for -a condition of affairs at Wayland Hall which shall -be in entire harmony with the ideals and traditions -of Hamilton College.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Followed in “the interests of truth and honor” -a dignified protest against Leslie Cairns’ presence -at the Hall. The petition ended with the crafty -assurance that three representatives from among the -objectors were prepared to state in private conference -with Miss Remson their objections to Leslie -Cairns as a resident of Wayland Hall.</p> - -<p class='c005'>While Julia Peyton had a known grievance -against Leslie, Mildred also had one, though it was -less tangible. She had shrewdly estimated Leslie at -sight as a person of some consequence. She had -accordingly decided to cultivate Leslie’s acquaintance. -She had met with a peculiar kind of defeat. -She had all of a sudden understood that Leslie -understood her. She sensed as clearly as though it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>had been said to her that Leslie had quickly plumbed -her soul and discovered her ignoble motive for making -friendly advances. On this very account she -felt aggressive toward Leslie, as is the way with -persons of small nature. She was quite content with -Julia’s determination to shame Leslie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Mildred had chosen to read out Dulcie Vale’s list -to the members of the club. This to Julia’s only -half concealed disappointment. She had allotted the -reading of the petition to Julia, who had accepted -the minor honor somewhat distantly. The reading -of the petition evoked far more applause than did -Dulcie’s letter, which was gratifying to Julia. She -took the credit for its composition though Mildred -had dictated its policy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As a matter of fact the members of the Orchid -Club were rather horrified at the list of offenses -Dulcie had tabulated against Leslie. The psychological -effect produced upon the company by the -reading of the list was decidedly unpleasant. They -were a thoughtless, pleasure-loving group of girls -with undoubted snobbish tendencies. They were -not in any sense embued with the spirit of lawlessness -which had brought the Sans to grief. Nevertheless -the list served its purpose to the extent that -the majority of the club were in instant favor of -presenting the petition to Miss Remson.</p> - -<p class='c005'>There were a few faint-hearted objections to the -proposal from four or five girls who presented the -arguments that Miss Cairns had powerful friends -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>at the Hall in the post graduates, that Miss Remson -would fight for Leslie and that Prexy might -be a good friend of Miss Cairns’ father. These -arguments were energetically swept aside by Julia -and Mildred, who made mysterious promises to -take the matter “higher” with the surety of receiving -justice from the College Board should both Miss -Remson and Prexy prove partial.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“In the face of all Miss Cairns has done against -the traditions and rules of Hamilton it would be -<i>nothing but partiality</i> for President Matthews to -refuse to honor our petition.” Julia had risen to -argue as eloquently against Leslie as a district attorney -might have against a murderer. “If he -should do this then we must come out boldly and -accuse him of partiality. We shall have our parents -write letters of protest to him, and to the Board.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>While her hearers were not altogether satisfied -with her arguments neither were they pleased to have -Leslie at the Hall. They had the innate tendency -of well-bred girls toward the keeping of honorable -company which in other circumstances might have -been commendable.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was Mildred, however, who put the final touch -to Julia’s harangue. “Oh, what is the use of being -afraid to sign that petition?” she demanded, her -blue eyes laughing scorn at her clubmates. It was -the one thing needed to decide them against Leslie. -“What harm can it do you? Haven’t you a right -to the courage of your convictions? You can’t -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>be executed, you know, for signing. Incidentally -we may win. Think it over, then start at the left -and come up to the table and sign. But take your -chairs again. We have other business to transact -before the close of the meeting.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie, coming in later from a little expedition -of her own, encountered the chattering throng of -girls as it poured into the hall from the living room. -In crossing the hall to the stairs she was curiously -aware of a stir among the chatterers which she could -not but lay to her appearance among them. She -bade the students nearest to her a reserved good -evening and hurried on up the stairs feeling vexed -with herself for the odd premonition which had -flashed through her mind of the approach of something -disagreeable. She shook off the feeling, impatiently -attributing it to the constant expectation -of being harshly criticised which she unwillingly -harbored.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Since the beginning of her senior year Leslie -had quietly interested herself in the poor of the -town of Hamilton. Her program of only two -subjects gave her ample time to look about her. She -had more money than she could possibly spend. She -no longer cared about spending it like water for -fancied costly luxuries. Her idea of charity consisted -in buying a car full of groceries and necessities, -then driving around among the needy families -in the lower part of the town and making them -happy. She never stopped to inquire whether they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>were worthy. She simply gave as her sympathies -directed. Already she had planned, that, when she -and Peter the Great should come to live at Carden -Hedge, she would ask him to establish some sort of -industry in South Hamilton which should provide -work for the poor there at a living wage.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The day following the meeting Leslie came to -a grim conclusion that “something must be stirring” -against her among her housemates. It was the first -time since her advent at the Hall that she had noticed -anything so general as the peculiarly disapproving -aloofness which showed itself among the tables -full of girls as she went into the dining room to -breakfast. By night she had become convinced of -her suspicion. She set her jaws and brought an -intrepid spirit to bear upon the threatening situation. -Whatever it might be she would not go whining -with it to Miss Remson. She would not run -out to meet calamity, either. But, if calamity came, -she would walk bravely out to meet it, alone.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XXI.<br /> <br />A SURPRISE FOR THE ORCHID CLUB</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“Please, Miss Leslie, Miss Remson says will you -come to her room and bring Miss Monroe with -you? She’d like to see you right away.” Annie -beamed her whole-hearted regard upon Leslie, to -whom she was indebted for various pleasant -gratuities.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll be with her in ten minutes. Miss Monroe -has gone out to mail a letter. She’ll be back directly.” -Leslie closed the door upon Annie’s retreating -back with slow reflectiveness. “I wonder,” -she murmured: “I wonder.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Remson just sent Annie for us,” she said -to Doris as the latter entered, her perfect face in -charming relief against the dark bear’s fur collar -of her coat. Her head was bare and her hair was -massed gold in the lamplight.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“For us?” Doris lifted her dark brows. “Why?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Don’t know. I think I’m due to hear something -unpleasant,” Leslie returned with frowning conviction. -“I saw it coming this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Saw what coming?” Doris looked concerned. -“I mean, what did you see?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie explained as well as she could. “I can’t -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>kick, you know. Here it is, January, and I’ve had -smooth sailing. But I’m going to hit the rocks, I -guess. The question is: Who supplied the rocks, -and how big are they?” Leslie finished with mocking -humor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“If you really are correct in your suspicion, Leslie, -you can blame Julia Peyton for the whole -thing,” Doris spoke with anxious warmth. “She -supplied the rocks, if there are any. But she is so -untruthful, no one will take her word long for anything. -She has probably woven a weird tale about -the Rustic Romp. I’ll soon put a stop to it if I -can find out what she has said.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It may not be that at all.” Leslie shook her -head. “It’s more apt to be something I did when -I was on the campus before. I did so many things -I shouldn’t have done. She may have happened -to unearth one of them. Well,” unconsciously -Leslie squared her shoulders, “let’s go and see.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Come in, girls.” To their surprise Doris and -Leslie found Miss Remson standing in the door of -her upstairs sitting room, evidently on watch for -them. She beckoned the girls into the room and -closed the door quickly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There,” she declared, “I am as well pleased to -have no one see you. I am so angry. Gr—r—r!” -The little woman accompanied the growl with a -violent shake of the head. “I know you’d prefer -me to be direct, Leslie. Read this.” She handed -Leslie a folded paper. “Then we’ll talk.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>Leslie unfolded the sheet, scanned it eagerly, then -passed it on to Doris with a bitter little laugh. -“Here’s the rock,” she said. “It’s a big one.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Outrageous!” Doris cried out indignantly, letting -the fateful petition flutter to the floor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie picked it up and re-read it. “No one is to -blame but myself,” she asserted doughtily. “I’ll not -have you annoyed, Miss Remson, by anything I’m -responsible for. I’ll leave the Hall tomorrow and -go back to the Hamilton House. At least I’ve -Prexy’s permission to finish my course here.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You’ll <i>not</i> leave the Hall, Leslie. Such a contemptible -thing for a crowd of girls to do,” Miss -Remson’s eyes showed an angry sparkle.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Not half so bad as the things I——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Now, now, Leslie. This is the present, you -know.” Miss Remson said soothingly. “That -petition is only the beginning. Read this. But, -first, glance at the signature.” She tendered Leslie -a thicker fold of paper.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Dulcie Vale!” Leslie’s voice rose in astonishment -as she scanned the well-remembered signature: -“Dulciana Maud Vale.” “Now I begin to understand -what it’s all about. Please, pardon me, both of -you, while I give Dulcie’s latest outbreak the -once-over. ‘The Leslie Cairns’ List,’” she read out. -“That’s exactly like Dulcie Vale, the little stupid.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Miss Remson waited silently for Leslie to read -the several sheets of typed paper. At last she -glanced up with a laugh of satirical amusement. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>“Dulcie must have hired a stenographer to type this. -She never typed it herself,” was her characteristically -unexpected comment. “Here is a full account -of the crimes of Cairns, Doris. Only Dulcie has -tied the truth up in an awful snarl. Read about me -in this monograph. If you are still my friend after -you read it, you deserve a friendship medal.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That petition was handed to me last night -after the meeting in the living room,” Miss Remson -said. “I read it, and went to Miss Peyton before -the ten-thirty bell rang. Her name heads the list, -you see. I suspected her as being at the bottom of -the trouble. I told her very sternly that I should -expect to meet her committee of three next day at -noon in my office. Today at noon Miss Ferguson -came to my office with a great pretence of dignity. -She brought with her this outrageous piece of spite -work,” she indicated the list Doris was perusing, -her beautiful face utterly impassive.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She said she would prefer me to read the list she -handed me, then she, Miss Peyton and Miss Waters -would meet me in conference. At first I thought -of handing the list and petition back to her with a -lecture. Instead, I accepted the list and said that -I would take up the matter with them in three days. -As yet I had nothing to say. They went away. -There was nothing else for them to do.” Miss -Remson’s lips tightened.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Once upon a time, Leslie,” she continued, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>“Ronny Lynne and I held a meeting in the living -room. You remember why.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, I remember.” Leslie flushed. “I wish I -had been wise enough to profit by the experience -of that evening.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Miss Remson referred to the eventful evening -during Leslie’s sophomore year at Hamilton when -she had called a meeting in the living room of Wayland -Hall in order to see justice done to Marjorie -Dean. Leslie had then been the prime mover in -an unworthy attempt to traduce Marjorie which had -ended in deserved defeat for Leslie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Forgive me for mentioning it.” The little manager -flashed Leslie a smile of stanch friendship. -“History may repeat itself. I wish you would leave -this matter entirely to me, Leslie. Think nothing -further of it. Don’t consider leaving the Hall. This -report of you compiled by Dulcie Vale is grossly -untrue.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It is, of course, garbled. It’s an entirely different -story of the hazing than the one she wrote in -the letter to President Matthews. That was our -finish at Hamilton. Dulcie ought to do well writing -fiction.” In the midst of her dejection Leslie could -not refrain from this humorous thrust at Dulcie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s too bad, Leslie.” Doris looked up from -the papers in her hand, her tone one of affection. -“You are doing your best to make up for what you -once did that wasn’t honorable. We all make plenty -of mistakes. Only it takes a brave person to go -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>back and try to retrieve them. I’ll stand by you. -So will the Travelers.” She came over to where -Leslie sat, elbow on chair, chin in hand, her dark -face immobile as an Indian’s. She put a reassuring -arm across Leslie’s shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are a good pal, Goldie.” Leslie raised her -head from her hand in an upward appreciative -glance. “I’ve always said that, even when we -squabbled.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I shall continue to be a good pal,” Doris assured, -smiling. Secretly she intended to find a -means, if she could, to make the signers of the -petition feel ashamed and foolish.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When the two friends left Miss Remson’s sitting -room a few moments later Doris went to her own -room instead of stopping in Leslie’s. There she -found Muriel industriously writing to her fiancé, -Harry Lenox.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Tell me about a meeting that once took place -in the living room downstairs because of something -Leslie said about Marjorie,” she began abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Um-m. Wait a minute until I have wound up -my weekly love letter to my intended,” giggled -Muriel. “That’s what Annie calls the plumber she -is going to marry. My intended!” Muriel repeated -the phrase admiringly. “Isn’t that sweet?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How romantic you are!” Doris duplicated the -giggle.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Ain’t I jist?” Muriel came back buoyantly. -“You ought to read my letters to Harry. They are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>almost business-like enough to be signed ‘Yours -very truly.’ Would you like me to read you this -one?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Mercy, no. I should not care to hear it.” Doris -said with amused stress.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“And I shouldn’t care to read it to you,” Muriel -replied with great affability.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nor to tell me about that meeting, either,” reminded -Doris slyly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, yes, the meeting.” Muriel appeared to remember -vaguely Doris’s question. “Why don’t -you ask—. No, you wouldn’t care to do that.” -Muriel stopped, surveying Doris quizzically.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You mean ask either Leslie or Marjorie,” Doris -said quickly. “Not if I can help it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What has happened?” Muriel continued to eye -Doris shrewdly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s what I should like to tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Don’t be afraid to confide in me,” Muriel assured -flippantly. Sobering her merry features, she -added: “I’ll tell you about the meeting.” She -snapped her fountain pen shut, leaned back in her -chair and recounted a trifle sketchily the happenings -of the eventful meeting in the living room in which -Marjorie had figured so prominently.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Poor Leslie.” Doris shook her head pityingly -after Muriel had finished the little story. “What -a lot of trouble she has made for herself in the past. -I’m so glad everything is different with her now. -I’m glad I found myself in time. We girls who’ve -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>been left without our mothers when we are children -to grow up in the care of servants are bound to be -selfish, even unprincipled. What ought I to do, -Muriel? You are so clever at suggestion. I have -an idea that the way to deal with these girls is to -show them themselves from the standpoint of foolishness. -Such attempts from a group of students -at injuring another student are so terribly underbred, -I think.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>A sudden mischievous smile overspread Muriel’s -face. “I know a good way to do,” she said. She -began outlining a plan which seemed to amuse her -more and more as she continued. Before she had -finished speaking both she and Doris were laughing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Let’s go and tell it to Miss Remson now,” -Doris proposed eagerly. She held out her hand -to Muriel.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The present is ours.” Muriel blithely accepted -the hand and away the two went. When they returned -to their room almost an hour later they left -Miss Remson smiling over the surprise she had in -store for the Orchid Club.</p> - -<p class='c005'>For the next three days Julia and Mildred held -long, concerned confabs regarding what Miss Remson -intended to do about the petition. Her manner, -when they had talked with her, had been impersonal. -They argued it as a good sign, however, -that she should have asked for three days in which -to consider the matter.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“If she had been down on us for getting up the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>petition she would probably have exploded like a firecracker,” -Mildred declared to Julia on the afternoon -of the second day as they came from Science Hall. -“We may be doing her a favor by objecting to Miss -Cairns. It may be that she disapproves of Miss -Cairns, too, but has to walk softly because Prexy -has shown such marked partiality in her case.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Remson likes Miss Cairns,” differed Julia. -“She makes quite a good deal of fuss over her. Of -course, there is just a chance that she only pretends -to like her on account of her father’s money.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The P. G.’s don’t act as though they knew a -thing about the petition,” Mildred observed triumphantly. -“They are too busy with plays and college -welfare work to trouble themselves to watch us.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It’s a good thing. I’m glad Miss Dean isn’t at -the Hall now. Miss Remson would surely tell her -about our petition. She is Miss Remson’s pet. She -used always to be stirring up things here and interfering -in the girls’ private affairs. Doris Monroe is -the only one I am uncertain of. She is really Miss -Cairns’ friend. Let her hear a word of this business!” -Julia paused impressively.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, she isn’t so formidable. She dearly loves -to swank. She is altogether too top-lofty to suit -me.” Mildred’s face clouded. Doris’s superior air -was a great cross to her. “She poses with that -white fur motor coat, and white car on purpose to -keep herself before the campus.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She knows better than to be top-lofty with me,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>Julia said in an independent tone. “I am the only -girl on the campus who made her understand that -I’d not fall down and worship her.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Hm-m,” was Mildred’s sole response. It reminded -Julia forcibly of Clara. Clara had signed -the petition, but had secretly regretted the act. She -was hourly growing more disgusted with Julia and -frequently wondered how she had ever even believed -she liked her quarrelsome roommate. She -was no longer jealous of Mildred. She detested the -bold freshman more than ever, and derived a resentful -pleasure from the thought that Julia and -Mildred could not possibly stay friends for any -length of time.</p> - -<p class='c005'>On the morning of the third day Miss Remson -called Julia and Mildred into her office from the -breakfast table to inform them that she would meet -the Orchid Club as a body in the living room that -evening at eight o’clock to discuss with them the -matter of the petition.</p> - -<p class='c005'>At half past seven Annie ushered Marjorie, winsome -and smiling into the kitchen by way of the -back door. “Miss Remson’s in her sitting room -watching for you, Miss Marjorie,” she gigglingly -announced. Annie was under the impression that a -huge joke was to be played upon someone. She -had no idea as to what it might be, or who was the -victim. She merely giggled in sympathy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Up in Miss Remson’s room Marjorie found Leslie -Cairns, Doris Monroe, Muriel Harding and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>manager awaiting her arrival at the Hall. As she -had spent the previous evening with them in the -same sitting room she responded to her friends’ -laughingly significant greetings in the same spirit.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Now girls,” Miss Remson addressed the quartette -in her bright fond fashion. “I leave the carrying -out of the program to you. Keep in line behind -me when the door is opened and I step into the -living room. If objection to your presence at the -meeting is made, let me talk to the objectors.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“We’ll be silent as specters till it comes our turn -to talk,” Muriel assured, her velvety brown eyes -twinkling her enjoyment of the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>At precisely eight o’clock Miss Remson’s doubled -fist beat an imperative little tattoo on the living -room door. A small blue-eyed freshman with a -worried expression opened the door. She sent up -an abashed “Oh!” and watched the line of five file -into the room in amazed fascination. The manager -led her companions straight up the aisle formed by -the arrangement of rows of chairs, oblivious to the -growing murmur of voices which attended her progress -up the room. She paused near the two chairs -set in an open space at the end of the room which -were occupied by the president and vice-president -of the Orchid Club. The four girls grouped themselves -behind her. A dead stillness descended upon -the room. It was an ominous stillness such as -precedes a storm.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XXII.<br /> <br />THE WAY THE MEETING TURNED OUT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Suddenly the storm broke. A babel of protesting -exclamations arose, growing louder. A tall -sophomore with glasses sprang to her feet crying -out: “This is not fair, Miss Remson. Our club is -strictly private. No one except the members and -yourself was invited to be here tonight. I object, -Madame President.” She whirled, appealing to -Julia.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Saylor, your objection is sustained.” Julia’s -expression was one of empty dignity. She looked -ludicrously owl-like. “We are glad of Miss Remson’s -presence here tonight. However, we prefer -not to have outsiders at our business meetings.” She -regarded the four “outsiders” with a cold stare. -“Please take this chair, Miss Remson.” She nodded -to a vacant chair near her own.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Thank you.” Miss Remson seated herself without -further remark.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The noise attending the entrance of Miss Remson -and her four aides had partially subsided while Julia -was speaking. It now began again. Half a dozen -girls simultaneously found their feet to make displeased -protest.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>Suddenly Muriel stepped in front of her companions -and raised a hand for silence. Her gesture was -thoroughly good-humored. Her sparkling face was -full of condescending geniality. “My, but you are -an inhospitable crowd!” she declared. “You don’t -know what you are trying to do. You are trying -to put me out of the show business. These are my -three performers and this is our next stand. Have -a heart!”</p> - -<p class='c005'>No one could be more irresistibly funny than -Muriel when she chose. Laughter greeted her mock -reproachful speech, rather half-hearted, but laughter, -nevertheless. The ominous babel of displeased voices -died down.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Harding!” Julia adopted a tone of deep -affront. “Won’t you please consider the privacy -of this club and——”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“How can you?” Muriel looked grieved, then -laughter chased away her pretended grief. “Have -pity on a poor showman, and his exhibits. ‘Remember -the stranger within thy gates,’” she quoted affably, -well aware of the sighing breath that rose -from the company at the reminder of Hamilton’s -first tradition. “There’s money in this business for -me this evening. I always take up a collection after -each performance. Why be haughty? Stay and see -the show.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Show! Show!” The sunny side of girl nature -could not but respond to Muriel’s nonsensical blandishments. -Here and there among the group a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>frowning face was to be seen. The majority were -longing for fun, however. And the majority ruled. -Then, too, Muriel was extremely well liked.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The laughing cry of “Show” continued. Julia -Peyton raised an imperious hand in an effort to -fix attention upon herself. She addressed the crowd, -but the crowd refused to listen to her. Muriel had -won her point. She had also delivered a pertinent -rebuke under cover of her gaiety.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Assert yourself as president,” Mildred Ferguson -urged Julia in low stormy tones. She was furious -at the unexpected intrusion. “What does Miss Remson -think she is going to do, I wonder? She’ll not -honor the petition. That’s certain. To bring Miss -Cairns in here! She means to fight for her and -make us a whole lot of trouble—if she can.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, those provoking girls!” Julia was ready to -cry with chagrin. “They’re letting Miss Harding -make perfect geese of them. And all because she is -funny, or thinks she is.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She’s funny enough,” Mildred admitted sulkily. -She turned to listen against her will to Muriel’s -flow of inimitable nonsense.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Muriel had ranged Marjorie, Leslie and Doris in -a row and was now engaged in busily showing them -off to the roomful of girls. She treated them as -she might have a collection of bisque dolls. She -moved their arms and hands about at will, took them -by the shoulders, one after another, spun them round -then posed them in a series of ridiculously stiff attitudes. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>She finally pretended to wind up a mechanism -between Marjorie’s shoulders and Marjorie came -to life and sang Stevenson’s “In Winter,” in a thin -childish voice. She met with a cordial reception.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Doris, when wound up, executed a graceful little -dance which was heartily applauded. Leslie came -last. She sang a verse of a French song with an -artistry of expression and gesture that was a revelation -to the audience who had gathered to condemn -her. After she had finished and given a funny little -exhibition of running down and becoming immobile -again an odd silence reigned. It was shattered by -a girl’s voice from the back of the room. “Clever, -bravo!” she cried. “Encore, encore!”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Next instant the room rang with cries of “Encore!” -Muriel favored her audience with a Cheshire -puss smile and laboriously wound up Leslie again. -She sang the second verse with more clever gestures.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When Muriel could make herself heard she went -on to announce that the performance would close -with one verse of “Lightly row,” sung by the “Great -Little Three.” Then she promised to press speech -buttons in the backs of the trio’s necks. The Great -Little Three would then thank their audience for -their attention.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Rather to her surprise this announcement also -elicited approval. She had been afraid the girls -would scent a lecture in her words and shy off -from it. Instead cries of “Speech! Speech!” ascended.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>“Thank you for your appreciation,” Marjorie began -in her own sweet tones as Muriel stepped back -from pressing the speech button at the nape of her -white neck. “We should feel so hurt if we thought -you hadn’t liked us. Though we seem only mechanical -we have very sensitive feelings. We are -glad if we have amused you and we hope you will -always think as kindly of us as we think of you.” -Thus Marjorie’s little speech ended.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Doris came next. She said with her soft, fascinating -drawl: “As I am a dancing doll it is very -hard for me to speak. So I will say only that I -wish the Orchid Club may flourish long as one of -Hamilton’s most representative sororities, with -truth, honor and justice for its motto.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Rah, rah, rah, for the college beauty!” proposed -someone. The cheers were given with a will. Doris -smiled and bowed her thanks, looking as lovely as -a veritable fairy-tale princess. The audience could -no more help liking her for her beauty than they -could help succumbing to Marjorie’s charm.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Leslie’s speech began in French. She made two -or three droll remarks in the language, accompanying -them by truly Gallic gestures of her hands and -shrugs of her shoulders. She was a French scholar, -having spoken it from early childhood. Ripples of -laughter from her listeners testified as to their admiration -for her cleverness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Suddenly she dropped into English with a change -of tone that brought forth a kind of united gasp -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>from the rows of girls. “And now the show is -over, and the play is played out,” she said in a -steady, resolute tone that somehow carried with it -an unspoken determination toward courage of the -true sort. “I have read your petition. I have read -the list written by Dulcie Vale. Both are a waste -of paper. You can neither make nor mar me. I -am the only one to do either. I know this now. I -learned it by failing to accomplish such injustices -against others as those you have lately framed -against me. Whatever you may have heard of me -belongs to the past; not the present. I am here to -do a certain thing which I have promised myself -shall be done. I shall continue to live at the Hall -because Miss Remson wishes me to do so. But for -all I did when I was at Hamilton nearly three years -ago which was against tradition and honor I am -reaping in this one respect. To live at Wayland Hall -is the greatest punishment for me that could be devised. -So my advice to you tonight is to leave me -to work out my own salvation. I promise not to -trouble you.” With a grave inclination of the head -Leslie stepped back beside Marjorie. Marjorie put -out an arm and dropped it affectionately about Leslie’s -waist.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I think it’s too bad; shameful in us!” A pretty -brown-eyed young woman had sprung to her feet -with the contrite cry. “How could we have been -so—so spitefully foolish? I shall cross my name -off that petition. Miss Remson won’t you please -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>destroy both it and that list? How many are with -me in this?” She waved a rallying hand to the -buzzing company.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am. And I.” A babel of “I’s” was heard.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Julia Peyton jumped up to defend the losing -fight. Her voice was drowned in the noise. Mildred -Ferguson tried to make herself heard and met with -defeat.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Muriel had forsaken her duties as showman and -was animatedly talking to two or three girls nearest -to where she stood. Doris had come up on Leslie’s -other side and had also put an arm around -Leslie. Miss Remson sat watching the noisy company, -a bright smile on her thin, kind face.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Muriel stepped up to her and asked an eager question. -Miss Remson handed her a thin packet of -folded papers. Muriel took them, then faced the -company. She waved them energetically in air until -she had attracted general attention to herself.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“This is my license to go into the show business,” -she cried laughingly. “I find I shall be too -busy from now on to need it. Is there anyone here -who would like to have it?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, no, no!” came the emphatic protest. “Burn -it up. Tear it up. Lose it in the furnace!” and -plenty of other suggestions answered her mischievous -inquiry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“All right.” Muriel cast a laughing glance at -Julia Peyton who was looking the picture of impotent -wrath. She caught the glance and turned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>her head haughtily away. “I have no matches,” -Muriel continued apologetically, “and the furnace -isn’t handy. Shall I?” She made a move as though -to tear the papers in half.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Yes.</i>” The welcome affirmation came with a -shout.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“And we are all friends?” Muriel asked with -sly geniality.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Yes.</i>” Again the shout echoed through the big -room.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Very well.” Muriel showed candid delight in -tearing the papers intended to cause unhappiness into -bits. “Please pardon us for having interrupted -your meeting,” she went on. “We are going now. -Good night. If any of you are thinking of starting -in the show business I can give you pointers. I -might even decide to lend you my dolls. Good -night.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>She made a smiling move toward leaving the -room. The three other girls and Miss Remson -followed her. None of them had stepped half way -down the aisle before they were hemmed in by a -jubilant, chattering crowd. An impromptu reception -started in the middle of the aisle. Leslie found -half a dozen hands extended to clasp hers.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Tell the girls if you can make them hear you -that there are three big ginger cakes in the cake -box, and that free lemonade is a feature of your -show,” Miss Remson told Muriel.</p> - -<p class='c005'>In the midst of the cheer that hailed this good -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>news Julia and Mildred skirted one side of the room, -keeping as far from the jolly crowd as they could. -They reached the door and hurried away from the -meeting they had planned with such unkind zest. -It had turned out very differently from their expectation.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> <br />OUT OF THE PAST</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>As a result of Muriel’s show Leslie Cairns found -herself in better standing among her housemates -than she had dreamed ever of attaining. It often -takes some very small thing to turn the tide of approval -or disapproval. The tide had turned in Leslie’s -favor when Muriel had quoted Hamilton’s -highest tradition. Hardly a girl present but that -had experienced a secret twinge of conscience for -the petition they had signed against Leslie Cairns.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Nor had it been particularly reassuring to see -Marjorie Dean, Doris Monroe, Muriel Harding and -Miss Remson firmly entrenched against them. -While they counted as the majority at the Hall the -Bertram girls and the post graduates were powers -on the campus. At first Julia’s and Mildred’s strenuous -objections to Leslie had made an impression -upon their housemates. Dulcie Vale’s despicable -communication had bolstered their disapproval only -at the time of hearing. Later, in thinking it over -and talking together about it, the more serious element -of the girls had cherished doubts as to its -entire veracity. It was Julia’s stanchest supporters -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>who had started the objection when the four girls -and Miss Remson had walked in upon their meeting. -In the end even they had come shame-faced -to a more charitable view of matters.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Doris had been touched to learn from Miss Remson -that on the day of the meeting Clara Carter had -come to her and asked to be permitted to strike her -name from the petition. Meeting Clara face to face -on the campus the day following the meeting Doris -had shaken hands with the red-haired girl and invited -her to dinner at Baretti’s. Clara had accepted -with surprised joy and had agreeably surprised -Doris by her avoidance of personal gossip. Of Julia -she said nothing. Nor did Doris mention Julia’s -name.</p> - -<p class='c005'>At Hamilton Arms Marjorie was beginning to -look forward to the fruits of her planting. February -was a triumphal month to her because toward -the latter part of it she completed the biography of -Brooke Hamilton. On the third Sunday in February -she had completed her work except for a last -paragraph which she had purposely left to be written -on a special occasion. That Sunday having been -chosen as the special occasion the original Travelers -came to Hamilton Arms to spend the afternoon and -evening. At five o’clock, the hour when Brooke -Hamilton had welcomed tea in his workshop, a -reverent little company gathered in the study. -There, Marjorie, surrounded by her friends composed -the final paragraph and triumphantly wrote -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>“The End” at the bottom of the last page of manuscript. -Then in turn the girls recited the Brooke -Hamilton maxims and Miss Susanna read a prayer, -a translation from the German, of which Brooke -Hamilton had been fond. As a last tribute to him -they had lifted up their fresh young voices in the -Hymn to Hamilton, filling the departed founder’s -workshop with melody while he appeared to smile -contentedly down from the wall at the sweet-voiced -singers.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The manuscript for the biography was to be -placed in the hands of a New York publisher. -Marjorie’s color deepened every time she happened -to recall the fact that when the biography should -have been published she would then be Marjorie -Dean Macy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It is a relief to know the biography is done,” -she said to Miss Susanna on the morning after she -had completed it in the presence of her intimates. -“There are so many other things to think of. Next -week the dormitory will be ready for the furniture. -Then will come the dedication of it. After that -will be the library dedication. Then we must have -a house warming. It will take two weeks to place -the furniture, and one week to celebrate. There -are three whole weeks of March gone and from that -on you know how it will be. Captain will be here, -and I’ll have to resign myself to innumerable fittings. -Oh, dear!” Marjorie’s sunny smile accompanied -the half rueful exclamation.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>“You are a much harrassed person.” Miss -Susanna’s sympathy was too dry to be genuine. She -smiled her crinkly smile at Marjorie and said: -“Are you going to be very busy this morning. Marvelous -Manager?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Very. I have an engagement with Miss Susanna -Hamilton to do whatever she would like to have me -do.” Marjorie rose from where she had been sitting -at the study table writing to her Captain and crossed -to the small, bright-eyed figure in the doorway. -She offered Miss Susanna both hands with the -pretty impulsiveness that was one of her charms.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Come then.” Miss Susanna took Marjorie by -the arm and began walking her gently down the -long hall and toward her own spacious, airy bed -room. It was a beautiful room with a big sunny -bow window and handsome old-fashioned furnishings. -There was a canopied four poster bed, high-backed -mahogany chairs, with a highboy and immense -dresser to match. A gate-legged table, high -desk and several other notable antiques made up -a collection which a dealer in antiques would have -regarded with envious eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'>From girlhood it had been Miss Susanna’s room, -and she had never allowed any change to be made -in it from the way in which she had found it when -she came to Hamilton Arms to live with her distinguished -kinsman.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As she stepped over the threshold of her girlhood -sanctum, clinging to Marjorie’s arm, she steered the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>young girl across the room and brought her to a -forced, playful halt before a very large black teakwood -chest. It was purely Chinese in character, -the lid being decorated with an intricate gold pattern, -the spiral complicated curves of which emanated -from the wide-open jaws of a gold dragon.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie had always greatly admired the chest. -Once she had asked Miss Susanna if it had not -been brought from China by Brooke Hamilton. -The old lady had replied “Yes, my dear,” with a -peculiar brevity which Marjorie had early learned -to recognize as a sign that Miss Hamilton preferred -to close the subject before it had hardly been -broached.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I brought you here with me this morning, dear -child, to show you something that belongs to the -long ago. It’s something I’ve often debated letting -you see. I have decided as many times against it as -for it. But after I knew that you were going to -put a cranky old person named Hamilton in the -seventh heaven of delight by getting married at the -Arms, I knew I should show you this chest, and -what’s in it, and tell you the history of it. This is -only for you, Marjorie. But you may tell your -Captain, and Hal, for you must never have secrets -from either your mother, or your husband.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Then Mystified Manager said to Goldendede, the -keeper of the castle, ‘I will obey you in all things, -Goldendede, for I know you to be a wise woman.’” -Marjorie laughingly improvised. “That’s the way -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>I feel. The enchantment of the castle hangs over -me, and I am on the way to marvelous revelations.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Marvelous? I don’t know.” The old lady’s head -tilted to its bird-like angle. “I believe the only -marvelous part is that I did not get married. Now -perhaps you can guess what’s in that chest.” She -eyed Marjorie shrewdly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Miss Susanna!” Light had suddenly dawned -upon Marjorie. “You mean—” She stopped, then -cried: “Was that chest your hope—”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It was,” came the crisp response. “In it is -my wedding dress.” She threw back the lid as she -spoke, then removed a white linen cover arranged -over the contents of the chest as a protection.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie gasped in girl admiration as she caught -sight of fold upon fold of heavy pearl-seeded white -satin. “Oh!” she exhaled rapturously. “How -beautiful!”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Miss Susanna lifted the billows of satin from the -box. “I’ll lay out the dress on my bed.” She -gathered the creamy folds in her arms and trotted -over to her bed. Looking in the box, Marjorie saw -a teakwood tray that extended across the box. In -it were a pair of long white gloves, a pair of the -most exquisitely embroidered white silk stockings -she had ever seen and an underslip of thin white -Chinese silk embroidered in a pattern of orange -blossoms. The stockings also bore the same pattern -embroidered in a straight strip up and down the -fronts.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>“Bring over the accessories which I didn’t need, -child,” Miss Susanna directed, matter-of-fact in the -midst of reminders of her own romance.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie gathered up the lovely things and carried -them over to the bed. As Miss Susanna had -already walked toward the chest Marjorie laid the -dainty articles of the bridal outfit reverently upon -the snowy expanse of linen spread.</p> - -<p class='c005'>While she was engaged in the pleasant yet half -sad task, Miss Susanna returned to her side. Her -eyes directed toward the wedding gown, which was -a dream of loveliness, she suddenly felt something -falling down over her head and face in misty, transparent -folds. She cried out and looked through the -delicate transparency to see Miss Susanna smiling -at her with untold tenderness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It was to have been my wedding veil, Marjorie. -I wish it to be yours. Come over to the mirror and -let me drape it on you. You are not much taller -than I. Thank fortune this veil is yards and yards -in length and width. The present-day veils are so -very voluminous.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“This veil is a poem, Goldendede,” Marjorie declared -fervently; “a poem in pearls, mist and orange -blossoms. Surely, there was never its equal on land -or sea!”</p> - -<p class='c005'>She had obediently moved to the great oval mirror -of the dresser, standing slim and lovely in her -white lawn morning gown. Over her head and -flowing down to her feet and far beyond them was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>the exquisite veil of finest Brussels net, outlined with -pearls and caught up here and there with sprays of -creamy satin orange blossoms which closely resembled -the natural blossoms. The dainty bridal -cap formed by the gathering together of the veil -was banded with pearls and orange blossoms. -Squarely in front and slightly below the pearl band -was a star of matched pearls.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Can this be I?” Marjorie cried jokingly, yet -half embarrassed. The mirror told her the story of -her own beauty so clearly she felt an unbidden desire -to cry over the fact that she was beautiful in -the marvelous veil. “Where did it come from, -Goldendede?” she asked wonderingly. “It’s not -that I am beautiful. It’s the veil. It could transform -the plainest person from positive homeliness -to beauty.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It would go a long way toward it,” Miss -Susanna smiled indulgently at the enchanting vision -before the mirror. “Still, I must say that I never -looked as you do in it, child. And I was a fairly -pretty girl, too. Uncle Brooke and I made a voyage -to Europe on purpose to order my trousseau. -He bought the most expensive piece of net for sale -in Brussels. We took it to Paris and had the veil -made there with the rest of the trousseau. That -is the history of it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>The old lady stood back to view the effect of -the veil upon Marjorie, an absent, meditative look -in her bright eyes.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>“The days that followed the breaking of my engagement -with Gray were hard; hard indeed,” she -continued. “His name was Grayson Landor. He -was very good-looking. But he did not love me; -nor I him. He knew it when he proposed marriage -to me. I did not know until after I had steeled -myself against seeing him. He was unworthy, -child; utterly unworthy. He was in love with a -poor young girl, really in love with her, yet he was -content to forsake her and marry me for my money, -and because I was a Hamilton. I am glad I found -him out in time. I realize more and more that -I was chosen to carry on Uncle Brooke’s plans, and -alone. I regret the years I lost through Alec Carden’s -interference.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>The mistress of the Arms sat down on the edge -of a chair and folded her hands together. “Yes; -I lost so much time,” she said musingly, almost as -though she had forgotten Marjorie’s presence.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why did I name you Goldendede?” Marjorie -demanded with severity. “What about the dormitory -site, and the Brooke Hamilton Library and the -biography, and your general generousness to Hamilton? -Even when you felt resentment against -Hamilton you tried to carry out his wishes so far -as the business part of the college was concerned. -Many persons placed in the same circumstances -would have refused to continue the endowment which -Mr. Brooke made Hamilton, but subject to your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>approval after his death. You were truly chosen -to carry out his plans. I always feel that somewhere -in eternity Mr. Brooke knows and is glad.”</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> <br />LOVE YOUR ENEMIES</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>True to Marjorie’s prediction one momentous -event after another, relative to her many campus -interests, caused March to skim away on wings. On -the fifth day of March, which fell upon Saturday, -Hamilton College turned out in full force to attend -the dedication of the dormitory. Due to the large -crowd that must inevitably be present the exercises -had been scheduled to take place in the open air in -the large open space in front of the building. In -the event of bad weather they would be conducted in -the assembly hall of the building. It was hoped -by the Travelers that the day for which they had -toiled so faithfully would be mild and sunny.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When the day came it proved to be a marvel of -balmy breezes and warm sunshine. It was one of -those rare early spring days which promise so smilingly -of the return of Spring in her glory.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The dedication exercises began at one o’clock -before the largest student body ever enrolled at -Hamilton College and in charge of the Reverend -Compton Greene, the oldest minister in the county -of Hamilton, and also the Episcopal minister at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>Hamilton Estates. A platform had been erected as -a speakers’ stand. On the platform sat President -Matthews, the members of the Hamilton College -Board, Miss Susanna, Peter Graham, Professor -Venderblatt, Miss Remson, Signor Baretti, Marjorie, -Robin and the other eight members of the -original Travelers’ Chapter. The two new chapters -of Travelers attended the dedication in a body, occupying -a special place on the lawn roped off for them.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The faculty also attended in a body, grouped -well to the right of the speakers’ stand. To the left -stood row upon row of dark-faced men dressed in -their best, their faces bright with smiles. Their -leader, Peter Graham had Signor Baretti on one side -of him and on the other a tall, broad-shouldered -man with keen dark eyes and a firm mouth. Peter -Cairns had demurred at accepting the honor of -standing with Peter Graham on such an occasion. -“Oh, I’ll stay at the edge of the crowd,” he had -declared, but had been overruled by his two friends.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You don’t come and make the strike break up, -and my countrymen go work like these should, we -don’t have any dorm now. So you help, too, and -you should go with us. Why you are ashamed to -be seen with us? I am once poor Italiano, but very -respec’bl,” had been the argument Baretti had used -to Mr. Cairns. He had finally won his point.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Among the company of Travelers in the roped-in -space was Leslie Cairns. She had also yielded -to persuasion, though she had still the humiliated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>inner conviction that she did not deserve such kindness -on the part of the Travelers.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie, Robin and Miss Susanna had all vowed -firmly before hand that under no circumstances -would they be drawn into speech making. “Let -the men make the speeches,” Miss Susanna had said -with an emphatic nod. The uneasy partners had -agreed with her and informed her that they should -depend upon her to stick to her guns.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When the time came, however, Miss Susanna -found herself the center of a student body, ready -to bow down to her. She received an ovation that -amazed her to the point of all but reducing her to -tears. Sturdy soul that she was she set her jaws -and refused to break down. She had to make a -speech, however, and the few terse sentences she -spoke came straight from her heart.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Neither were Page and Dean permitted “to get -by” without a speech. Robin came first and spoke -with the charming sincerity which was the keynote -of her disposition. Marjorie listened to her in -active discomfort, all too sure that she would be -called upon next. She tried to think of something -to say, but her mind suddenly seemed to become -blank.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Worried over her own lack of inspiration she -scarcely heard what Robin said. She merely caught -the tones of her partner’s earnest voice. Presently -Robin had finished speaking and applause broke out -in deafening waves. After a little it subsided. Then—Marjorie -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>heard President Matthews announce her -to the acclaiming throng. As she rose it came to -her that there was one subject on which she could -speak—the greatness of Brooke Hamilton. There -were so many wonderful things to be said of him.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She began her speech with: “Dear friends of -Hamilton College.... Because Mr. Brooke -Hamilton adored and venerated his mother, because -he wished the highest for womankind, we are here -today to do him honor by adding our bit to the splendid -educational plans he made and carried out so -nobly in the building of Hamilton College.” Her -voice, clear and ringing, carried to the farthest limits -of the enthusiastic throng.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Brooke Hamilton could have had no stauncher -advocate than Marjorie. In the short speech she -made she brought before the assembled company -the man as she had come to know him through her -work on his biography. She ended eloquently with:</p> - -<p class='c005'>“When his biography is given to the world he -will take his rightful place among the great men -who have devoted their lives to aiding the cause -of education. He planned unselfishly, and gave royally. -He must be to us who love our Alma Mater -the great example. Because we have believed in his -maxims we shall try to live by them.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>She was surprised when she resumed her chair -next to Jerry to find her eyes full of tears. She -had been carried away by the very earnestness of -her praise for the founder of Hamilton.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>“Pretty fair, Bean; pretty fair,” was the welcome -whisper from Jerry, which threatened to upset her -gravity. “You done noble.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“<i>Taisez vous</i>, Jeremiah. I almost cried. Now -please don’t make me laugh. I’m glad it’s all over. -I never was intended as a speechifier.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You only think you weren’t, Bean, dear Bean. -‘Speechifier’s’ a fine word; I shall adopt it. I’m -sure it isn’t in the ‘dic.’ That’s what I’m looking -for, original words; like ‘celostrous,’ for instance.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Satisfied to have made Marjorie laugh Jerry subsided. -Presently a final prayer was said by the Reverend -Greene, and the large company joined in the -singing of the Doxology. Following the exercises -the enthusiastic throng moved forward to inspect -the new dormitory, the massive entrance doors of -which stood open as though inviting visitors.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Among the few students who did not follow the -crowd were Julia Peyton and Mildred Ferguson. -Mildred was frankly contemptuous over the whole -affair. She was not interested in a dormitory for -the use of needy students, nor did she care anything -about Brooke Hamilton as the founder of the -college.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Shucks,” she commented disdainfully to Julia as -the two turned away from the animated scene. “Let’s -go back to the campus. Somebody had to found -Hamilton. Why should there be so much fuss made -over it?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That small woman on the platform!” Julia exclaimed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>in consternation. “That was Miss Susanna -Hamilton! I saw her at the Hall and thought she -was Miss Remson’s sister.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Well, she doesn’t know it,” shrugged Mildred.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Julia, however, was anything but at ease in mind. -Ever since the dismal failure of the attempt to force -Leslie Cairns from Wayland Hall she had been -more or less gloomy and morose. She had haughtily -declared on the day after Muriel’s “show” that -she would not any longer keep the presidency of the -club. She would not even attend any future meetings. -She wrote a resignation as president and intrusted -it to Mildred to read to the club.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Mildred read it out to the members at the next -meeting of the Orchid Club. It was accepted with -such alacrity, and a new president so promptly elected, -that she decided she would not be so foolish as -risk her membership in the club by offering to resign. -She was inwardly peeved in that she had -not been appointed president and another girl elected -as vice-president. Only her ability to brazen -things out kept her in a club in which the attitude of -its other members toward her was one of polite -endurance.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Julia’s club troubles were less to her, however, than -Clara Carter’s defection. Clara still roomed with her, -but paid very little attention to her. The red-haired -girl was trying to model her acts on a higher basis. -She was completely out of sympathy with her former -intimate.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>Julia also had another worry which had at first -seemed too remote for anxiety. Her mother had -written her that her father had met with severe -losses in his manipulations of stocks. She had paid -little attention to this news from home. Her father -frequently engaged in the daring raids on the market -which had earned him the name of “Wolf Peyton.” -Later, her mother had written her again of -her father’s critical financial situation. This time -Julia had heeded the alarm of her mother’s sounding. -She knew it to be serious from the very fact that -her mother had written her twice on the subject.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The day after the dedication of the dormitory -she received a third letter from home that sent her -into a panic. She let it overcome her to the extent -of cutting her classes for the day and staying in her -room to weep dismally over the Peytons’ changed -prospects.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What is the matter?” Clara Carter asked Julia -not unsympathetically as she came in from her -Greek recitation to find Julia seated lachrymosely in -the very chair she had been occupying when Clara -had left their room.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Nothing,” Julia gulped, and sighed.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“There certainly must be. You hardly ever cry.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You wouldn’t be interested to know if I tell -you,” Julia quavered. “You are not my friend any -more.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I would be if you would try to do as you should,” -Clara returned with stolid dignity. “I don’t care -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>much about you lately, Julia, but I used to like -you. Only both of us were wrong in the way we -gossiped about the girls. We used to wonder sometimes -why Doris was so queer and haughty with -us at times. I know now that it was because she -disapproved of our gossiping. Now when I am -with her I never say an unkind word about anyone. -And she is sweet to me on that very account.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wish I had never got up that miserable petition, -or listened to a word Mildred Ferguson told to me -about that Dulcie Vale, her cousin,” Julia’s voice -rose to a disconsolate wail.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I am very glad I came to my senses in time and -had my name taken off the list,” Clara returned -grimly. “I feel sorry for you, somehow, Julia, -though you’ve only yourself to blame for what’s -happened.” Clara had not yet reached a point of -forbearance wherein she could honestly sympathize -with her roommate. She had not yet arrived at the -charitable spirit of which she now gave signs of -someday achieving.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I know it.” Julia held her handkerchief to -her eyes, continuing to cry softly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’d truly like to know what troubles you, Julia,” -Clara presently said in a softer tone than she had -at first used.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I can’t come back to Hamilton next year,” Julia -sobbed out. “We’ve lost our money; everything -we own, too. My father has been having bad luck -in the market for the past year. My mother knew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>he was losing, but didn’t think things were so bad -as they’ve just turned out to be. We are poor, -terribly poor. I am going to stay here the rest of -this year, but I can’t come back next year. My -father says I’ll have to become his secretary, and -he’ll have only a small office. It will take him quite -a while to get over this failure and we’ll have to -live in a common three story house, and maybe not -have even one car. Mother says we will try to keep -my car for her use. It’s all so terrible. I was never -poor. I can’t bear to think about it. And I want -to come back to Hamilton for my senior year more -than anything.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why don’t you come back and live at the dormitory? -Your father could afford to pay your fees, -couldn’t he?” Clara suggested. This time she -showed real sympathy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No. That is I’m not sure. It’s his idea—for -me to be his secretary. He says I’ve always been -so wasteful and extravagant that it is time I had -to shoulder a little responsibility. He’d have to pay -a confidential secretary capable of doing his work -not less than from fifty to a hundred dollars a -month. He says he must cut expenses to a minimum -in order to pull himself up again financially. -It may take him a year to do it. He made my -mother write me all this. She is dreadfully upset by -the whole thing. Anyway I wouldn’t come back -to the campus as a dormitory girl. I simply <i>couldn’t</i>!” -Julia exclaimed vehemently.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>“My father would lend your father some money, -Julia, if I were to ask him,” Clara said after a short -silence, broken only by the sound of Julia’s muffled -sobs.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No, no.” Julia made a dissenting gesture. “My -father is awfully proud. He wouldn’t accept help -from even his oldest friends. He’s an out and out -crank about such things. Thank you just the same, -Clara. It’s sweet in you to wish to help me. I—I—appreciate—it. -Never mind me. You’d better -hurry along, or you’ll be late for French.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Clara cast a hasty glance at the wall clock, gathered -up her books and hurried away. On her way -to her recitation she racked her brain for some -way in which she might help Julia. Of the Wall -Street realm of financiering she knew very little. -Her father was a manufacturer and had inherited -wealth from his father. Julia had occasionally told -her tales of “Wolf” Peyton’s exploits as a financier. -She had never been much interested in hearing them. -She now wished she had listened to them more attentively.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Her mind fixed on the subject of Julia’s misfortunes, -she paid little attention to her French -lesson. On the way back to Wayland Hall she -chanced to encounter Doris Monroe.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What are you looking so solemn about, Clara?” -Doris greeted in friendly fashion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, I was just thinking. Somebody just told -me some bad news. Not about myself,” she added -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>quickly. “I was just trying to think of a way -I could help the person.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Is there anything I can do?” Doris’ alert brain -instantly reverted to Julia Peyton. She had caught -a glimpse of Julia hurrying through the hall to her -room that morning and had noticed her woebegone -expression.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No. Why, I don’t know.” Clara paused uncertainly. -“I’d be breaking a confidence to tell you, -but you might know of a way to help.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’d rather you wouldn’t break a confidence,” -Doris returned candidly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I know. But—” Clara hesitated again, “—I -think I could tell you of the difficulty without naming -the person. It would do no harm, Doris, I -can assure you of that.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll take your word for it,” Doris made quick -response.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Clara colored with pleasure. Doris’s confidence -in her was gratifying. “The father of a certain -student here has lost all his money. He is a Wall -Street financier. He is going to be awfully poor -for a while. This student I speak of will not be -able to come back to Hamilton next year. Her -father says she will have to be his secretary. She -feels very badly about it. She’d like to complete -her college course. I wish I knew a way to help -her father financially. I told her that my father -would lend her father some money, but she said -he would not accept a loan from even a friend. I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>can’t think of any other way to help. Can you?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No; not this minute. But I will think it over. -Perhaps I may hit upon a brilliant idea. I’ll see -you tonight about it. Come to my room. We’ll -have more time to talk things over. I must run -along.” With a little farewell gesture Doris turned -and ran toward Hamilton Hall, where she would -make her next recitation.</p> - -<p class='c005'>While Clara continued to ponder the matter without -success it haunted Doris, also. She was now -positive that the student in question was Julia Peyton. -She had heard that Julia’s father was a Wall -Street “raider.” Leslie Cairns had gone to some -pains to explain the term to her. Leslie—of course! -The very one to know what should be done. -Thought of Julia’s despicable part in the recent plot -against Leslie’s welfare recurred to Doris. Leslie -could hardly be blamed if she refused to consider -helping Julia. Leslie, however, understood a great -deal about the world in which her father had piled -up millions. Doris decided with her usual calm -judgment that Leslie should be in her room that -evening when Clara came to it. Muriel would be -away at the rehearsal of a play which Leila was -directing. She would ask Clara in Leslie’s presence -to tell Leslie what the red-haired girl had just told -her.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When Clara stepped into Doris’s room that evening -she cast an unconsciously disappointed look at -Doris. She had not expected to see Leslie Cairns. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>Doris caught the glance, understood it and said -instantly:</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Please don’t mind Leslie’s being here, Clara. I -asked her to come. I wish you to tell her what -you told me this morning. Her father is one of the -greatest financiers in the United States, or in -Europe, perhaps. Leslie knows a great deal about -finance. She will surely find a way to help you.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I—I—you couldn’t help in this affair, Miss -Cairns,” Clara burst forth in embarrassment. “It -wouldn’t be possible for you to.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Why not?” Leslie turned a direct kindly glance -upon the red-haired girl. “Please tell me. I know -nothing of what it may be. I do know that I’d -like to be of service. I have several years of pleasing -no one but myself to make up for.” She smiled -her grimly humorous smile.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It took a little more coaxing, however, before -Clara would yield. Finally she did so, telling Leslie -what she had previously told Doris. Leslie listened -without comment, until Clara had wound up her -doleful little tale. She sat with one elbow on an -arm of her chair, one hand cupping her chin.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I think my father can find the way to help this -man,” she said reassuringly. “Pardon me when I -say I believe I know who this man is. I have heard -of him often from my father.” She paused, viewing -Clara with mute inquiry.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Clara understood. “I—I—it’s Julia’s father,” -she stammered. “Perhaps I should not have told -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>you his name. Julia did not ask me not to. But -she gave me her confidence. It—”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It was necessary for me to know,” Leslie cut in -with a trace of her old-time brusqueness. “How -can my father help a man regain his financial ground -unless he knows that man’s identity?” she asked -half humorously.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Well, of course not.” Clara brightened, laughing -a little.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Will you trust the matter to me for a few days, -perhaps weeks, Miss Carter?” Leslie asked kindly. -“I will write to my father at once. Meanwhile the -matter shall be one of strict confidence among us -three. I should prefer Miss Peyton never to know -the source from which help came to her father -through any of us. I believe my father may wish -not to be known in the matter, either.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You speak with great confidence, Miss Cairns. -You are sure something can be done by your father -for Mr. Peyton?” Clara asked half doubtfully.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Very sure,” Leslie repeated encouragingly.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Clara did not remain in Doris’s room long. She -went back to her own room to find Julia making a -conscientious effort to study.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I mustn’t neglect what last few opportunities I -have,” she said soberly. “I shall try to do well in -all my subjects for the rest of the year.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That’s a brave view to take.” Clara longed to -tell Julia what she had just done. She smiled to -herself. The more she considered Leslie’s quiet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>confidence in her father’s success the more she was -inclined herself to believe in it.</p> - -<p class='c005'>In her room Leslie had just finished a brief but -forceful letter to her father. It read:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Peter the Great:</span></p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here is a further chance for you to prove your -greatness. Do you know a raider on the Street -named Wolf Peyton? Of course you do. You -know them all. He has lost his fortune. Dead -broke. His daughter expects nothing but to leave -college this June. She must come back for her -senior year. It seems he needs her as his secretary, -or thinks he does. I think the secretary business -would flivver after he had tried it. Anyhow please -put him on his feet so it won’t be necessary for -her to sacrifice her senior year. He may be your -bitterest enemy, his daughter thought she was mine, -but, never mind. We should tremble. Fix it up -without him knowing you did anything.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am going to be in one of Page and Dean’s -shows. It is to be a revue, and will be given on -the evening of the eighth of April. You had better -come to it. I am going to sing a French song and -give some of those funny imitations of Parisians -which you like to see me do. I am happy, Peter. -The Hedge begins to look like a near future proposition. -With oceans of love. I’ll write again soon.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Faithfully,</div> - <div class='line'> “<span class='sc'>Leslie</span>.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XXV.<br /> <br />THE REWARD OF COURAGE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>Ten days later Julia Peyton gloomily opened a -letter from home and read in it news as surprisingly -joyful as the news she had formerly received from -home had been full of trouble. Her mother wrote -that her father had managed somehow to tide over -his losses and was on his financial feet again.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Clara shared the good news with Julia and -privately Doris and Leslie shared it with Clara. As -a result of Leslie’s little “flier” in human happiness -Doris made a special luncheon engagement with -Marjorie Dean on purpose to confide to Marjorie -what Leslie had done. Marjorie in turn confided -the story of the girl who had obeyed the command -of Christ, “Love your enemies,” to the letter.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“She deserves a citation,” was Miss Susanna’s -hearty opinion. “I will have a maxim hung for her -at the college. Peter Carden and I will go over -to chapel together that morning. She is a dear -courageous child and deserves to be honored. That -will put her on a splendid basis on the campus and -she will have won the right to have her father -named as the giver of the Leila Harper Playhouse.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>“And we can have the presentation of the theatre -to Leila made in the chapel during Commencement -week,” Marjorie planned joyously. “The theatre -will be completed then. Mr. Graham said yesterday -that he hoped to have it ready not later than the -twentieth of June. You see, Goldendede, Hal has -promised that we shall come down from our camp -in the Adirondacks for Commencement at Hamilton.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It is a good thing he has promised that you -shall.” Miss Susanna put on a mildly threatening -air which vanished in a smile.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Which motto are you going to give Leslie, Goldendede?” -Marjorie inquired interestedly. The two -fond comrades were strolling about the grounds of -the Arms in the early spring sunshine.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I’ll let you choose.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Then I know exactly the one I’d like for Leslie. -It suits her so well. I mean the way she has tried -this year on the campus to be a credit in all ways -to her Alma Mater. The motto I’d like for her is -the single one that hangs over near the portrait -of him: ‘A truly great soul is never dismayed.’”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I wondered if you would choose that. It is in my -mind, too, for her, Marvelous Manager. We had -better have the citation this week so that Leslie may -have that much longer to enjoy her glory on the -campus. Saturday afternoon I think we’d better -give a luncheon for her at the Arms and invite the -three chapters of Travelers.”</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>“You are always planning happiness for someone, -dearest Lady of the Arms. Let’s have Leslie -here to tea this afternoon and make a fuss over her. -We’re not supposed to know about what she did for -Julia Peyton. Wait until after the citation. Then -I am going to tell her quietly that she has been -found out,” Marjorie declared, her eyes dancing.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are always planning happiness for someone, -Marvelous Manager.” Miss Susanna gave a fond -imitation of Marjorie’s tone.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Oh, you!” Marjorie made one of her usual -merry rushes at the old lady and the pair hugged -each other with a will. Both were supremely happy -over the way Leslie Cairns had turned out.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“All this means that I’ll soon have Peter as my -next-door neighbor,” the mistress of the Arms exhibited -the utmost satisfaction at the prospect. -“Peter has turned out to be a man worth while; a -man in a hundred thousand. Perhaps I shall have -him teach me the finance game,” she added, jokingly. -“At least he and Leslie will be good company.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Undreaming of the honor in store for her, Leslie -walked into chapel on the following Friday morning -after Marjorie’s talk with Miss Susanna and met -with a surprise which made her gasp. Up in front -with President Matthews, who it seemed was to -conduct the services that morning, sat her father -and Miss Susanna. Why Peter the Great should be -there she could not guess. She could only surmise -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>that he and Miss Hamilton had been invited to the -morning exercises by Prexy.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She saw her father’s keen dark eyes search the -rows of young women until he had found her. Their -eyes met and the smile of comradeship which passed -between them was a beautiful thing to see. It -thrilled Leslie with a pride in herself which before -that morning she had hardly dared recognize. -Peter the Great need no longer be ashamed of her. -She had tried to redeem her past offenses and she -had not failed entirely. She had discovered in the -methodical living over of her senior year at Hamilton -that she was, after all, a person of small consequence. -She had long since discarded her belief -in money as power. She knew from her own earnest -efforts in the right direction that work alone counted. -It was not she personally who mattered. It was the -earnest spirit within that was to be considered.</p> - -<p class='c005'>When, presently, Doctor Matthews announced -that three citations were on the program of the -morning exercises Leslie immediately jumped to the -conclusion that Barbara Severn and Phyllis Moore -were to be honored. She generously hoped that -Doris Monroe might be the third student for the -honor. Doris was so charming to her fellow students. -She had changed from indifferently proud to -calmly sympathetic in the past year, and was rapidly -coming to be liked as much for her graciousness -as she had formerly been admired for her beauty.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“The maxims which Miss Susanna Hamilton has -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>chosen to hang in various parts of Hamilton College -in honor of the three young women she has -chosen as deserving of a citation are maxims by -Brooke Hamilton, framed and hung separately about -his historic home, Hamilton Arms.” President -Matthews gave out the information to a breathlessly -interested chapel full of girls.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Then Phyllis Moore was asked by him to rise. -After he had accorded her a friendly commendation -which made her cheeks burn he quoted the maxim -to be hung in her honor, at the same time stating -the place at Hamilton which it would occupy. It -was: “Harmony followed in her footsteps.” As a -last touch he added: “This maxim was hung by -Brooke Hamilton in his study as a tribute to Miss -Angela Vernon, his fiancee, who died shortly before -the date set for her marriage to Mr. Hamilton.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Barbara’s maxim was “A merry heart doeth good -like a medicine,” and she was particularly complimented -upon her sunny outlook on life.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As the applause attending Barbara’s citation died -out, Leslie listened eagerly for the name of the third -student. She could not believe the evidence of her -own ears when she heard Doctor Matthews requesting -her to rise, then continuing:</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It is with great pleasure that I name Miss Leslie -Cairns as the third student to have earned a citation. -In our opinion Miss Hamilton has made a singularly -happy choice of maxim.” Then he quoted the motto -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>Miss Susanna and Marjorie had chosen: “A truly -great soul is never dismayed.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>As she stood listening in stupefaction to the announcement -she could see in all the chapel nothing -but her father’s face. He was smiling at her with -a light in his dark eyes that repaid her a thousand -times over for the effort she had made toward restitution. -She was ready to break down and weep -unrestrainedly. Nevertheless she did not. She -controlled herself with an effort and received the -honor as a true daughter of Peter Cairns might be -counted upon to do. What amazed her, even more -than the citation, was the tumultuous applause which -broke out as she resumed her seat.</p> - -<p class='c005'>After the chapel the students held an impromptu -reception outside the chapel in which she and Phil -and Barbara were the center of an admiring and -congratulatory crowd. Leslie had already clasped -hands with her father and had heard his hearty: -“Good work, Cairns II.” It was the only commendation -she craved.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are to be at Wayland Hall this afternoon -at four o’clock,” Muriel informed her as she shook -hands vigorously with Leslie. “I am going to conduct -a citation there for the benefit of Jeremiah -Macy. She is in line for honors, too. She doesn’t -know it yet. It is up to Marjorie to drag her to -the scene on time.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>That Marjorie succeeded in dragging Jerry to -Muriel’s room was apparent that afternoon. At -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>precisely four o’clock she marched her into the midst -of a giggling throng of girls who were awaiting her -arrival in exuberant spirits.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“What is the matter with you girls?” she demanded -as she glanced comically from one to another -of the laughing company. “What sort of joke -do you think you are going to play on me?”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It isn’t a joke, Jeremiah, that we have in store -for you,” Ronny assured in a soothing tone. “You -are in line for a citation; a very great honor, you -know.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“No. I don’t know. I can guess just about how -great an honor it will be,” Jerry retorted suspiciously.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“You are going to know this instant, Jeremiah. -Vera is ready and waiting to laud and praise you. -Now, Vera.” Ronny made an impressive signal to -Vera.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Vera came forward, bearing in her hands a -medium-sized square book, thin as to pages and -bound in soft dark blue leather. On the outside of -the cover was printed in gold lettering the pertinent -title: “Jingles to Bean. By Jeremiah Macy.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Vera thereupon began a speech which was -drowned by laughter most of the time during the -utterance. She concluded the presentation speech -by opening the book and proudly disclosing to Jerry -a kodak photograph of Jerry in the act of reciting -a jingle. She was even shown with her mouth open -and one hand out in a flamboyant gesture.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>“How did you ever manage to catch me?” was -Jerry’s wondering query after she had laughed over -the little book, which contained as many of the Bean -jingles as the girls had been able to gather at the -time when Jerry had improvised them.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“It was that afternoon on the campus when Leila -had her camera and was taking pictures of the -campus. She went out with it and you, on purpose. -She planned with Marjorie to come over to the -campus unexpectedly.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Do not you remember I said to you, ‘Since you -are so glad to see Beauty then why do you not spout -a jingle’!” Leila broke in, laughing. “While you -were spouting it Vera walked off a little way with -the camera and snapped the picture of our Jeremiah -at the height of inspiration.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Yes, I remember now. You crafty things!” -Jerry pretended disapproval for a brief second. -“It’s celostrous,” she said. “I’d rather have it than -even a citation in chapel. But I’ve had that. I’m -really embarrassed with riches. I shall keep my -Bean Jingle Book as my most precious possession. -I shall—”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Put it on your parlor table when you become -Mrs. Daniel Seabrooke,” Muriel slyly supplemented.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Who told you? Oh-h!” Jerry clapped a hand -to her lips.</p> - -<p class='c005'>It was too late. She was surrounded by a buzzing, -laughing, congratulatory mob.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Ronny stood back a little from the group watching -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>the tumultuous reception of Jeremiah’s news with -an odd little smile. She was wondering what her -friends would say if they knew a certain dear secret -of which she had been in wondering possession only -a few days. Ronny had fulfilled Marjorie’s prediction. -She had tumbled into love and with the last -person she had dreamed she might come to care -for.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Due to her love of dancing she had willingly consented -to help Professor Leonard with his work as -physical instructor at Hamilton by taking a class in -folk dancing. Through her association with him -she had learned to know and care for him. She had -not believed, however, that he cared for her. Naturally -secretive, she had never by a shade of tone or -expression betrayed her secret to anyone. She had -been deeply incensed with herself for having yielded -to love in the least.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Then had come an afternoon when they two had -been deep in planning the usual May Day procession -on the campus. She had never known just how -it all happened, except that he had told her the story -of his early life. His mother, who had died in his -boyhood, had been a Spanish Mexican. His father, -a professor in a Mexican university, had been an -American. From them he had inherited a desire -to help the poor of the country of his birth. His one -dream was to place himself financially in position -where he might some day go about the welfare work -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>of his heart. It would take years of self-denial and -economy, but he was willing to work and wait.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Then he had told Ronny he loved her, but would -not ask her to live a life of privation with him. -Ronny had said that nothing in the world except -love mattered. So they had sworn faith to each -other. Privately Ronny was possessed of a certain -knowledge which would make the way clear. It -had long been her father’s dream to establish a welfare -station in Mexico by the planting of a great -fruit ranch upon which the unfortunate, poverty-stricken -Mexican peons might find work the year -round at living wages. What Mr. Lynne wished -most was the right man to put in charge of the -proposed vast charitable enterprise. Ronny had regarded -the idea as one which might become her -life work. Now she knew that it would be, but that -she would not go to it alone.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Thus the Sanford five who had so gayly entered -into the land of college had all found love and betrothal -except Lucy Warner. It was hanging over -sedate Lucy, however. And in the time of June -and roses she was to hear the old, old story from -the only young man with whom she had ever managed -to feel on easy terms. Lucy was destined -some day to acknowledge dignified President Matthews -as father-in-law.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> <br />MARJORIE DEAN MACY</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>“Have you any orders for me, Captain?” Marjorie -Dean turned from the full-length wall mirror, -both hands held out to her mother.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“None, Lieutenant, except the instruction, be -happy.” Mrs. Dean caught the slim, outstretched -hands in hers and drew the beautiful vision in white -brocade into her arms.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Dearest child. I am so happy that this day has -come for you.” she murmured. “We are favored -by God, darling, in that General and I are not going -to be called to give you up. We shall still be with -you, only we shall have gained a dear son.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That is the most beautiful part of it all, Captain. -I can never love Hal enough for wishing and arranging -things so gloriously for us all.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I mustn’t embrace you to the extent of wrinkling -your wedding gown,” her mother said half tremulously, -as she held Marjorie off from her and rejoiced -in her loveliness.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“That doesn’t make the least bit of difference.” -Marjorie wrapped her arms about her mother afresh -and hugged her hard.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>Her wedding gown was a marvel in a silvery -white brocade satin. It was sleeveless and its simple -artistic lines clung lovingly to her girlish slenderness. -Around her neck was the string of pearls -which her Sanford friends had given her at the party -held in her honor at Gray Gables on the evening -before she had started for Hamilton College as a -freshman.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Pinned to the front of her pearl-trimmed corsage -was a diamond star, Hal’s wedding gift to her. -It held in place a tiny knot of purple sweet-scented -violets, from Brooke Hamilton’s garden. The misty -fall of her veil about her lovely face brought out its -beauty anew. Never, even as the violet girl, would -Marjorie Dean appear more beautiful.</p> - -<p class='c005'>As she stood affectionately clasping her mother -in the last few moments left her as Marjorie Dean -she was feeling that life had been almost too perfect -to her. The crowning happiness had come to her -within the past few days. Unbeknown to her Hal -had purchased the Clements’ estate across the pike -from Hamilton Arms. There he and she would -settle after their short honeymoon at his camp in the -Adirondacks, and with them were to live General -and Captain. Danny Seabrooke had purchased -Castle Dean, and he and Jerry were to live in it -when they should be married the following -September.</p> - -<p class='c005'>For a week prior to the wedding Hamilton Arms -had been in a state of dignified upheaval. The marriage -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>ceremony of Hal and Marjorie was to be performed -by the Reverend Compton Greene at sunset. -The great drawing room doors leading into a long -back parlor had been removed, leaving a space almost -as large as that of a church. No place could -have been more ideally suited to the violet wedding -which Marjorie had wished for. At the end of the -long back parlor was a small balcony. On it were -to be Constance Stevens, Harriet Delaney, Robin -Page, Blanche Scott, Phyllis Moore and Charlie -Stevens. These last two were to play the obligatos -for the singers. All her dear friends far and near -had been invited to the ceremony, and the entire -student body of Hamilton to the reception to follow.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Vera Mason and Barbara Severn had been chosen -by Marjorie as flower girls on account of their diminutive -stature. It was Marjorie’s idea to have -as many of her chums as possible figure in the wedding -ceremony. Ronny was to be the ring bearer. -Jerry her maid of honor. The bridesmaids were to -be Leila Harper, Leslie Cairns, Helen Trent, Muriel -Harding, Lucy Warner and Doris Monroe.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She had studied long and patiently for a way to -include the remaining Travelers of her chapter and -those of the other two chapters, as well as the Bertram -group of girls. Finally inspiration had hit -upon a plan beautifully in keeping with her desire -for a violet wedding. In pursuance of it she had -gathered her chums, as well as the girls who were -to take part in her plan, at Hamilton Arms, the day -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>before the wedding. There a merry afternoon had -been spent picking the long-stemmed purple single -violets that grew in profusion in the meadow behind -the Arms.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Each girl had gathered her own immense bouquet -of violets, which she would carry at the wedding. -Dressed in white they would form an aisle between -which the bridal party would walk down the room -to the altar. Each girl holding her violets, fastened -with graceful streamers of pale violet ribbon.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Now the last plan had been carried out. Downstairs -an eager company was seated on each side -of the broad ribbon-enclosed aisle, awaiting the arrival -of the bride.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Came a gentle knock on the door. In response -to Marjorie’s “Come,” Miss Susanna entered, a -distinguished little figure in her dull silver lace frock.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“I only came up for a last minute with Marjorie -Dean,” she said. She took Marjorie very gently in -her arms. “I wish you and Captain to come with -me,” was her crisp request, after she and Marjorie -had indulged in one of their hearty embraces.</p> - -<p class='c005'>She led them down the hall to her room. As -they entered both Marjorie’s and her mother’s eyes -were attracted to a new object in the room. It -was a chest of some sort of creamy white rare wood -polished to a high degree. On the lid and sides -were painted exquisite clusters of double purple -violets.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“This is Brooke Hamilton’s wedding present to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>you, child.” Miss Susanna’s brisk tones faltered a -trifle. “It was Angela Vernon’s hope chest which -he brought her from the far East. I could not -find it in my heart to place it downstairs with your -other gifts. It is only for us. And now I will -say, too, that when I shall have passed on to the -brightness of beyond, Hamilton Arms and all it -entails will be yours. I shall always feel that Uncle -Brooke knew and sent you to me, so that you may -carry on the work of loving and preserving Hamilton -College unto the perfect end after I shall have -finished my part of it.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>Five minutes later Marjorie was smiling again -after a sudden little tear shower that she had not -tried to control. Then Miss Susanna and her -captain left her, and her throng of pretty wedding -attendants gathered in the upstairs hall for the formation -to the altar. Jerry was looking her prettiest -in her gown of pale violet chiffon and a huge -bouquet of violets and orchids. It was to be a -hatless wedding. The bridesmaids were in orchid -colored chiffon growns, each carrying a sheaf of -white and purple lilacs. Ronny, as ring-bearer wore a -marvelous gown of white gold-embroidered tissue. -Robin and Barbara, as flower girls, wore crystal-beaded -chiffon gowns of palest lavender and carried -artistic long-handled baskets filled with white and -purple sweet-scented violets.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The procession formed in anything but a stately -manner. There was a great deal of fond laughing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>and talking, as the girls fluttered into place. -First went the advance guard of white. They descended -the stairs two by two, separating at the -wide entrance doorway leading into the drawing -room and taking their places inside the two stretches -of broad violet satin ribbon.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Waiting only until the advance guard had formed -below stairs, the bridesmaids led the way on Marjorie -Dean’s most momentous journey. Behind them -come Jerry, with a heart overflowing with happiness -because she was Marjorie’s maid of honor.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Marjorie followed Jerry, her lovely face wearing -the mildly serious expression which came to her naturally -in moments of deep reverence. She was so -utterly beautiful in her brave white array that Hal, -watching her with his heart in his eyes as she -came drifting toward him, was convinced that he -could never hope to be truly worthy of her. Ronny -followed with the ring on a white velvet pillow, -and the flower girls came last.</p> - -<p class='c005'>From the balcony came the tenderest of all love -songs, “Oh, Promise Me.” The singers had begun -the singing of it before the appearance of the bridal -party. As the little procession began to move down -the long aisle toward the white violet smothered -altar, the exquisite third verse of the song which -is seldom sung floated out upon the roomful of rapt -spectators.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>Oh, promise me that when with bated breath</div> - <div class='line'>I wait the presence of the angel Death,</div> - <div class='line in2'>You will be near me, guide my faltering feet,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And softly breathe these words in accents sweet.</div> - <div class='line'>Come sometime to me from that distant shore</div> - <div class='line'>Caress and comfort as in days of yore;</div> - <div class='line in2'>Triumphant over death our life shall be:</div> - <div class='line in2'>Oh, promise me; oh, promise me.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Back on the wall behind the altar a blue-eyed -man looked down from a portrait with the same -kindly, questioning expression Marjorie had always -read in his fine eyes. She had asked that the study -portrait might be brought down and hung on the -wall behind the altar. “I should like him to be -there,” she had said simply to Miss Susanna. The -old lady had replied rather huskily: “I am sure he -will be.”</p> - -<p class='c005'>When within a few feet of the flower-decked spot -where Hal and his best man, Danny Seabrooke, -waited for her, she cast a calm friendly glance upward -at Brooke Hamilton’s portrait. She thought -she could almost catch a gleam of approval in his -eyes. Then her eyes wandered to Hal, and she -smiled and blushed in a kind of tender confusion.</p> - -<p class='c005'>The wedding party took their places before the -altar. At Marjorie’s request Mrs. Dean joined her -husband and daughter there. Marjorie had declared -that she could not be content not to have both -her superior officers beside her at the great moment.</p> - -<p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>Came the solemn, beautiful words of the Episcopal -ring service. Marjorie loved the deep tones -of Hal’s voice as he made his vows to her of life -and death. Her own replies came clear and steady. -She had found love and was happily confident for -the future. Then their vows were plighted and Hal -had placed the ring of their covenant upon her -finger.</p> - -<p class='c005'>“Sweetheart,” he said, as he kissed the little -ringed hand and then sought her lips. Then he -whispered with the fondness of proud possession: -“Marjorie Dean Macy.”</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c009'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='adpage'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'><i>SAVE THE WRAPPER!</i></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_0_6 c005'><i>If</i> you have enjoyed reading about the -adventures of the new friends you have -made in this book and would like to read -more clean, wholesome stories of their entertaining -experiences, turn to the book -jacket—on the inside of it, a comprehensive -list of Burt’s fine series of carefully selected -books for young people has been placed for -your convenience.</p> - -<p class='c005'><i>Orders for these books, placed with your -bookstore or sent to the Publishers, will -receive prompt attention.</i></p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> -<div class='figleft id003'> -<img src='images/ad_page_01.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE</div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Ann Sterling Series</span></div> - <div>By HARRIET PYNE GROVE</div> - <div class='c000'>Stories of Ranch and College Life</div> - <div>For Girls 12 to 16 Years</div> - <div class='c000'><i>Handsome Cloth Binding with</i></div> - <div><i>Attractive Jackets in Color</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>ANN STERLING</p> - -<p class='c011'>The strange gift of Old Never-Run, an Indian whom -she has befriended, brings exciting events into Ann’s -life.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE COURAGE OF ANN</p> - -<p class='c011'>Ann makes many new, worthwhile friends during her -first year at Forest Hill College.</p> - -<p class='c012'>ANN AND THE JOLLY SIX</p> - -<p class='c011'>At the close of their Freshman year Ann and the Jolly -Six enjoy a house party at the Sterling’s mountain -ranch.</p> - -<p class='c012'>ANN CROSSES A SECRET TRAIL</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Sterling family, with a group of friends, spend a -thrilling vacation under the southern Pines of Florida.</p> - -<p class='c012'>ANN’S SEARCH REWARDED</p> - -<p class='c011'>In solving the disappearance of her father, Ann finds -exciting adventures, Indians and bandits in the West.</p> - -<p class='c012'>ANN’S AMBITIONS</p> - -<p class='c011'>The end of her Senior year at Forest Hill brings a -whirl of new events into the career of “Ann of the -Singing Fingers.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>ANN’S STERLING HEART</p> - -<p class='c011'>Ann returns home, after completing a busy year of -musical study abroad.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers,</div> - <div>114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='figleft id003'> -<img src='images/ad_page_02.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Books for Girls</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By GRACE MAY NORTH</div> - <div class='c000'>Author of</div> - <div>THE VIRGINIA DAVIS SERIES</div> - <div class='c000'>All Clothbound. Copyright Titles.</div> - <div class='c000'><i>With Individual Jackets in Colors</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>MEG OF MYSTERY MOUNTAIN</p> - -<p class='c011'>This story tells of the summer vacation some young -people spent in the mountains and how they cleared -up the mystery of the lost cabin at Crazy Creek Mine.</p> - -<p class='c012'>RILLA OF THE LIGHTHOUSE</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Rilla” had lived all her life with only her grandfather -and “Uncle Barney” as companions, but finally, at -High Cliff Seminary, her great test came and the -lovable girl from Windy Island Lighthouse met it -brilliantly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>NAN OF THE GYPSIES</p> - -<p class='c011'>In this tale of a wandering gypsy band, Nan, who has -spent her childhood with the gypsies, is adopted by -a woman of wealth, and by her love and loyalty to -her, she proves her fine character and true worth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>SISTERS</p> - -<p class='c011'>The personal characteristics and incidents in the lives -of two girls—one thoughtless and proud, the other -devoted and self-sacrificing—are vividly described in -this story, told as it is with sympathy and understanding -for both.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers,</div> - <div>114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='figleft id003'> -<img src='images/ad_page_03.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>The Camp Fire</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Girls Series</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By HILDEGARD G. FREY</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>A Series of Outdoor Stories for -Girls 12 to 16 Years.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles</div> - <div class='c000'>PRICE 50 CENTS EACH</div> - <div>Postage 10c. Extra.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; -or, The Winnebagos go Camping.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The -Wohelo Weavers.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, -The Magic Garden.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along -the Road That Leads the Way.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS’ LARKS AND PRANKS; or, -The House of the Open Door.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON ELLEN’S ISLE; or, The -Trail of the Seven Cedars.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON THE OPEN ROAD; -or, Glorify Work.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS DO THEIR BIT; or, Over -the Top with the Winnebagos.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS SOLVE A MYSTERY; or, -The Christmas Adventure at Carver House.</p> - -<p class='c012'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT CAMP KEEWAYDIN; -or, Down Paddles.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>For sale by all booksellers, or sent</div> - <div>on receipt of price by the Publishers</div> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='figleft id003'> -<img src='images/ad_page_04.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>The</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Girl Scouts</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Series</span></div> - <div class='c000'>BY EDITH LAVELL</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>A new copyright series of Girl Scouts stories by -an author of wide experience in Scouts’ craft, as -Director of Girl Scouts of Philadelphia.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Clothbound, with Attractive Color Designs.</div> - <div class='c000'>PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</div> - <div>POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS’ GOOD TURN</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CANOE TRIP</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS’ RIVALS</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS ON THE RANCH</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS’ VACATION ADVENTURES</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS’ MOTOR TRIP</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CAPTAIN</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRL SCOUTS’ DIRECTOR</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>For sale by all booksellers, or sent</div> - <div>on receipt of price by the Publishers</div> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='figleft id003'> -<img src='images/ad_page_05.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>The</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Greycliff Girls</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Series</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By HARRIET PYNE GROVE</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Stories of Adventure, Fun, Study and Personalities -of girls attending Greycliff School.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>For Girls 10 to 15 Years</div> - <div class='c000'>PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</div> - <div>POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</div> - <div class='c000'>Cloth bound, with Individual Jackets in Color.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>CATHALINA AT GREYCLIFF</div> - <div class='line'>THE GIRLS OF GREYCLIFF</div> - <div class='line'>GREYCLIFF WINGS</div> - <div class='line'>GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN CAMP</div> - <div class='line'>GREYCLIFF HEROINES</div> - <div class='line'>GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN GEORGIA</div> - <div class='line'>GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ RANCHING</div> - <div class='line'>GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ GREAT ADVENTURE</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>For sale by all booksellers, or sent</div> - <div>on receipt of price by the Publishers</div> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>THE MERRY LYNN</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>SERIES</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By HARRIET PYNE GROVE</div> - <div class='c000'>Cloth Bound. Jackets in Colors.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The charm of school and camp life, out-door -sports and European travel is found in these winning -tales of Merilyn and her friends at boarding -school and college. These realistic stories of the -everyday life, the fun, frolic and special adventures -of the Beechwood girls will be enjoyed by all girls of -high school age.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>MERILYN ENTERS BEECHWOLD</div> - <div class='line'>MERILYN AT CAMP MEENAHGA</div> - <div class='line'>MERILYN TESTS LOYALTY</div> - <div class='line'>MERILYN’S NEW ADVENTURE</div> - <div class='line'>MERILYN FORRESTER, CO-ED.</div> - <div class='line'>THE “MERRY LYNN” MINE</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY, <i>Publishers</i></div> - <div>114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='figleft id003'> -<img src='images/ad_page_07.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>The</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Virginia Davis</span></div> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Series</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By GRACE MAY NORTH</div> - <div class='c000'>Clean, Wholesome Stories of Ranch Life.</div> - <div class='c000'>For Girls 12 to 16 Years.</div> - <div class='c000'>All Clothbound.</div> - <div class='c000'><i>With Individual Jackets in Colors.</i></div> - <div class='c000'>PRICE, 75 CENTS EACH</div> - <div>POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>VIRGINIA OF V. M. RANCH</div> - <div class='line'>VIRGINIA AT VINE HAVEN</div> - <div class='line'>VIRGINIA’S ADVENTURE CLUB</div> - <div class='line'>VIRGINIA’S RANCH NEIGHBORS</div> - <div class='line'>VIRGINIA’S ROMANCE</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>For sale by all booksellers, or sent</div> - <div>on receipt of price by the Publishers</div> - <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Transcriber’s note:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Variations in hyphenation have been retained.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Chapter headings have been regularized.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 13, ‘Travelers-campus’ changed to ‘Travelers’ campus,’ “at the Travelers-campus spreads”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 14, double quote struck after ‘Well,’ “Well, don’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 17, ‘is’ changed to ‘in,’ “rising in the east”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 22, ‘chrystal’ changed to ‘crystal,’ “crystal-beaded white frock”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 28, ‘rythmic’ changed to ‘rhythmic,’ “rose in rhythmic measure”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 28, comma changed to full stop after ‘evening,’ “the evening. Marjorie was sure”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 32, double quote inserted before ‘The,’ ““The moment when you”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 37, ‘approbrium’ changed to ‘opprobrium,’ “be buried under opprobrium”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 37, ‘explusion’ changed to ‘expulsion,’ “circumstances of my expulsion”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 52, ‘a’ struck after ‘had,’ “and had felt a kind of”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 57, ‘flourish’ changed to ‘flourished,’ “and flourished it over”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 57, full stop inserted after ‘College,’ “year at Hamilton College.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 59, ‘estimiable’ changed to ‘estimable,’ “can’t we, estimable”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 60, ‘session’ changed to ‘sessions,’ “social sessions in Leila’s”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 62, double quote inserted before ‘She,’ ““She came to me and”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 64, single quote inserted after ‘question,’ “that question.’ Then I”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 66, ‘Cairn’s’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “Leslie Cairns’ own pet”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 68, question mark changed to full stop after ‘we,’ “him better than we.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 70, ‘emited’ changed to ‘emitted,’ “emitted a prolonged sigh”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 71, ‘years’’ changed to ‘year’s,’ “of last year’s Travelers”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 73, double quote struck before ‘It,’ “It is a beautiful”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 73, question mark changed to comma after ‘Arms,’ “windows at Hamilton Arms,”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 75, double quote struck before ‘Besides,’ “Besides you girls and”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 79, double quote struck before ‘Lucy,’ “Lucy said Prexy would”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 80, ‘mahoghany’ changed to ‘mahogany,’ “long mahogany table busily”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 80, ‘dilletante’ changed to ‘dilettante,’ “on her dilettante task”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 81, ‘bouyant’ changed to ‘buoyant,’ “her free buoyant stride”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 85, double quote inserted before ‘Yes,’ “Yes, I came to see”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 85, ‘pleesse’ changed to ‘pleese,’ “come in, pleese, Miss”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 85, ‘Majorie’ changed to ‘Marjorie,’ “ushered Marjorie into the”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 85, ‘afternon’ changed to ‘afternoon,’ “Good afternoon, President”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 86, ‘reinstantement’ changed to ‘reinstatement,’ “for reinstatement of the”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 88, ‘Cairnss’’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “of Miss Cairns’ offenses”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 89, comma inserted after ‘commendable,’ “her father is commendable,”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 90, ‘famused’ changed to ‘amused,’ “interested, half-amused eyes”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 90, double quote inserted after ‘codes,’ “so many different codes.””</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 91, apostrophe struck after ‘Cairns,’ “expelling Leslie Cairns from”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 92, ‘understimate’ changed to ‘underestimate,’ “You underestimate your”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 93, double quote inserted before ‘Can,’ ““Can you beat that?””</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 94, ‘post graduate’ changed to ‘post-graduate,’ “grandest post-graduate manner”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 101, ‘say’ changed to ‘saw,’ “I last saw Miss”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 102, ‘Remsen’ changed to ‘Remson,’ “followed by Miss Remson”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 104, double quote inserted after ‘writes,’ “to what he writes.””</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 106, ‘head’ changed to ‘foot,’ “to the foot and put”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 107, commas inserted after ‘chair’ and ‘chin,’ “chair, lifted her dimpled chin,”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 108, single quote inserted after ‘goodness,’ “But for goodness’ sake”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 108, ‘intitation’ changed to ‘initiation,’ “to the initiation, then”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 109, ‘Its’ changed to ‘It’s,’ “It’s larger than either”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 110, ‘whimisically’ changed to ‘whimsically,’ “she whimsically promised”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 113, double quote inserted before ‘I,’ ““I think Peter the Great”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 113, double quote changed to single before ‘Go,’ “‘Go to it, Cairns”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 113, single quote inserted after ‘know,’ “happiest person I know.’”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 114, ‘sheeding’ changed to ‘shedding,’ “against shedding tears”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 116, ‘conspicious’ changed to ‘conspicuous,’ “be too conspicuous”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 116, double quote struck before ‘Not,’ “Not one of them”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 121, ‘preponderence’ changed to ‘preponderance,’ “The preponderance of the students”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 122, ‘daiz’ changed to ‘dais,’ “left of the glorified dais”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 122, ‘revited’ changed to ‘riveted,’ “became riveted upon the”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 124, ‘contemptous’ changed to ‘contemptuous,’ “turned a contemptuous gaze”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 124, ‘roommate’ changed to ‘roommate’s,’ “clinch her roommate’s determination”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 125, ‘focussd’ changed to ‘focussed,’ “Clara focussed eager attention”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 134, ‘elegible’ changed to ‘eligible,’ “Lillian were more eligible”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 135, double quote inserted before ‘will,’ ““will you please make”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 136, ‘significient’ changed to ‘significant,’ “peculiarly significant tone”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 138, single quote inserted after ‘15,’ “be settling down in 15.’”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 140, full stop changed to comma after ‘disgruntlement,’ “disgruntlement, Doris Monroe”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 141, full stop changed to comma after ‘offer,’ “the offer, Leslie herself”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 142, ‘precedure’ changed to ‘procedure,’ “malicious procedure which”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 144, ‘swords’ changed to ‘swords’,’ “were at swords’ points”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 148, ‘Betram’ changed to ‘Bertram,’ “taste. The Bertram girls”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 151, ‘would’ changed to ‘wouldn’t,’ “But I would let it”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 152, double quote inserted before ‘See,’ “door. “See you later”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 158, ‘proceeded’ changed to ‘preceded,’ “and had preceded the others”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 163, comma inserted after ‘child,’ “you know, child, that”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 164, ‘thorougly’ changed to ‘thoroughly,’ “She was thoroughly peeved”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 167, full stop inserted after ‘Year’s,’ “over New Year’s. Dulcie’s”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 170, ‘culb’ changed to ‘club,’ “the girls in the club”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 170, question mark inserted after ‘Carter,’ “so snippy, Clara Carter?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 170, ‘Remsen’ changed to ‘Remson,’ “Miss Remson will fight”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 175, full stop changed to comma after ‘College,’ “at Hamilton College, Dulcie”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 176, ‘Cairns’s’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “against Leslie Cairns’ presence”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 177, ‘embued’ changed to ‘imbued,’ “any sense imbued with”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 178, ‘Cairns’s’ changed to ‘Cairns’,’ “of Miss Cairns’ father”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 178, ‘harrangue’ changed to ‘harangue,’ “to Julia’s harangue”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 179, ‘avare’ changed to ‘aware,’ “curiously aware of a stir”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 182, comma changed to full stop after ‘see,’ “let’s go and see.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 185, ‘Dulce’ changed to ‘Dulcie,’ “at Hamilton. Dulcie ought”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 186, question mark changed to exclamation point after ‘are,’ “How romantic you are!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 188, question mark changed to comma after ‘now,’ “to Miss Remson now,”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 190, double quote inserted before ‘They,’ ““They are too busy”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 193, ‘irresistably’ changed to ‘irresistibly,’ “be more irresistibly funny”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 195, ‘Marjorie’ changed to ‘Marjorie’s,’ “between Marjorie’s shoulders”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 196, ‘Gaelic’ changed to ‘Gallic,’ “by truly Gallic gestures”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 198, ‘buzing’ changed to ‘buzzing,’ “to the buzzing company”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 198, full stop and double quote reversed after ‘I,’ “I am. And I.””</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 199, ‘furance’ changed to ‘furnace,’ “and the furnace isn’t”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 202, ‘gosip’ changed to ‘gossip,’ “personal gossip. Of Julia”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 207, ‘lovliness’ changed to ‘loveliness,’ “a dream of loveliness”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 209, double quote inserted before ‘His,’ ““His name was Grayson”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 209, ‘cary’ changed to ‘carry,’ “you tried to carry out”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 212, ‘eigth’ changed to ‘eight,’ “the other eight members”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 213, ‘reducng’ changed to ‘reducing,’ “all but reducing her to”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 219, ‘terrribly’ changed to ‘terribly,’ “We are poor, terribly poor”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 220, ‘litened’ changed to ‘listened,’ “wished she had listened”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 224, ‘necesary’ changed to ‘necessary,’ “It was necessary for me”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 227, full stop inserted after ‘sunshine,’ “the early spring sunshine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 227, double quote inserted after ‘choose,’ “let you choose.””</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 227, quotes regularized around “‘A truly great soul is never dismayed.’”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 227, ‘chose’ changed to ‘choose,’ “if you would choose”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 228, ‘satisfcation’ changed to ‘satisfaction,’ “the utmost satisfaction at”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 228, double quote inserted before ‘Peter,’ ““Peter has turned out”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 230, double quote inserted after ‘maxim,’ “happy choice of maxim.””</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 231, ‘Yiu’ changed to ‘You,’ “You are to be at”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 238, ‘remaning’ changed to ‘remaining,’ “include the remaining Travelers”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 240, ‘grown’ changed to ‘gown,’ “gown of pale violet”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 240, ‘growns’ changed to ‘gowns,’ “orchid colored chiffon gowns”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Page 241, ‘come’ changed to ‘came,’ “Behind them came Jerry”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Ad Page 4, ‘ALLENS’ changed to ‘ALLEN’S,’ “THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL”</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Marjorie Dean Macy, by Pauline Lester - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE DEAN MACY *** - -***** This file should be named 53637-h.htm or 53637-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/6/3/53637/ - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from images made available by the HathiTrust -Digital Library.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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