Grace Harlowe's Junior Yearat High School

OR

Fast Friends in the Sororities

ByJESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M. 

 Author of Grace Harlowe's Plebe Year at High School, Grace Harlowe's Sophomore Year at High School, Grace Harlowe's Senior Year at High School, etc. 

 Illustrated

 PHILADELPHIA HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY

 COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY HOWARD E. ALTEMUS

[Illustration: Grace Snatched Off the White Mask. _Frontispiece--High School Girls No. 3. _]

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

 I. A NEW ARRIVAL 7

 II. CONFIDENCES 20

 III. AN AUTUMN WALKING EXPEDITION 30

 IV. GRACE MAKES A DISCOVERY 42

 V. THE PHI SIGMA TAU 53

 VI. A VISIT TO ELEANOR 68

 VII. THE CLAIM OF THE "ARTISTIC TEMPERAMENT" 78

 VIII. ELEANOR THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET 85

 IX. THE RESCUE PARTY 96

 X. JULIA PERFORMS A SACRED DUTY 106

 XI. WORRIES AND PLANS 121

 XII. A RECKLESS CHAUFFEUR 129

 XIII. A THANKSGIVING FROLIC 137

 XIV. ELEANOR FINDS A WAY 145

 XV. A WOULD-BE "LARK" 150

 XVI. THE JUNIORS FOREVER 163

 XVII. THE LAST STRAW 173

XVIII. THE PLAY'S THE THING 182

 XIX. THE TRY OUT 191

 XX. THE ANONYMOUS LETTER 199

 XXI. BREAKERS AHEAD 208

 XXII. AS YOU LIKE IT 215

XXIII. THE JUNIOR PICNIC 235

 XXIV. CONCLUSION 252

Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at High School

CHAPTER I

A NEW ARRIVAL

"Next to home, there is really nothing quite so satisfying as ourdear old High School!" exclaimed Grace Harlowe, as she entered thelocker-room and beamed on her three friends who stood near by. 

"It does seem good to be back, even though we have had such a perfectlyglorious summer, " said Jessica Bright. "We are a notch higher, too. We're actually juniors. This locker-room is now our property, althoughI don't like it as well as the one we had last year. "

"We'll get accustomed to it, and it will seem like home inside of twoweeks, " said Anne Pierson philosophically. "Everything is bound tochange in this world, you know. 'We must put ourselves in harmony withthe things among which our lot is cast. '"

"Well, Marcus Aurelius, we'll try to accept your teaching, " laughedGrace, who immediately recognized the quotation as coming from a tiny"Marcus Aurelius Year Book" that Anne kept in her desk and frequentlyperused. 

"I wonder what school will bring us this year?" mused Nora O'Malley, asshe retied her bow for the fifth time before the mirror and criticallysurveyed the final effect. "We had a stormy enough time last year, goodness knows. Really, girls, it is hard to believe that Miriam Nesbitand Julia Crosby were at one time the banes of our existence. They comenext to you three girls with me, now. "

"I think that we all feel the same about them, " replied Grace. "Miriamis a perfect dear now, and is just as enthusiastic over class matters aswe are. "

"It looks as though everything were going to be plain sailing thisyear, " said Jessica. "There isn't a disturbing element in the class thatI know of. Still, one can never tell. "

"Oh, here come Eva Allen and Marian Barber, " called Grace delightedly, and rushed over to the newcomers with outstretched hands. 

By this time girls began to arrive rapidly, and soon the locker-roomhummed with the sound of fresh, young voices. Coats of tan were comparedand newly acquired freckles deplored, as the girls stood about ingroups, talking of the delights of the summer vacation just ended. 

To the readers of "GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL, " and"GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL, " the girl chums havebecome familiar figures. It will be remembered how Grace Harlowe and herfriends, Nora O'Malley and Jessica Bright, during their freshman year, became the firm friends of Anne Pierson, the brilliant young girl who wonthe freshman prize offered each year to the freshmen by Mrs. Gray. Thereader will recall the repeated efforts of Miriam Nesbit, aided by MissLeece, the algebra teacher, to disgrace Anne in the eyes of the faculty, and the way each attempt was frustrated by Grace Harlowe and herfriends. Mrs. Gray's house party, the winter picnic in Upton Wood, andAnne Pierson's struggles to escape her unworthy father all contributedtoward making the story stand out in the reader's mind. 

In "GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR, " the girl chums were found leadingtheir class in athletics. Here, Miriam Nesbit, still unsubdued, endeavoredonce more to humiliate Anne Pierson, and to oust Grace from her positionas captain of the basketball team, being aided in her plan by JuliaCrosby, captain of the junior team, against whom the sophomores hadengaged to play a series of three games. Grace's brave rescue of JuliaCrosby during a skating party and the latter's subsequent repentancerestored good feeling between the two classes, and the book ended withthe final conversion of Miriam after her long and stubbornly nursedenmity. 

David Nesbit's trial flight in his aëroplane, Grace's encounter with theescaped lunatic, who imagined himself to be Napoleon Bonaparte, wereamong the features which made the book absorbing from start to finish. 

The clang of the first bell broke in upon the chattering groups, andobedient to its summons, the girls moved slowly out of the locker-roomand down the corridor, talking in subdued tones as they strolled towardthe study hall. 

Miss Thompson stood at her desk, serene and smiling, as the girls filedin. 

"How well Miss Thompson looks, " whispered Grace to Anne as they nearedtheir seats. "Let's go up and see her when this session is over. It'ssure to be short this morning. "

It was customary on the opening of school for the members of the variousclasses to take their seats of the previous year. Then the sections wererearranged, the seniors taking the seats left by the graduates, and theother classes moving up accordingly. The first day of school amounted toreally nothing further than being assigned to one's seat and gettingused to the idea of school again. Miss Thompson usually addressed thegirls on the duty of High School students, and the girls went forth fullof new resolutions that last for at least a week. 

Grace looked curiously about her. She wondered if there were to be manynew girls that year. The present freshmen, direct from the GrammarSchools, sat on the front seats looking a trifle awed at the idea ofbeing academic pupils, and feeling very strange and uncomfortable underthe scrutiny of so many pairs of eyes. 

Her glance wandered toward the new sophomore class, as though in searchof some one, her eyes brightening as she caught sight of the brown-eyedgirl who had won the freshman prize the previous June. The latter lookedas helpless and friendless as when Grace first saw her step up on theplatform to receive her money. "I shall certainly find out more aboutthat child, " she decided. "What is her name? I heard it at commencement, but I have forgotten it. "

Taking a leaf from a little note-book that she always carried, Gracewrote: "Do you see the freshman-prize girl over among the sophomores?What is her name? I can't remember. " Then, folding the paper, she tossedit to Anne, who nodded; then wrote, "Mabel Allison, " and handed it tothe girl sitting opposite her, who obligingly passed it over to Grace. 

With a nod of thanks to Anne, Grace glanced at the paper and then at theowner of the name, who sat with her hands meekly folded on her desk, listening to Miss Thompson as though her life depended upon hearingevery word that the principal uttered. 

"I want all my girls to try particularly this year to reach a higherstandard than ever before, " Miss Thompson concluded, "not only in yourstudies, but in your attitude toward one another. Be straightforwardand honorable in all your dealings, girls; so that when the day comesfor you to receive your diplomas and bid Oakdale High School farewell, you can do so with the proud consciousness that you have been to yourschoolmates just what you would have wished them to be to you. I know ofno better preparation for a happy life than constant observation of thegolden rule. 

"And now I hope I shall have no occasion to deliver another lectureduring the school year, " said the principal, smiling. "There can be noformation of classes to-day, as the bulletins of the various subjectshave just been posted, and will undoubtedly undergo some changes. Itwould be advisable, however, to arrange as speedily as possible aboutthe subjects you intend to take, as we wish to begin recitations byFriday at the latest, and I dare say the changes made in the schedulewill be slight. "

Then the work of assigning each class to its particular section of thestudy hall began. The seniors moved with evident pride into the placesreserved for the first class, while the freshmen looked visibly relievedat having any place at all to call their own. Immediately after this theclasses were dismissed, and a general rush was made to the end of thegreat room, where the bulletins were posted. 

Grace, Nora, Anne and Jessica wished to recite in the same classes asfar as could be arranged, and a lively confab ensued as to what wouldbe best to take. They all decided on solid geometry and English reading, as they could be together for these classes, but the rest was not soeasy, for Nora, who loathed history, was obliged to take ancient historyto complete her history group, the other girls having wisely completedtheirs the previous year. Jessica wanted to take physical geography, Anne rhetoric, and Grace boldly announced a hankering for zoölogy. 

"How horrible, " shuddered Jessica. "How can you bear to think of cuttingup live cats and dogs and angleworms and things. "

"Oh, you silly, " laughed Grace. "You're thinking of vivisection. I wouldn'tcut up anything alive for all the world. The girls did dissect crabs andlobsters, and even rabbits, last year, but they were dead long beforethey ever reached the zoölogy class. "

"Oh, " said Jessica, somewhat reassured, "I'm glad to hear that, at anyrate. "

"That makes three subjects, " said Nora. "Now we want one more. Are anyof you going to be over ambitious and take five?"

"Not I, " responded Grace and Jessica in chorus. 

"I shall, " said Anne quietly. "I'm going to learn just as much as I canwhile I have the chance. "

"Well, " said Jessica, "you're different. Five studies aren't any harderfor you than four for us. "

"Thank the lady prettily for her high opinion of your ability, Anne, "said Grace, laughing. "She really seems to be sincere. "

"She's too sincere for comfort, " murmured Anne, who hated compliments. 

"We haven't settled on that fourth subject yet, " interposed Nora. 

"Why don't you all take French, it is such a beautiful language, " saida soft voice behind them. "I'm sure you'd like it. "

The four girls turned simultaneously at the sound of the strange, softvoice, to face a girl whose beauty was almost startling. She was atrifle taller than Grace and beautifully straight and slender. Her hairwas jet black and lay on her forehead in little silky rings, while shehad the bluest eyes the girls had ever seen. Her features were small andregular, and her skin as creamy as the petal of a magnolia. She stoodregarding the astonished girls with a fascinating little smile that wasirresistible. 

"Please excuse me for breaking in upon you, but I saw you from afar, andyou looked awfully good to me. " Her clear enunciation made the slangphrase sound like the purest English. "I have just been with yourprincipal in her office. She told me to come here and look over the listof subjects. Do you think me unpardonably rude?" She looked appealinglyat the four chums. 

"Why, of course not, " said Grace promptly, recovering in a measure fromher first surprise. "I suppose you are going to enter our school, areyou not? Let me introduce you to my friends. " She named her three chumsin turn, who bowed cordially to the attractive stranger. 

"My name is Grace Harlowe. Will you tell me yours?"

"My name is Eleanor Savell, " replied the new-comer, "and I have justcome to Oakdale with my aunt. We have leased a quaint old house in thesuburbs called 'Heartsease. ' My aunt fell quite in love with it, soperhaps we shall stay awhile. We travel most of the time, and I get verytired of it, " she concluded with a little pout. 

"'Heartsease'?" cried the girls in chorus. "Do you live at 'Heartsease'?"

"Yes, " said the stranger curiously. "Is there anything peculiar aboutit?"

"Oh, no, " Grace hastened to reply. "The reason we are interested isbecause we know the owner of the property, Mrs. Gray, very well. "

"Oh, do you know her?" replied Eleanor lightly. "Isn't she a dainty, little, old creature? She looks like a Dresden shepherdess grown old. For an elderly woman, she really is interesting. "

"We call her our fairy godmother, " said Anne, "and love her so dearlythat we never think of her as being old. " There had been something aboutthe careless words that jarred upon Anne. 

"Oh, I am sure she is all that is delightful, " responded Miss Savell, quickly divining that Anne was not pleased at her remark. "I hope toknow her better. "

"You are lucky to get 'Heartsease, '" said Grace. "Mrs. Gray has refusedover and over again to rent it. It belonged to her favorite brother, whowilled it to her when he died. She has always kept it in repair. Eventhe furniture has not been changed. I have been there with her, andI love every bit of it. I am glad to know that it has a tenant at last. "

"Mrs. Gray knew my aunt years ago. They have kept up a correspondencefor ever so long. It was due to her that we came here, " said Eleanor. 

"Is your aunt Miss Margaret Nevin?" asked Anne quietly. 

"Why, how did you know her name?" cried Eleanor, apparently mystified. "'This is getting curiouser and curiouser. '"

The four girls laughed merrily. 

"Anne is Mrs. Gray's private secretary, " explained Jessica. "She tendsto all her correspondence. I suppose you have written more than oneletter to Miss Savell's aunt, haven't you, Anne!"

"Yes, indeed, " replied Anne. "Her name is very familiar to me. "

"What class are you girls in?" said Eleanor, abruptly changing thesubject. "Or aren't you all in the same class?"

"We are all juniors, " laughed Nora, "and proud of it. Our green andcallow days are over, and we have entered into the realm of the upperclasses. "

"Then I shall enter the junior class, too, for I choose to hob-nob withyou girls. Don't say you don't want me, for I have made up my mind; andit is like the laws of the Medes and Persians, unchangeable. "

"We shall be glad to welcome a new classmate, of course, " respondedGrace. "I hope you will soon be one of us. Did Miss Thompson say thatyou would have to take examinations?"

"She did, she did, " answered Eleanor ruefully. "Still I'm not muchafraid. I've studied with a tutor, so I'm pretty well up in mathematicsand English. I can speak French, German, Italian and Spanish almost aswell as English. You know I've lived most of my life abroad. I'll manageto pass somehow. "

"I should think you would, " exclaimed Anne admiringly. "I hope you pass, I'm sure. Perhaps you'll be too far advanced for our class. "

"Never fear, my dear, " said Eleanor. "My heart is with the juniors, andleave it to me not to land in any other class. But, really, I've botheredyou long enough. I must go back to your principal and announce myselfready to meet my fate. I hope to know you better when examinations haveceased to be a burden and the weary are at rest. That is, if I survive. "

With a gay little nod, and a dazzling smile that revealed almost perfectteeth, she walked quickly down the long room and out the door, leavingthe girl chums staring after her. 

"What an extraordinary girl!" said Jessica. "She acts as though she'dknown us all her life, and we never set eyes on her until she marched inand calmly interrupted us ten minutes ago. "

"It doesn't seem to make much difference whether or not we like her. Shehas decided she likes us, and that settles it, " said Grace, smiling. "What do you think of her, Anne? You are a pretty good judge ofcharacter. "

"I don't know yet, " replied Anne slowly. "She seems charming. She mustbe awfully clever, too, to know so many languages, but----"

"But what?" queried Nora. 

"Oh, I don't know just what I want to say, only let's proceed slowlywith her, then we'll never have anything to regret. "

"Come on, girls, " said Jessica impatiently. "Let's hurry. You know wepromised to meet the boys as soon as school was over. "

The girl chums walked out of the study hall, each with her mind so fullof the new girl, who had so suddenly appeared in their midst, that theproposed call upon Miss Thompson was entirely forgotten. 

CHAPTER II

CONFIDENCES

"I am the bearer of an invitation, " announced Anne Pierson as the fourgirls collected in one corner of the locker-room during the brief recessallowed each morning. 

"Mrs. Gray wishes to see us all at four o'clock this afternoon. We areto dine with her and spend the evening, and the boys are invited for theevening, too. So we will have just time enough after school to go homeand dress. "

"You had better meet at my house, then, " said Grace, "for it's on theway to Mrs. Gray's. Good-bye. Be sure and be there at a quarter of fourat the latest. "

Promptly at the appointed time the girls hurried up the Harlowe walk. They were met at the door by Grace, who had been standing at the windowfor the last ten minutes with hat and gloves on, impatiently waitingtheir arrival. 

As they neared Mrs. Gray's beautiful home, Anne said in a low tone toGrace, who was walking with her, "I suppose Mrs. Gray has a doublemotive in asking us up here to-day. I believe she wants to talk to usabout Eleanor Savell. Miss Nevin called on Mrs. Gray yesterday and theywere in the parlor together for a long time. After Miss Nevin had gone, Mrs. Gray told me that Miss Nevin was anxious that Eleanor shouldassociate with girls of her own age. That is the reason she brought herto Oakdale. "

"Hurry up, you two, " called Nora, who had reached the steps. "How you dolag to-day. "

"You will hear more of this later, " whispered Anne. 

Mrs. Gray stood in the wide hall with hands outstretched in welcome. Shekissed each girl affectionately, but her eyes lingered upon Anne, whowas plainly her favorite. The old lady had become so accustomed to thesympathetic presence of the quiet, young girl that it seemed, at times, as though her own daughter had come back to her once more. 

"Come right into the library and make yourself comfy, " cried Mrs. Graycheerily. "I spend most of my time there. The view from the windows isso beautiful, and as one grows old, one resorts more and more to bookfriendships. "

"What shall we do with you, Mrs. Gray, if you keep on insisting that youare old?" said Grace. "You're not a day older at heart than any of therest of us. Here, sit down in this nice, easy chair, while we take turnstelling you just how young you are. "

"It is due to my adopted children that I am not a cross, crotchety, complaining old woman, " said Mrs. Gray, allowing Grace to seat her inthe big leather-covered arm chair. 

"Now, what does your Majesty crave of her loyal subjects?" inquiredGrace, bowing low before the little, old lady. 

"Very well, if I am queen, then I must be obeyed. Draw up your chairsand sit in a circle. I want to tell you a little story. That is partlymy reason for inviting you here this afternoon, although you know youare welcome whenever you choose to come. "

"Is it a fairy story, dear Mrs. Gray, and does it begin with 'Once upona time'?" queried Jessica. 

"It is a story of real life, my child, but I'll begin it like a fairytale if you wish it. "

"Oh, please begin at once, " said Grace, who, at eighteen, was as fond ofa story as she had been at six. 

"Well, 'once upon a time, ' there were two sisters. They were really onlyhalf sisters, and the one was almost twenty years older than the other. The mother of the elder sister had died when she was about fifteen yearsof age, and two years later the father had married a beautiful youngIrish girl of very good family, who loved him dearly in spite of thedifference in their ages. 

"After they had been married a little over two years, a little girl cameto them, and the older sister loved the tiny baby as dearly as she lovedher beautiful, young step-mother. "

"Why, that sounds very much like Grimm's fairy tales!" exclaimed Nora. "Only the book people are all kings and queens, but this is even betterbecause the heroine is actually Irish. "

There was a general laugh over Nora's remark in which Mrs. Gray joined. 

"It's a case of Ireland forever, isn't it Nora?" said Grace teasingly. 

"'Fine and dandy are the Irish, '" said Nora with a grin, quoting from apopular song she had heard in a recent musical comedy. "But stop teasingme, and let Mrs. Gray go on with her story. "

"When the baby sister, whose name was Edith, was about three years old, the beautiful young mother died and left the husband inconsolable. Ayear later he was killed in a railroad accident, and the elder sister, named Margaret, was left with only little Edith to comfort her. Thefather had been a rich man, so they had no anxiety about money, andlived on year after year in their beautiful old home, with everythingheart could wish. 

"As Edith grew older, she developed a decided talent for music, andwhen she was fifteen Margaret decided to take her abroad and allow herto enter one of the great conservatories of Europe. They went toLeipsic, and Edith, who had high hopes of one day becoming a concertpianiste, continued her studies under the best instructors that moneycould procure. Things ran along smoothly until Edith met a young Italiannamed Guido Savelli, who was studying the violin at the sameconservatory. His brilliant playing had already created a sensationwherever he appeared, and he gave promise of being a virtuoso. 

"He fell violently in love with Edith, who had her mother's beautiful blueeyes and the combination of white skin and black hair that go to make anIrish beauty. She returned his love, and after a brief engagement theywere married, much against the wishes of Margaret, who thought them bothtoo young and impressionable to know their own minds. "

"And did they live happy ever after?" asked Grace eagerly. 

"That is the sad part of my story, " said Mrs. Gray, sighing. "They wereanything but happy. They both had too much of the artistic temperamentto live peaceably. Besides, Guido Savelli was thoroughly selfish atheart. Next to himself, his music was the only thing in the world thathe really cared for. When they had been married for about a year and ahalf he played before the king, and soon became the man of the hour. Heneglected his beautiful young wife, who, in spite of their frequentquarrels, loved him with a pure and disinterested affection. 

"Finally he went on a concert tour through the principal Europeancities, and she never saw him again. She wrote him repeatedly, but henever answered her letters, and she was too proud to follow him. She hadone child, a baby girl, named Eleanor, who was the sole comfort of theheartbroken mother. "

At this juncture Anne and Grace exchanged significant glances. 

"When Eleanor was about a year old, the mother wrote Guido Savelli oncemore, begging him to come to her, if only for the sake of his child, buteither he never received the letter or else paid no attention to it, forshe received no reply. She relapsed into a dull, apathetic state, fromwhich the repeated efforts of her sister failed to arouse her. Thefollowing winter she contracted pneumonia and died, leaving her sisterthe sole guardian of Eleanor. "

"How long ago did all this happen, dear Mrs. Gray?" queried Noraeagerly, "and is little Eleanor living?"

"It was sixteen years ago, my dear, " replied Mrs. Gray, "and the reasonthat I have told you this long tale is because the baby girl is almost awoman now, and----"

"The girl is Eleanor Savell and we met her the other day, " broke inGrace excitedly, forgetting for an instant that she had interrupted Mrs. Gray. "She is going to live at 'Heartsease' and---- oh, Mrs. Gray, please pardon me for interrupting you, I was so excited that I didn'trealize my own rudeness. "

"Granted, my dear, " smiled the old lady. "But how did you happen to meetEleanor? They arrived only a few days ago. "

Grace rapidly narrated their meeting and conversation with Eleanor, while Mrs. Gray listened without comment. When Grace repeated Eleanor'sremark about having made up her mind, the old lady looked a littletroubled. Then her face cleared and she said softly:

"My dear Christmas children, I am very anxious that for her own sake youshould become well acquainted with Eleanor. Her aunt was here yesterday, and we had a long talk regarding her. Eleanor is an uncommon girl inmany respects. She has remarkable beauty and talent, but she isfrightfully self-willed. Her aunt has spoiled her, and realizes toolate the damage she has done by having allowed her to grow up on thecontinent. They have lived in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, with anoccasional visit to America, and Eleanor has always done just as shepleased. For years her aunt has obeyed her slightest whim, but as shegrows older she grows more like her father, and her aunt wants her tohave some steadying influence that will put a curb on her unconventionaltendencies. 

"When she wrote me of Eleanor, I wrote her about my girls, and offeredher 'Heartsease. ' She was delighted with the whole thing and lost notime in getting here. So now you understand why I have told you allthis. I want you to promise me that you will do what you can for thismotherless girl. "

"But we felt sure we should like her when we saw her the other day, "said Nora. "She seemed so sweet and winning. "

"So she is. She has her father's winning personality, and a good deal ofhis selfishness, too, " replied Mrs. Gray. "You won't find her at alldisagreeable. But she is reckless, self-willed, defiant of publicopinion and exceedingly impulsive. I look to you girls to keep her outof mischief. "

"Well, we'll try, but I never did pride myself on being a first-classreformer, " said Grace, laughing. 

"Where is her father now?" asked Anne. "Is it possible that he is thegreat Savelli who toured America two years ago?"

"He is the man, " said Mrs. Gray. "He is a wonderful musician. I heardhim in New York City. I shall never forget the way he played one ofLiszt's 'Hungarian Rhapsodies. ' I must caution you, girls, never tomention Eleanor's father to her. She has been kept in absolute ignoranceof him. When she is twenty-one her aunt will tell her about him. If sheknew he was the great Savelli, she would rush off and join himto-morrow, she is so impulsive. She has the music madness of both fatherand mother. Her aunt tells me she is a remarkable performer on bothviolin and piano. "

"But why shouldn't she go to her father if he is a great musician?" saidJessica. "And why is she called Savell, if her name is Savelli?"

"Because, my dear, her father has never evinced the slightest desire tolook up his own child. Even if he had, he is too irresponsible and tootemperamental to assume the care of a girl like Eleanor, " Mrs. Grayanswered. "No, Eleanor is better off with her aunt. As to her name, heraunt hates everything Italian, so she dropped the 'I' and made the nameSavell. "

"My, " said Nora with a sigh. "She is almost as remarkable as a fairyprincess, after all. "

"Oh, I don't know, " replied Grace quickly. "Her life, of course, hasbeen eventful, but I believe if we are to do her any good we shall justhave to act as though she were an everyday girl like the rest of us. Ifwe begin to bow down to her, we shall be obliged to keep it up. Besides, I have an idea that I am as fond of having my own way as she is. "

"Dinner is served, " announced John, the butler. 

The four girls arose and followed Mrs. Gray to the dining room. Duringthe dinner Eleanor was not again mentioned, although she occupied moreor less of the four girls' thoughts. 

Later on, David, Hippy and Reddy appeared and a merry frolic ensued. Itwas after ten o'clock before the little party of young folks prepared totake their departure. 

"Remember, I rely upon you, " whispered Mrs. Gray to Grace as she kissedher good night. Grace nodded sympathetically, but went home with anuneasy feeling that playing the guardian angel to Eleanor would beanything but a light task. 

CHAPTER III

AN AUTUMN WALKING EXPEDITION

"It is simply too lovely to go home to-day, " exclaimed Grace Harlowe toher three chums as they strolled down High School Street one sunnyafternoon in early October. "I move that we drop our books at my houseand go for a walk. "

"I'm willing to drop my books anywhere and never see them again, "grumbled Nora O'Malley, who was not fond of study. 

"I ought to go straight home, " demurred Anne Pierson, "but I'll putpleasure before duty and stay with the crowd. "

"What about you, Jessica?" asked Grace. 

"You couldn't drive me home, " replied Jessica promptly. 

"Very well, " laughed Grace, "as we are all of the same mind, let's shedthese books and be off. "

After a brief stop at Grace's home, the four girls started out, keenlyalive to the beauty of the day. The leaves on the trees were beginningto lose their green and put on their dresses of red and gold. Though thesun shone brightly, the air was cool and bracing, and filled one withthat vigor and joy of living which makes autumn the most delightfulseason of the year. 

Once outside the gate, the chums unconsciously headed in the samedirection. 

"I believe we all have the same place in mind, " laughed Grace. "I wasthinking about a walk to the old Omnibus House. "

"'Great minds run in the same channel, '" quoted Jessica. 

"I haven't been out there since the spread last year, " said Anne. 

"I have, " said Grace, with a slight shudder. "I am not likely to forgetit, either. "

"Well we are not apt to meet any more Napoleon Bonapartes out there, "said Nora, referring to Grace's encounter with an escaped lunatic, fullynarrated in "GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL. "

They were nearing their destination when Anne suddenly exclaimed: "Look, girls. Some one is over at the old house. I just saw a man go around thecorner!"

The girls looked quickly in the direction of the house. Just then afigure appeared, stared at the approaching girls and began waving hishat wildly, at the same time doing a sort of war dance. 

"It's another lunatic, " screamed Jessica. "Run, girls, run!"

"Run nothing, " exclaimed Nora. "Don't you know Reddy Brooks when you seehim? Just wait until I get near enough to tell him that you mistook himfor a lunatic. Hurrah! David and Hippy are with him. "

"Well, well, well!" exclaimed Hippy as the girls approached. "Here isMrs. Harlowe's little girl and some of her juvenile friends. I'm veryglad to see so many Oakdale children out to-day. "

"How dare you take possession of the very spot we had our eye on?" askedGrace, as she shook hands with David. 

"I came over to try my bird before I have it sent home for the winter, "replied David. "I was just locking up. "

"And the exhibition is all over, " cried Grace in a disappointed tone. "I'm so sorry. You see, I still have a hankering for aëroplanes. "

"There wasn't any exhibition, after all, " said David. "It wouldn't flyworth a cent to-day. I shall have to give it a complete overhauling whenI get it back to my workshop. What are you girls doing out this way?"

"Oh, we just came out to walk, because it was too nice to stay indoors, "said Anne. "And now we are particularly glad we came. "

"Not half as glad as I am, " replied David, looking at her with a smile. 

"Speaking of walking, " remarked Hippy, "I have decided to go in for alittle on my own account. Object, to become a light weight. Is there anyone who will encourage me in this laudable resolution, and beguile mewhile I go 'galumphing' over the ground?"

"Oh, I know something that would be perfectly fine!" exclaimed Nora, hopping about in excitement. 

"Watch her, " cried Hippy. "She is about to have a conniption. She alwayshas them when an idea hits her. I've known her for years and----"

"Make him stop, " appealed Nora to David and Reddy, "or I won't tell anyof you a single thing. "

"I'll desist, merely to please the Irish lady, not because I'm afraid ofyou two long, slim persons, " said Hippy, cleverly dodging both David andReddy. 

"Suppose we go on a walking expedition, " said Nora. "We can start earlysome Saturday morning, with enough lunch to last us all day, and walk tothe other side of Upton Wood and back. My sister would be glad to gowith us, so that will settle the matter of having an older person along. We can have the whole day in the woods, and the walk will do us allgood. We won't have many more chances, either, for winter will be uponus before we know it. It's a shame to waste such perfect days as these. "

"What a perfectly lovely stunt!" exclaimed Grace. "We'll write to TomGray, and see if he can't come, too. The walking expedition wouldn't becomplete without him. "

"I'll write to him to-night, " said David. "I certainly should like tosee the good old chap. "

"Will there be plenty to eat?" asked Hippy. "I always feel hungry aftersuch strenuous exercise as walking. I am not very strong, you know. "

"Hear him, " jeered Reddy. "One minute he vows to walk until he reachesthe skeleton stage, and the next he threatens to kick over all his vowsby overeating. "

"I didn't say anything about overeating, " retorted Hippy. "I merelystated that there are times when I feel the pangs of hunger. "

"Stop squabbling, " said Jessica, "and let's lay some plans. "

"Where shall we lay them?" innocently asked Hippy. 

"Nowhere, if you're not good, " said Nora eyeing him severely. 

Then an animated discussion began, and the following Saturday was agreedupon, the weather permitting, as the best time to go. 

Saturday turned out fair, and by nine o'clock the entire party weremonopolizing the Harlowe's veranda. 

"Well, are we all ready?" said Tom Gray, as he glanced at his watch. "Everybody scramble. One, two, three, walk. "

Eight highly excited boys and girls accompanied by Miss Edith O'Malley, hustled down the steps, waving good-bye to Mrs. Harlowe as she stood onthe veranda and watched them out of sight. 

The lunch had been divided into four packages and each boy strapped apackage to his shoulder. Grace wore a little knapsack fitted to her backwith two cross straps. "There's nothing in it but some walnut fudge thatI made last night, but I couldn't resist wearing it. It belonged to mygrandfather, " she confided to the girls when they had exclaimed over it. 

"My, but it's great to be here, " said Tom Gray to Grace as they enteredUpton Wood. "I'm so glad I could come. "

"So are we, " she replied. "A lark in the woods wouldn't be half the funwith our forester missing. "

"Back to nature for me, every time, " he exclaimed, taking a deep breathand looking about him, his face aglow with forest worship. 

"I love the woods, too, " said Grace, "almost enough to wish I were agypsy. "

On down the shady wood road they traveled, sometimes stopping to watch asquirrel or a chipmunk or to knock down a few burrs from the chestnuttrees they occasionally found along the way. Once they stopped andplayed hide and seek for half an hour. By one o'clock they wereravenously hungry. Hippy clamored incessantly for food. 

"Let us feed him at once, and have peace, " exclaimed Nora. "I'm hungry, too. It seems an age since breakfast. "

A halt was made and the contents of two of the lunch packages werearranged on a little tablecloth at the foot of a great oak. The hungryyoung folks gathered around it and in a short time nothing remained ofthe lunch excepting the packages reserved for supper. 

"I move we all take a half hour's rest and then go on, " said David. "Westill have a mile to go before we are through the wood. We'll feel morelike walking after we've rested a little. "

"Let us all sit in a row with our backs against this fallen tree andtell a story, " said Grace. "Hippy, you are on the end, so you can beginit, then after you have gone a little way, Nora must take up thenarrative, and so on down the line until the story is finished. "

"Fine, " said Hippy. "Here goes:"

"Once upon a time, in the heart of a deep forest, there lived a mostbeautiful prince. He had all that heart could wish; still he was nothappy, for, alas, he was too fat. "

At this statement there was a shout of laughter from his listeners, atwhich Hippy, pretending anger, glared ferociously and vowed that hewould not continue. Nora thereupon took up the narrative and convulsedher hearers with the remedies tried by the fat prince to reduce hisweight. Then the story was passed on to Anne. With each narrator it grewfunnier, until the party screamed with laughter over the misfortunes ofthe ill-starred prince. 

Hippy ended the tale by marrying the hero to a princess who was a golffiend and who forced the poor prince to be her caddy. 

"From the day of his marriage he chased golf balls, " concluded Hippy, "and the habit became so firmly fixed with him that he even rose andchased them in his sleep. He lost flesh at an alarming rate, and threemonths after his wedding day they laid him to rest in the quietchurchyard, with the touching epitaph over him, 'Things are not whatthey seem. '"

Hippy buried his face in his handkerchief and sobbed audibly until Davidand Reddy pounced upon him and he was obliged to forego his lamentationsand defend himself. 

"It's time to move, " said Tom Gray, consulting his watch. "I don'tbelieve we'd better go on through the wood. We'll have to about face ifwe expect to get home before dark. "

So the start back was made, but their progress was slow. A dozen thingsbeguiled them from the path. Tom's trained eye spied a wasp's nesthanging from a limb. It was as large as a Japanese lantern and abeautiful silver-gray color. Anne stopped to pick some ground berriesshe found nestling under the leaves. Then they all started in wildpursuit of a rabbit, and in consequence had difficulty in finding theroad again. Finally they all grew so hungry they sat down and disposedof the remaining food. 

"How dark it is growing, " exclaimed Jessica, as they again took theroad. "It must be very late. "

"It's after four o'clock, " replied David, "and there's a storm coming, too. I think we had better hurry. I don't fancy being caught in thewoods in bad weather. Hustle, everybody. "

As they hurried along the path a blast of wind blew full in their faces. The whole forest seemed suddenly astir. There were strange sounds fromevery direction. The branches creaked and the dry leaves fell rattlingto the ground by hundreds. Another gust of wind filled their eyes andnostrils with fine dust. 

"Don't be frightened, " called Tom. "Follow me. "

He led the way with Reddy, but the storm was upon them before they hadgone ten steps. The wind almost blew them off their feet and blackdarkness settled down over the woods. They could just see the outlinesof the trees as they staggered on, a blinding rain drenching them to theskin. 

Tom divided the party into two sections, four in one and five in theother. They were to hold each other's hands tightly and keep together. Frequent flashes of lightning revealed the woods in a tremendous stateof agitation and it seemed better to be moving than to stand still andwatch the terrifying spectacle. 

On they stumbled, but suddenly came to grief, for the four in front fellheadlong over a tree that had been blown across the path, and the otherfive hearing their cries of warning too late, followed after. 

By the time they had picked themselves up the storm had grown so furiousthat they could only press miserably together and wait for it to pass. 

Suddenly Tom amazed them all by putting his hands to his mouth andblowing a strange kind of hollow whistle that sounded like the note of atrumpet. 

He repeated the whistle again and again. "You may not believe it, " hesaid between calls, "but the hunter who taught me this, told me never touse it unless I was in dire need. Then help of some sort would surelycome. It is called the Elf's Horn. "

"Did you ever try it before, " asked Reddy curiously. 

"No, " he answered, "I never did. I suppose it's only superstition, butI love hunter's lore. Perhaps it may work. Who knows?"

"Hello-o-o!" cried a voice seemingly close by. "Hello-o-o!"

"Where are you?" called Tom. 

"This way, " answered the voice, and a light flashed a little distanceoff, revealing to them a man waving a lantern with one hand andbeckoning with the other. One and all dashed toward the light, feelingthat shelter was at hand. 

"It must be a hunter, " panted Tom, "and he has heard the Elf's Horn. "

It was a hunter, and none other than old Jean. Their blind wandering hadtaken them straight to the hunter's cabin. 

"It is Mademoiselle Grace and her friends, " cried the old man withdelight. "When the sky grow so dark, I take my lantern and go out to mytrap I have set this morning. Then I hear a strange whistle, manytimes, and I think some one get lost and I cry 'hello, ' and you answerand I find mademoiselle and her friends. "

"That was the Elf's Horn, Jean, " replied Tom, "and you heard because youare a hunter. "

"I know not what monsieur mean by Elf Horn, but I hear whistle, anyhow, and come, " remarked the old man, smiling. 

The others laughed. 

"It's a shame to spoil it, " replied David, "but I am afraid your Elf'sHorn and Jean's helloing were just a coincidence. "

"Coincidence or not, " replied Tom good-naturedly, "my faith in the fairyhorn is now unshakable. I shall use it again if I ever need to. "

Before a blazing fire kindled by Jean in the big fireplace, the wholeparty dried themselves. The old hunter listened to the story of theirmad scramble through the woods with many expressions of sympathy. 

It was eight o'clock when the storm had abated sufficiently to allowthem to sally forth, and in a short time they were in Oakdale. 

Fifteen minutes later they were telling Mr. And Mrs. Harlowe just how itall happened. 

CHAPTER IV

GRACE MAKES A DISCOVERY

The Monday after the walking expedition, Grace Harlowe set out forschool full of an idea that had been revolving in her busy brain forweeks. The time had come for herself and for her three chums to bindthemselves together as a sorority. As charter members, they wouldinitiate four other girls, as soon as proper rites could be thought of. It should be a Greek letter society. Grace thought "Phi Sigma Tau" wouldsound well. Aside from the social part, their chief object would be tokeep a watchful eye open for girls in school who needed assistance ofany sort. 

Mrs. Gray's anxiety over Eleanor Savell had set the bee in Grace'sbonnet buzzing, and now her plans were practically perfected. All thatremained to be done was to tell her three friends, and consult them asto what other four girls would be eligible to membership. 

Her proposition was hailed with acclamation by Anne, Nora and Jessica. Miriam Nesbit, Marian Barber, Eva Allen and Eleanor Savell were chosenas candidates and promptly notified to report at Jessica's home the nextThursday evening for initiation. They at once accepted the invitationand solemnly promised to be there. 

"'Where are you going, my pretty maid?'" said David Nesbit, stoppingdirectly in front of Grace Harlowe as she hurried toward the Bright homethe following Thursday evening. 

Grace laughed merrily, dropped a little curtsy and recited, "I'm goingto an initiation, sir, she said. "

"'And may I go with you, my pretty maid?'" replied David, bowing low. 

"No boys allowed there, sir, she said. "

"That settles it, " sighed David. "I suppose a sorority is about to cometo the surface. Am I right, and will you take me along?"

"Yes, we are going to initiate members into our new sorority, but youcan't come, so you might as well be resigned to fate, " retorted Grace. "We didn't receive invitations to your fraternity initiations. "

"Be kind to Anne, won't you. Tell her she has my sympathy, " said Davidsolemnly. 

"Anne is a charter member, if you please, " laughed Grace. "She is sparedthe ordeals of initiation. But Miriam will not escape so easily. She isone of the candidates. "

"Ah, ha!" exclaimed David. "That's what she was so mysterious over. I tried to find out where she was going, but she wouldn't tell me. Bythe way, where does the affair take place?" he added, trying to lookinnocent. 

"Don't you wish you knew?" teased Grace. "However, you shan't find outfrom me. I know too well what would happen if you boys traced us to ourlair. But I must go or I shall be late. Good night, David. Please begood and don't follow me. Promise me you won't. "

"I never make rash promises, " answered David, smiling. "Be merciful tothe candidates. " Lifting his cap, the young man hurried off and turnedthe corner without looking back. 

"I wonder what I had better do, " Grace mused. "I know perfectly wellthat David Nesbit won't go away. He will wait until he thinks I am farenough up the street and then he'll follow me. As soon as he finds outwhere I am going he'll rush back and hunt up Hippy Wingate and ReddyBrooks. Goodness knows what the three of them will plan. "

She decided to turn down a side street, go back one block and into thepublic library. She could easily leave the library by the side entranceand cut across Putnam Square. That would mislead David, although nodoubt he would find them before the evening was over. 

Grace lost no time in putting her plan into action. As she hurried intothe library she looked back, but saw no sign of David. When she reachedPutnam Square she almost ran along the broad asphalt walk. It wasfifteen minutes past seven by the city hall clock, and she did not wishto be late. The girls had agreed to be there by half past seven. She wasalmost across the square when her ear caught the sound of a low sob. Grace glanced quickly about. The square was practically deserted, butunder one of the great trees, curled up on a bench, was a girl. Withoutan instant's hesitation Grace made for the bench. She touched the girlon the shoulder and said, "You seem to be in distress. Can I do anythingto help you?"

Then Grace gave a little surprised exclamation. The face turned towardher was that of Mabel Allison, the freshman prize girl. The glare fromthe neighboring light revealed her tear-swollen eyes and quivering lips. She gave Grace one long, agonized look, then dropped her head on her armand sobbed harder than ever. 

"Why, Miss Allison, don't cry so, " soothed Grace. "Tell me what yourtrouble is. Perhaps I can be of some service to you. I've wanted to knowyou ever since you won the freshman prize last June, and so has AnnePierson. She won the prize the year before, you know. "

The girl nodded, but she could not sufficiently control herself tospeak. 

Grace stood silently waiting until the other should find her voice. Amoment more and Mabel Allison began to speak in a plaintive little voicethat went straight to Grace's heart:

"You are Grace Harlowe. I believe every girl in Oakdale High Schoolknows you. I have heard so much about you, but I never dreamed thatyou'd ever speak to me. "

"Nonsense, " replied Grace, laughing. "I'm just a girl like yourself. There isn't anything remarkable about me. I'm very glad to know you, Miss Allison, but I am sorry to find you so unhappy. Can't you tell meabout it?" she coaxed, sitting down on the bench and slipping one armaround the shabby little figure. 

Mabel's lip quivered again. Then she turned impulsively toward Grace andsaid: "Yes; I will tell you, although no one can help me. I suppose youdon't know where I live or anything about me, do you?"

"No, " replied Grace, shaking her head, "but I'd be glad to have you tellme. "

"Well, " continued Mabel, "I'm an orphan, and I live with Miss Brant. She----"

"Not that horrible, miserly Miss Brant who lives in that ugly yellowhouse on Elm Street?" interrupted Grace in a horrified tone. 

"Yes, she is the one I mean, " continued Mabel. "She took me from anorphan asylum two years ago. I hated her the first time I ever saw her, but the matron said I was old enough to work, that I'd have a good homewith her and that I should be paid for my work. She promised to send meto school, and I was wild to get a good education, so I went with her. But she is perfectly awful, and I wish I were dead. "

Her voice ended almost in a wail. 

"I don't blame you, " said Grace sympathetically. "She has the reputationof being one of the most hateful women in Oakdale. I am surprised thatshe even allows you to go to school. "

"That's just the trouble, " the girl replied, her voice husky. "She'sgoing to take me out of school. I shall be sixteen next month, andexempt from the school law. So she is going to make me stop school andgo to work in the silk mill. I worked there all through vacation lastsummer, and she took every cent of my wages. She took my freshman prizemoney, too. "

"What a burning shame!" exclaimed Grace indignantly. "Haven't you anyrelatives at all, Miss Allison, or any one else with whom you couldstay?"

Mabel shook her head. 

"I don't know anything about myself, " she said. "I was picked up on thestreet in New York City when I was three years old, and as no oneclaimed me, I was put in an orphanage. There was one woman at theorphanage who was always good to me. She remembered the day they broughtme, and she said that I was beautifully dressed. She always believedthat I had been stolen. She said that I could tell my name, 'MabelIsabel Allison, ' and that I would be three years old in November, butthat I couldn't tell where I lived. Whenever they asked me I cried andsaid I didn't know. She wanted to save my clothes for me, thinking thatby them I might some day find my parents, but the matron took them awayfrom her, all but three little gold baby pins marked 'M. I. A. ' She hidthem away from the matron. When she heard I was to go with Miss Brant, she kissed me, and gave them to me. She was the only person that evercared for me. "

The tears stood in Grace's eyes. 

"You poor, little thing!" she cried. "I care for you, and I'm going tosee if I can do something for you. You shan't stop school if I can helpit. I can't stay with you any longer, just now, because I am going toMiss Bright's and I am late. It is eight o'clock, you see. "

The girl gave a little cry of fright. 

"Oh, I didn't think it was so late. I know Miss Brant will be veryangry. She will probably beat me. I am still carrying the marks from thelast whipping she gave me. She sent me out on an errand, but I felt asthough I must be alone, if only for a few minutes. That's why I stoppedin the square. "

"Beat you!" exclaimed Grace. "How dare she touch you? Why, I never had awhipping in my life! I won't keep you another minute, but wait for meoutside the campus when school is out to-morrow. I wish to talk furtherwith you. "

"I'll come, " promised Mabel, her face lighting up. Then she suddenlythrew both arms around Grace's neck and said, "I do love you, and I feelthat some one cares about me at last. " Then, like a flash, she dartedacross the square and was soon lost to Grace's view. 

"Well, of all things!" Grace remarked softly to herself. "I think it'shigh time we organized a sorority for the purpose of aiding girls indistress. "

"You're a prompt person. Did you really decide to come?" were the criesthat greeted her from the porch as she opened the Bright's gate. 

"Save your caustic comments, " said Grace as she handed Jessica her hat. "I have a tale to tell. "

"Out with it!" was the cry, and the girls surrounded Grace, who beganwith her meeting with David, and ended with the story of Mabel Allison. 

"You haven't heard anything of those boys yet, have you?" she asked whenshe had finished. 

"Not yet, " said Nora, "but never fear, the night is yet young. "

"Where is Eleanor Savell?" asked Grace, noticing for the first time thatEleanor was not present. "You promised to go for her, didn't you, Anne?"

"I did go, " replied Anne, "but she wouldn't come. She said she'd comesometime when she felt like it. She was playing on the violin when themaid let me in, and how she can play! She wanted me to stay there withher and didn't seem to understand why I couldn't break my engagementwith you girls. She said that she always kept her engagements unless thespirit moved her to do something else. "

"Is Eleanor Savell the girl who comes into the study hall every morningafter opening exercises have begun?" asked Marian Barber. 

"Yes, " Grace answered. "I forgot for a moment that you and Eva andMiriam hadn't met her. She is really very charming, although her ideasabout punctuality and school rules are somewhat hazy as yet. She livesat 'Heartsease, ' Mrs. Gray's property. I am disappointed because shewill not be here to-night. She seemed delighted when I asked her to joinour society. "

"As long as we know she isn't coming, don't you think we should beginthe initiation?" asked Nora. "It is after eight o'clock and we can'tstay out too late, you know. "

"Very well, " said Grace. "Blindfold the candidates. "

The three girls meekly submitted to the blindfolding, and the chums wereabout to lead them to the initiation chamber, when the ringing of thedoor bell caused them to start. 

"It's David and the boys, " said Jessica. "Shall I tell them that theycan't come in?"

"Of course, " responded Nora. "You and Grace go to the door, while Anneand I stay here with our victims. Be careful they don't play you atrick. "

The two girls cautiously approached the door, opening it very slowly, and saw--not the three boys--but Eleanor. She smiled serenely and said:"Good evening. I decided, after all, that I would come. "

"Come right in, " said Jessica cordially. "I am so glad you changed yourmind and came. The initiation is about to begin. Have you ever belongedto a secret society?"

"Never, " replied Eleanor. "But now that I'm here, I am willing to tryit. "

"Come this way. "

"Girls, " said Grace, addressing the three blindfolded girls, "this isEleanor Savell. You can't see her yet, but you may all shake hands withher. She is to be your companion in misery. "

Eleanor laughed, shook hands with the others and graciously allowed Norato tie a handkerchief over her eyes. 

"All ready! March!" called Grace, and the eight girls solemnly proceededto the initiation chamber. 

CHAPTER V

THE PHI SIGMA TAU

At the door a halt was called. 

"Prepare to jump, " commanded Grace in a deep voice. "One, two, three!Jump down! Be careful!"

The four candidates gave four uncertain jumps and experienced thedisagreeable sensation usually felt in attempting to jump downward whenon level ground. This was one of the oldest and mildest forms ofinitiation, but Nora had insisted upon it, and giggled violently as thefour girls prepared for a long leap. Even Grace, who was conducting theceremony with the utmost seriousness, laughed a little at the picturethey made. 

"They'll do anything you tell them, " whispered Nora. Which was perfectlytrue. To show fear or reluctance in obeying the demands made upon one, was to prove one's self unworthy of membership in the Phi Sigma Tau. 

"Let the music begin, " said Grace. 

There was a faint snicker as Anne, Nora and Jessica raised three combs, wrapped in tissue paper, to their lips and began the "Merry Widow"waltz, with weird effect. 

"You must waltz around the room fifteen times without stopping, "continued Grace, "and then sit down in the four opposite corners of theroom, on the cushions provided for you. "

The girl chums retreated to the doorway of the room, that had previouslybeen cleared of almost all the furniture, to watch the movements oftheir victims as they endeavored to circle the room the required numberof times. They lost their count, bumped each other at every turn, andat last staggered dizzily toward what they thought were the corners ofthe room. Miriam Nesbit made straight for the door in which the chumsstood, and Grace was obliged to take her by the shoulders and gentlysteer her in the opposite direction. Eleanor, after groping along oneside of the room for a corner, was the first to find one, and sank witha sigh of relief upon the pile of cushions. The other girls had not beenso successful. They all endeavored to sit in the same corner at once, andGrace was obliged to go to the rescue, and lead two of them to oppositesides of the initiation chamber. 

"In order to become successful members of this society, it is necessaryfor you to sing. You may all sing the first verse and the chorus of anysong you know, only be sure that you don't choose the same song, and don'tstop until you have finished, " directed Grace. "Begin after I have countedthree. I will wait for a minute while you choose your song. The orchestrawill accompany you. "

There was considerable subdued laughter from the orchestra, who had beeninstructed to play "The Star Spangled Banner, " oblivious of whatever thecandidates might sing. 

"One, two, three!" counted Grace, and the concert began. 

Eva Allen chose "John Brown's Body. " Miriam Nesbit, "Old Kentucky Home. "Marian Barber, "Schooldays, " while Eleanor contributed "The Marseillaise"in French. The orchestra dutifully burst forth with "The Star SpangledBanner, " and the effect was indescribable. 

The orchestra broke down before they reached their chorus, and theaccompaniment ended in a shriek of suppressed mirth, but the candidateswent stolidly on without a smile and finished almost together. 

"Very well done, " commended Grace. "I see you will be valuable additionsto the society. "

The girls were then put through a series of ridiculous tests that thefour chums had devised. They were made to dip their hands in watercharged with electricity, caress a mechanical rubber snake that wriggledrealistically, drink a cup of boneset tea apiece, and were directedfinally to bare their arms for the branding of the letters of thesociety. 

The branding was done with a piece of ice, pressed hard against theirbare arms, and the shock made the victims gasp for a second and wonderif they really were being burned. 

"You will now hold up your right hands and repeat after me, " said Grace, "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute my duties as amember of the Phi Sigma Tau, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend its laws. "

This done, the girls received the grip of the society, the handkerchiefswere removed from their eyes and they were pronounced full-fledgedmembers. 

"That oath has a rather familiar sound, " remarked Miriam Nesbit, tryingto recollect where she had heard it before. 

"I know, " she said at last. "It's the oath of office taken by thePresident of the United States at inauguration, only you changed it tosuit this sorority. "

"You've guessed it exactly, " replied Grace. "I chose it because itsounded so much more expressive than to say, 'May my bones be crushedand my heart cut out if ever I am unfaithful to my vows. '"

There was a general laugh at this, the girls agreeing that Grace'schoice was infinitely less blood-thirsty. 

"Now that you have so bravely endured the trials of initiation, youshall receive your reward, " declared Jessica. "Follow me. "

She led the way to the dining room, where a bountiful lunch awaitedthem, to which, after the manner of hungry school girls, they did fulljustice. 

"By the way, " said Grace, after they had returned to the sitting roomand were comfortably settled, "you never said one word about my freshmanprize girl. I thought you would be awfully interested in her. For thebenefit of the new members, I will say that this society was organizedwith a definite object, that of helping others. We are to look aftergirls who have no one to make things pleasant or happy for them. Why, doyou know that there are quite a number of girls attending High Schoolwho come from other places, and who have to spend the holidays at theirboarding houses without any fun at all? Look at this poor, littleAllison girl. She works for her board in the winter, and in the mill inthe summer, and now that miserable Miss Brant is going to take her outof school, and she is getting along so well, too. "

"Isn't it a pity, " said Anne, "that people like her can't understandthat if a girl were allowed to finish her education, she could earn somuch more in the long run than she could by working year after year in amill?"

"We might go to Miss Brant and explain that to her, " said Nora. "Perhapsshe would listen to us. "

"I don't believe so, " replied Grace. "Besides, she might be very angryand take her spite out on poor Mabel. If we could only get Mabel awayfrom her. But if she has legally adopted her we couldn't do anything. Besides, where would she go if we did get her away?"

"I'll tell you what I'll do, " said Jessica thoughtfully. "I'll ask papaabout it. Lawyers always know everything about such things. Maybe hecould find out if Miss Brant has any real claim upon her. "

"That's a good idea, " said Miriam Nesbit. "If we can get her away fromthat hateful old wretch, the sorority could adopt her. She could staywith each one of us for a month. That would be eight months, and at theend of that time she would have finished her sophomore year. Then shecould get something pleasant to do through the summer vacation. Thatwould give her some money for clothes for next year. Perhaps by thattime we could find some nice people for her to stay with, or if weliked her well enough, we could go on having her with us. I'll ask mymother to-morrow, and you girls might do the same. "

"Miriam Nesbit, what a perfectly lovely plan!" exclaimed Grace Harlowewith rapture. "I feel sure mother would let me have her. "

"She can come here any time, " said Jessica. "Papa allows me to do asI like. "

"'First catch your bird, '" said Nora wisely. "Don't plan too much, untilyou find out whether you can snatch her from the dragon's claws. "

"I feel sure we shall win, " replied Grace confidently. "What do yougirls think of it?" she asked, turning to Eva, Marian and Eleanor, whohad so far expressed no opinion. 

"Count us in, " said Eva and Marian in a breath. 

"And you, Eleanor?" asked Grace. 

"She can live at our house forever, if she doesn't disturb me, " repliedEleanor lazily. "My aunt won't care, either. When we lived in Spain sheused to help every beggar we came across, and Spain is a land ofbeggars. She never can resist an appeal for charity. "

There was a sudden silence. Then Grace said gently, although she feltirritated at Eleanor's careless speech: "I don't think Mabel Allisoncould really be called a beggar; and if we adopt her, we ought never tolet her think that we consider her a dependent. Of course we know verylittle about her yet, but I think she will prove worthy. I am to see herto-morrow, and perhaps it would be better to talk a little more with herbefore we tell Jessica's father about it. "

Eleanor looked at Grace with an amused smile. 

"How serious you girls are, " she said. "Is it school that makes you so?If it is, I don't think I shall stay long. I like to drift along and doonly what my inclination prompts me to do. I hate responsibility of anysort. "

"Perhaps you will feel differently about school after a while, " saidAnne quietly. "This is my third year in Oakdale High School, and I neverhad any good times until I came here. As for responsibility, it is agood thing to learn to be responsible for one's self, if for no oneelse. "

"Well, perhaps you are right, but I am sure that if you had never livedlong enough in one country to become acclimated, you wouldn't feel veryresponsible, either, " said Eleanor in such rueful tones that the girlslaughed, although they secretly disapproved of Eleanor's inconsequentialattitude. 

"Did you think the examinations hard?" asked Jessica of Eleanor. 

"Oh, no, " replied Eleanor lightly. "I had an English governess who waswith us for five years. She drilled me thoroughly in English andmathematics. I loathed them both, but studied them merely to show herthat I could master them. Miss Thompson said my work was good, and thatif I were ambitious she would put me in the senior class, but I held outfor the juniors and finally got my own way. If you are going to takesuch a serious view of this gay world, however, perhaps I'll wishI had joined the seniors, after all. No, I don't mean that. I'm awfullyglad to know you, and feel honored at being a member of your sorority. Only I don't expect to ever be a very useful one. My aunt has spoiledme, and I frankly admit it. So, you see, there is no hope for me. " Shespread out both hands in a deprecating manner and shrugged her shouldersexactly as a French woman might have done. 

"I am sure we like you, just as you are, " said Eva Allen warmly. She hadbeen rather impressed with Eleanor. 

"Do you see the time?" said Nora, suddenly pointing to the old-fashionedclock in the corner. "Half past ten! I must go this minute. Sister willbe worried. "

She immediately made for her hat and coat, the others following suit, with the exception of Eleanor, who was to wait until the coachman camefor her. 

Once the girls were outside the gate, Marian Barber broke out with:"What a queer girl that Eleanor Savell is. She is beautiful andfascinating, but I don't know whether I like her or not. "

"You must like her, " said Grace. "You know the members of this societymust stand by each other. "

"But why did you ask her to join, Grace?" persisted Marian. "She isdifferent from the rest of us. I don't believe we shall get along withher very well. "

"I'll tell you girls a secret, " replied Grace. "Anne and Nora alreadyknow it. Mrs. Gray wants us to be nice to Eleanor for a number ofreasons, and, of course, we wish to please her. Anne, Jessica, Nora andI were talking about it the other day, and while we were laying plansfor this sorority, we decided to ask Eleanor to join. We thought wecould learn to know her better, and she would eventually become a goodcomrade. "

"It sounds ridiculous to talk about helping a clever girl like Eleanor, but from her conversation to-night you can see that she needs somewholesome advice occasionally, " said Nora bluntly. "Mrs. Gray seems tothink we can be of some use in that direction, so we are trying to carryout her theory. "

"I think I understand the situation, " said Miriam Nesbit, "and will doall I can to be nice to her, if she doesn't attempt to patronize me. I couldn't stand that. I know I used to do it. I suppose that's why itseems so unendurable to me now. "

"David Nesbit didn't disturb us, after all, " remarked Eva Allen. "It's awonder those boys didn't put tick-tacks on the windows or do somethinglike that. "

The girls had come to the turn of the street, and were about to pass theonly really lonely spot during their walk. It was an old colonialresidence, the surrounding grounds extending for a block. It had beenuntenanted for some time, as the owners were in Europe, although bothhouse and grounds were looked after by a care-taker. On the other sideof the street was a field where the small fry of Oakdale usually heldtheir ball games. 

"I always hate passing this old house, " said Marian Barber. "It is soterribly still back there among those pines. I don't----"

She stopped short, an expression of terror overspreading hergood-natured face, as she mutely pointed toward the old house. Threeghostly figures swathed in white stole out from the shadow of the pinesand glided down the wide, graveled drive toward the gate. Theirappearance was terrifying. Their faces were white as their robes, andblue flames played about their eyes. They carried out in everyparticular the description of the regulation churchyard ghost. 

For an instant the six girls stood still, regarding those strangeapparitions with fascinated terror. Then Eva Allen and Marian Barbershrieked in unison and fled down the street as fast as their legs wouldcarry them. Grace, Nora, Anne and Miriam stood their ground and awaitedthe oncoming spectres, who halted when they saw that the girls did notintend to run. 

"High School boys, on a lark, " whispered Grace to her friends. "Let'scharge them in a body. "

With a bound she reached the drive, closely followed by the other girls. The ghostly three evidently considering discretion the better part ofvalor, left the drive and took to their heels across the lawn. ButGrace, who was well in the lead, caught the last fleeing ghost by itsrobe and held on for dear life. There was a sound of rending cloth asthe apparition bounded forward, then it caught its spectre toe on atuft of long grass and fell forward with a decidedly human thud. 

The girls surrounded it in an instant. Before it had time to rise, Gracesnatched off a white mask smeared around the eye-holes with phosphorus, which explained the flamelike effect, and disclosed the sheepish face ofJames Gardiner, one of the sophomore class. 

"Oh, let a fellow up, will you?" he said, with a sickly grin. 

"You bad boy!" exclaimed Grace. "What do you mean by dressing up likethis? Don't you know you might frighten some timid person terribly?"

"Initiation, " said the youth, with a grin, rising on his elbow andlooking as though he would like to make a sudden break for liberty. "Part of the sacred obligations of the 'Knights and Squires' frat. Threefellows of us were initiated to-night. This was the last stunt. "

"Well, I suppose under those circumstances we shall have to forgive you. Did you appear to any one else?" asked Grace. 

"Only to that old crank Miss Brant. She was scared out of her wits, "replied James, laughing. "Two of your crowd got out in a hurry, too, didn't they?"

"I suppose I shall have to confess that they did, " replied Grace. "IfI were you, James, I'd take off that costume and hurry away. Miss Brantis liable to inform the police, and they might not look at initiationstunts as we do. "

"That's right, " said James, looking a trifle alarmed. "Wonder where thefellows went. I'd better put them on. We never thought of that. If yougirls will excuse me, I'll hunt them up. "

"Certainly, " said the girls. "Good night, James. "

"Good night, " replied the youth. "You girls are all right. Can't scareyou. " With a nod to them he started across the grass on the run, hisghostly garments trailing behind him. 

"I'm glad that wasn't David, " said Anne as James disappeared. "I wasafraid when first I saw them that they might be our boys. I didn't feelfrightened at all, after what Grace had said about meeting David. "

"Eva and Marian didn't show any great amount of courage, " said Nora, laughing. "I wonder if they ran all the way home. "

"There they are ahead of us, " said Anne. 

True enough, the two girls stood on the corner waiting for the others tocome up. 

"Why don't you hurry on home?" called Nora. "'The goblins will git you, ef you don't watch out. '"

"Don't tease, " said Marian Barber, looking rather foolish. "We areawfully sorry we ran away, but when I saw those awful white figurescoming toward us, I just had to run and so did Eva. Who on earth werethey, and where did they go?"

In a few words Grace told her what had happened. 

"That horrid James Gardiner. I'll never speak to him again, " cried EvaAllen. "I hope he didn't recognize us. He'll tell every one in schoolabout it. "

"I don't think he did, " replied Grace. "Oh, look, girls! Here comesOfficer Donavan! I was right when I said that Miss Brant would notifythe police. "

"I hope she got a good scare, " remarked Nora wickedly. "As for theghosts, they are very likely at home by this time. "

CHAPTER VI

A VISIT TO ELEANOR

The next day, when Grace, in company with her chums, left the schoolbuilding, they beheld the shabby little figure of Mabel Allison waitingfor them just outside the campus. She looked shy and embarrassed whenshe saw the four girls bearing down upon her, and seemed half inclinedto run away. Grace greeted her cordially and introduced her to herchums, whose simple and unaffected manners soon put her at her ease. 

"I am so glad you waited, " said Grace cordially. "I have told my threefriends about you, as I knew they would be as much interested in you asI am. We have made a plan and if we can carry it out, you will be ableto go to school until you graduate. "

"You are very good to take so much trouble for me, " said Mabel, thetears springing to her eyes; "but I'm afraid it won't do any good. "

"Don't be down-hearted, " said Nora sympathetically. "You don't knowGrace Harlowe. She always does whatever she sets out to do. "

"She's a regular fairy godmother, " said Anne softly. "I know fromexperience. "

"Such flattery is overwhelming, " murmured Grace. "I regret that I'm toobusy to bow my thanks. But to get down to the business of the hour--tellme, Mabel, dear--did this Miss Brant legally adopt you when she took youfrom the orphanage, or are you bound to her in any way?"

"I don't know, " said the girl, her eyes growing big with wonder. "I neverthought about it. I don't believe, however, that she has any legal claimupon me. "

"Is there any way in which you can find out?" asked Anne. 

"Why, yes, " replied Mabel. "I could write the woman at the orphanage whowas good to me. She is still there, and several times she has written tome, but Miss Brant read her letters first and then tore them up. Hername is Mary Stevens, and she would surely know!"

"Then write to her at once, " said Grace, "and tell her to send herletter in an outside envelope addressed to me. Your whole future dependsupon her answer. "

Grace thereupon related to her their conversation of the previous night. 

"As soon as you find out about Miss Brant's claim, we shall take thematter to Jessica's father, who is a lawyer. He will help us, " Graceconcluded. "Then when you are free, we shall have something else totell you. Just be patient for a few days, and don't be afraid. Everything will come right. "

"How can I ever thank you all?" said Mabel, taking one of Grace's handsbetween hers and looking at her with a world of gratitude in her eyes. "I will write to-night. I must go now or I shall be home late. Forgiveme for hurrying away, but I daren't stay, " she added piteously. "Youknow that I should like to. Good-bye, and thank you again. "

"Good-bye, " called Grace. "I'll let you know as soon as I hear from MaryStevens. "

"What a sweet little girl she is, " said Jessica. "I should like to keepher with me all the time. "

"She is a nice child, " said Grace, "and she deserves something betterthan her present fate. "

"To change the subject, " said Nora, "has any one seen Eleanor to-day?She was not in English or geometry, although she may have come in late. "

"I don't believe she was in school at all, " said Anne. "Maybe theinitiation was too much for her. "

"Oh, I don't know. She didn't seem to mind it, " remarked Jessica. "Shewill hear from Miss Thompson if she makes a practice of staying out ofschool. Attendance is one of the chief requisites in Miss Thompson'seyes. "

"I suppose we ought to call on Eleanor before long, " mused Grace. "Shehas invited us, and it's our duty to call on her first. Anne has alreadybeen there. Suppose we go over now; that is, unless you girls havesomething else to do. "

It was decided at once that they could go, and soon the four chums werewalking briskly down the street in the direction of "Heartsease. " It wasan Indian summer day and the girls congratulated themselves on havingtaken advantage of it. As school had closed at half past two, it was notyet four o'clock. They would have plenty of time for their call withouthurrying themselves. So they strolled along, laughing and chatting inthe care-free manner that belongs alone to the school girl. 

As they neared the house one and all exclaimed at the beauty of thegrounds. The lawn looked like a great stretch of green velvet, while thetrees were gorgeous in their autumn glory of crimson and gold, with hereand there a patch of russet by way of contrast. Over at one side wereclumps of pink and white anemones; while all around the house and in thegarden beds that dotted the lawn many-colored chrysanthemums stood up inbrave array. 

"What a delightful place 'Heartsease' is, " cried Grace as she pausedjust inside the gate to feast her eyes upon its beauty. "SometimesI think that autumn is the finest season of the year, and then againI like spring better. "

"What difference does the season make, so long as we have a good time?"said Nora blithely. "I haven't any preference. They're all good. "

"Eleanor will be surprised to see us, " remarked Grace, as she rang thebell. 

"Let's hope she will appreciate the honor of having four suchdistinguished persons descend upon her at one time, " said Anne. 

"Is Miss Savell in?" asked Grace to the trim maid who answered her ring. 

"Yes, miss, " replied the maid. "Come in. Who shall I say is here?"

"Say to Miss Savell that Grace Harlowe and her friends would like to seeher. "

The maid soon reappeared and led the girls down the wide, old-fashionedhall, and, somewhat to their surprise, ushered them into the diningroom, where they beheld Eleanor, arrayed in a dainty white house gown, dining alone. 

She arose as they entered and came forward with both hands outstretched. "How are the Phi Sigma Taus to-day?" she asked. "It was awfully nice ofyou to come and see me. "

"We thought you might be ill, " said Nora. "We missed you at schoolto-day. "

"Oh, no, " replied Eleanor serenely. "I am perfectly well. I reallydidn't feel like going to school to-day, so I stayed in bed until eleveno'clock. I am just having lunch now. Won't you join me? I am keepinghouse by myself this afternoon. My aunt is dining with Mrs. Gray. "

"Thank you, " said Grace, speaking for the girls. "We all have supper athalf past six and must save our appetites for that. "

"We usually dine about eight o'clock, " said Eleanor. "We acquired thehabit of dining late from living on the continent. But, come, now. I have finished my lunch. I want you to see where I live, almost entirely, when in the house. "

The girls followed her up the broad staircase and down the hall. Everyinch of the ground was familiar to Grace. She had been there so oftenwith Mrs. Gray. "Oh, you have the suite at the back, " she exclaimed. "I love those two rooms. "

"You will find them somewhat changed, " remarked Eleanor as she openedthe door and ushered the girls into the most quietly luxurious apartmentthey had ever seen. Even Miriam Nesbit's room could not compare withit. 

"What a beautiful room!" exclaimed Grace, looking about her withdelight. "I don't wonder you like to spend your time in it. I see youhave your own piano. "

"Yes, " replied Eleanor. "My aunt sent to New York for it. The onedownstairs in the drawing room is all right, but I like to have this onehandy, so that I can play whenever the spirit moves me. This is mybedroom, " she continued, pushing aside the silken curtains thatseparated the two rooms. The girls exclaimed over the Circassian walnutfurniture and could not decide as to which room was the prettier. 

"Eleanor, " said Grace solemnly, "you ought to be a very happy girl. Youhave everything a heart can wish. Think of poor little Mabel Allison. "

"Oh, don't let's think about disagreeable things, " said Eleanor lightly. "Sit down and be comfy and I'll play for you. What shall I play?"

"Do you know the 'Peer Gynt' suite?" asked Grace. "I love 'Anitra'sDance. '"

Without answering, Eleanor immediately began the "Peer Gynt" music andplayed the entire suite with remarkable expression. 

"How well you play!" exclaimed Jessica with eager admiration in hervoice, as Eleanor turned around on the stool after she had finished. "I should love to hear you play on the violin. Anne heard you theother night, and told us about it. "

"I love the violin better than the piano, but it sounds better with apiano accompaniment. Don't you girls play?"

"Jessica does, " chorused her friends. 

"Oh, I never could play, after hearing Eleanor, " said Jessica blushing. 

"Come on, " said Eleanor, taking her by the arm and dragging her over tothe piano. "You can accompany me. What do you play?"

"Do you know Raff's 'Cavatina'?" asked Jessica a trifle shyly. 

"By heart, " answered Eleanor. "I love it. Wait and I'll get the musicfor you. "

After a moment's search she produced the music, picked up her violin, and, after tightening a string, announced herself ready. 

The girls listened, spellbound. It seemed as though Eleanor's very soulhad entered into the violin. They could not believe that this was thecapricious Eleanor of half an hour before. 

"Whatever she may do in future, " thought Grace, as she listened to thelast plaintive notes of the "Cavatina, " "I'll forgive her for hermusic's sake. One has to make allowances for people like her. It is theclaim of the artistic temperament. "

"Please play once more, " begged Nora. "Then we must go. It's almost sixo'clock. "

Eleanor chose Nevin's "Venetian Love Song, " and Jessica againaccompanied her. 

"You play with considerable expression, " said Eleanor, as Jessica rosefrom the piano stool. 

"How could I help it?" replied Jessica, smiling. "You inspired me. "

Eleanor accompanied the four girls down the walk to the gate andrepeatedly invited them to come again. 

"It's your turn to come and see us now, " said Grace. "Do you think youwill go to school to-morrow, Eleanor? Miss Thompson dislikes having thegirls stay out. "

"I can't help what Miss Thompson dislikes, " returned Eleanor, laughing. "What I dislike is of more importance to me. I dare say I shall goto-morrow, providing I get up in time. "

"What an irresponsible girl Eleanor is, " remarked Anne, as they walkedalong. "I am afraid we can't do much for her. She doesn't seem muchinterested in school and I don't think she is particularly impressedwith our sorority. "

"Anne, " said Jessica, "you have seen Miss Nevin, her aunt. Tell us howshe looks. "

"She is tall, " replied Anne, "and has beautiful dark eyes. Her hair isvery white, but her face looks young, only she has the saddestexpression I ever saw on any one's face. "

"I should think she would look sad after seventeen years of Eleanor'swhims, " remarked Nora bluntly. "It would wear me out to be with hercontinually, she is so changeable. "

"Mrs. Gray told me, " remarked Anne, "that Miss Nevin's life had been onelong sacrifice to the pleasure of others. First her father, then herstep-sister and now Eleanor. She was engaged to be married to a youngEnglish officer, and he died of fever while stationed in India. So, there is reason for her sad expression. "

"I once read, somewhere, " said Jessica sentimentally, "that ''Tis betterto have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. '"

"Humph!" said Nora. "If I am ever foolish enough to fall in love, I certainly don't want to lose the object of my devotion. "

"You can't very well, " said Grace slyly, "for from all presentindications I should say that he is too fat to get lost. "

And Nora was obliged to explain elaborately to the laughing girls, allthe way home, that the object of her future devotion would not be a fatman. 

CHAPTER VII

THE CLAIM OF THE "ARTISTIC TEMPERAMENT"

When Eleanor returned to school the following morning, she found thatwhat Miss Thompson "disliked" was, after all, of considerableimportance. Directly after opening exercises the principal sent for herand asked the reason for her absence of the day before. On finding thatEleanor had no plausible excuse, but had absented herself merely becauseshe felt like it, Miss Thompson thereupon delivered a sharp littlelecture on unnecessary absence, informing Eleanor that it was the ruleof the school to present a written excuse for absence, and that a verbalexcuse would not be accepted. 

"I will overlook it this time, Miss Savell, " Miss Thompson said, "because you are not as yet thoroughly acquainted with the rules of thisschool, but do not let it occur again. And I must also insist uponpunctuality in future. You have been late a number of times. "

With these words the principal turned to her desk and resumed thewriting she had been engaged in when Eleanor entered. 

For a second, Eleanor stood regarding Miss Thompson with angry eyes. Noone had ever before dared to speak sharply to her. She was about to tellthe principal that she was not used to being addressed in that tone, butthe words would not come. Something in the elder woman's quiet, resoluteface as she sat writing checked the wilful girl, and though she feltdeeply incensed at the reprimand, she managed to control herself andwalked out of the office with her head held high, vowing to herself thatMiss Thompson should pay for what Eleanor termed "her insolence. "

All morning she sulked through her classes, and before closing time hadmanaged to incur the displeasure of every teacher to whom she recited. 

"What ails her to-day?" whispered Nora to Jessica. 

It was geometry hour, and Miss Ames, the geometry teacher, had justreproved Eleanor for inattention. 

Nora shook her head. She dared not answer, as Miss Ames was very strict, and she knew that to be caught whispering meant two originals to workout, and Nora hated originals. 

When the bell rang at the close of the hour, Eleanor walked haughtily byMiss Ames, giving her a contemptuous look as she passed that made theteacher tighten her lips and look severe. Grace, who was directlybehind her, saw both the look and the expression on the teacher's face. She felt worried for Eleanor's sake, because she saw trouble ahead forher unless she changed her tactics. If Eleanor could only understandthat she must respect the authority of her various teachers duringrecitation hours and cheerfully comply with their requests, then allmight be well. Since Miss Leece had left the High School at the close ofGrace's freshman year, she could not conscientiously say that shedisliked any of her teachers. They had been both kind and just, and ifEleanor defied them openly, then she would have to take theconsequences. To be sure, Eleanor might refuse to go to school, butGrace had an idea that, lenient as Miss Nevin was with her niece, shewould not allow Eleanor to go that far. Grace decided that she wouldhave a talk with Eleanor after school. It would do no harm and it mightpossibly do some good. 

She hurried down to the locker-room that afternoon in order to catchEleanor as she left school. She had just reached there when Eleanorwalked in, looking extremely sulky. She jerked her hat and coat from herlocker, hastily donned them, and, without looking at Grace, left theroom. 

"She looks awfully cross, " thought Grace. "Well, here goes, " and shehurried after Eleanor, overtaking her at the entrance to the schoolgrounds. 

"What's the matter, Eleanor?" she asked. "Didn't you care to wait forme?"

Eleanor looked at her with lowering brows. "I hate school, " she saidvehemently. "I hate the teachers, and I hate Miss Thompson most of all. Every one of those teachers are common, low-bred and impertinent. As foryour Miss Thompson, she is a self-satisfied prig. "

"You must not say such things of Miss Thompson, Eleanor, " said Gracefirmly. "She doesn't deserve them. She is one of the finest women I haveever known, and she takes a warm interest in every girl in school. Whathas she done that you should speak of her as you do?"

"She called me into her office this morning and made a whole lot offuss because I didn't have a written excuse for yesterday's absence, "said Eleanor angrily. "When I told her that I stayed at home becauseI felt inclined to do so, she almost had a spasm, and gave me anotherlecture then and there, ending up by saying that it must not occuragain. I should like to know how she knew I was absent yesterday. "

"Miss Thompson always knows when a girl is absent, " replied Grace. "The special teachers report to her every day. It is the rule of thisschool for a girl to present her excuse at the office as soon as shereturns; then her name is taken off the absent list. If she is absentthe second day, then a messenger is sent to her home to find out thecause. I suppose that when Miss Thompson looked over the list, sheremembered seeing you at opening exercises, so of course sent foryou. "

"She is a crabbed old maid, " said Eleanor contemptuously, "and I despiseher. I'll find some way to get even with her, and all the rest of thoseteachers, too. "

"You will never get along in school, Eleanor, " answered Grace gently, "if you take that stand. The only way to be happy is to----"

"Please don't preach to me, " said Eleanor haughtily. "It is of no use. I am not a child and I understand my own business thoroughly. When I sawyou girls the first day of school, I thought that you were full of lifeand spirit, but really you are all goody-goodies, who allow thoseteachers to lead you around by the nose. I had intended to ask AuntMargaret to take me out of this ridiculous school, for some of thepeople in it make me tired, but I have changed my mind. I shall stay forpure spite and show that stiff-necked principal of yours that I am a lawunto myself, and won't stand her interference. "

"Stop a moment, Eleanor. I am going no farther with you, " said Grace, flushing, "but I should just like to say before I leave you that you aretaking the wrong view of things, and you'll find it out sooner or later. I am sorry that you have such a poor opinion of myself and my friends, for we cherish nothing but the friendliest feelings toward you. "

With this, Grace walked away, feeling more hurt over Eleanor's rudenessthan she cared to show. 

As she turned out of High School Street she heard a familiar call, and, glancing up the street, saw her three chums waiting for her on thecorner. 

"We saw you just as you tackled Eleanor, " said Nora, "so we kept away, for we thought after to-day's performances she wouldn't be in a verygood humor. "

"What was the matter with her to-day?" asked Jessica curiously. "Shebehaved like a bad child in English this morning, followed it up ingeometry; and Anne says that in rhetoric class Miss Chester lost allpatience with her and gave her a severe lecturing. "

"I might as well tell you at once that Eleanor's opinion of us is farfrom flattering, " said Grace, half laughing, although there was a hurtlook on her face. "She says we are all goody-goodies and that we makeher tired. She also requested me to mind my own business. "

"She said that to you? Just wait until the next time I see her, "blustered Nora, "I'll tell her what I think of her. "

"On the contrary, we must treat her better, if anything, than before, "said Anne quietly. "Don't you remember we promised Mrs. Gray that wewould try to help her?"

"Yes, I remember all that; but I can't bear to have any one say horridthings to Grace, " grumbled Nora. 

"What a queer girl she is, " said Jessica. "Yesterday she treated us asthough we were her dearest friends, while to-day she scorns us utterly. It's a case of 'blow hot, blow cold. '"

"That is because she has the artistic temperament, " replied Anne, smiling. 

"You may say what you like about the artistic temperament, " said Nora, "but in my opinion it's nothing more nor less than just plain temper. "

CHAPTER VIII

ELEANOR THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET

"The Phi Sigma Tau is to have a special meeting to-night at Jessica's, "called Grace Harlowe to Nora O'Malley as the latter entered thelocker-room at the close of school one day about two weeks after theinitiation at Jessica's. 

"Does Jessica know it?" inquired Nora. 

"Not yet, " replied Grace, "but she will as soon as she comes in. I rushed down here the minute the last bell rang, because I wantedto be here when the girls come in. You are the first, however. "

"Why are we to hold a meeting?" asked Nora, her curiosity aroused. 

"Wait and see, " replied Grace, smiling. "Of what use is it to hold ameeting, if I tell you all the business beforehand?"

"All right, " said Nora, "you keep your secrets and I'll keep mine. "

"What have you heard that's new?" asked Grace. 

"Wait and see, " replied Nora, with a grin of delight. "I am saving mynews for the meeting. "

By this time the remaining members of the Phi Sigma Tau, with theexception of Eleanor Savell, had come into the locker-room, and had beenpromptly hailed by Grace. Marian Barber, Miriam Nesbit and Eva Allenafter agreeing to be at Jessica's, at eight o'clock, had gone theirseparate ways. 

"Every one excepting Eleanor has been told, " said Grace. "I really don'tknow how to approach her. She has been so distant of late. "

"Don't wait to ask her, " said Nora decidedly. "She won't attend themeeting. "

"How do you know?" asked Jessica. 

"I'll tell you to-night, " answered Nora mysteriously, "but I knowpositively that she won't come, because she is going to have company at'Heartsease. ' Now I've told you more than I intended to, and I shall notsay another word until to-night. "

"Come on then, " said Grace, "we won't wait any longer. Jessica, will youask your father if he will be at liberty for a few minutes thisevening?"

"Certainly, " replied Jessica. 

"Oh, I know now whom it's all about, " cried Nora gleefully. "MaryStevens. "

"You have guessed it, " said Grace, "but, like yourself, I decline totalk until to-night. "

Before eight o'clock the seven girls had taken possession of theBright's big, comfortable sitting room and were impatiently waiting forGrace to tell her news. 

"Before I tell you what is on my mind, " said Grace, "we ought to havea president, vice president and secretary for this worthy organization. I move therefore that we choose Miriam Nesbit for president of thissorority. Those in favor say 'aye. ' We'll dispense with seconding themotion. "

There was an instant's pause, then a chorus of "ayes" burst forth. 

"Contrary, 'no. '"

The only "no" was from Miriam. 

"We appreciate the fact that you are too polite to vote for yourself, Miriam, " said Grace, "but your 'no' doesn't amount to a row of pins. You're elected, so come over here and occupy the chair of state. Longlive the president of the Phi Sigma Tau. "

Miriam, flushed with pleasure, then took the seat that Grace hadvacated. She had not expected this honor and was deeply touched by it. Her summer with her girl chums at Lake George had made her an entirelydifferent girl from the Miriam of old. Admiration for Grace and herfriends had taken the place of the old animosity. Although the chums hadnot taken her into their inner circle, still they made much of her, andshe came nearer to being one of them than any other girl in the juniorclass. 

"I am sure I thank you all, " began Miriam, "and now we must have a vicepresident and a secretary. "

Grace and Anne were elected with enthusiasm to the respective offices, then Miriam requested Grace to tell the other members what was on hermind. 

After addressing the chair, Grace began: "I know you will all be glad tohear that Mabel has received a letter from Mary Stevens. It wasaddressed to me on the outside envelope and Mabel has given mepermission to open and read it to you. She is willing for us to dowhatever we think best. I won't attempt to read all the letter, onlythat part that interests us. 

"Here it is: 'I am so sorry about the way in which you are treated, butglad to know that you have found friends at last. Miss Brant has noclaim on you whatever. She took you from the orphanage with theunderstanding that if you did not suit her she was to be allowed to sendyou back. The matron asked her why she did not adopt you, or at leastappoint herself your guardian, and she said that under no circumstanceswould she do so; that she wanted a good maid of all work, not adaughter. I enclose a statement from the matron to this effect. I wouldhave advised you before this to leave her, but you are too young todrift about the world alone. I hope that when I next hear from you, youwill be in happier surroundings. I have always believed that yourparents were people of means and that you were lost or stolen when ababy. Perhaps if they are still living you will find them some day. '"

"That is about all we need, " said Grace, as she folded the letter andput it back in the envelope. "The next thing to do is to see Mr. Bright. "

"I'll go for him at once, " said Jessica, and darted off to the library, where her father sat reading. He rose, and, tucking his daughter's armin his, walked out to the sitting room, where the Phi Sigma Tau eagerlyawaited him. 

"Well, well!" he exclaimed, smiling at the circle of girls. "What's allthis? Am I invited to be present at a suffragette's meeting or isJessica simply anxious to show me what nice friends she has?"

"No compliments allowed, " laughed Grace. "We wish to ask your adviceabout something. "

"I am at your service, " said Jessica's father, making her an elaboratebow. "Command me as you will. "

"'Tis well, most reverend sir. I thank you, " said Grace, with a curtsy. "Now sit you down, I pray, for presently I have a tale to tell. "

Having conducted Mr. Bright with great ceremony to the arm chair in thecorner, Grace established him with many low bows, much to the amusementof the girls, with whom Jessica's father was a great favorite. ThenGrace began with her meeting with Mabel Allison and ended with theletter from Mary Stevens, enclosing the matron's statement. 

"Now, those are all the facts of the case, Mr. Bright, " she concluded. "Will it be possible for us to get Mabel away from Miss Brant, or canMiss Brant hold her against her will?"

"Miss Stevens' letter and the matron's statement are sufficient, "answered Mr. Bright. "This woman cannot hold your little friend. MissBrant will in all probability be very angry, and attempt to brave thematter out. Suppose you and Jessica and I go down there together, Grace, and see what we can do?"

"O Mr. Bright!" cried Grace, clasping her hands delightedly, "will you, truly? Then let's go to-morrow and bring Mabel back with us. "

"Very well; you and Jessica meet me at my office at four o'clockto-morrow afternoon, " said Mr. Bright. "But what do you girls intend todo with her, once you get her? You can't adopt her, you know. "

"She is to take turns living with us, papa, " said Jessica, slipping herhand into her father's. "May she come here first? I'd love to have her. "

Mr. Bright drew Jessica to his side. "My dear child, you know that youmay do as you please about it. I feel sure that she must be the rightsort of girl, or you and your friends wouldn't have become interested inher. Try her, and if you like her, then she is welcome to stay as longas she chooses. I think it would do you good to have a girl of your ownage in the house. "

"Three cheers for Mr. Bright, " cried Nora. 

The cheers were given with a will, then the girls joined hands anddanced around Jessica's father, sounding their class yell until he brokethrough the circle and made a rush for the library, his fingers to hisears. 

"Now that we have that question settled, " said Miriam Nesbit, after thegirls were once more seated, "I think we ought to have a sorority pin. "

"I think, " began Eva Allen, "that my brother would design a pin for us. He is very clever at that sort of thing. "

"Let's have a monogram, " exclaimed Grace. "Old English letters of goldon a dull-green enamel background. We can get them up for about twodollars and a half apiece. Is that too expensive?"

The girls, who, with the exception of Anne, had small allowances oftheir own, expressed themselves satisfied; while Anne determined thatfor once she was justified in yielding to wild extravagance. 

"That's settled, " said Miriam. "The next thing to do is----"

But a loud ring of the door bell interrupted her speech and caused thewhole party to start. 

"Some one to see papa, " said Jessica. "Go on with what you were saying, Miriam. "

But before Miriam had a chance to continue, the maid entered the room, aletter in her hand. 

"Here's a letter, Miss Jessica, " she said. "But it's such a quare nameon the outside, I be wondering if it's fur yerself and no other?"

Jessica looked at the envelope. It was addressed to the "Phi Sigma Tau, care of Miss Jessica Bright. "

"Why, who in the world can this be from? I thought no one outside knewthe name of our society as yet, " said Jessica as she opened the end ofthe envelope. Then she turned the page, glanced at the signature, andgave a little cry of surprise. 

"Just listen to this, girls!" she exclaimed, and read:

 "'TO THE PHI SIGMA TAU:

 "'After initiating me into your ridiculous society, you have seen fit to call a meeting of the members without directly notifying me, therefore I wish to withdraw from your sorority, as I feel that I have been deeply insulted. I have this satisfaction, however, that I would not have met with you to-night, at any rate. I am entertaining some girls in your class this evening, whom I find far more congenial than any previous acquaintances I have made in Oakdale. We are about to organize a sorority of our own. Our object will be to enjoy ourselves, not to continually preach to other people. I am deeply disappointed in all of you, and assure you that I am not in the least desirous of continuing your acquaintance. 

 "'Yours sincerely, "'ELEANOR SAVELL. '"

"Well, of all things!" exclaimed Nora O'Malley. "She says she is deeplyinsulted because we didn't invite her, but that she didn't intend tocome, at any rate. There's a shining example of consistency for you!"

"Who on earth told her about the meeting?" said Jessica. "We didn't waitto ask her to-day. "

"I shall have to confess that I am the guilty one, " said Eva Allen. "Youdidn't say anything to Miriam, Marian and me about Eleanor, and whenI left the locker-room I went back upstairs after a book I had forgotten. I met Eleanor on the stairs and told her about the meeting, and that youwere waiting in the locker-room for her. You must have left before shegot there, and, of course, she thought you did it purposely. "

"Oh, dear, what a mess, " sighed Grace. "I didn't mean to slight her. ButNora said she knew, positively, that Eleanor was entertaining someguests to-night, so I didn't wait. By the way, Nora, what was that newsof yours that you were so mysterious about this afternoon?"

"Just this, " replied Nora. "That Edna Wright told me, that I needn'tthink we were the only people that could have a sorority. I asked herwhat she meant, and she said that she and Rose Lynton and Daisy Culverhad been invited out to Eleanor's to-night for the purpose of forming avery select club of their own. I am sorry I didn't tell you while in thelocker-room, but you would insist on having secrets, so I thought I'dhave one, too. "

"Well, it can't be helped now, " said Grace. "It is a pity that Eleanorhas taken up with Edna Wright. She is the only girl in the class thatI really dislike. She is frivolous and empty-headed, and Eleanor isself-willed and lawless. Put them together, and they will make a badcombination. As to the other two girls, they are sworn friends ofEdna's. "

"I think, " said Nora, "that our reform movement is about to end in aglaring fizzle. "

"How can we reform a person who won't have anything to do with us?"asked Jessica scornfully. 

"Let us hold her place in this sorority open for her, and let us make itour business to be ready to help her if she needs us, " said Annethoughtfully. "Like all spoiled children, she is sure to get intomischief, and just as sure to come to grief. Mark my words, some dayshe'll be glad to come back to the Phi Sigma Tau. "

CHAPTER IX

THE RESCUE PARTY

It was with mingled feelings of excitement and trepidation that GraceHarlowe and Jessica Bright hurried toward the office of the latter'sfather the following afternoon. Now that they were fairly started ontheir mission of rescue, they were not quite so confident as to theresult. To be sure they had unlimited faith in Jessica's father, but itwas so much easier to talk about taking Mabel away from Miss Brant thanto do it. 

"I'm terribly afraid of facing her, " confided Jessica to Grace. "She isthe terror of Oakdale, you know. "

"She can't hurt us, " said Grace. "Your father will do all the talking. All we need to do is to take charge of Mabel, after Miss Brant gives herup. "

"Well, young ladies, " said Mr. Bright, as the two girls entered hisoffice, "I see you are prompt in keeping your appointment. Let us go atonce, for I must be back here at five o'clock. "

"What are you going to say to that terrible woman, papa?" shudderedJessica as they neared the Brant home. "I'm afraid she'll scratch youreyes out. "

"Am I really in such serious danger?" asked Mr. Bright in mock alarm. "I am glad I brought you girls along to protect me. "

"You haven't any idea what a crank she is, Mr. Bright, " laughed Grace. "She fairly snarled at us the other day, when we were coming fromschool, because she said we were taking up the whole sidewalk. Poorlittle Mabel, no wonder she has a scared look in her eyes all the time. "

"Well, here we are, " responded Mr. Bright, as he rang the bell. "Now forthe tug of war. "

As he spoke the door was opened by Mabel, who positively shook in hershoes when she saw her visitors. "Don't be frightened, " whispered Grace, taking her hand. "We have come for you. "

"May I speak with Miss Brant?" asked Mr. Bright courteously, as theystepped into the narrow hall. 

Before Mabel had time to answer, a tall, raw-boned woman, with a hard, forbidding face, shoved her aside and confronted them. It was Miss Brantherself. 

"Well, what do you want?" she said rudely. 

"Good afternoon, " said Mr. Bright courteously. "Am I speaking to MissBrant?"

"I guess likely you are, " responded the woman, "and you better stateyour business now, for I've no time to fool away on strangers. "

"You have a young girl with you by the name of Mabel Allison, have younot?" asked Mr. Bright. 

"Yes, I have. What's the matter with her? Has she been gettin' intomischief? If she has, I'll tan her hide, " said Miss Brant, with athreatening gesture. 

"On the contrary, " replied Mr. Bright, "I hear very good reports of her. Has she lived with you long?"

"That's none of your business, " snapped Miss Brant. "If you've come hereto quiz me and pry around about her, you can get right out, for I'm notanswering any fool questions. "

"I will not trouble you with further questions, " replied Mr. Bright, "but will proceed at once to business. I have come to take Miss Mabelaway with me. She has found friends who are willing to help her untilshe finishes her education, and she wishes to go to them. "

"Oh, she does, does she?" sneered the woman mockingly. "Well, you justtake her, if you dare. "

"Have you legally adopted her?" asked Mr. Bright quietly. 

"That's none of your business, either. You get out of my house or I'llthrow you out and these two snips of girls with you, " almost screamedMiss Brant. 

"That will do, " said Mr. Bright sternly. "We will go, but we shall takeMiss Mabel with us. I am a lawyer, Miss Brant, and I have positive proofthat this child is not bound to you in any way. You took her from theorphanage on trial, exactly as you might hire a servant. You did noteven take the trouble to have yourself appointed her guardian. Youagreed to pay her for her work, but blows and harsh words are the onlypayment she has ever received at your hands. She wishes to leave youbecause she can no longer endure life with you. You haven't theslightest claim upon her, and she is perfectly free to do as shechooses. She is not of age yet, but as you are not her guardian, you hadno right to take money that she has earned from her, and she can callyou to account for it if she chooses. However, you have imposed upon herfor the last time, for she shall not spend another hour under yourroof. "

"You touch her if you dare. She shan't leave this house, " said the womanin a furious tone. 

"Mabel, " said Mr. Bright to the young girl, who was cowering at one endof the hall, "get your things and come at once. We will wait for you. As for you, " turning to Miss Brant, "if you try to stop her, you willsoon find yourself in a most unpleasant position. I am certain that ifyou think back for an instant you will realize that you have forfeitedall right to object. "

For a moment Miss Brant stood speechless with anger, then in her wrathshe poured forth such a flood of abuse that the rescue party stared inamazement. Never had they seen such an exhibition of temper. When Mabelappeared, her shabby hat in her hand, Miss Brant reached forward andtore the hat from her. 

"Don't you dare leave my house with any of my property, you baggage, "she hissed. "I paid for that hat and for the clothes you're wearing, andyou'll send every stitch you've on back to me, or I'll have you arrestedfor stealing. "

[Illustration: "Don't You Dare Leave This House With My Property. "]

"Come on, Mabel, " said Grace, putting her arm around the shrinkinglittle figure. "Don't pay any attention to her. She isn't worthbothering over. You can send her back her ridiculous things. You aregoing to be happy now, and forget all about this cruel, terrible woman. "

"You brazen imp, you, " screamed the woman, and rushed at Grace, whostood perfectly still, looking the angry woman in the face with suchopen scorn in her gray eyes that Miss Brant drew back and stood scowlingat her, her hands working convulsively. 

"Come, girls, " said Mr. Bright. "We have no more time to waste. If youhave anything to say to me, Miss Brant, you can always find me at myoffice on East Main Street. The clothing now worn by Miss Mabel will bereturned to you in due season. Good afternoon. "

Mr. Bright, bowing politely, motioned to the three young girls toprecede him, and the party went quietly down the walk, leaving MissBrant in the open door, shaking her fist and uttering dire threats. 

As for Mabel, she collapsed utterly, crying as though her heart wouldbreak. Grace and Jessica exerted every effort to quiet her sobs, andafter a little she looked up, and, smiling through her tears, saidbrokenly: "I can't believe that it's all true--that I shall never haveto go back there again. I'm afraid that it's all a dream and that I'llwake up and find her standing over me. Can she get me again?" she said, turning piteously to Mr. Bright. 

"My dear little girl, " he said, taking her hand, "she can't touch you. I'll adopt you myself before I'll let you go back to her. Now run alongwith Jessica and forget all about what has passed. Good-bye, Grace. Yousee, your rescue party proved a success. Good-bye, daughter. Take goodcare of Mabel. I'll have to hurry now, or miss my appointment. "

Mr. Bright beamed on the three girls, raised his hat and hurried downthe street, leaving them to proceed slowly toward Jessica's home. Passersby glanced curiously at the hatless, shabby young girl, as shewalked between Grace and Jessica, clinging to their hands as thoughexpecting every minute to be snatched from them. 

"Well, girls, " said Grace, "here is my street. I must leave you now. Begood children, and----"

She was interrupted by an exultant shriek, and a second later five girlsappeared as by magic and gleefully surrounded the rescue party. The PhiSigma Tau was out in full force. 

"Hurrah!" shrieked Nora, waving her school bag. "'We have met the enemyand they are ours. ' Tell us about it quickly. Why didn't you let me goalong? I was dying to cross swords with that old stone face. "

Then everyone talked at once, surrounding Mabel and asking her questionsuntil Grace said, laughing: "Stop it, girls; let her get used to yougradually. Don't come down on her like an avalanche. "

Mabel, however, was equal to the occasion. She answered their questionswithout embarrassment, and seemed quietly pleased at theirdemonstrations. 

"You are the child of the sorority now, Mabel, " said Miriam Nesbit, "andwe are your adopted mothers. You will have your hands full trying toplease all of us. "

"Stop teasing her, " said Anne, "or she'll run away before she is fairlyadopted. "

"It is very uncertain as to whether she will ever go further than myhouse, " said Jessica calmly. "I need Mabel more than do the rest of you, but perhaps if you're good I'll loan her to you occasionally. Come on, Mabel, let's go home before they spoil you completely. "

"Considering the fact that the Bright family did two thirds of therescuing, I suppose we shall have to respect your claim, " said Nora, "but remember, Jessica, that generosity is a beautiful virtue tocultivate. "

CHAPTER X

JULIA PERFORMS A SACRED DUTY

"What have we ever done that we should be so neglected?" said DavidNesbit, swinging himself from his motorcycle and landing squarely infront of Grace Harlowe and Anne Pierson while they were out walking oneafternoon. 

"Why, David Nesbit, how can you make such statements?" replied Grace, looking at the young man in mock disapproval. "You know perfectly wellthat you've been shut up in your old laboratory all fall. We havescarcely seen you since the walking party. You have even given footballthe go by, and I'm so sorry, for you were a star player last year. "

"I see you have discovered the secrets of my past life, " replied David, laughing. "That's what comes of having a sister who belongs to asorority. However, you folks are equally guilty, you've all gone madover your sorority, and left Hippy and Reddy and me to wander aboutOakdale like lost souls. I hear you've adopted a girl, too. Reddy ishorribly jealous of her. He says Jessica won't look at him any more. "

"Reddy is laboring under a false impression, " said Anne. "He is headover heels in football practice and has forgotten he ever knew Jessica. As for Hippy, Nora says that he is studying night and day, and that heis actually wearing himself away by burning midnight oil. "

"Yes, Hippy is studying some this year, " replied David. "You see this isour senior year, and we are going to enter the same college next year, if all goes well. You know Hippy never bothered himself much aboutstudy, just managed to scrape through. But now he'll have to hustle ifhe gets through with High School this year, and he's wide awake to thatfact. "

"Under those circumstances, Hippy is forgiven, but not you and Reddy!"said Grace severely. "You'll have to have better excuses than footballand experiments. "

"I'll tell you what we'll do to square ourselves, " said David, smiling. "We'll take you girls to the football game next Thursday. It'sThanksgiving Day, you know, and Oakdale is going to play GeorgetownCollege. Reddy's on the team, but Hippy and I will do the honors. "

"Fine, " replied Grace. "But are you willing to burden yourselves withsome extra girls? You see it's this way. One of the things that oursorority has pledged itself to do this year is to look up the straygirls in High School, and see that they are not lonely and homesickduring holiday seasons. I used to know nearly all the girls in school, but ever so many new ones have crept in, and some of them have come herefrom quite a distance, on account of the excellence of our High School. After we adopted Mabel Allison, we began looking about us for other fishto fry, and found out about these girls. So every girl in the sororityhas invited one or more of these lonely ones for Thanksgiving Day. Theyare to come in the morning and stay until the lights go out, which willbe late, for mother has consented to let me have a party and all thosenew girls are to be the guests of honor. 

"Mrs. Gray is in it, too. She insists on having Anne with her onThanksgiving, although Anne had invited two girls to her house, "continued Grace. "Mrs. Gray had planned a party for us, but when we toldher what we were about to do, she gave up her party and agreed to go tomine instead, on condition that Anne's family, plus Anne's two guests, should have dinner with her. "

"Bless her dear heart, " said David, "she is always thinking of thepleasure of others. Now about the football game. Bring your girls alongand I'll do my best to give them a good time, although I'm generallyanything but a success with new girls. However, Hippy makes up for whatI lack. He can entertain a regiment of them, and not even exert himself. Now I must leave you, for I have a very important engagement at home. "

"In the laboratory, I suppose, " said Anne teasingly. 

"Just so, " replied David. "Good-bye, girls. Let me know how many ticketsyou want for the game. " He raised his cap, mounted his machine and wasoff down the street. 

"It will seem good to have a frolic with the boys again, won't it?" saidGrace to Anne as they strolled along. 

"We do seem to be getting awfully serious and settled of late, " repliedAnne. "Why, this sorority business has taken up all our spare timelately. We've had so many special meetings. "

"I know it, " replied Grace, "but after Thanksgiving we'll only meet oncein two weeks, for I must get my basketball team in shape, and you seeall the members belong to the society. "

"You ought to do extra good work this year, " observed Anne, "for theteam is absolutely harmonious. Last season seems like a dream to menow. "

"It was real enough then, " replied Grace grimly. "I have forgiven, longago, but I have not forgotten the way some of those girls performed lastyear. It was remarkable that things ever straightened themselves. Theclouds looked black for a while, didn't they?"

Anne pressed Grace's hand by way of answer. The sophomore year had beencrowded with many trials, some of them positive school tragedies, inwhich Anne and Grace had been the principal actors. 

"What are you two mooning over?" asked a gay voice, and the two girlsturned with a start to find Julia Crosby grinning cheerfully at them. 

"O Julia, how glad I am to see you at close range!" exclaimed Grace. "Admiring you from a distance isn't a bit satisfactory. "

"Business, children, business, " said Julia briskly. "That's the onlything that keeps me from your side. The duties of the class presidentare many and irksome. At the present moment I've a duty on hand thatI don't in the least relish, and I want your august assistance. Will youpromise to help before I tell you?"

"Why, of course, " answered Grace and Anne in the same breath. "What isit you want us to do?"

"Well, it seems that some of your juniors are still in need ofdiscipline. You remember the hatchet that we buried last year with suchpomp and ceremony?"

"Yes, yes, " was the answer. 

"This morning I overheard certain girls planning to go out to theOmnibus House after school to-morrow and dig up the poor hatchet andflaunt it in the seniors' faces the day of the opening basketball game, simply to rattle us. Just as though it wouldn't upset your team as muchas ours. It's an idiotic trick, at any rate, and anything but funny. NowI propose to take four of our class, and you must select four of yours. We'll hustle out there the minute school is over to-morrow, and be readyto receive the marauders when they arrive. Select your girls, but don'ttell them what you want or they may tell some one about it beforehand. "

"Well, of all impudence!" exclaimed Anne. "Who are the girls, Julia? Areyou sure they're juniors?"

"The two I heard talking are juniors. I don't know who else is in it. They'll be very much astonished to find us 'waiting at thechurch'--Omnibus House, I mean, " said Julia, "and I imagine they'll feelrather silly, too. "

"Tell us who they are, Julia, " said Grace. "We don't want to go intothis blindfolded. "

"Wait and see, " replied Julia tantalizingly. "Then you'll feel moreindignant and can help my cause along all the better. I give you my wordthat the girls I overheard talking are not particular friends of yours. You aren't going to back out, are you, and leave me without propersupport?"

"Of course not, " laughed Grace. "Don't worry. We'll support you, onlyyou must agree to do all the talking. "

"I shall endeavor to overcome their insane freshness with a fewwell-chosen words, " Julia promised. "Be sure and be on hand early. "

Grace chose Anne, Nora, Jessica and Marian Barber, the latter threebeing considerably mystified at her request, but nevertheless agreeingto be on hand when school closed. They were met at the gate by Julia andfour other seniors, and the whole party set out for the Omnibus Housewithout delay. 

Grace walked with Julia, and the two girls found plenty to say to eachother during the walk. Julia was studying hard, she told Grace. Shewanted to enter Smith next year. 

"I don't know where I shall go after I finish High School, " said Grace. "Ethel Post wants me to go to Wellesley. She'll be a junior when I'm afreshman. You know, she was graduated from High School last June and shecould help me a lot in getting used to college. But I don't knowwhether I should like Wellesley. I shall not try to decide where I wantto go for a while yet. "

"Wherever we are we'll write and always be friends, " said Julia, andGrace warmly acquiesced. 

As they neared the old Omnibus House they could see no one about. 

"We're early!" exclaimed Julia. "The enemy has not arrived. Thankgoodness, it's not cold to-day or we might have a chilly vigil. Nowlisten, all ye faithful, while I set forth the object of this walk. " Shethereupon related what Grace and Anne already knew. 

"What a shame!" cried Marian Barber. "It isn't the hatchet we care for, it's the principle of the thing. Give them what they deserve, Julia. "

"Never fear, " replied Julia. "I'll effectually attend to their case. Nowwe'd better dodge around the corner and keep out of sight until they gethere. Then we'll swoop down upon them unawares. "

The avengers hurriedly concealed themselves at the side of the old housewhere they could not be seen by an approaching party. 

They had not waited long before they heard voices. 

"They're coming, " whispered Julia. "There are eight of them. Form inline and when they get nicely started, we'll circle about them and hemthem in. I'll give you the signal. "

The girls waited in silence. "They have trowels, " Julia informed themfrom time to time. "They have a spade. They've begun to dig, and theyare having their own troubles, for the ground is hard. All ready!March!"

Softly the procession approached the spot where the marauders wereenergetically digging. Grace gave a little gasp, and reaching backcaught Anne's hand. 

The girl using the spade was Eleanor. 

"Now I'm in for it, " groaned Grace. "She's down on me now, and she'll besure to think I organized the whole thing. " For an instant Graceregretted making the promise to Julia, before learning the situation;then, holding her head a trifle more erect, she decided to make the bestof her unfortunate predicament. 

"It isn't Julia's fault, " she thought. "She probably knows nothing aboutour acquaintance with Eleanor; besides, Eleanor has no business to playsuch tricks. Edna Wright must have told her all about last year. "

Her reflections were cut short, for one of the girls glanced up from herdigging with a sudden exclamation which drew all eyes toward Julia andher party. 

"Well, little folks, " said Julia in mock surprise, "what sort of a partyis this? Are you making mud pies or are you pretending you are at theseashore?"

At Julia's first words Eleanor dropped the small spade she held andstraightened up, the picture of defiance. Her glance traveled from girlto girl, and she curled her lip contemptuously as her eye rested onGrace and Anne. The other diggers looked sheepishly at Julia, who stoodeyeing them in a way that made them feel "too foolish for anything, " asone of them afterwards expressed it. 

"Why don't you answer me, little girls?" asked Julia. "Has the kittystolen your tongue?"

This was too much for Eleanor. 

"How dare you speak to us in that manner and treat us as though we werechildren?" she burst forth. "What business is it of yours why we arehere? Do you own this property?"

"Mercy, no, " replied Julia composedly. "Do you?"

"No, " replied Eleanor a trifle less rudely, "but we have as much righthere as you have. "

"Granted, " replied Julia calmly. "However, there is this difference. You are here to make mischief and we are here to prevent it, and, furthermore, are going to do so. "

"What do you mean?" retorted Eleanor, her eyes flashing. 

"Just this, " replied Julia. "Last year the girls belonging to thepresent senior and junior classes met on this very spot and amicablydisposed of a two-year-old class grudge. Emblematic of this they burieda hatchet, once occupying a humble though honorable position in theCrosby family, but cheerfully sacrificed for the good of the cause. 

"Yesterday, " continued Julia, "I overheard two juniors plotting to getpossession of this same hatchet for the purpose of flaunting it in thefaces of the seniors at the opening basketball game. Therefore I decidedto take a hand in things, and here I am, backed by girls from bothclasses, who are of the self-same mind. "

"Really, Miss Crosby, " said Edna Wright, "you are very amusing. "

"My friends all think so, " returned Julia sweetly, "but never mind nowabout my amusing qualities, Edna. Let's talk about the presentsituation. "

She looked at Edna with the old-time aggravating smile that was alwayswarranted to further incense her opponent. It had its desired effect, for Edna fairly bristled with indignation and was about to make afurious reply when she was pushed aside by Eleanor, who said loftily, "Allow me to talk to this person, Edna. "

"No, " said Julia resolutely, every vestige of a smile leaving her faceat Eleanor's words. "It would be useless for you to attempt to bespokesman in this matter, because you are a new girl in High School andknow nothing of past class matters except from hearsay. But you havewith you seven girls who do know all about the enmity that was buriedhere last spring, and who ought to have enough good sense to know thatthis afternoon's performance is liable to bring it to life again. 

"If you girls carry this hatchet to school and exhibit it to the seniorson the day of the game you are apt to start bad feeling all over again, "she said, turning to the others. "There are sure to be some girls in thesenior class who would resent it. Neither class has played tricks on theother since peace was declared, and we don't want to begin now. 

"That's the reason I asked Grace to appoint a committee of juniors andcome out here with me. I feel sure that under the circumstances theabsent members of both classes would agree with us if they were present. Digging up a rusty old hatchet is nothing, but digging up a rusty oldgrudge is quite another matter. We didn't come here to quarrel, but Iappeal to you, as members of the junior class, to think before you dosomething that is bound to cause us all annoyance and perhapsunhappiness. "

There was complete silence after Julia finished speaking. What she hadsaid evidently impressed them. Eleanor alone looked belligerent. 

"Perhaps we'd better let the old hatchet alone, " Daisy Culver saidsullenly. "The fun is all spoiled now, and everyone will know about itbefore school begins to-morrow. "

"Daisy, how can you say so?" exclaimed Grace, who, fearing a scene withEleanor, had hitherto remained silent. "You know perfectly well thatnone of us will say anything about it. Why, we came out here simply totry to prevent your doing something that might stir up trouble againbetween the senior and junior classes. There isn't a girl here who wouldbe so contemptible as to tell any one outside about what has happenedto-day. "

This was Eleanor's opportunity. Turning furiously on Grace, her eyesflashing, she exclaimed: "Yes, there is one girl who would tellanything, and that girl is you! You pretend to be honorable andhigh-principled, but you are nothing but a hypocrite and a sneak. I would not trust you as far as I could see you. I have no doubt MissCrosby obtained her information about this affair to-day from you, andthat everyone in school will hear it from the same source. You seemdetermined to meddle with matters that do not concern you, and I warnyou that if you do not change your tactics you may regret it. 

"You seem to think yourself the idol of your class, but there are someof the girls who are too clever to be deceived. They do not belong amongthe number who trail tamely after you, either. And now I wish to saythat I despise you and all your friends, and wish never to speak to anyof you again. Come on, girls, " she said, turning to the members of herparty, who had listened in silent amazement to her attack upon Grace. "Let us go. Let them keep their trumpery hatchet. "

With these words she turned and stalked across the field to the road, where her runabout stood. After an instant's hesitation, she wasfollowed by Edna, Daisy Culver and those who had come with her. Henceforth there would again be two distinct factions in the juniorclass. 

"Good gracious, " exclaimed Julia Crosby. "Talk about your humanwhirlwinds! What on earth did you ever do to her, Grace?"

But Grace could not answer. She was winking hard to keep back the tears. Twice she attempted to speak and failed. "Never mind her, dear, " saidJulia, slipping her arm about Grace, while the other girls gatheredround with many expressions of displeasure at Eleanor's cruel speech. 

"I can't help feeling badly, " said Grace, with a sob. "She said suchdreadful things. "

"No one who knows you would believe them, " replied Julia. "By the way, who is she? I know her name is Savell and that she's a recent arrival inOakdale, but considering the plain and uncomplimentary manner in whichshe addressed you, you must have seriously offended her ladyship. "

"I'll tell you about her as we walk along, " replied Grace, wiping hereyes and smiling a little. 

"Yes, we had better be moving, " said Julia. "The battle is over. No onehas been killed and only one wounded. Nevertheless, the enemy hasretired in confusion. "

CHAPTER XI

WORRIES AND PLANS

Although the girls belonging to Julia's party were silent concerningwhat happened at the Omnibus House, the story leaked out, creatingconsiderable discussion among the members of the two upper classes. Julia Crosby had a shrewd suspicion that Edna Wright had been theoriginal purveyor of the news, and in this she was right. Edna had, under pledge of secrecy, told it to a sophomore, who immediately told itto her dearest friend, and so the tale traveled until it reachedEleanor, with numerous additions, far from pleasing to her. She wasthoroughly angry, and at once laid the matter at Grace's door, while heranimosity toward Grace grew daily. 

But Grace was not the only person that Eleanor disliked. From the daythat Miss Thompson had taken her to task for absence, she hadentertained a supreme contempt for the principal of which Miss Thompsonwas wholly unaware until, encountering Eleanor one morning in thecorridor, the latter had stared at her with an expression of such openscorn and dislike that Miss Thompson felt her color rise. A direct slapin the face could scarcely have conveyed greater insult than did thatone insolent glance. The principal was at a loss as to its import. Shewisely decided to ignore it, but stored it up in her memory for futurereference. 

The sorority that Eleanor had mentioned in her letter to the Phi SigmaTau, was now in full flower. The seven girls who had accompanied her tothe Omnibus House were the chosen members. They wore pins in the shapeof skulls and cross bones, and went about making mysterious signs toeach other whenever they met. The very name of the society was shroudedin mystery, though Nora O'Malley was heard to declare that she had nodoubt it was a branch of the "Black Hand. "

Eleanor was the acknowledged leader, but Edna Wright became a closesecond, and between them they managed to disseminate a spirit ofmischief throughout the school that the teachers found hard to combat. 

Grace Harlowe watched the trend that affairs were taking withconsiderable anxiety. Like herself, there were plenty of girls in schoolto whom mischief did not appeal, but Eleanor's beauty, wealth andfascinating personality were found to dazzle some of the girls, whowould follow her about like sheep, and it was over these girls thatGrace felt worried. If Eleanor were to organize and carry out anymalicious piece of mischief and they were implicated, they would allhave to suffer for what she would be directly responsible. Grace's heartwas with her class. She wished it to be a class among classes, and feltan almost motherly anxiety for its success. 

"What does ail some of our class?" she exclaimed to Anne and Nora oneday as they left the school building. "They seem possessed with imps. The Phi Sigma Tau girls and a few of the grinds are really the only oneswho behave lately. "

"It's largely due to Eleanor, I think, " replied Anne. "She seems to havebecome quite a power among some of the girls in the class. She ishelping to destroy that spirit of earnestness that you have tried sohard to cultivate. I think it's a shame, too. The upper class girlsought to set the example for the two lower classes. "

"That's just what worries me, " said Grace earnestly. "Hardly arecitation passes in my class without some kind of disturbance, and itis always traced to one of the girls in that crowd. The juniors will getthe reputation among the teachers this year that the junior class hadlast, and it seems such a pity. I overheard Miss Chester tell Miss Kanethe other day that her junior classes were the most trying of the day, because she had to work harder to maintain discipline than to teach hersubject. "

"That's a nice reputation to carry around, isn't it!" remarked Noraindignantly. "But all we can do is to try harder than ever to makethings go smoothly. I don't believe their society will last long, at anyrate. Those girls are sure to quarrel among themselves, and that willend the whole thing. Or they may go too far and have Miss Thompson toreckon with, and that would probably cool their ardor. "

"O girls!" exclaimed Grace. "Speaking of Miss Thompson, reminds me thatI have something to tell you. What do you suppose the latest is?"

"If you know anything new, it is your duty to tell us at once, withoutmaking us beg for it, " said Nora reprovingly. 

"All right; I accept the reproof, " said Grace. "Now for my news. Thereis talk of giving a Shakespearian play, with Miss Tebbs to engineer it, and the cast to be chosen from the three lower classes. The seniors, ofcourse, will give their own play later. "

"How did you find out?" asked Anne. 

"Miss Thompson herself told me about it, " replied Grace. "She called onmother yesterday afternoon, and, for a wonder, I was at home. She saidthat it was not positively decided yet, but if the girls did well withthe mid-year tests, then directly after there would be a try out forparts, and rehearsals would begin without delay. "

"How splendid!" exclaimed Anne, clasping her hands. "How I would love totake part in it!"

"You will, without doubt, if there is a try out, " replied Grace. "Thereis no one in school who can recite as you do; besides, you have been onthe stage. "

"I shall try awfully hard for a part, even if it is only two lines, "said Anne earnestly. "I wonder what play is to be chosen, and if it isto be given for the school only?"

"The play hasn't been decided upon yet, " replied Grace, "but the objectof it is to get some money for new books for the school library. Theplan is to charge fifty cents a piece for the tickets and to give eachgirl a certain number of them to sell. However, I'm not going to bothermuch about the play now, for the senior team has just sent me achallenge to play them Saturday, December 12th. So I'll have to get theteam together and go to work. "

"We're awfully late this year about starting. Don't you think so?" askedNora. 

"Yes, " admitted Grace. "I am just as enthusiastic over basketball asever, only I haven't had the time to devote to it that I did last year. "

"Never mind, you'll make up for lost time after Thanksgiving, " said Annesoothingly. "As for me, I'm going to dream about the play. "

"Anne, I believe you have more love for the stage than you will admit, "said Grace, laughing. "You are all taken up with the idea of this play. "

"If one could live in the same atmosphere as that of home, then therecould be no profession more delightful than that of the actor, " repliedAnne thoughtfully. "It is wonderful to feel that one is able to forgetone's self and become some one else. But it is more wonderful to makeone's audience feel it, too. To have them forget that one is anythingexcept the living, breathing person whose character one is trying toportray. I suppose it's the sense of power that one has over people'semotions that makes acting so fascinating. It is the other side thatI hate, " she added, with a slight shudder. 

"I suppose theatrical people do undergo many hardships, " said Grace, who, now that the subject had been opened, wanted to hear more of Anne'sviews of the stage. 

"Unless any girl has remarkable talent, I should advise her to keep offthe stage, " said Anne decidedly. "Of course when a girl comes of atheatrical family for generations, like Maud Adams or Ethel Barrymore, then that is different. She is practically born, bred and brought up inthe theatre. She is as carefully guarded as though she lived in a littlevillage, simply because she knows from babyhood all the unpleasantfeatures of the profession and how to avoid them. There is some chanceof her becoming great, too. Of course real stars do appear once in awhile, who are too talented to be kept down. However, the really greatones are few and far between. When I compare my life before I came herewith the good times I have had since I met you girls, I hate the veryidea of the stage. 

"Only, " she concluded with a shame-faced air, "there are times when thedesire to act is irresistible, and it did make my heart beat a littlebit faster when I heard about the play. "

"You dear little mouse, " said Grace, putting her arm around Anne. "Iwas only jesting when I spoke about your love for the stage. I thinkI understand how you feel, and I hope you get the best part in the play. I know you'll make good. "

"She certainly will, " said Nora. "But, to give the play a rest and comedown to everyday affairs, where shall we meet to go to the footballgame?"

"Let me see, " said Grace. "The game is to be called at three o'clock. I suppose we shall all be through dinner by half past two. You had betterbring your girls to my house. Each of you is to have two and Jessica hasone besides Mabel. I am to have three; I found another yesterday. Davidpromised to get me the tickets. I wonder how he and Hippy will enjoychaperoning thirteen girls?"

"I won't have the slightest chance to talk to Hippy, " grumbled Nora, "and he has neglected us shamefully of late, too. "

"Never mind, you can have him all to yourself at my party, " consoledGrace. "By the way, girls, do you think it would be of any use to inviteEleanor?"

"Eleanor?" exclaimed Nora. "After what she has said to you! You might aswell throw your invitation into the fire, for it's safe to say that shewill do so when she receives it. "

Nevertheless, Grace wrote a cordial little note to Eleanor that evening, and two days later she received Eleanor's reply through the mail. Onopening the envelope the pieces of her own note fell out, with a halfsheet of paper containing the words, "Declined with thanks. "

CHAPTER XII

A RECKLESS CHAUFFEUR

Thanksgiving Day dawned bright and clear, with just enough frost in theair to make one's blood tingle. It had been a mild fall, with a lateIndian summer, and only one or two snow flurries that had lasted but afew hours. This was unusual for Oakdale, as winter generally came with arush before the middle of November, and treated the inhabitants of thatnorthern city to a taste of zero weather long before the Christmasholidays. 

It was with a light heart that Grace Harlowe ate her breakfast andflitted about the house, putting a final touch here and there beforereceiving her guests. Before eleven o'clock everything was finished, andas she arranged the last flower in its vase she felt a little thrill ofpride as she looked about the pretty drawing room. Before going upstairsto dress, she ran into the reception hall for the fourth time to feasther eyes upon a huge bunch of tall chrysanthemums in the beautifulJapanese vase that stood in the alcove under the stairs. They had comeabout an hour before with a note from Tom Gray saying that he hadarrived in Oakdale that morning, had seen the boys and would be aroundto help David and Reddy at the "girl convention, " as he termed it. 

Grace was overjoyed at the idea of seeing Tom Gray again. They had beenfirm friends since her freshman year, and had entertained a wholesome, boy-and-girl preference for each other untinged by any trace of foolishsentimentality. 

As she dressed for dinner, Grace felt perfectly happy except for onething. She still smarted a little at Eleanor's rude reply to herinvitation. She was one of those tender-hearted girls who disliked beingon bad terms with any one, and she really liked Eleanor still, in spiteof the fact that Eleanor did not in the least return the sentiment. 

Grace sighed a little over the rebuff, and then completely forgot hertrouble as she donned the new gown that had just come from thedressmaker. It was of Italian cloth in a beautiful shade of dark red, made in one piece, with a yoke of red and gold net, and trimmed withtiny enameled buttons. It fitted her straight, slender figure perfectlyand she decided that for once she had been wise in foregoing herfavorite blue and choosing red. 

The party that evening was to be a strictly informal affair. Grace hadsuspected that the girls whom the members of the Phi Sigma Tau were toentertain were not likely to possess evening gowns. In order to avoidany possibility of hurt feelings, she had quietly requested thoseinvited to wear the afternoon gowns in which they would appear at thegame. 

Before one o'clock her guests had arrived. They were three shy, quietgirls who had worshiped Grace from a distance, and who had beensurprised almost to tears by her invitation. Two of them were fromPortville, a small town about seventy miles from Oakdale, and had begunHigh School with Grace, who had been too busy with her own affairs up tothe present to find out much about them. 

The other girl, Marie Bateman, had entered the class that year. She hadcome from a little village forty miles south of Oakdale, was the oldestof a large family, her mother being a widow of very small means. As hermother was unable to send her away to school, she had done clerical workfor the only lawyer in the home town for the previous two years, studying between whiles. She had entered the High School in the juniorclass, determining to graduate and then to work her way through NormalSchool. By dint of questioning, Grace had discovered that she lived in ashabby little room in the suburbs, never went anywhere and did anythinghonest in the way of earning money that she could find to do. 

The realization of what some of these girls were willing to endure forthe sake of getting an education made Grace feel guilty at being socomfortably situated. She determined that the holidays that year shouldnot find them without friends and cheer. 

After a rousing Thanksgiving dinner, in which the inevitable turkey, with all its toothsome accompaniments, played a prominent part, thegirls retired to Grace's room for a final adjustment of hair and a lastsurvey in the mirror before going to the game. High School mattersformed the principal theme of conversation, and Grace was not surprisedto learn that Eleanor had been carrying things with a high hand inthird-year French class, in which Ellen Holt, one of the Portvillegirls, recited. 

"She speaks French as well as Professor La Roche, " said Miss Holt, "butshe nearly drives him crazy sometimes. She will pretend she doesn'tunderstand him and will make him explain the construction of a sentenceover and over again, or she will argue with him about a point until heloses his temper completely. She makes perfectly ridiculous caricaturesof him, and leaves them on his desk when class is over, and she asks himto translate impertinent slang phrases, which he does, sometimes, before he realizes how they are going to sound. Then the whole classlaughs at him. She certainly makes things lively in that class. "

The sound of the bell cut short the chat and the four girls hurrieddownstairs to greet Jessica, Mabel and the girls who were the Bright'sguests. Nora and Anne, with their charges, came next, and last of allDavid, Tom and Hippy paraded up the walk, in single file, blowinglustily on tin horns and waving blue and white banners. A brief seasonof introduction followed, then Grace distributed blue and white rosetteswith long streamers that she had made for the occasion, to each memberof the party. Well supplied with Oakdale colors, they set out for thefootball grounds, where an immense crowd of people had gathered to seethe big game of the season. 

"I shall never forget the first football game I saw in Oakdale, " saidAnne to David as they made their way to the grandstand. "It ended verysensationally for me. "

"I should say it did, " replied David, smiling. "Confidentially, Anne, doyou ever hear from your father?"

"Not very often, " replied Anne. "He is not liable to trouble me again, however, because he knows that I will not go back to the stage, nomatter what he says. He was with the western company of 'True Hearts'last year, but I don't know where he is now, and I don't care. Don'tthink I'm unfeeling; but it is impossible for me to care for him, eventhough he is my father. "

"I understand, " said David sympathetically. "Now let's forget him andhave a good time. "

"Hurrah! Here comes the band!" shouted Hippy. 

The "Oakdale Military Band" took their places in the improvisedbandstand and began a short concert before the game with the "Stars andStripes, " while the spectators unconsciously kept time with their feetto the inspiring strains. 

When the two teams appeared on the field there were shouts of enthusiasmfrom the friends of the players, and the band burst forth with the HighSchool song, in which the students joined. 

After the usual preliminaries, the game began, and for the next houreverything else was forgotten save the battle that waged between the twoteams. 

Miriam Nesbit, Eva Allen and Marian Barber, with their guests, joinedGrace's party, and soon the place they occupied became the very centerof enthusiasm. Reddy, who was playing left end on the home team, received an ovation every time he made a move, and when towards the endof the game he made a touchdown, his friends nearly split their loyalthroats in expressing their approval. 

It was over at last, and Oakdale had won a complete victory over theGeorgetown foe, who took their defeat with becoming grace. As soon asReddy could free himself from the grasp of his school fellows, who wouldhave borne him from the field in triumph if he had not stoutly resisted, he hurried to his friends, who showered him with congratulations. 

"O you Titian-haired star!" cried Hippy, clasping his hands in mockadmiration. "You are the rarest jewel in the casket. Words fail toexpress my feelings. 

 "'O joy, O bliss, O rapture! Let happiness now hap! I am a sea of gurgling glee, with ecstacy on tap. '"

Hippy recited this effusion in a killing falsetto voice, and endeavoredto embrace Reddy fervently, but was dragged back by Tom and David, toReddy's visible relief. 

"He's the idol of the hour. Don't put your irreverent hands on him, " wasDavid's injunction. 

"But I adore idols, " persisted Hippy. "Let me at him. "

"Quit it, fat one!" growled Reddy, with a grin. "I'll settle with youlater. "

With gay laughter and jest, the young folks made their way from thegrounds and started down the road toward home. 

The whole party, walking four abreast, had just turned the curve wherethe road ended and Main Street began, when there was a hoarse honk!honk! and a runabout decorated in blue and white, containing Eleanor andEdna Wright, bore down upon them at lightning speed. The girls, utteringlittle cries of alarm, scattered to both sides of the road, with theexception of Mabel Allison, who, in her hurry to get out of the way, stumbled and fell directly in the path of the oncoming machine. 

CHAPTER XIII

A THANKSGIVING FROLIC

But sudden as had been Mabel's fall, Grace Harlowe was equal to theemergency. With a bound she reached the middle of the road, seized Mabeland dragged her back just as the runabout passed over the place whereshe had fallen. It almost grazed her outstretched hand, then shot ondown the road without slackening its speed for an instant. 

There was a cry of horror from the young folks that ended in a sigh ofrelief. David and Tom Gray quickly raised Mabel to her feet and turnedto Grace, whose face was ghastly, while she trembled like a leaf. Thereaction had set in the moment she realized that Mabel was safe. Jessicaand Nora had both begun to cry, while the faces of the others fullyexpressed their feelings. 

"Grace, " said Tom in a husky voice, "that was the quickest move I eversaw any one make. "

Grace drew a long breath, the color returned to her pale face and in ameasure she recovered herself. 

"Some one had to do something, " she said weakly. "I was the nearest toher, that's all. Are you hurt, Mabel, dear?" she asked, turning to theyoung girl, who stood by Jessica, looking white and dazed. 

"It came so suddenly, " she faltered, "I couldn't get up. It was awful!"She shuddered, then burst into tears, burying her face in Jessica'sshoulder. 

"There, there, " soothed Jessica, wiping her own eyes. "It's all rightnow. Stand up straight and let me brush your coat. You are all mud. "

"Here come the would-be murderesses now, " cried Hippy. "They actuallymanaged to stop and turn around, and now they are coming this way. Oneof them is my pet abomination--Miss Wright. She used to call me 'fatty'when I was little, and I've never forgiven her. But who is the recklessyoung person playing chauffeur? She ought to be put in jail forexceeding the speed limit. "

"Hush!" said Grace. "Here she is. "

The runabout had stopped and Eleanor alighted. Ignoring the four chums, she walked up to Miriam Nesbit. 

"Will you please tell me if any one is hurt?" she asked pettishly. "I saw some one fall, but couldn't stop the machine. I supposed thehighway was for vehicles, not pedestrians four abreast. "

"Miss Savell, you have just missed running over Miss Allison, " saidMiriam coldly. "Had it not been for Miss Harlowe, there would have beena serious accident. I should advise you to drive more carefully infuture, or you may not escape so easily another time. "

Eleanor flushed at these words and said haughtily, "I did not ask foradvice, I asked for information. "

"Very true, " replied Miriam calmly, "but you see I have given you both. "

"You are the most ill-bred lot of girls I have ever seen, " returnedEleanor crossly, "and I think you are making a great deal of unnecessaryfuss over a small matter. Why didn't your prize orphan get out of theway with the rest of you? Besides, you have no right to block a publichighway, as you did. I am very sorry I came back at all. "

Turning on her heel, she walked back to the runabout, climbed in anddrove down the road like the wind, apparently indifferent as to whatcomment her heartless behavior might create. 

"Who on earth is that girl?" inquired Reddy Brooks. "She has about asmuch sympathy as a stone. "

"That is Eleanor Savell, " replied Anne Pierson, "and she can be nice ifshe wishes, but she doesn't like us very well. That's why she was sohateful. "

"So that's the famous Eleanor?" said Tom Gray in a low tone toGrace. "Aunt Rose was telling me about her this morning at breakfast. I supposed she was a great friend of yours. "

"She was, but she isn't, " returned Grace. "That's rather indefinite. However, I'll tell you about it as we go back. "

"She certainly can't complain as far as looks are concerned, " saidHippy. "She must have yards of blue ribbon that she won at baby showswhen but a mere infant. "

"Attention, boys and girls, " cried Grace. "Let us forget what hashappened and have just as good a time to-night as we can. We mustn'tspoil the party. "

"I move that we give Grace Harlowe a special round of applause for beinga heroine, " cried Hippy. "Hurrah!"

His example was quickly followed and the noise of the cheering broughtpeople to their doors to see what the excitement was about. 

"Do stop, " protested Grace. "People will begin asking all sorts ofquestions. "

"Don't interfere with our simple pleasures, " expostulated Hippy. "Let ushowl in peace. High School yell next, please. "

By the time the party had reached the center of the town where theirways parted, the shadow cast by the near accident had almostdisappeared. 

By eight o'clock that evening the last guest had arrived, and theHarlowe's hospitable home was the scene of radiant good cheer. Mrs. Gray, enthroned in a big chair in one corner of the drawing room, was inher element, and the young folks vied with each other in doing herhomage. The sprightly old lady was never so happy as when surrounded byyoung folks. She had a word or smile for each one, and the new girls whohad at first felt rather timid about meeting her, were soon entirely atease in her presence. 

The greater part of the furniture had been removed from the big livingroom and the floor had been crashed; while a string orchestra that madea specialty of playing for parties had been hired for the pleasure ofthose who cared to dance. 

As dancing was the chief amusement at nearly all of the young people'sparties in Oakdale, the floor was filled from the beginning of the firstwaltz until supper was announced. This was served at two long tables inthe dining room, Mrs. Gray occupying the seat of honor at the head ofone, and Miss Thompson, who was a favorite at High School parties, theother. There were miniature ears of corn, turkeys, pumpkins and variousother favors appropriate to Thanksgiving at each one's place. In thecenter of one table stood two dolls dressed in the style of costume wornby the Pilgrim fathers and mothers. They held a scroll between them onwhich was printed the Thanksgiving Proclamation. In the center of theother table were two dolls, one dressed in football uniform, a miniaturefootball under its arm, while the other, dressed as a High School girl, held up a blue banner with O. H. S. On it in big, white letters. 

This had been Grace's idea. She had dressed the dolls with the idea ofcontrasting the first Thanksgiving with that of to-day. There was agreat craning of necks from those at the one table to see the centralfigures on the other, but soon every one settled down to the discussionof the dainties provided for them. 

The supper ended with a toast to their young hostess, which was drunkstanding, and then the guests repaired to the drawing room, whereimpromptu stunts were in order. Every one was obliged to do something, if only to make a remark appropriate to the occasion. Nora sang, Annerecited, Grace and Miriam did a Spanish dance that they had practisedduring vacation with remarkable spirit and effect. Jessica was thendetailed to play, and under cover of her music, Tom, Reddy, David andHippy left the room, Tom returning presently to announce solemnly thatan original one-act drama, entitled "The Suffragette, " written by Mr. Wingate and presented by a notable cast, would be the next offering. 

After a moment's wait, Hippy, Reddy and David appeared, and were greetedwith shouts of laughter. Reddy minced along in a bonnet and skirtbelonging to Mrs. Harlowe, while Hippy wore a long-sleeved ginghampinafore of Grace's, which lacked considerable of meeting in the back, and was kept on by means of a sash. After deliberately setting theirstage in full view of the audience at one end of the room, the playbegan, with David as the meek, hen-pecked husband, Hippy as theneglected child, who wept and howled continuously, while Reddy playedthe unnatural wife and mother, who neglected her family and held woman'ssuffrage meetings in the street. 

The dialogue was clever, and the action of the sketch so ridiculous thatthe audience laughed from the first line until the climax, especiallywhen the suffragette was hustled off to jail by Tom Gray, in the rôle ofa policeman, for disturbing the peace, while her husband and childexecuted a wild dance of joy as she was hauled off the scene, protestingvigorously. 

The applause was tremendous and the cast were obliged to bow theirthanks several times before it subsided. Songs, speeches and recitationsfollowed rapidly until everyone had contributed something in the way ofa stunt. Then the guests formed two long lines from the living roomstraight through the big archway into the drawing room, and soon aVirginia reel was in full swing, led off by Mr. Harlowe and Mrs. Gray, who took her steps as daintily as when she had danced at her first partyso many years before. 

After the reel, the young folks romped through "Paul Jones, " and thenthe party broke up, all declaring that never before had they had quitesuch a good time. 

As Grace sleepily prepared for bed, she felt a little thrill of pride atthe success of her party, and her only regret was the fact that of allthose invited, Eleanor was the only one who had refused to be present. 

CHAPTER XIV

ELEANOR FINDS A WAY

Now that Thanksgiving was past, basketball became the topic of the hour. The juniors had accepted the challenge of the senior class, and hadagreed to play them on Saturday, December 12, at two o'clock, in thegymnasium. Only two weeks remained in which to practise. Their sororityenthusiasm had so completely run away with them that they had evenneglected basketball until now. Therefore Grace Harlowe lost no timein getting Miss Thompson's permission to use the gymnasium, and promptlynotified her team and the subs. To meet there, in gymnasium suits, prepared to play, that afternoon. 

The instant the last bell sounded on lessons, ten girls made for theirlockers, and fifteen minutes later the first team and the subs. Weremoving toward the gymnasium deep in the discussion of the coming gameand their chances for success over their opponents. 

A brief meeting was held, and the girls were assigned to theirpositions. Grace had fully intended that Miriam should play center, butwhen she proposed it, Miriam flatly refused to do so, and asked for herold position of right forward. 

"You are our captain, " she declared to Grace, "and the best centerI ever saw on a girls' team. It would be folly to change now. Don'tyou agree with me, girls?"

Nora was detailed as left forward, while Marian Barber and Eva Allenplayed right and left guards. The substitutes were also assigned theirpositions and practice began. 

Before they had been on the floor twenty minutes the girls werethoroughly alive to the joy of the game and worked with the old-timedash and spirit that had won them the championship the previous year. Now that they were in harmony with each other, they played withremarkable unity, and after an hour's practice Grace decided that theywere in a fair way to "whip the seniors off the face of the earth. "

"I never saw you girls work better!" she exclaimed. "It will be a sorryday for the seniors when we line up on the twelfth. "

"There'll be a great gnashing of senior teeth after the game, " remarkedNora confidently. 

"Do you know, girls, " said Grace, as they left the gymnasium thatafternoon, "I am sorry that Eleanor won't be peaceable. I wanted her tolike every bit of our school life and thought she'd surely be interestedin basketball. I suppose she will stay away from the game merelybecause we are on the team. It is really a shame for her to be sounreasonable. "

"Grace Harlowe, are you ever going to stop mourning over Eleanor?" criedMiriam impatiently. "She doesn't deserve your regret and is too selfishto appreciate it. I know what I am talking about because I used to bejust as ridiculous as she is, and knowing what you suffered through me, I can't bear to see you unhappy again over some one who is too trivialto be taken seriously. "

"You're a dear, Miriam!" exclaimed Nora impulsively. 

It was the first time that the once haughty Miriam had ever referredpublicly to past shortcomings, although from the time she and Grace hadsettled their difficulties at the close of the sophomore year, she hadbeen a changed girl. 

"Where are Anne and Jessica to-day?" asked Eva Allen. 

"Anne and Jessica have refused point blank to honor us with theirpresence during practice, " announced Nora. "I asked Jessica to-day, andshe said that they didn't want to know how we intended to play, for thenthey could wax enthusiastic and make a great deal more noise. It istheir ambition to become loud and loyal fans. "

"What a worthy ambition, " said Marian Barber, with a giggle. "They aresuch noisy creatures already. "

There was more laughing at this, as Anne and Jessica were by far thequietest members of the sorority. 

"Remember, we practise to-morrow after school, " called Grace as sheseparated from her team at her street. 

As she walked slowly down the quiet street, deep in thought, her earcaught the sound of an approaching automobile, and she looked up just intime to see Eleanor drive by in her machine. Grace nodded to her, buther salutation met with a chilly stare. 

"How childish she is, " thought Grace. "I suppose she thinks that hurtsme. Of course it isn't exactly pleasant, but I'm going to keep onspeaking to her, just the same. I am not angry, even if she is; althoughI have far greater cause to be. "

But before the close of the week Grace was destined to cross swords withEleanor in earnest, and the toleration she had felt was swallowed up inrighteous indignation. 

During the winter, theatrical companies sometimes visited Oakdale for aweek at a time, presenting, at popular prices, old worn-out plays andcheap melodramas. These companies gave daily matinées as well asevening performances, and the more frivolous element of High Schoolgirls had in time past occasionally "skipped school" to spend theafternoon in the theatre. By the girls, this form of truancy wasconsidered a "lark, " but Miss Thompson did not look at the matter in thesame light, and disciplined the culprit so severely whenever she foundthis to be the cause of an afternoon's absence that the girls were slowto offend in this respect. 

All this Eleanor had heard, among other things, from Edna Wright, buthad paid little attention to it when Edna had told her. Directly aftercutting Grace Harlowe, she had turned her runabout into Main Street, where a billboard had caught her eye, displaying in glaring red and bluelettering the fact that the "Peerless Dramatic Company" would open aweek's engagement in Oakdale with daily matinées. 

Eleanor's eyes sparkled. She halted her machine, scanning curiously thelist of plays on the billboard. "The Nihilist's Daughter" was scheduledfor Thursday afternoon, and Eleanor decided to go. She wasn't afraid ofMiss Thompson. Then, possessed with a sudden idea, she laughedgleefully. At last she had found a way to effectually annoy theprincipal. 

CHAPTER XV

A WOULD-BE "LARK"

Eleanor Savell and the seven girls who formed their sorority were thefirst to enter the study hall on Tuesday morning. As soon as a girl fromany of the three lower classes appeared she was approached by some ofthe former and a great deal of whispering and subdued laughter went on. A few girls were seen to shake their heads dubiously, and a number ofthose termed "grinds" were not interviewed. The majority, however, appeared to be highly delighted over what they heard, one group standingnear one of the windows, of which Eleanor was the center, laughed soloudly that they were sent to their seats. 

Among the number to whom nothing was said were the members of the PhiSigma Tau, and as the morning advanced they became fully aware thatsomething unusual was in the wind. Several times they caught sight of afolded paper being stealthily passed from one desk to another, but as toits contents they had no idea, as it was not handed to any one of them. 

At recess there was more grouping and whispering, and Grace was puzzledand not a little hurt over the way in which she and her friends wereignored. Such a thing had not happened since the basketball trouble theprevious year. 

"Eleanor started that paper, whatever it is, " said Nora O'Malley to thePhi Sigma Tau, who stood in a group around her desk. "She was here whenI came in this morning, and I was early, too. It is some masterpiece ofmischief on her part, or she wouldn't take the trouble to get here ontime. "

"Here comes Mabel, " said Jessica. "Maybe she has seen the paper. Mabel, dear, did you see that paper that has been going the rounds thismorning?"

Mabel nodded. 

"What was written on it, Mabel?" asked Grace curiously. 

Mabel looked distressed for a moment then she said, "I wish I mighttell you all about it, but I gave my word of honor before I read itthat I wouldn't mention the contents to any one. "

"Then, of course, we won't ask you, " said Anne Pierson quickly. "Buttell us this much--is it about any of us?"

"No, " replied Mabel. "It isn't. It is something I was asked to sign. "

"And did you sign it?" asked Jessica. 

"I certainly did not, " responded Mabel. "It was----" she stopped, thenflushed. She had been on the point of telling. "I am sorry I ever sawit, " she continued. "I can't bear to have secrets and not tell you. "

"That's all right, Mabel, " said Marian Barber, patting her on theshoulder. "We don't want you to tell. If it doesn't concern us we don'tcare, do we, girls?"

"No, indeed, " was the reply. 

Just then the bell sounded and the girls returned to their seats withthe riddle still unsolved. Nothing more was seen of the mysteriouspaper, and Grace came to the conclusion that it had been nothingimportant, after all. 

On Wednesday, aside from a little more whispering and significantglances exchanged among the pupils, not a ripple disturbed the calm ofthe study hall. It was therefore a distinct and not altogether pleasantsurprise when Miss Thompson walked into the room, dismissed the seniorclass and requested the three lower classes to remain in their seats. 

After the seniors had quietly left the study hall, Miss Thompson stoodgravely regarding the rows of girls before her. Her eyes wandered towardwhere Eleanor sat, looking bored and indifferent, and then she lookedtoward Grace, whose steady gray eyes were fixed on the principal's facewith respectful attention. 

"I don't believe Grace is guilty, at any rate, " thought Miss Thompson;then she addressed the assembled girls. 

"Something has come to my ears, girls, " said the principal, "that I findhard to credit, but before you leave here this afternoon I must know whois innocent and who is guilty. "

Miss Thompson paused and a number of girls stirred uneasily in theirseats, while a few glanced quickly toward Eleanor, who was lookingstraight ahead, the picture of innocence. 

"You all know, " continued the principal, "that it is strictly forbiddenfor any pupil to absent herself from school for the purpose of attendinga circus, matinée or any public performance of this nature. I have soseverely disciplined pupils for this offence that for a long time no onehas disobeyed me. I was, therefore, astonished to learn that a number ofgirls, regardless of rules, have taken matters into their own hands andhave decided to absent themselves from school to-morrow in order toattend the matinée to be given in the theatre. Such a decision is worsethan disobedience--it is lawlessness. Unless a severe example is made ofthe offenders, the standard of the school will be lowered. Therefore, I intend to sift this matter to the bottom and find out what mischievousinfluence prompted this act of insubordination. 

"Report says that this movement originated in the junior class, and thata paper has been circulated and signed by certain pupils, who pledgedthemselves to play truant and attend the matinée to-morrow. "

The eyes of Grace and her chums turned questioningly toward MabelAllison, who nodded slightly in the affirmative. 

So that was what all the whispering and mystery had meant. Graceinwardly congratulated herself on having kept clear of the whole thing. None of her friends were implicated, either. Even Mabel had refused tosign. 

"I have dismissed the senior class, because I have been assured of theirentire ignorance of the plot. What I insist upon knowing now, is who arethe real culprits, beginning with the girl who originated the paper tothe last one who signed it. I am going to put every girl on her honor, and I expect absolutely truthful answers. The girls who signed the paperI have mentioned will rise. "

There was a moment of suspense, then Eleanor Savell proudly rose fromher seat. Her example was followed, until two thirds of the girlspresent were standing. The principal stood silently regarding them withan expression of severity that was decidedly discomfitting. 

"That will do, " she said curtly, after they had stood for what seemedto them an age, but was really only a couple of minutes. 

"You may be seated. The girl who composed and wrote that agreement willnow rise and explain herself. "

Without hesitating, Eleanor rose and regarded the principal with aninsolent smile. "I wrote it, Miss Thompson, " she said clearly. "I wroteit because I wished to. I am sorry you found out about it, because ithas spoiled all our fun. "

There was a gasp of horror at Eleanor's assertion. No one had everbefore spoken so disrespectfully to their revered principal. 

"Miss Savell, " said the principal quietly, although her flashing eyesand set lips showed that she was very angry, "if you have that paper inyour possession, bring it to me at once, and never answer me again asyou did just now. You are both disrespectful and impertinent. "

But Miss Thompson's anger toward Eleanor was nothing compared with thetempest that the principal had aroused in Eleanor. The latter flushed, then turned perfectly white with rage. Still standing, she reached down, picked up a book from her desk and took from it a paper. "This, " shesaid, in a low tense voice, "is the paper you wish to see. I do notchoose to let you see it, therefore I shall destroy it. "

[Illustration: "I Do Not Choose to Let You See This Paper. "]

Then she deliberately tore the offending paper into shreds and scatteredthem broadcast. 

"I hope you understand that I am not afraid of you or any other teacherin this school, " she continued. "I have never been punished in my life, therefore I am not liable to give you the first opportunity. I despiseyou, because you are a ridiculous prig, and I am glad of an opportunityto tell you so. As for the persons who told you about our plan, wordscannot express my contempt for them, and right here I accuse GraceHarlowe and her sorority of getting the information from Mabel Allisonyesterday and carrying it to you. They are all tale-bearers and sneaks. "

With these words, Eleanor angrily flung the book she held on the deskand walked down the aisle toward the door, but Miss Thompson barred herway. 

"Stop, Miss Savell, " she commanded. "You shall not leave this room untilyou have apologized to the girls whom you have unjustly accused and tome. I will not tolerate such behavior. "

Eleanor glared at the principal, whose face was rigid in its purpose, then sank into the nearest vacant seat, saying defiantly: "You may keepme here all night if you like, but, I meant what I said, and I shallretract nothing. "

Nevertheless she did not again attempt to leave the room. She had metwith a will stronger than her own and she realized it. 

Ignoring Eleanor's final remark, Miss Thompson once more turned herattention to the matter in hand. 

"Those girls who are not in any way implicated in this matter aredismissed, " she said. 

About one third of the girls arose and prepared to leave the study hall, the Phi Sigma Tau being among the number. Grace motioned the girls tohurry. She wished to leave the room with her friends before MissThompson noticed them. She knew the principal would insist on an apologyfrom Eleanor, and neither she nor her friends wished it. For the firsttime since Eleanor had chosen to cut their acquaintance Grace wasthoroughly angry with her. She could not forgive Eleanor for havingaccused her and her friends of carrying tales before almost the entireschool; therefore a forced apology would not appease her wounded pride. She drew a breath of relief when the eight girls were safely outside thestudy hall door. 

"Hurry up, " she said. "We'll talk when we get outside school. Don't stopfor a minute. If Miss Thompson notices that we are gone, she'll sendafter us. "

The girls silently donned their wraps and fled from the building likefugitives from justice. Once on the street a lively confab ensued, alltalking at once. 

"Let's take turns talking, " cried Grace, laughing. "We shall understandeach other a little better. "

"Now, what do you think of Miss Eleanor?" cried Nora. "She has certainlyshown her true colors this time. "

"I never heard of anything more unjust than the way she accused us, whenwe knew nothing about her old plan, " said Marian Barber. 

"It was abominable, " said Eva Allen. 

The other girls expressed their disapproval in equally frank terms. 

"I suppose it did look as though I told you girls, " said Mabel Allison, who had joined them at the gate. "You know I was with you at recess, right after the paper had been passed to me. I don't think Miss Savellintended me to see it. It was passed to me by mistake. "

"Very likely, " agreed Grace. "I wonder who did tell Miss Thompson. I sawseveral girls with the paper, but hadn't the remotest idea what it wasall about. You know Miss Thompson is awfully down on 'skipping school. 'She threatened last year to suspend Edna Wright for it. "

"There will be weeping and wailing in the 'Skull and Crossbones'crowd, '" exclaimed Nora. "They are all in this mix-up, and if theyaren't suspended, they'll be lucky. "

"Are you going to stand up for Eleanor now, in the face of what she saidabout all of us before those girls, Grace?" asked Marian Barber hotly. 

"No, " said Grace shortly. "She deserves to be punished. The things shesaid to Miss Thompson were disgraceful, and I shall never forgive herfor the way she spoke of us. "

"I wouldn't say that, Grace, " remarked Anne. "You can never tell whatmay happen to change your views. "

"It will have to be something remarkable in this instance, " repliedGrace grimly, as she bade the girls good-bye. "Remember, girls, basketball practice again to-morrow, and the rest of the week. MissThompson has promised me the gymnasium. Please make it a point to be onhand. "

"Good-bye, Grace, " chorused her friends, and went on down the streetdiscussing the probable fate of the would-be truants. 

 * * * * *

To return to those youthful transgressors. They were spending a mostuncomfortable half hour with Miss Thompson. She was merciless in herdenunciation of their conduct, and the terror of suspension arose inmore than one mind, as they listened to her scathing remarks. It had allseemed a huge joke when they planned it, but there was nothing funnyabout it now. When, with the exception of Eleanor, the principaldismissed them, they filed decorously out, very uneasy in mind. MissThompson had taken their names, but had not stated their punishment andit was certain that they would be made to feel the full weight of herdispleasure. 

When the last girl had disappeared the principal turned to Eleanor. "I will listen to your apology, Miss Savell, " she said coldly. 

Eleanor looked scornfully at the principal, and was silent. 

"Do you intend to obey me, Miss Savell?" asked Miss Thompson. 

Still there was no answer. 

"Very well, " continued Miss Thompson. "Your silence indicates that youare still insubordinate. You may, therefore, choose between two things. You may apologize to me now, and to-morrow to the girls you have accusedof treachery, or you may leave this school, not to return to it unlesspermitted to do so by the Board of Education. "

Without a word Eleanor rose and walked haughtily out of the room. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE JUNIORS FOREVER

When the four classes assembled Thursday morning, every girl, with theexception of Eleanor, was in her seat. Her absence created considerablecomment, and it was a matter of speculation as to whether she hadpurposely absented herself or really had been suspended. 

After conducting opening exercises, Miss Thompson pronounced sentence onthe culprits. They were to forfeit their recess, library and all otherprivileges until the end of the term. They must turn in two themes everyweek of not less than six hundred words on certain subjects to beassigned to them. If, during this time, any one of them should bereported for a misdemeanor, they were to be suspended without delay. 

Their penalty was far from light, but they had not been suspended, andso they resolved to endure it as best they might. 

Grace Harlowe felt a load lifted from her mind when Miss Thompsonpublicly announced that she had not received any information from eitherMabel Allison or the Phi Sigma Tau. 

"Thank goodness, none of us were concerned in that affair, " she told themembers of her basketball team at recess. "There are two girls on thesophomore and three on the freshman team whose basketball ardor willhave to cool until after the mid-year exams. "

"You might know that some of those silly freshmen would get intotrouble, " said Nora scornfully. 

 "'Twas many and many a year ago, In an age beyond recall, That Nora, the freshman, lowly sat At one end of the study hall. "

recited Anne Pierson in dramatic tones. 

There was a burst of laughter from the girls at this effusion, in whichNora herself joined. 

"What a delicate way of reminding me that I once was a freshman!" sheexclaimed. 

"Anne has a new accomplishment, " said Grace. "She can spout poetrywithout trying. "

"Small credit is due me, " said Anne, smiling. "Anyone can twist 'AnnabelLee' to suit the occasion. "

"By the way, Anne, " said Grace, "as you are a poet, you must compose abasketball song to-day, and I'll see that the juniors all have copies. It's time we had one. Let me see what would be a good tune?"

"'Rally Round the Flag, '" suggested Miriam Nesbit. "That has a dandyswing to it. "

Grace hummed a few bars. 

"The very thing, " she exclaimed. "Now, Anne, get busy at once. You'dbetter sing the tune to yourself all the time you're writing it, thenyou'll be sure to put more dash and spirit into it. "

"I wish the day of the game were here, " said Jessica plaintively. "I have been practising a most encouraging howl. Hippy, David andReddy have a new one, too. Reddy says it's 'marvelously extraordinaryand appallingly great. '"

"I can imagine it to be all that and more if Hippy had anything to dowith its origin, " said Nora. 

"Wasn't it nice of Miss Thompson to exonerate us publicly?" asked Anne. 

"She is always just, " replied Grace. "I can't understand how Eleanorcould be so rude and disagreeable to her. She has disliked Miss Thompsonfrom the first. "

"I wonder whether she apologized to Miss Thompson last night, " musedGrace. 

"I feel sure that she didn't, and I am just as sure that she won't getback until she does. "

"We shall manage to exist if she doesn't, " said Jessica dryly. She felta personal grudge against Eleanor for her accusation against Mabel, whohad grown very dear to her and whom she mothered like a hen with onechicken. 

"She'll probably appear at the game in all her glory, " said MiriamNesbit. "She can go to that, even though she is on bad terms with theschool. "

The recess bell cut short the conversation and the girls returned totheir desks with far better ideas of the coming game than of theafternoon's lessons. 

Saturday, December 12, dawned cold and clear, and the girls on bothteams were in high spirits as they hustled into their respectivelocker-rooms and rapidly donned their gymnasium suits. The spectatorshad not yet begun to arrive, as it was still early, so the girlsindulged in a little warming-up practice, did a few stunts and skippedabout, overflowing with animal spirits. 

Julia Crosby and Grace took turns sprinting around the gymnasium threetimes in succession, while Miriam Nesbit timed them, Grace finishingjust two seconds ahead of Julia. 

By a quarter of two the gallery was fairly well filled and by fiveminutes of two it was crowded. The juniors, with the exception ofEleanor Savell's faction, arrived in a body, gave the High School yellthe moment they spied their team, and then burst forth with thebasketball song, led by Ruth Deane, a tall junior, who stood up and beattime with both hands. Anne had composed the song the week before. Thejuniors had all received copies of the words and had learned them byheart. They now sang with the utmost glee, and came out particularlystrong on the chorus, which ran:

 "The juniors forever, hurrah, fans, hurrah! Our team is a winner, our captain's a star. And we'll drive the senior foe, from the basket every time. Shouting the war cry of the juniors. "

There was a great clapping of hands from the admirers of the juniors atthis effort, but the seniors promptly responded from the other end ofthe gallery to the tune of Dixie, with:

 "The seniors are the real thing. Hurrah! Hurrah! Our gallant team now takes its stand, And all the baskets soon will land. We shout, we sing, the praises of the seniors. "

Hardly had the last notes died away, when the referee blew the whistleand the teams hustled to their positions. Grace and Julia Crosby facedeach other, beamed amiably and shook hands, then stood vigilant, eyes onthe ball that the referee balanced in her hands. Up it went, the whistlesounded and the two captains sprang straight for it. Grace captured it, however, and sent it flying toward Miriam, who was so carefully guardedthat she dared not attempt to make the basket, and after a feint managedto throw it to Nora, who tried for the basket at long range and missed. 

There was a general scramble for the ball, and for five minutes neitherteam scored; then Marian Barber dropped a neat field goal, and soonafter Grace scored on a foul. The junior fans howled joyfully at thegood work of their team. The seniors did not intend to allow them toscore again in a hurry. They played such a close guarding game that, tryas they might, the juniors made no headway. Then Julia Crosby scored ona field goal, making the score 3 to 2. This spurred the junior team onto greater effort, and Miriam made a brilliant throw to basket thatbrought forth an ovation from the gallery. This ended the first half, with the score 5 to 2 in favor of the juniors. 

"They'll have to work to catch up with us now, " said Nora O'Malleytriumphantly to the members of the team, who sat resting in the littleside room off the gymnasium. 

"We have the lead, but we can't afford to boast yet, " replied Grace. "The seniors played a fine game last half, and they'll strain everynerve to pile up their score next half. "

"We shall win, " said Miriam Nesbit confidently. "I feel it in my bones. "

"Let's hope that your bones are true prophets, " laughed Marian Barber. 

"O girls!" exclaimed Eva Allen from the open door, in which she had beenstanding looking up at the gallery. "Eleanor is here. She and hersatellites are sitting away up on the back seat of the gallery. "

"Where?" asked Nora, going to the door. "Oh, yes, I see her. She looksas haughty as ever. It's a wonder she'd condescend to come and watch hermortal enemies play. "

"I suppose she hopes we'll lose, " said Marian Barber. "That would fillher with joy. "

"Then we'll see that she goes away in a gloomy frame of mind, " saidNora, "for we're going to win, and don't you forget to remember it. "

Just then the whistle blew, and there was a scramble for places. Thistime Julia Crosby won the toss-up, and followed it up with a field goal. Then the seniors scored twice on fouls, tying the score. The juniorsset their teeth and waded in with all their might and main, setting awhirlwind pace that caused their fans to shout with wild enthusiasm andfairly dazed their opponents. Grace alone netted four foul goals, andthe sensational playing of Nora and Miriam was a matter of wonder to thespectators, who conceded it to be the fastest, most brilliant half everplayed by an Oakdale team. The game ended with the score 15 to 6 infavor of the juniors, whose loyal supporters swooped down upon them themoment the whistle blew and pranced about, whooping like savages. 

"That was the greatest game I ever saw played under this roof, " criedDavid, wringing Grace's hand, while Hippy hopped about, uttering littleyelps of joy. Reddy circled about the victors almost too delighted forwords. He was filled with profound admiration for them. 

"The boys' crack team couldn't have played a better game, " he saidsolemnly, and the girls knew that he could pay them no highercompliment, for this team was considered invincible by the High Schoolboys. 

"Perhaps we'll challenge you some day, Reddy, " said Grace mischievously. 

"I believe you'd win at that, " he said so earnestly that every onelaughed. 

"It was a great triumph, " said Jessica proudly, as she stood with Mabeland Anne in the locker-room while the girls resumed street clothing. "And my new howl was a success, too. "

"Glad to know that, " said Grace. "There were so many different kinds ofnoises I couldn't distinguish it. "

"There was one noise that started that was promptly hushed, " said Anne. "You heard it, too, didn't you Jessica?"

"Oh, yes, girls, I intended telling you before this, " replied Jessica. "Just before the last half started, Miss Thompson and Miss Kane came inand walked to the other end of the gallery. Well, Eleanor and her crowdsaw them, and what do you suppose they did?"

"Hard to tell, " said Nora. 

"They hissed Miss Thompson. Very softly, you may be sure, " continuedJessica, "but it was hissing, just the same. For a wonder, she didn'thear it, but every girl in the junior class did. They were sitting downfront on the same side as Eleanor's crowd. You know what a temper RuthDeane has and how ferocious she can look? Well, the minute she heard itshe went back there like a flash, looking for all the world like athunder cloud. She talked for a moment to Edna and Eleanor. They tossedtheir heads, but they didn't hiss any more. "

"What did Ruth say to them?" asked Grace curiously. "It must have beensomething remarkable, or they wouldn't have subsided so suddenly. "

"It was, " giggled Jessica. "She told them that if they didn't stop itinstantly, the juniors would pick them up bodily, carry them downstairsto the classroom and lock them in until the game was over. "

"How absurd!" exclaimed Grace. "They would never have dared to go thatfar. "

"I don't know about that, " said Nora O'Malley. "Ruth Deane is a terrorwhen she gets fairly started. Besides, she would have had both HighSchools on her side. Even the boys like Miss Thompson. "

"It was an effectual threat at any rate, " said Jessica. "They leftbefore the game was over. Perhaps they were afraid of being waylaid. "

"I suppose they couldn't bear to see us win, " said Grace. "But, O girls, I am so proud of our invincible team. It was a great gameand a well-earned victory. "

"We ought to celebrate, " said Miriam. "Come on. Here we are atStillman's. "

Without waiting for a second invitation, the Phi Sigma Tau troopedjoyfully into the drug store. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE LAST STRAW

The days glided by rapidly. The Christmas holidays came, bringing withthem the usual round of gayeties. Thanks to the Phi Sigma Tau, thelonely element of High School girls did not lack for good cheer. As atThanksgiving, each member of the sorority entertained two or more girlson Christmas and New Year's, and were amply repaid for their good deedby the warm appreciation of their guests. 

Tom Gray came down for the holidays, bringing with him his roommate, Arnold Evans, a fair-haired, blue-eyed young man of twenty, who provedhimself thoroughly likable in every respect. He lost no time incultivating Miriam's acquaintance, and the two soon became firm friends. 

Tom gave a dinner to his roommate, inviting "the seven originals, " as heexpressed it, and Miriam, who felt that at last she really belonged inthe charmed circle. David was even more pleased than his sister over theturn affairs had taken. To have Miriam a member of his own particular"crowd" had always been David's dearest wish, and the advent of ArnoldEvans had done away with Miriam being the odd one. So the circle wasenlarged to ten young people, who managed to crowd the two weeks'vacation with all sorts of healthful pleasures. 

There were coasting and sleighing parties, and on one occasion a walk toold Jean's hut in Upton Wood, where they were hospitably entertained bythe old hunter, who had smilingly pointed to the wolf skins on the wall, asking them if they remembered the winter day two years before whenthose same skins held wolves who were far too lively for comfort. Thenthe story of their escape had to be gone over again for Arnold'sbenefit. 

They had stayed until the moon came up, and, accompanied by the oldhunter, had walked back to Oakdale in the moonlight. 

After the holidays came the brief period of hard study before thedreaded mid-year examinations. Basketball enthusiasm declined rapidlyand a remarkable devotion to study ensued that lasted until examinationsbegan. By the last week in January, the ordeal was past. 

Eleanor Savell had not yet returned to school. Whether or not she wouldbe allowed to return was a question that occasioned a great deal ofdiscussion among three lower classes of girls. Edna Wright and the othermembers of the sorority organized by Eleanor were loud in theirexpressions of disapproval as to Miss Thompson's "severity" towardEleanor. They talked so freely about it, that it reached the principal'sears. She lost no time in sending for them, and after a session in theoffice, they emerged looking subdued and crestfallen; and after that itwas noted that when in conversation with their schoolmates, they made nofurther allusion to Miss Thompson's methods of discipline. 

There was a faint murmur of surprise around the study hall onemorning, however, when Miss Thompson walked in to conduct the openingexercises, accompanied by Eleanor, who, without looking at the school, seated herself at the desk nearest to where the principal stood. 

When the morning exercises were concluded, Miss Thompson nodded slightlyto Eleanor, who turned rather pale, then rose, and, facing the school, said in a clear voice:

"I wish to apologize to Miss Thompson for impertinence andinsubordination. I also wish to publicly apologize to the members of thePhi Sigma Tau for having accused them of treachery concerning a certainmatter that recently came up in this school. "

"Your apology is accepted, Miss Savell. You may take your own seat, "said the principal. 

Without looking to the right or left, Eleanor walked proudly up theaisle to her seat, followed by the gaze of those girls who could notrefrain from watching her. The Phi Sigma Tau, to a member, sat with eyesstraight to the front. They had no desire to increase Eleanor'sdiscomfiture, for they realized what this public apology must have costher, although they were all equally puzzled as to what had prompted herto humble herself. 

Eleanor's apology was not due, however, to a change of heart. She stilldespised Miss Thompson as thoroughly as on the day that she hadmanifested her open scorn and dislike for the principal. 

As for Grace and her friends, Eleanor was particularly bitter againstthem, and laid at their door a charge of which they were entirelyinnocent. 

Eleanor had told her aunt nothing of her recent trouble in school, buthad feigned illness as an excuse for remaining at home. After attendingthe basketball game her aunt had told her rather sharply that if shewere able to attend basketball games, she was certainly able to continueher studies. Eleanor had agreed to return to school the followingMonday, and had started from home at the usual time with no intentionwhatever of honoring the High School with her presence. She passed themorning in the various stores, lunched in town and went to a matinée inthe afternoon. In this manner she idled the days away until the holidayvacation came, congratulating herself upon her success in pulling woolover the eyes of her long-suffering aunt. 

But a day of reckoning was at hand, for just before the close ofvacation Miss Thompson chanced to call at Mrs. Gray's home while Mrs. Gray was entertaining Miss Nevin, and the truth came out. 

When Miss Nevin confronted her niece with the deception Eleanor hadpractised upon her, a stormy scene had followed, and Eleanor had accusedGrace Harlowe of telling tales to Mrs. Gray, and Mrs. Gray of carryingthem to her aunt. This had angered Miss Nevin to the extent that she hadimmediately ordered Eleanor to her room without telling her from whomshe had received her information. 

For three days Eleanor had remained in her room, refusing to speak toher aunt, who, at the end of that time, decreed that if she did not atonce apologize roundly and return to school her violin and piano wouldboth be taken from her until she should again become reasonable. 

In the face of this new punishment, which was the severest penalty thatcould be imposed upon her, Eleanor remained obdurate. Her violin andpiano were removed from her room and the piano in the drawing room wasclosed. Still she stubbornly held out, and it was not until the daybefore the beginning of the new term that she went to her aunt andcoldly agreed to comply with her wishes, providing she might have herviolin and piano once more. 

Aside from this conversation they had exchanged no words, and Eleanortherefore entered school that morning still believing the Phi Sigma Tauto be at the bottom of her misfortune. 

In spite of her recent assertion that she could not forgive Eleanor, Grace's resentment vanished at sight of her enemy's humiliation. Apublic apology was the last thing that either she or her friendsdesired. Her promise to Mrs. Gray loomed up before her. If Eleanorreally did believe the Phi Sigma Tau innocent, then perhaps this wouldbe the opportunity for reconciliation. After a little thought, she torea sheet of paper from her notebook and wrote:

 "DEAR ELEANOR:

 "The members of the Phi Sigma Tau are very sorry about your having to make an apology. We did not wish it. We think you showed a great deal of the right kind of courage in making the public apology you did both to Miss Thompson and to us. Won't you come back to the Phi Sigma Tau?

 "YOUR SINCERE FRIENDS. "

At recess Grace showed the note to her friends. She had signed her nameto the note and requested the others to do the same. Here she met withsome opposition. Nora, Marian Barber and Eva Allen were strongly opposedto sending it. But Jessica, Anne and Miriam agreed with Grace that itwould be in fulfillment of the original promise to Mrs. Gray to helpEleanor whenever they could do so. So the Phi Sigma Tau signed theirnames and the note was passed to Eleanor directly after recess. 

She opened it, read it through, and an expression of such intense scornpassed over her face that Nora, who sat near her and who was covertlywatching her, knew at once that Grace's flag of truce had been trampledin the dust. 

Picking up her pen, Eleanor wrote rapidly for a brief space, underlinedwhat she had written, signed her name with a flourish, and, folding andaddressing her note, sent it to Grace. 

Rather surprised at receiving an answer so quickly, Grace unfolded thenote. Then she colored, looked grave and, putting the note in the backof the text-book she was holding, went on studying. 

By the time school was over for the day, the girls of the Phi Sigma Tauknew that Eleanor had once more repudiated their overtures of friendshipand were curious to see what she had written. 

"Don't keep us in suspense. Let us see what she wrote, " exclaimed NoraO'Malley as the seven girls crossed the campus together. 

"Here it is, " said Grace, handing Nora the note. 

Nora eagerly unfolded the paper and the girls crowded around, readingover her shoulder, Grace walking a little apart from them. Then Noraread aloud:

 "TO THE PHI SIGMA TAU:

 "Your kind appreciation of my conduct in the matter of apology is really remarkable, coupled with the fact that your inability to refrain from discussing my personal affairs with Mrs. Gray forced this recent humiliation upon me. To ask me to return to your society is only adding insult to injury. I am not particularly surprised at this, however. It merely proves you to be greater hypocrites than you at first seemed. 

 "ELEANOR SAVELL. "

"Well, of all things!" exclaimed Marian Barber. "Grace Harlowe, if youever attempt to conciliate her again, I'll disown you. "

"What does she mean by saying that we discussed her affairs with Mrs. Gray?" cried Jessica impatiently. "We have always tried to put her bestside out to dear Mrs. Gray, and you all know it. "

"The best thing to do, " said Anne, smiling a little, "is to tell Mrs. Gray all about it. We might as well live up to the reputation Eleanorhas thrust upon us. It isn't pleasant to admit that we have failed withEleanor, but it isn't our fault, at any rate. I am going there thisafternoon. I'll tell her. "

"May I go with you, Anne?" asked Grace. 

"You know I'd love to have you, " Anne replied. 

"As long as I was the first to agree to look out for Eleanor, I havedecided I had better be with you at the finish, " said Grace, as the twogirls walked slowly up the drive. 

"The finish?" asked Anne. "Why do you say that, Grace?"

"You've heard about the last straw that broke the camel's back, haven'tyou?" asked Grace. "Well, Eleanor's note is the last straw. I know Isaid that once before, and I broke my word. I don't intend to break itagain, however. I am going to ask Mrs. Gray to release me from mypromise. "

CHAPTER XVIII

THE PLAY'S THE THING

Excitement ran high in the three lower classes one morning in earlyFebruary when Miss Thompson requested that those interested in theproduction of a Shakespearian play go to the library directly afterschool, there to discuss the situation. 

When the gong sounded dismissal, about sixty girls with dramaticaspirations made for the library. The Phi Sigma Tau entered in a body. They had decided at recess to carry away as many laurels as possible, providing they could get into the cast. 

Miss Tebbs, teacher of elocution; Miss Kane, teacher of gymnastics, andMiss Thompson stood at one side of the library talking earnestly as theynoted each newcomer. 

"Oh, look!" whispered Jessica, clutching Nora's arm. "There's Eleanorand her crowd. "

"Then look out for squalls, " replied Nora. "She'll try to be the wholecast, and will get a magnificent case of sulks if she can't have her ownway. "

"Sh-h-h, " warned Eva Allen. "She'll hear you. Besides, Miss Thompson isgoing to speak. "

The principal held up her hand for silence and the groups of girlsengaged in subdued conversation ceased talking and turned theirattention toward her. 

"You are all aware that each year the senior class gives a play, whichthey choose, manage and produce with no assistance save that given byMiss Tebbs, " said the principal. "So far the three lower classes havenever given a play. Some time ago Miss Tebbs suggested that as we needmoney for special books in the library which our yearly appropriationdoes not cover, we might present a Shakespearian play with good effect, choosing the cast from the freshman, sophomore and junior classes. 

"The first thing to be thought of is the play itself. After dueconsideration, we decided that 'As You Like It' is better suited to ourneeds than any of the other Shakespearian dramas. In it are twenty-onespeaking characters, besides numerous lords, pages and attendants. Weshall probably use about fifty girls, thus making it an elaborateproduction. By the attendance this afternoon I should imagine that youare heartily in favor of our project and that we shall have no troublein making up the cast. As Miss Tebbs has charge of the situation, Iyield the floor to her. She will explain to you about the giving out ofthe parts. "

There was an enthusiastic clapping of hands as Miss Thompson smiled andnodded to the girls, then left the room. Miss Tebbs then stated that onFriday afternoon after school there would be a "try out" for parts inthe gymnasium, in order to find out what girls were most capable ofdoing good work in the cast. Just what the test would be had not beendecided. It would be well, however, to study the chosen play and becomefamiliar with it; also each girl must bring a copy of the play with her. If the girls wished to ask any questions, she would answer them as faras possible. Miss Kane would help with the posing and coaching when thething was fairly started. 

The girls crowded around Miss Tebbs and Miss Kane, asking all sorts ofquestions. 

"One at a time, girls, " laughed Miss Tebbs. "I have not asked you toenact a mob scene. "

Under cover of the confusion, Grace and her three friends slipped out ofthe library. 

"'The play's the thing, '" quoted Nora, "and me for it. "

"That is for the judges to decide, " said Jessica sagely. "Perhaps theywon't even look at you. "

"Do you think any one could see my Irish countenance and fail to beimpressed?" demanded Nora. 

"Really and truly, Nora, the more you travel with Hippy, the more youtalk like him, " remarked Grace. 

"I consider that a compliment, " replied Nora, laughing. "Hippy saysawfully funny things. "

"Look at our little Anne, " said Jessica. "She is actually dreaming. Tellus about it, dear. "

"I was thinking of the play, " said Anne dreamily. "I do so want a part, if only a little one. "

"You'll be chosen for Rosalind, see if you aren't, " predicted Grace. 

"Oh, no, " said Anne. "Some one else will be sure to get that. Besides, I'm too short. "

"But, Anne, you've had stage experience, " said Jessica. "You ought toget it. "

"Not in a Shakespearian play, " replied Anne, shaking her head. "I mightnot do well at all with that kind of part. "

"Never fear, you'll be the star before you know it, " said Nora. 

By Friday, there was nothing on the school horizon save the cherishedplay. Before school, at recess, and even in classes it was the topic ofthe hour. To the eager girls the day seemed particularly long, and aheartfelt sigh went up when the dismissal gong rang. 

As the four chums hurried toward the gymnasium, Anne suddenly caughtGrace by the arm with a faint gasp of surprise. Glancing quickly down ather friend to ascertain the cause of Anne's sudden agitation, Grace sawher friend's eyes following the figure of a tall, distinguished-lookingman who was just disappearing down the corridor leading to thegymnasium. 

"What's the matter, Anne?" asked Grace. "Do you know that man?"

"No, " replied Anne, "but I know who he is. "

"He must be a remarkable person, considering the way you gasped andclutched me, " laughed Grace. 

"That man is Everett Southard, the great Shakespearian actor, " said Annealmost reverently. "I saw him in 'Hamlet' and his acting is wonderful. "

"No wonder you were surprised, " said Grace. 

"It fairly takes my breath. I've seen ever so many pictures of him andread magazine articles about him. What do you suppose he is doing inOakdale, and at the High School--of all places?"

"Time will tell, " said Nora. Then she suddenly clasped her hands. "Ogirls, I know! He's here for the try-out!"

"Why of course he is, " exclaimed Grace. "Now I remember Miss Tebbsshowed me a magazine picture of him one day last year, and told me thatshe had known him since childhood. Besides, he is playing a three-nightengagement in Albany. I read it in the paper last night. It's as plainas can be. Miss Tebbs has asked him to run up here and pick out thecast. "

"Good gracious, " said Jessica. "I shall retire in confusion if he looksat me. I won't dare aspire to a part now, and I had designs on the partof Phebe. "

"Don't be a goose, " said Nora. "He's only a man. He can't hurt you. I think having him here will be a lark. Won't some of those girls puton airs, though. There he is talking with Miss Tebbs now. "

The girls entered the gymnasium to find there nearly all of those whohad attended the first meeting in the library increased by about a scoreof girls who had decided at the last minute to try for parts. Eleanorstood at one end of the great room, with Edna Wright and Daisy Culver. Grace thought she had never seen Eleanor looking more beautiful. She waswearing a fur coat and hat far too costly for a school girl, and carrieda huge muff. Her coat was thrown open, disclosing a perfectly tailoredgown of brown, with trimmings of dull gold braid. She was talkinganimatedly and her two friends were apparently hanging on every word sheuttered. 

"No wonder Eleanor has an opinion of herself, " said Nora. "Look at Daisyand Edna. They act as though Eleanor were the Sultan of Turkey or theShah of Persia, or some other high and mighty dignitary. They almostgrovel before her. "

"Never mind, Nora, " said Grace. "As long as you retain your Irishindependence what do you care about what other girls do?"

"I don't care. Only they do act so silly, " said Nora, with a sniff ofcontempt. 

"Sh-h-h!" said Jessica softly. "Miss Tebbs is going to call the meetingto order. "

A hush fell over the assembled girls as Miss Tebbs stepped forward toaddress them. 

"I am very glad to see so many girls here, " she said. "It shows that youare all interested in the coming play. Although you cannot all haveparts, I hope that you will feel satisfied with the selection made thisafternoon. In order that each member of the cast may be chosen on hermerit alone, my old friend, Mr. Southard, kindly consented to come fromAlbany for the sole purpose of giving us the benefit of his greatShakespearian experience. Allow me to introduce Mr. Everett Southard. "

He was greeted with a round of applause, and after bowing his thanks, the eminent actor plunged at once into the business at hand. 

He spoke favorably of the idea of an all-girl cast, saying that eachyear many girls' colleges presented Shakespearian plays with markedsuccess. The main thing to be considered was the intelligent delivery ofthe great dramatist's lines. The thing to do would be to find out whatgirls could most ably portray the various characters, it would benecessary to try each girl separately with a few lines from the play. Inorder to facilitate matters, he suggested that those girls who reallydesired speaking parts step to one side of the room, while those whowished merely to make the stage pictures, step to the other. 

Out of the eighty girls, about thirty-five only stepped over to the sidefrom which the principal characters were to be chosen. Many of the girlshad no serious intentions whatever regarding the play, and the aweinspired by Mr. Southard's presence made them too timid to venture toopen their mouths before him. Jessica, whose courage had fled, wouldhave been among the latter if Nora had not seized her firmly by the armas she prepared to flee and marched her over with the rest of the PhiSigma Tau. Eleanor and Edna Wright were among the junior contestants, while there was a good showing of sophomores and freshmen. 

Mr. Southard took in the aspirants with keen, comprehensive glance. Hiseyes rested a shade longer on Eleanor. She made a striking picture asshe stood looking with apparent indifference at the girls about her. Then his quick eye traveled to Grace's fine face and graceful figure, and then on to Anne, whose small face was alive with the excitement ofthe moment. 

A breathless silence had fallen over the room. Every eye was fixed onthe actor, who stood with a small leather-covered edition of "As YouLike It" in his hand. Miss Tebbs stood by with a pencil and pad. Thegreat try-out was about to begin. 

CHAPTER XIX

THE TRY OUT

"Will the young lady on the extreme right please come forward?" said Mr. Southard pleasantly, indicating Marian Barber, who rather timidlyobeyed, taking the book he held out to her. At his request, she began toread from Orlando's entrance, in the first scene of the fourth act. Shefaltered a little on the first two lines, but shortly regained hercourage and read on in her best manner. When she had read about a dozenlines he motioned for her to cease reading, said something to MissTebbs, who made an entry on her pad, and beckoned to the girl next toMarian to come forward. 

Straight down the line he went, sometimes stopping a girl at her thirdor fourth line, rarely allowing them to read farther than the eleventhor twelfth. 

Nora was the second Phi Sigma Tau to undergo the ordeal. As she brisklydelivered the opening lines, the actor stopped her. Taking the book fromher, he turned to the part where Touchstone, quaintly humorous, holdsforth upon "the lie seven times removed. "

"Read this, " he said briefly, holding out the book to Nora. 

Nora began and read glibly on, unconsciously emphasizing as she did so. Down one page she read and half way through the next before Mr. Southardseemed satisfied. 

Then he again held conversation with Miss Tebbs, who nodded and lookedsmilingly toward Nora, who stood scowling faintly, rather ill-pleased atattracting so much attention. 

"It looks as though Nora had made an impression, doesn't it!" whisperedJessica to Grace, who was about to reply when Mr. Southard motioned toher. Grace, who knew the scene by heart, went fearlessly forward, andread the lines with splendid emphasis. Marian and Eva Allen followedher, and acquitted themselves with credit. Then Eleanor's turn came. Handing her coat, which she had taken off and carried upon her arm, toEdna Wright, she walked proudly over, then, without a trace ofself-consciousness, began the reading of the designated lines. Her voicesounded unusually clear and sweet, yet lacked something of the power ofexpression displayed by Grace in her rendering of the same scene. Whenshe had finished she handed the book back with an air of studiedindifference she was far from feeling. She had decided in her own mindthat Rosalind was the part best suited to her, and felt that the honornow lay between herself and Grace. No other girls, with the exception ofNora, had been allowed to read as much of any scene as they two had beenrequested to read. 

But Eleanor had reckoned without her host, for there was one girl whohad not as yet come to the front. The girl was Anne Pierson, who in somemysterious manner had been all but overlooked, until Miss Tebbs spiedher standing between Grace and Nora. 

"Can you spare us a moment more, Mr. Southard?" said Miss Tebbs to theactor, who was preparing to leave. "You have almost missed hearing oneof my best girls. Come here, Anne, and prove the truth of my words. "

Grace drew a long breath of relief. She had eagerly awaited Anne's turnand was about to call Miss Tebbs's attention to Anne, just as thatteacher had observed her. 

As most of the girls present had heard Anne recite, there was a greatcraning of necks and a faint murmur of expectancy as she took her place. They expected her to live up to her reputation and she had scarcelydelivered the opening line before they realized that she would notdisappoint them. 

Her musical voice vibrated with expression and the mock-seriousbantering tones in which she delivered Rosalind's witty speeches causedMr. Southard to smile and nod approvingly as she gave full value to theimmortal lines. Her change of voice from Rosalind to Orlando was whollydelightful, and so charmingly did she depict both characters that whenshe ended with Orlando's exit she received a little ovation from thelistening girls, in which Mr. Southard and Miss Tebbs joined. 

"She's won! She's won! I'm so glad, " Grace said softly to Nora andJessica. "I wanted her to play Rosalind, and I knew she could do it. Look, girls! Mr. Southard is shaking hands with her. "

True enough, Anne was shyly shaking hands with the great actor, who wascongratulating her warmly upon her recent effort. 

"I have never before heard an amateur read those lines as well as youhave to-day, Miss Pierson, " he said. "I am sure Rosalind will be safewith you, for few professional women could have done better. If I amanywhere near here when your play is enacted, I shall make it a point tocome and see it. "

Shaking hands warmly with Miss Tebbs and bowing to the admiring girls, Mr. Southard hurriedly departed, leaving his audience devoured withcuriosity as to the chosen ones. 

Anne stood perfectly still, looking rather dazed. The unexpected hadhappened. She was to have not only a part, but the best part, at that. The girls gathered eagerly about her, congratulating her on her success, but she was too overcome to thank them, and smiled at them through amist of tears. 

"Look at Eleanor, " whispered Nora to Grace. "She's so angry she can'tsee straight. She must have wanted to play Rosalind herself. I told youshe'd sulk if she couldn't be the leading lady. "

Grace glanced over toward Eleanor, who stood biting her lip, her handsclenched and her face set in angry lines. 

"She looks like the 'Vendetta' or the 'Camorra' or some other Italianvengeance agency, doesn't she?" said Nora with a giggle. 

Grace laughed in spite of herself at Nora's remark, but regretted it thenext moment, for Eleanor saw the glances directed toward her and heardNora's giggle. She turned white and half started toward Grace, thenstopped, and, turning her back upon the Phi Sigma Tau, began talking toEdna Wright. 

Just then Miss Tebbs, who had been busy with her list, announced thatshe would now name the cast, and all conversation ceased as by magic. 

Miriam Nesbit was intrusted with the "Duke, " while Marian Barber was toplay "Frederick, " his brother. Jessica was in raptures over "Phebe, "while Nora had captured "Touchstone, " Eva Allen, "Audrey, " and, to hergreat delight, Grace was told that she was to play "Orlando, " withEleanor as "Celia. " The other parts were assigned among the sophomoresand freshmen who had made the best showing, Mabel Allison getting thepart of Jaques. 

"You will report for rehearsal next Tuesday afternoon after school, whentypewritten copies of your parts will be handed you, " said Miss Tebbs, as she was about to leave the room. 

The moment Miss Tebbs ceased talking the girls began, as they gatheredin little groups around the lucky ones and gave vent to their feelingswith many exclamations of approval and congratulation. Several girlsapproached Eleanor, but she fairly ran from them and hurried out of thegymnasium after Miss Tebbs with Edna Wright and Daisy Culver at herheels. 

"There goes Eleanor after Miss Tebbs, " observed Marian Barber. "What doyou suppose she's up to now?"

"Oh, never mind her, " said Nora impatiently. "You'll see enough of herduring rehearsal. It will be so pleasant to rehearse with her, considering that she isn't on speaking terms with any of us. "

Had the girl chums known then what Eleanor "was up to, " it would havebeen a matter of surprise and indignation to all of them. Afterimperiously commanding her satellites to wait for her in the corridor, Eleanor overtook Miss Tebbs just outside Miss Thompson's office. 

"I want to speak to you, Miss Tebbs, " said Eleanor as the teacherpaused, her hand on the doorknob. 

"Well, what can I do for you, Miss Savell?"

"I want to speak to you about the play. I wish to play Rosalind, " saidEleanor with calm assurance. 

"But, my dear child, Anne Pierson is to play Rosalind, " replied MissTebbs. "Mr. Southard particularly commended her work. Did you not hearwhat he said?"

"Oh, yes; I heard him complimenting her, " replied Eleanor complacently, "but I feel sure that I can do more with it than she can. I did not domy best work to-day. Besides, Miss Pierson is too short. I am certain ofmaking a better appearance. "

"What you say about appearance is quite true, Miss Savell, " replied MissTebbs frankly. "Beyond a doubt you would make a beautiful Rosalind; butI am convinced that no other girl can enact the part with the spirit anddash that Miss Pierson can. Your part of Celia is very well suited toyou, and you can win plenty of applause playing it. You must understand, however, that once having given out a part, I should not attempt to takeit from the girl I had given it to simply because some other girldesired it. That would be both unfair and unjust. The only thing I couldpromise you would be to allow you to understudy Rosalind in caseanything happened to Miss Pierson. Would you care to understudy thepart?"

Eleanor was silent for a moment. Miss Tebbs, looking a trifle impatient, stood awaiting her reply. 

"I should like to do that, " Eleanor said slowly, a curious light in hereyes. "Thank you very much, Miss Tebbs. "

"You are welcome, " replied the teacher. "Be sure and be prompt atrehearsal next Tuesday. "

As Miss Tebbs entered the office, Eleanor turned and walked slowly downthe corridor. 

"So Miss Tebbs thinks I ought to be satisfied with 'Celia, '" shemuttered. "Very well, I'll rehearse Celia, but I'll understudy Rosalind, and it will be very strange if something doesn't happen to MissPierson. "

CHAPTER XX

THE ANONYMOUS LETTER

After the parts had been given out, rehearsals for the play went merrilyon. There were many hitches at first, but finally things settled down tosmooth running order, and as the time for its presentation approachedMiss Tebbs had good reason to feel jubilant. Each girl seemed bent ondistinguishing herself, and that teacher was heard laughingly to declarethat she had an "all star cast. "

In spite of rehearsals, Grace Harlowe's team found time for a fewbasketball games, and whipped the senior team twice in succession, muchto the disgust of Captain Julia Crosby, who threatened to go into deepmourning over what she called "her dead and gone team. " She evencomposed a mournful ditty, which she sang in their ears in a wailingminor key whenever she passed any of them, and practically tormentedthem, until they actually did win one hard-fought victory over thejuniors, "just to keep Julia from perpetrating her eternal chant, " asone of them remarked. 

Eleanor had outwardly settled down to the routine of school work in away that surprised even her aunt. But inwardly she was seething withrebellion toward Miss Thompson and hatred of the Phi Sigma Tau. She hadfully determined that Anne Pierson should never play Rosalind, and hadhit upon a plan by which she hoped to accomplish her ends. The Phi SigmaTau were completely carried away with Anne's impersonation ofShakespeare's heroine, and any blow struck at Anne would be equally feltby the others. Anne had been absent from one rehearsal and thus Eleanorhad had an opportunity to show her ability. She had done very well andMiss Tebbs had praised her work, though in her secret heart Eleanor knewthat Anne's work was finer than her own. But the means of gratifying herown personal vanity blinded her to everything except the fact that shewanted to play Rosalind regardless of Anne's superior ability. 

To settle Miss Thompson was not so easy a matter, and though Eleanorracked her brain for some telling method of vengeance, no inspirationcame until one afternoon in early March. Professor La Roche, irritatedto the point of frenzy, ordered her from his class, with instructions toreport herself to Miss Thompson. As she entered the open door of theprincipal's office she noticed that the room was empty of occupants. Shestopped, hesitated, then went softly in, a half-formed idea in her mindthat did not at first assume definite shape. 

"If Miss Thompson comes in, I suppose I shall have to report myself, "thought Eleanor. "While I'm here, I'll just look about and see ifI can't find some way to even up that public apology she made me make. "

Gliding over to the open desk, she ran her eye hastily over the variouspapers spread out upon it. At first she found nothing of importance, butsuddenly she began to laugh softly, her face lighted with maliciousglee. 

"Here's the wonderful paper that Miss Tabby Cat Thompson is going to readbefore the 'Arts and Crafts Club' to-morrow, " she murmured. "I heard hertelling Miss Chester about it yesterday. She said it took her six weeksto prepare it on account of the time she spent in looking up her facts. It will take me less than six minutes to dispose of it. "

Seizing the essay with both hands, she tore it across, and then tore itagain and again, until it was literally reduced to shreds. These shegathered into a heap and left in the middle of the desk. Glancing aboutto see that no one was near, she was about to step into the corridorwhen she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Quick as a flash sheflung open the door of the little lavatory just outside the office andconcealed herself just as a girl turned from the main corridor into theshort passage leading to the principal's office. Eleanor, holding thedoor slightly ajar, peered stealthily out at the new-comer, who was noneother than Grace Harlowe. 

Having no recitation that hour, Grace had run up to the office to obtainMiss Thompson's permission to use the gymnasium that afternoon forbasketball practice. A hasty glance inside the office revealed to Gracethat the principal was not there. She hesitated a moment, walked towardthe desk, then turned and went out again. 

The moment she turned the corner, Eleanor darted out of the lavatory andfled down the corridor, just as the bell rang for the end of the period. In a moment the main corridor was filled with girls from the variousclassrooms, and, joining them, Eleanor entered the study hall withoutreporting her dismissal from French class. 

She was somewhat nervous and trembled a little at the thought of hernear discovery, but felt not the slightest qualm of conscience at herruthless destruction of another's property. On the contrary, sheexperienced a wicked satisfaction, and smiled to herself as she picturedMiss Thompson's consternation when the latter should discover her loss. Best of all, the principal would never find out who did it, for Eleanorvowed never to admit her guilt. 

She decided to go at once to Professor La Roche and apologize, so thathe would not report her to Miss Thompson. Without a doubt an effortwould be made to find the culprit, and if it were proven that she didnot return to the study hall as soon as dismissed from French, she mightbe asked to account for it, and thus call down suspicion upon herself. 

On her way to rhetoric recitation, she stopped at Professor La Roche'sdoor, greatly astonishing him by a prettily worded apology, which hereadily accepted and beamed upon her with forgiving good-nature. Feelingthat she had bridged that difficulty, Eleanor entered the classroom tofind Miss Thompson talking in low, guarded tones to Miss Chester, wholooked both, shocked and surprised. She caught the words "entirelydestroyed, " "serious offence" and "investigate at once, " Then theprincipal left the room and Miss Chester turned to the class and beganthe recitation. 

To Eleanor's surprise, nothing was said of the matter that day. Schoolwas dismissed as usual, and the girls went out without dreaming that onthe morrow they would all be placed under suspicion until the personguilty of the outrage was found. 

The following morning, after opening exercises, Miss Thompson statedbriefly the destruction of her paper. 

"I was out of my office barely ten minutes, " she said, "yet when Ireturned some one had ruthlessly torn the essay to bits and left thepieces piled in the middle of my desk. As I had spent considerable timeand research in getting the subject matter together, the destruction ofthe paper is particularly annoying. Whoever was contemptible enough toengage in such mischief must have known this. It looks like a deliberateattempt to insult me. It is hard to believe one of my girls guilty, yetit is not probable that any one outside could be responsible. A girl whowould wilfully do such a thing is a menace to the school and should beremoved from it. I am not going to any extreme measures to find themiscreant. Were I to question each girl in turn I fear the offendermight perjure herself rather than admit her guilt. But I am confidentthat sooner or later I shall know the truth of the matter. "

As Miss Thompson concluded, she looked over the roomful of girls who satwatching her with serious faces. Which one of them was guilty? Timealone would tell. 

At recess that morning the subject of the play was for once forgotten inthe excitement occasioned by the principal's recent disclosure. Groupsof girls indignantly denied even the thought of such mischief. 

"I don't believe Miss Thompson would ever suspect us of any such thing, "remarked Jessica to her friends. 

"Of course not, goose, " replied Grace. "She knows us too well for that. "

But it was with a peculiar apprehension of something unpleasant thatGrace answered a summons to the principal's office just before schoolclosed for the day. 

"Grace, " she said, as the young girl entered the office, "were you in myoffice yesterday afternoon between half past one and a quarter of two?"

"Why, yes, Miss Thompson. I came to ask permission to use the gymnasium, but you were out, so I came back and asked you just before schoolclosed. "

"Yes, I remember that you did, " replied the principal. "However, I wantyou to read this. "

Grace took the paper, looking rather perplexed, and read:

 "Ask Miss Harlowe what she was doing in your office between half past one and a quarter of two yesterday. "

 "A PASSERBY. "

"Why--why----" stammered Grace, her eyes growing large with wonder. "I don't understand. I came here at that time, for I looked at theclock as I came in, but I was only here for a second. "

Then the truth dawned upon her. "Why, Miss Thompson, " she cried, "yousurely don't think I tore up your essay?"

"No, Grace, I don't, " replied the principal. "But I believe that the onewho wrote this note is the one who did do it, and evidently wishes tofasten the guilt upon you. It looks to me as though we had a commonenemy. Do you recognize either the paper or the writing?"

"No, " replied Grace slowly, shaking her head. "Vertical writing alllooks alike. The paper is peculiar. It is note paper, but different fromany I ever saw before. It looks like----"

She stopped suddenly, a shocked look creeping into her eyes. 

"What is it, Grace?" said Miss Thompson, who had been closely watchingher. 

"I--just--had a queer idea, " faltered Grace. 

"If you suspect any one, Grace, it is your duty to tell me, " said theprincipal. "I cannot pass lightly over such a piece of wantondestruction. To clear up this mystery, should be a matter of vitalinterest to you, too, as this letter is really an insinuation againstyou. "

Grace was silent. 

"I am waiting for you, Grace, " said the principal. "Will you do asI wish?"

The tears rushed to Grace's eyes. "Forgive me, Miss Thompson, " she saidtremulously, "but I can tell you nothing. "

"You are doing wrong, Grace, in withholding your knowledge, " said theolder woman rather sternly, "and I am greatly displeased at yourstubbornness. Ordinarily I would not ask you to betray any of yourschoolmates, but in this instance I am justified, and you are making aserious mistake in sacrificing your duty upon the altar of school-girlhonor. "

"I am sorry, Miss Thompson, " said Grace, striving to steady her voice. "I value your good opinion above everything, but I can tell you nothingyou wish to know. Please, please don't ask me. "

"Very well, " responded the principal in a tone of cold dismissal, turning to her desk. 

With a half-stifled sob, Grace hurried from the room. For the firsttime, since entering High School, she had incurred the displeasure ofher beloved principal, and all for the sake of a girl who was unworthyof the sacrifice. For Grace had recognized the paper. It was preciselythe same style of paper on which Eleanor Savell had declined herThanksgiving invitation. 

CHAPTER XXI

BREAKERS AHEAD

The dress rehearsal for "As You Like It" was over. It had been well nighperfect. The costumes had for the most part been on hand, as the seniorclass of five years previous had given the same play and bequeathedtheir paraphernalia to those who should come after. Rosalind's costumeshad to be altered to fit Anne, however, on account of her lack ofstature. Also the lines in the text where Rosalind refers to her heightunderwent some changes. The final details having been attended to, MissTebbs and Miss Kane found time to congratulate each other on thesmoothness of the production, which bade fair to surpass anything of thekind ever before given. There was not a weak spot in the cast. Anne'swork had seemed to grow finer with every rehearsal. 

She had won the repeated applause of the group of teachers who had beeninvited to witness this trial performance. Grace, Nora, Eleanor andMiriam had ably supported her and there had been tears of proud joy inMiss Tebbs's eyes as she had watched the clever and spirited acting ofthese girls. 

"Be sure and put your costumes exactly where they belong, " called MissTebbs as the girls filed off the stage into the dressing room after thefinal curtain. "Then you will have no trouble to-morrow night. We wantto avoid all eleventh-hour scrambling and exciting costume hunts. "

Laughing merrily, the girls began choosing places to hang their costumesin the big room off the stage where they were to dress. Anne, carefullittle soul that she was, piled her paraphernalia neatly in one corner, and taking a slip of paper from her bag wrote "Rosalind" upon it, pinning it to her first-act costume. 

"The eternal labeler, " said Nora, with her ever-ready giggle, as shewatched Anne. "Are you afraid it will run away, little Miss Fussbudget!"

"No; of course not, " said Anne, smiling. "I just marked it because----"

"You have the marking habit, " finished Jessica. "Come on, girls. Don'ttease Anne. Let her put tags on herself if she wants to. Then a certainyoung man who is waiting outside for her will be sure to recognize her. Has anyone seen that Allison child? It's time she put in an appearance. "

"Just listen to Grandmother Bright, " teased Anne. "She is hunting herlost chick, as usual. "

With merry laugh and jest the girls prepared for the street. Grace andher friends were among the first to leave, and hurried to the street, where the boys awaited them. 

"Hurrah for the only original ranters and barnstormers on exhibition inthis country, " cried Hippy, waving his hat in the air. 

"Cease, Hippopotamus, " said Nora. "You are mistaken. We are stars, butwe shall refuse to twinkle in your sky unless you suddenly become morerespectful. "

"He doesn't know the definition of the word, " said David. 

"How cruelly you misjudge me, " said Hippy. "I meant no disrespect. Itwas a sudden attack of enthusiasm. I get them spasmodically. "

"So we have observed, " said Nora dryly. "Let's not stand here discussingyou all night. Come on up to my house, and we'll make fudge and havethings to eat. "

"I have my car here, " said David. "Pile into it and we'll be up there ina jiffy. "

"It's awfully late, " demurred Grace. "After ten o'clock. "

"Never mind that, " said Nora. "Your mother knows you can take care ofyourself. You can 'phone to her from my house. "

In another minute the young people had seated themselves in the big carand were off. 

"Did you see Eleanor's runabout standing there?" Nora asked Grace. 

"Yes, " replied Grace. "I was rather surprised, too. She hasn't used itmuch of late. "

"How beautiful she looked to-night, didn't she?" interposed Jessica. 

"Are you talking of the would-be murderess, who froze us all outThanksgiving Day?" asked Hippy. "What is her latest crime?"

Grace felt like saying "Destroying other people's property and gettinginnocent folks disliked, " but refrained. She had told no one of herinterview with Miss Thompson. Grace knew that the principal was stilldispleased with her. She was no longer on the old terms of intimacy withMiss Thompson. A barrier seemed to have sprung up between them, thatonly one thing could remove, but Grace was resolved not to exposeEleanor--not that she felt that Eleanor did not richly deserve it, butshe knew that it would mean instant expulsion from school. She believedthat Eleanor had acted on the impulse of the moment, and was withoutdoubt bitterly sorry for it, and she felt that as long as Eleanor had atlast begun to be interested in school, the thing to do was to keep herthere, particularly as Mrs. Gray had recently told her of Miss Nevin'spleasure at the change that the school had apparently wrought inEleanor. 

Could Grace have known what Eleanor was engaged in at the moment shewould have felt like exposing her without mercy. 

During the first rehearsals Grace, secretly fearing an outbreak onEleanor's part, had been on the alert, but as rehearsals progressed andEleanor kept strictly to herself, Grace relaxed her vigilance. 

Directly after the chums had hurried out of the hall to meet the boys, Miss Tebbs had decided that opening the dressing room on the other sideof the stage would relieve the congestion and insure a better chance forall to dress. Calling to the girls who still remained to move theirbelongings to that side, Miss Tebbs hurried across the stage to find thejanitor and see that the door was at once unlocked. By the time the doorwas opened and the lights turned on the remaining girls flocked in, their arms piled high with costumes. 

Foremost among them was Eleanor. Hastily depositing her own costumes inone corner of the dressing room, she darted across the stage and intothe room from which she had just moved her effects. 

It was empty. She glanced quickly about. Like a flash she gathered up apile of costumes marked "Rosalind, " covered them with her long fur coatand ran through the hall and down the steps to where her runabout wasstationed. Crowding them hastily into the bottom of the machine, sheslipped on her coat, made ready her runabout and drove down the streetlike the wind, not lessening her speed until she reached the drive at"Heartsease. "

 * * * * *

The young people passed a merry hour at Nora's, indulging in one oftheir old-time frolics, that only lacked Tom Gray's presence to make theoriginal octette complete. 

"We'll be in the front row to-morrow night, " said Hippy, as the youngfolks trooped out to the car. "I have engaged a beautiful bunch of greenonions from the truck florist, Reddy has put all his money into carrotsof a nice lively color, the exact shade of his hair, while I haveadvised Davy here to invest in turnips. They are nice and round andhard, and will hit the stage with a resounding whack, providing he canthrow straight enough to hit anything. He can carry them in a paper bagand----"

But before he could say more he was seized by David and Reddy and rushedunceremoniously into the street, while the girls signified theirapprobation by cries of "good enough for him" and "make him promise tobehave to-morrow night. "

"I will. I swear it, " panted Hippy. "Only don't rush me over the groundso fast. I might lose my breath and never, never catch it again. "

"Oh, let him go, " said Nora, who had accompanied them down the walk. "I'll have a private interview with him to-morrow and that will insurehis good behavior. "

"Thank you, angel Nora, " replied Hippy gratefully. "You will be sparedany obnoxious vegetables, even though the others may suffer. "

"For that you walk, " said David, who had dropped Hippy and was engagedin helping the girls into the machine. 

"Never, " replied Hippy, making a dive for the automobile. "I shall sitat the feet of the fair Jessica. Reddy will be so pleased. "

"Every one ready?" sang out David, as he took his place at the wheelafter cranking up the machine. 

"All ready, let her go, " was the chorus, and the machine whizzed downthe street. 

CHAPTER XXII

AS YOU LIKE IT

The big dressing rooms on each side of the stage at Assembly Hall wereablaze with light. There was a hum of girlish voices and gay laughter, and all the pleasant excitement attending an amateur productionprevailed. The dressing had been going on for the last hour, and now agoodly company of courtiers and dames stood about waiting while MissTebbs and Miss Kane rapidly "made up their faces" with rouge and powder. This being done to prevent them from looking too pale when in the whiteglare of the footlights. 

Miriam Nesbit as the "Duke" looked particularly fine, and the girlsgathered around her with many exclamations of admiration. Nora's roguishface looked out from her fool's cap in saucy fashion as she flittedabout jingling her bells. Grace made a handsome Orlando, while Jessicalooked an ideal shepherdess. 

"Where's Anne?" said Grace as Nora paused in front of her. "I haven'tsee her to-night. I suppose she's over in the other dressing room. Miss Tebbs said that some of the costumes were moved over there afterwe left last night. What time is it? I didn't wear my watch to-nightbecause I didn't want to risk losing it. "

"It's almost half past seven, " said Jessica. "I asked Miss Tebbs for thetime just a few minutes ago. "

"Let's go and find Anne at once, then, " said Nora. "It's getting late, and she surely is dressed by this time. Then we'll look through the holein the curtain at the house. People are beginning to arrive. "

"Wait a minute, " said Jessica. "There's Mabel. Doesn't she look great asJaques? Come here, dear, " called Jessica. 

Mabel Allison joined the three girls, who hurried across the stage tothe other dressing room in search of Anne Pierson. 

"Why, I don't see her here, " cried Grace, making a quick survey of theroom. "She must be somewhere about, for----"

"There she goes now, " exclaimed Nora, who stood in the door, looking outon the stage, "and she has her hat and coat on. How strange. I wonder ifshe knows how late it is?"

Sure enough, Anne was hurrying toward the opposite dressing room. 

The three girls made a rush for her. 

"Why, Anne, " said Grace. "What is the matter? We thought you had dressedover here and were looking for you. "

"Girls, " replied Anne, "I've been on a wild-goose chase. I can't stop totell you about it now, but you shall hear as soon as I have a chance. Will you help me with my costume and make-up? I'm awfully late, andhaven't a minute to spare. "

"Why of course we will, " said Grace. "Give me your hat and coat, dear. Where did you put your costumes? It won't take you long to dress, formost of the girls are dressed and over on the other side, so you havethe place to yourself. "

"Over in that corner, " replied Anne, taking off her collar andunfastening her white shirt waist. "Don't you remember, I labeled themand you laughed at me for doing so?"

"Of course we do, " said Nora, making a dive for the corner where Annehad piled her costumes the previous night. "They're not here, " sheannounced after a brief but thorough search. "Miss Tebbs must have hadthem moved to the other room. She opened it last night after we left. Grace, you help Anne, and Jessica and Mabel and I will run across andlook for them. " With these words, Nora was off, the other two girls ather heels. 

"Tell me what kept you, Anne, " said Grace, as the latter began arrangingher hair for the first act. 

"Grace, " said Anne rather tremulously, "I won't wait until the otherscome back to tell you why I came so late. Just after I had finished mysupper and was putting on my wraps a boy came to the door with thisnote. " Anne went over to where her coat hung and took out an envelope. Drawing a note from it, she silently handed it to Grace, who read:

 "MY DEAR ANNE:

 "Will you come up to my house before going to the hall? I wish to give you something to wear in the play. 

 "Yours affectionately, "ROSE R. GRAY. "

"Why, how unlike Mrs. Gray to send for you at the eleventh hour, " saidGrace in a puzzled tone. "No wonder you were late. What did she giveyou?"

"Nothing, " replied Anne. "It was a trick. She never wrote the note, although the writing looks like hers, and so does the paper. She wasvery indignant over it and sent me back in the carriage, telling thecoachman to return for her, for of course she will be here to-night. I would have arrived much later if I had been obliged to walk. I ranalmost all the way up there. You know Chapel Hill is quite a distancefrom my house. "

"I should say so, " replied Grace. "Who could have been so mean? Anne, why do you suppose----" Grace stopped suddenly and stared at Anne. "Annedo you think that Eleanor could have written it?" she said slowly, asthough reluctant to give voice to her suspicion. 

"I am afraid so, " replied Anne. "She is the only one who could profit bymy being late. Yet if she did write the note, she should have realizedthat going to Mrs. Gray's would scarcely keep me away long enough tomiss my first entrance. You know I don't come on until the secondscene. "

"There is something more behind this, " said Grace, "and I'm going tofind out, too. " She darted to the door and opened it upon Nora andJessica, who were on the threshold. 

"We can't find them, " they cried in alarm, "but we told Miss Tebbs andshe'll be here in a minute. "

"We didn't say a word to any one else, " said Nora, "because they must besomewhere about, and there is no use in stirring up a lot of unnecessaryexcitement. "

"Wise little Nora, " said Grace, patting her on the shoulder. "Here comesMiss Tebbs now. " She stepped courteously aside to allow the teacher toenter the dressing room, then, following her, closed the door. 

"What is this I hear about losing your costumes, Anne?" asked Miss Tebbsrather impatiently. "I cautioned the girls last night about taking careof their things. "

Anne flushed at the teacher's curt tones. 

"I put them all in that corner, plainly marked, before I left here lastnight, " she answered. "When I came here to-night they were gone. "

"That is strange, " said the elder woman. "Have you made a thoroughsearch for them in the other room?"

"We've gone over every inch of the ground, " exclaimed Jessica, "and wecan't find a trace of them. We didn't ask any of the girls about them, because if we couldn't find them we feel sure the others couldn't. So wejust kept quiet. "

"I don't know what is to be done, I'm sure, " said Miss Tebbs in ananxious tone. "It is eight o'clock now and the curtain is supposed torun up at 8. 15. I can hold it until 8. 30, but no longer. The house isalready well filled. You might get through the first act in a borrowedgown, Anne, but what can you do in the second? You know how that costumehad to be altered to fit you. If it can be found before the second act, all will be well, but suppose you go on in the first act, and it can'tbe found, what then? You will spoil the whole production by appearingin an incorrect or misfit costume, besides bitterly disappointing thetwo girls who will have to give up their costumes to you. It is doublyprovoking, because Mr. Southard is here to-night, and is particularlyanxious to see your work. "

"Miss Tebbs, " exclaimed Grace, "Eleanor Savell has a complete 'Rosalind'outfit. She had it made purposely. One of the girls told me so. You knowshe understudies Anne. Couldn't Anne use that?"

"Impossible, Grace, " said Miss Tebbs. "Eleanor is taller than Anne. Anne's lack of height is her one drawback. If she had not shown suchexceptional talent, 'Rosalind' would have certainly fallen to MissSavell or yourself. I am very sorry, but it looks as though Miss Savellwill have to play Rosalind after all, and she must be notified at once. "

The three chums turned to Anne, who was biting her lip and trying hardto keep back her tears. Nora and Jessica looked their silent sympathy, but Grace stood apparently wrapped in thought. 

Miss Tebbs moved toward the door, but as she placed her hand on the knobGrace sprang eagerly forward. 

"Miss Tebbs, " she cried, "don't ask Miss Savell. I believe I can findthose costumes yet. Wait here and in five minutes I'll tell you whetherI have succeeded. Please don't ask me what I am going to do. Just trustme and wait. You will let me try, won't you?" she pleaded. 

"Certainly, my child, " said Miss Tebbs, "but remember time is precious. I'll give you five minutes, but if----"

"I'll be back in that time, " cried Grace, and was gone, leaving MissTebbs and the three chums mystified but faintly hopeful. 

Across the stage she flew and into the other dressing room. The objectof her search was not there. Out she rushed and collided with a girl whowas about to enter. 

"Pardon me, " said Grace, glancing up, then seized the girl by the arm. "Eleanor Savell, " she exclaimed sternly. "You know where Anne's costumesare. Don't attempt to deny it. "

Eleanor looked contemptuously at Grace and tried to shake herself free, but Grace's grasp tightened. 

"Answer me, " she said. "Where are they?"

[Illustration: "Where Are Anne's Costumes?" Cried Grace. ]

"Let me go, " said Eleanor angrily. "You are hurting my arm. What doI care about Miss Pierson's costumes?"

"You will care, " replied Grace. "For if you don't instantly tell mewhere they are, I shall call the whole cast and expose you. "

"If you do, you will merely make yourself ridiculous, " hissedEleanor, her eyes blazing. "What grounds have you for such anaccusation?"

"I can't prove that you are responsible for their disappearance, butI do know that you shall not play 'Rosalind, ' if the costumes are neverfound. "

"How can you prevent me!" asked Eleanor in insolent tones. "You are notrunning this production. "

"I have no time to waste in arguing the matter, " returned Grace withadmirable self-control. "What I want is the truth about the costumes andyou must answer me. "

"'Must, '" repeated Eleanor, raising her eyebrows. "That is putting itrather strongly. No one ever says 'must' to me. "

"I say it to you now, Eleanor, and I mean it, " said Grace. "I am fullyconvinced that you have hidden Anne's costumes and I am equally certainthat you are going to produce them at once. "

"Then you are laboring under a delusion, " replied Eleanor, with adisagreeable laugh, "and I should advise you to devote that tirelessenergy of yours, to minding your own business. "

"This is my business, " replied Grace evenly, "and if you wish to avoidany unpleasantness you will make it yours. "

"Your threats do not alarm me, " sneered Eleanor. "I am not easilyfrightened. "

"Very well, " replied Grace, looking steadily at her enemy. "I see thatI shall be obliged to call Miss Thompson back here and tell her whodestroyed her essay. Knowing that, do you suppose you can make herbelieve that you did not hide Anne's costumes?"

Eleanor's insolent expression turned to one of fear. "No, " she gasped, "don't call Miss Thompson. You know she hates me, and will disgrace mein the eyes of the girls. "

"And you richly deserve it, Eleanor, " replied Grace, "but if you produceAnne's costumes at once, I'll agree to say nothing. Hurry, for everysecond is precious. "

"I can't get them, " wailed Eleanor. "What shall I do?"

"Where are they?" asked Grace, with compressed lips. 

"At--'Heartsease, '" said Eleanor, and burst into tears. 

"Oh, what a mess, " groaned Grace. "It will take an hour to go there andback. Oh, I must act quickly. Let me think. Mrs. Gray's coachman woulddrive me out, but those horses are so slow. Eleanor, " she exclaimed, turning to the weeping girl, "is your runabout outside?"

"Yes, " sobbed Eleanor. 

"Then that settles it, " cried Grace. "I will go after the things. Tellme where to find them. Have you a latch key? I can't bother to ringafter I get there. "

"I'll go and get my key, " said Eleanor, wiping her eyes. "They're in thewardrobe in my bedroom. "

"All right, wait for me at the door and don't say a word. Here come someof the girls. "

Though the time had seemed hours to Grace, her interview with Eleanorhad lasted barely five minutes. She hurried back to where Miss Tebbs andthe three chums awaited her, followed by the curious eyes of a number ofthe cast, who wondered vaguely why Grace Harlowe was rushing around atsuch a rate. 

"Borrow a gown for Anne, Miss Tebbs, for the first act, " she cried. "I'll have the missing costumes here in time for the second. OnlyI can't play Orlando. Miriam will have to play it; she's my understudy, you know. Ethel Dumont can play Miriam's part. They've rehearsed bothparts, and will be all right. Please don't refuse me, Miss Tebbs, butlet me go. It's for Anne's sake. Nora, please bring me my streetclothes. "

As she spoke, Grace began rapidly divesting herself of her costume. 

"Very well, Grace, have your own way, " replied the teacher reluctantly. "I'll go at once and get a gown for Anne. But don't dare to fail me. "

"Thank you, Miss Tebbs. I'll not fail. " Slipping into her long coat andseizing her fur hat, Grace made for the street, stopping for an instantto take the key from Eleanor, who stood waiting at the door. 

"Can you manage the machine?" faltered Eleanor. 

"Yes, " said Grace curtly. "Go in at once. If you are seen, the girls areapt to ask questions that you may find hard to answer truthfully. "

"Thank goodness, David and Tom taught me something about automobileslast summer, " thought Grace as she prepared to start, "or I should havebeen powerless to help Anne to-night. I am going to exceed the speedlimit, that's certain. " A moment later she was well into the street andon her way to "Heartsease. " It was a memorable ride to Grace. It seemedas though the runabout fairly flew over the ground. 

"I've only been ten minutes on the way, " she breathed as she neared herdestination. Leaving the runabout outside the grounds, she ran up thedrive, and, inserting her key in the door, opened it softly and enteredthe wide, old-fashioned hall. Up the steps she hurried, meeting no one, for Miss Nevin was at Assembly Hall and the servants' quarters were atthe back of the house. Knowing the house as she did, Grace went straightto Eleanor's room and to the wardrobe. Sure enough, Anne's missingcostumes were lying in a neat heap on the floor. Assuring herself thateverything was there, Grace piled them up in her arms and sped softlydown the stairs, opened the door, and in a twinkling was down the driveand into the runabout. 

She drove back even faster than she had come. As she passed the cityhall clock she drew a breath of relief. It was ten minutes of nine. Thefirst act was hardly half over. Leaping from the machine with the lostcostumes she ran triumphantly into the dressing room. 

"Here she is, " shrieked Nora in delight. "I knew she'd make good. "

"Are they all there, Grace, " anxiously inquired Miss Tebbs. "You dear, good child. Where did you find them?"

"That is a mystery which even Sherlock Holmes can never solve, " repliedGrace, laughing. "Where's Anne?"

"She's on just now with Celia, " replied Miss Tebbs, "and is playing upto her usual form, but she is very nervous and almost broke down afteryou left. She feels that you made too great a sacrifice for her ingiving up your part. "

"Nonsense, " said Grace. "Why should I have sacrificed the star to my ownpersonal vanity? Miriam Nesbit can play Orlando as well as I, and makesa more striking appearance at that. "

"I don't agree with you, Grace, for you were an ideal 'Orlando, '"replied Miss Tebbs. "However it's too late for regret, and the bestI can do now is to make you assistant stage manager. Some of those girlsneed looking after. Miss Savell had a bad case of stage fright andalmost had to be dragged on. She forgot her lines and had to beprompted. She's all right now, but I am devoutly thankful she didn'tplay 'Rosalind, ' for she certainly would not have done justice to it. "

Grace smiled grimly as she listened to Miss Tebbs. She could not feelsorry at Eleanor's recent agitation. Now that the excitement was over, Grace felt her anger rising. Eleanor's thirst for glory and revenge hadbeen the means of losing Grace the part that she had so eagerly lookedforward to playing, not to mention the narrow escape Anne had run. Still, on the whole, Grace felt glad that so far no one knew the truth. 

"I think I'll go into the wings. It's almost time for the curtain, " shesaid to Miss Tebbs. But before she could reach there, the curtain hadrung down and the audience were calling for Celia and Rosalind, whotook the call hand in hand. Then Rosalind took two calls and bowedherself into the wings and straight into Grace's arms. 

"O Grace, how could you do it?" said Anne, with a half sob. "You gaveup your part for me. It's too much. I shan't----"

"You shall, " replied Grace, hugging her. "Run along and put on maleattire. I found your stuff and some time I'll tell you where, but notnow. "

The play progressed with remarkable smoothness, and the various actorsreceived unstinted applause from the audience, but from first to lastAnne was the star. Her portrayal of Rosalind left little to be desired. Time after time Mr. Southard led the applause, and was ably seconded byHippy, Reddy, David and Tom, who fairly wriggled with enthusiasm. 

Next to Anne, Nora, perhaps, came second. Her delivery of Touchstone'slines was delightful and she kept the audience in a gale of mirthwhenever she appeared. 

It was over at last. The closing line of the Epilogue had been spoken byRosalind, and she had taken five curtain calls and retired with her armsfull of flowers. The principal actors in the play had been wellremembered by friends, and the dressing rooms looked like a florist'sshop. 

"I'm so sorry. I'd like to begin all over again, " said Nora, as sherubbed her face with cold cream to take off her make-up. 

"There's an end to all things, " said Jessica practically, "and reallyI'm glad to get back into everyday clothes. "

"Hurry up, slowpokes, " said Grace Harlowe, popping her head in the door. "Tom Gray is here. He and David are waiting outside with their cars. Weare all going up to Nesbit's for a jollification given in honor ofRosalind, who is at present dressed in everyday clothes and shakinghands with the great Southard. He and Miss Tebbs are going, too, and sois Mrs. Gray. "

"Come in, Grace, and tell us where you found Anne's costumes, " saidNora, giving her cheeks a final rub. "We're devoured with curiosity. "

"'Thereby hangs a tale, '" replied Grace, "but I refuse to be interviewedto-night. I'll see you outside. If you're not there in three minutes, I'll put Hippy on your trail. "

Closing the door, Grace walked slowly toward the entrance. The majorityof the girls had gone. Anne still stood talking with Mr. Southard andMiss Tebbs. 

"Grace, come here and speak to Mr. Southard, " called Miss Tebbs. "HasNora gone? Mr. Southard wishes to congratulate her and you, too. "

"She'll be out in a couple of minutes, " said Grace, as she advanced togreet the great actor. "But I am not in line for congratulations, asI was not in the play. "

"I am very sorry that you could not play Orlando to-night. I rememberyour work at the try-out, " said Mr. Southard in his deep, musical voice. "Miss Tebbs has told me of the sacrifice you made. You deserve doublecongratulations for the part you played behind the scenes. "

"It was nothing, " murmured Grace, her color rising. "If you are ready, suppose we go. Mrs. Gray wishes you and Mr. Southard to go in hercarriage, Miss Tebbs. The rest of us will go in the two automobiles. "

As they moved toward the door, Grace left them. Going back to thedressing room, she rapped sharply on the door. "Last call! Look out forHippy!" she cried, then hurried to catch up with the others. But beforeshe reached them she was confronted by Eleanor. 

"I've been waiting to see you ever since the play was over, " saidEleanor sullenly. 

Grace looked at her in silence. "Well?" she said coldly. 

"What are you going to do about to-night--and everything?" askedEleanor. "Are you going to tell Miss Thompson?"

"So far I have told nothing, Eleanor, " said Grace sternly. "You deserveno clemency at my hands, however, for you have repeatedly accused myselfand my friends of carrying tales. Something we are above doing. You haverefused our friendship and have been the means of estranging MissThompson and myself. 

"When first you came to High School, I promised Mrs. Gray that I wouldhelp you to like High School life. For that reason I have overlookedlots of things, but to-night caps the climax, and I tell you franklythat I thoroughly despise your conduct, and if ever again you doanything to injure myself or my friends, I shall not hesitate to bringyou to book for it. "

Eleanor stood clenching her hands in impotent rage. Grace's plainspeaking had roused a tempest in her. 

"I hate you, Grace Harlowe, fifty times more than ever before, " shesaid, her voice shaking with anger. "I intended to leave this miserableschool at the end of the year, but now I shall stay and show you thatyou cannot trample upon me with impunity. "

Without answering, Grace walked away, leaving Eleanor to stare moodilyafter her. 

CHAPTER XXIII

THE JUNIOR PICNIC

With the first days of spring, the longing to throw down her books andfairly live in the open returned to Grace Harlowe with renewed force. 

"I do wish school were over, " she said with a sigh to her three chums, as they strolled home one afternoon in May. "I don't mind studying inthe winter, but when the spring comes, then it's another matter. I longto golf and play tennis, and picnic in the woods and----"

"That reminds me, " said Nora, interrupting her, "that last fall thejuniors talked about giving a picnic instead of a ball. We didn't givethe ball, so it's up to us to go picnicking. "

"That's a fine suggestion, Nora, " said Jessica. "I move we post a noticein the locker-room and have a meeting to-morrow after school. 

"I can't be there, " said Anne regretfully. "To-morrow is one of my daysat Mrs. Gray's, but whatever you do will suit me. "

"Awfully sorry, Anne, " said Grace. "We might call it for the day afterto-morrow. "

"No, no, " protested Anne. "Please don't postpone it on my account. "

The notice was duly posted in a conspicuous place in the locker-room thenext day, and the entire class, with the exception of Anne, met in oneof the smaller rooms off the gymnasium at the close of the afternoonsession. 

"Esteemed juniors and fellow-citizens, " said Grace, after calling themeeting to order. "It is true that no one has particularly requested meto take charge of this meeting, but as I posted the notice, I feel thatI am responsible for your presence here to-day. We have before us twomatters that need attention. One is the annual entertainment that thejunior class always gives, the other the election of class officers. Last year we gave a ball, but this year so far we have done nothing. I move that we proceed at once to elect our president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, and then decide what form of entertainmentwould be advisable. "

"Second the motion, " said Nora. 

"All those in favor say 'aye, ' contrary, 'no. '"

"Carried, " said Grace, as no dissenting voices arose. "Nominations forpresident are now in order. "

"I nominate Grace Harlowe for president, " exclaimed Miriam Nesbit, springing from her seat. 

"Second the motion, " said Eva Allen. 

It was carried with enthusiasm before Grace had time to protest. 

"I nominate Miriam Nesbit for president, " said Grace. 

This was also seconded and carried. Then Edna Wright rose and nominatedEleanor Savell. This closed the nominations for president, and thematter when put to vote resulted in Grace's election by a majority often votes over Miriam, Eleanor having received only five. It was plainto be seen that in spite of the rival faction, Grace held first place inthe hearts of most of her class. Miriam Nesbit was elected vicepresident, Marian Barber treasurer, and, rather to Grace's surprise, Eleanor was chosen as secretary, Edna Wright again nominating her afterdoing some vigorous whispering among the two back rows of girls. Theonly other girl proposed being one who was not particularly popular inthe class. 

"I always suspected Edna Wright's lack of sense, " whispered Nora toJessica. "The idea of nominating Eleanor for secretary when she knowshow Eleanor hates the Phi Sigma Tau, and doesn't speak to any of us. I certainly didn't vote for her. "

"Nor I, " responded Jessica. "Funny Grace would never tell us about thatcostume business. I know Eleanor was mixed up in it. "

"Of course, " nodded Nora, and turned her attention to the meeting justin time to hear Grace put the motion for the picnic and say "aye" withthe others. 

The date for the affair was set for the following Saturday, the weatherpermitting, and it was generally agreed that Forest Park, a natural parkabout twelve miles from Oakdale, would be an ideal place to picnic. Arefreshment committee was appointed, also a transportation committee. The girls were requested to pay fifty cents apiece to the treasurer. 

"If we find that this is not enough, we will levy another tax, " Graceannounced. 

"I'm not positive about the first collection, " muttered Nora. "I'mperpetually broke. "

"So am I, " said Jessica. "My allowance lasts about two days, and thenI am penniless for the rest of the month. "

The details having been disposed of, the members decided to meet infront of the High School the following Saturday morning at nine o'clock. The transportation committee was to have two big picnic wagons inreadiness and the juniors went home with pleasant anticipations of a dayin the woods. 

"Won't it be fun?" exclaimed Grace joyously, as she walked down thestreet, the center of the Phi Sigma Tau. 

"Great, " said Miriam Nesbit. "I suppose we could all squeeze intoDavid's automobile. "

"I believe we'd better not, " replied Grace. "It might create bad feelingamong the girls. We don't want them to feel that we think ourselves tooexclusive to ride with them. "

"I'll wager anything Eleanor and Edna won't go with the crowd, " said EvaAllen. 

"I don't know about that, " remarked Nora O'Malley. "Eleanor has justbeen elected secretary, therefore it behooves her to keep on the rightside of those who elected her. "

"She owes her office to Edna Wright, " said Marian Barber, "and also tothe fact that her opponent, Miss Wells, is not popular. For my part, I think Miss Wells would have been a better secretary. We could at leasthave gotten along peaceably with her. I can't see why Eleanor accepted, knowing she would have to act with us in class matters. "

"I have noticed that ever since the play she has been trying to gain afooting in the class, " said Miriam Nesbit thoughtfully. "She has goneout of her way to be nice to girls that she used to snub unmercifully. We are the only ones she keeps away from. I believe she will try toinfluence the rest of the class against us. "

"She'll have to hurry up if she does it this term, " said Nora. 

"Perhaps she won't come back to school next year, she is so changeable, "said Jessica hopefully. 

"Yes, she will, " said Grace, taking part in the discussion for the firsttime since it had touched on Eleanor. 

"How do you know?" was the question. 

"She told me so the night of the play, " was Grace's answer. "Girls, I have never told you about what happened that night. Anne knows, but, you see, it particularly concerned her. I was too angry at the time totrust myself to tell any one else. As members of the same sorority, Iknow that you can be trusted not to repeat what I shall tell you. "

In a few words Grace told the story of Eleanor's treachery, omitting, however, the part concerning Miss Thompson. She had decided to revealthat to no one. 

"Well, of all things, " said Nora O'Malley. "I knew she was to blame. Soshe threatened revenge, did she?"

"Yes, " replied Grace. "That is why I have told you this. Be careful whatyou do. Never give her a chance to take advantage of you in any way, forshe is determined to make mischief. Now let us forget her, and talkabout the picnic. "

With the talk of the picnic, Grace's warning soon passed from the girls'minds. They had no knowledge of the trials that their senior year wasto bring them or how fully the truth of Grace's words was to be proved. 

 * * * * *

The day of the picnic dawned fair and cloudless. By nine o'clock a merryparty of laughing, chattering girls had gathered in front of the HighSchool, where the two immense wagons generally used by Oakdalepicnickers, each drawn by four horses, awaited them. For a wonder everyone was on time, and the start was made with a great fluttering ofhandkerchiefs, accompanied by enthusiastic cheers and High School yells. As they rattled down the street people paused and looked smilingly afterthem. Oakdale was very proud of her High School boys and girls, andenjoyed seeing them happy. 

The Phi Sigma Tau were seated in one end of the second wagon, with theexception of Grace, who had perched herself on the driver's seat, andwas holding an animated conversation with the driver, old Jerry Flynn, whom every one knew and liked. Grace always cultivated old Jerry'sacquaintance whenever she had the chance. To-day he was allowing her todrive, while, with folded hands, he directed her management of thelines. Grace was in her element and gave a sigh of regret as theysighted the park. "I could go on driving four horses forever, Mr. Flynn, " she exclaimed. "Do let me drive going back?"

"Sure yez can, miss, " said the good-natured Irishman, "and it'smeself'll hellup yez, and show yez how to do it. "

The committee on entertainment had provided a series of races andcontests for the morning. After lunch there would be a tennis match, andthen the girls could amuse themselves as they chose; the start home tobe made about six o'clock. 

Grace and Nora decided to enter the hundred-yard dash. "The prize is abox of stationery bought at the ten-cent store, so I am anxious to winit, " Nora informed them. "In fact, all the prizes came from that usefuland overworked place. I was on the purchasing committee. "

"I shall enter the one-legged race. I always could stand on one footlike a crane, " announced Jessica, "and hopping is my specialty. "

There was an egg and spoon race, a walking match, an apple-eatingcontest, with the apples suspended by strings from the low branch of atree, to be eaten without aid from the hands, and various other stuntsof a similar nature. 

The morning passed like magic. Each new set of contestants seemedfunnier than the preceding one. Nora won the coveted box of stationery. Jessica ably demonstrated her ability to outhop her competitors, whileEva Allen covered herself with glory in the apple contest. 

Grace, after losing the hundred-yard dash, laughingly refused to enterthe other contests. "I mean to win at tennis this afternoon, " she said, "so I'm not going to waste my precious energy on such little stunts. "

After the midday luncheon had been disposed of, the entire classrepaired to the tennis court at the east end of the park. A match hadbeen arranged in which Grace and Miriam Nesbit were to play against RuthDeane and Edna Wright, who was an indefatigable tennis player, andtherefore figured frequently in tennis matches held in Oakdale. At thelast minute, however, Edna pleaded a severe headache and recommendedEleanor in her place. 

"But I never have played with her, " protested Ruth Deane, "and how doI know whether she can play?"

"Try her, " begged Edna. "I have played with her and she is a wonder. "

It was with considerable surprise and some misgiving that Gracediscovered that Eleanor was to play. "I seem fated to oppose her, " Gracethought. "I wonder at her consenting to play against us. I'll keep myeye on her, at any rate, for I don't trust her. "

Grace's fears were, in this instance, groundless, for Eleanor played aperfectly fair game from start to finish, and proved herself a powerfulantagonist. Her serves were as straight and accurate as a boy's, and sheplayed with great spirit and agility. Indeed, the sides were so evenlymatched that junior excitement rose high and numerous boxes of Huyler'swere wagered against the result. The game stood forty-all. Two vantagesscored in succession were needed by one side to win. Grace forgoteverything but the fact that she desired the victory. With her, goinginto a game meant winning it. Five minutes later the match was over. Sheand Miriam had won against worthy opponents. 

"That was an evenly matched game, " exclaimed Nora, as Grace and Miriamstrolled to where their friends were seated upon the grass. "You playedlike professionals. "

"Eleanor is a better player than Edna Wright, " said Grace. "Her servesare wonderful. We had all we could do to hold our own. "

"There's a trout brook over there, " said Nora, "and I had forethoughtenough to borrow a fishing rod and line from Hippy. It is jointed, so itdidn't get in any one's way. I left it with the lunch baskets. Therefore, as I'm not afraid of angle worms, I'm going to dig some baitand fish. Want to come?"

"Not I, " laughed Anne. "Miriam and I are going up under the trees andread Browning. "

"The idea of going to a picnic and reading!" exclaimed Jessica. "Comeon, girls, let's go with Nora. " She hastily rose, brushed off her gownand followed in Nora's wake, accompanied by Eva and Marian. 

"Come with us, dear, " said Anne to Grace, who stood looking dreamilytoward a patch of woods to the left. 

"No indeed, " replied Grace. "I'm going to explore a little in thosewoods yonder. "

"Don't go far, " called Anne anxiously, as Grace turned to go. 

"I won't, " she answered. "See you later. "

As she reached the cool shadows of the little strip of woods she drew along breath. How delightful it was to hear the rustle of the leaves overher head, and tread upon Nature's green carpet of soft, thick moss. Forgetful of her promise, Grace wandered farther and farther on, gathering the wild flowers as she went. She found plenty of trilliumsand violets, and pounced with a cry of delight upon some wild pinkhoneysuckle just opening. After stripping the bush, she turned into abypath that led straight up a little hill which rose before her. Scrambling up the hill, Grace reached the top and looked about her. Nestling at the foot of the elevation on the side opposite to the oneshe had climbed stood a small one-story cottage. 

"How funny, " thought Grace. "I didn't know there was a house anywherenear here. I'm going down there for a drink of water. I'm awfullythirsty. "

Suiting the action to the words, Grace hurried toward the cottage. Asshe neared it she noticed that the door was wide open. "Some one is athome, that's certain, " she said to herself. "I hope they won't be crossat my asking for a drink. Why, " she exclaimed, "there's no one livinghere at all. I think I'll venture in, perhaps there's a well at the backof the house. "

Entering, she found that the cottage consisted of but two rooms. Thefront one was absolutely bare, but the back one contained an old stove, a broken-down sink and a rickety chair. At one side was a good-sizedcloset. Opening it, Grace found nothing save a dilapidated old coat. Just then she caught the sound of rough voices just outside the cottage. 

"I tell ye, Bill, we've got to do the job to-night and hike for the Weston that train that goes through Oakdale at 3. 15 in the morning, " said avoice that was almost a growl. 

"I'm wid yer, Jim, " answered another voice in correspondingly savagetones. "Even to layin' a few out stiff if dey gets in de way. "

Grace listened. She heard heavy footsteps, and, peeping into the room, she saw a burly figure outlined in the front door in the act ofentering. She glanced toward the back door. It was closed and fastenedwith a bolt. If she could slip out that way, she could make a run forthe picnic grounds, but she dared not try to pass the two men who hadjust appeared. The few words of their conversation proved them to belawless. Noiselessly she slipped into the closet and drew the dooralmost shut. She would hide until they had gone. They were not likely tolinger long in the cottage. 

Minute after minute went by, but the intruders showed no signs ofleaving. 

"What shall I do?" Grace breathed, wringing her hands. "They're real, downright burglars of the worst sort, and they're planning a robbery. It's getting late, too, and the girls will soon be going back. Oh, I must get out of here, but I won't try to go until I find out whosehouse they're going to rob. "

The men talked on, but, listen as she might, Grace could get no clue. 

"There ain't a soul on the joint except the judge and one old servant, "growled Bill. "The rest o' the bunch'll be at the weddin' of one o' thegirls. I laid low and heard 'em talkin' about it to-day. The judge's gotmoney in the house, too. He always keeps it around, and that old Putnamplace is pretty well back from the road. "

Grace waited to hear no more. She had obtained the information shesought. They were going to rob and perhaps murder good old Judge Putnam. 

Slipping quietly out of the closet, she approached the back door andcautiously took hold of the bolt. To her joy it moved easily. Exercisingthe greatest care in sliding it back, she lifted the latch. It made nosound, and, holding her breath, she softly swung open the door and ranon tiptoe around the corner of the house. Throwing away her bouquet asshe ran, she made for a clump of underbrush at one side of the cottage. Here she paused, and hearing no disturbance from inside, she continuedher flight. But she had lost her sense of direction, and after fifteenminutes' wandering was about to despair of finding her way, when sheespied the honeysuckle bush that she had stripped earlier in theafternoon. This put her on the right track, but she was farther awayfrom the picnic grounds than she had supposed, and when tired andbreathless she at last reached them, it was only to find them deserted. The party had gone back to town without her. 

Grace stood staring about her in blank dismay. It was nearing seveno'clock, and she was twelve miles from Oakdale. Why hadn't the girlswaited? Grace felt ready to cry, then the vision of the poor old judge, alone and at the mercy of the two ruffians, flashed before her. 

"I'll walk to Oakdale, " she said, with a determined nod of her head. "And I'll not stop for an instant until I notify the police. "

Grace never forgot that lonely walk. The darkness of a moonless nightsettled down upon her before she had gone three miles, but she would notallow herself to think of fear. She stumbled frequently as she nearedher journey's end, and her tired body cried out for rest, but she pushedresolutely on, almost sobbing with relief as she entered the suburbs ofthe town. It was nearly eleven by the city hall clock when she hurriedup the steps of the police station. 

"Well, well!" said Chief Burroughs, as Grace rushed unceremoniously intohis office. "Here's the lost girl now. I just received word that youwere missing. Your father and one of my men left here not five minutesago. They went to the livery to hire a rig. "

"Oh, try and stop them, Mr. Burroughs, " cried Grace excitedly. "'Phonethe livery and tell them that I'm here. Then listen to me, for I'vewalked all the way from Forest Park and there's no time to lose. "

"Walked from Forest Park?" exclaimed the chief, as he turned to the'phone. "Why that's a good twelve miles and----"

"I know, " interrupted Grace, then was silent, for the chief had beguntalking to the livery. 

"It's all right, " he said, hanging up. "They'll be here directly. Caughtthem just in the nick of time, however. Now what's on your mind, Grace?"

"They're going to rob old Judge Putnam, " Grace burst forth incoherently. "He's all alone. Oh, do send some one out there quickly, or it may betoo late. Isn't there a telephone in the judge's house? He ought to bewarned. "

"Who's going to rob the judge? What are you talking about, my child?"asked the chief. "No, the judge has no 'phone. He thinks them anuisance. "

Grace rapidly told of her adventure in the woods, and her escape fromthe cottage. Before she had finished Chief Burroughs had begun to act. Summoning three special policemen, he narrated briefly what he had justheard, and five minutes later Grace had the satisfaction of knowingthat, fully armed, they were well on their way to the Putnam estate. 

"I can't understand why the girls didn't miss me, " she said to thechief, as she sat awaiting her father's appearance. 

"Miss Bright and Miss O'Malley, who were in the second wagon, thoughtyou were in the first with Miss Pierson and Miss Nesbit, and viceversa, " replied the chief. "The second wagon broke down when about halfway home. It took over half an hour to get it fixed, so when it didarrive the girls in the head wagon had all gone home. Your mother grewuneasy when ten o'clock came, so she telephoned your friends, and oncomparing notes you were found to be among the missing. "

"What a mix-up, " laughed Grace. "No wonder I wasn't missed. I'm sorrymother was uneasy, but she'll forgive me when she hears my tale. Oh, I hope nothing has happened to the poor old judge. "

"Well, we'll soon know, " replied the chief. "Now, you just take it easyand rest until your father comes. You need it after a twelve-mile walk. Of all the brave little girls----"

The ringing of the telephone cut the chief short. 

Grace gave a long sigh and leaned back in the big chair. She was sotired. Her eyelids drooped----

"Well, I declare!" said the chief, as he turned from the telephone, forGrace was fast asleep. 

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

The special policemen sent out to the Putnam estate were not doomed todisappointment. After an hour's waiting, their patience was rewarded, and the two housebreakers appeared upon the scene. Before they could doany damage they were apprehended and a bag containing a complete outfitof burglar's tools was taken away from them. They fought desperately, but without avail, and were marched to jail to await their hearing. 

Judge Putnam was greatly agitated over the affair. He had a large sum ofmoney in the house, not to mention old family silver and othervaluables. 

"I realize I've had a narrow escape, " he exclaimed to the chief the nextday. "I might have been murdered in cold blood. I'll have a burglaralarm put in at once and a telephone, too. I had no business to let allthe servants except old James go for the night. Who did you say broughtthe news? Tom Harlowe's little girl? She always was a wide awakeyoungster. I wonder what I can do for her to show her that I appreciateher bravery?"

"I don't believe she'd accept anything, Judge, " replied the chief. "She's not that sort. "

"We shall see. We shall see, " said the judge, rubbing his hands. "I havea plan I think she'll listen to. "

In the meantime, on reaching home Grace had been cried over by hermother and put to bed as though she were a baby. The story had been toldby her chums throughout the school the next day, and Grace found herselfthe "observed of all observers. "

"Any of you would have done the same, " she said when surrounded by abevy of admiring schoolmates. 

"That's what you always say, " exclaimed Nora. "But let me tell youI should have been in hysterics if I had been left alone in the darktwelve miles from nowhere. "

Judge Putnam did not at once make his plan known to Grace. He called, thanking her and complimenting her on her bravery and presence of mind. 

"I shall have something to ask you when school closes, my dear child, "he said as he rose to go. "Something that concerns you and your friends, and you mustn't say 'no' to an old man. "

"What on earth does he mean?" said Grace to her chums, as she repeatedthe judge's words. "I shall be eaten up with curiosity until schoolcloses. "

"Wish to goodness it was over now, " growled Nora O'Malley. "I don'tbelieve the last of June will ever come. "

The morning after commencement, eight highly excited girls gathered onthe Harlowe's veranda. Grace had received a note from Judge Putnamrequesting that the Phi Sigma Tau call upon him at ten o'clock thatmorning. 

"Do hurry, " said Jessica, as they neared the judge's beautiful home. "The sooner we get there the sooner we'll know. "

"Good morning, young ladies, " said the judge, bowing with old-timegallantry as James ushered the eight girls into the library. "You looklike a garden of roses. There's nothing like youth; nothing like it. Sitdown and make yourselves comfortable while I tell you why I asked you tocome and see an old man. "

"You are just like Mrs. Gray, Judge, " said Grace, "always imaginingyourself old, when you know you're just a great big boy. "

"Very pretty, my dear, " chuckled the judge. "But if I am as young as yousay, then I must do something to keep young. Now, the way I proposedoing it is this: I have a camp up in the Adirondacks that needsattention, so I wrote my youngest sister about it and she agrees withme. She is going up there this week with a couple of servants to openthe bungalow and put it in readiness for eight girls who call themselvesthe Phi Sigma Tau, providing their fathers and mothers can spare themfor a few weeks. Do you think they will care to go?"

"Oh-h-h-h! How lovely!" breathed the eight girls in concert. 

"Care to go? Well I should say so. It will be the greatest lark ever, "cried Grace. 

"If you know any young men who can make themselves useful, we mightinvite them. I don't like the idea of being the only boy, you know. "

"David and Tom, " said Grace and Anne. 

"Hippy can go, I'm sure, " said Nora. 

"Not to mention Reddy and Arnold Evans, " murmured Jessica, with a glanceat Miriam. 

"It looks as though I shall not lack masculine company, " remarked thejudge, with twinkling eyes. "Tell your parents that my sister will writethem. "

"I move that we give three cheers and the High School yell for JudgePutnam, and then go straight home and get proper permission, " criedGrace. 

The cheers were given with a will, and after shaking hands with thejudge, the girls said good-bye. 

"How did Judge Putnam know about the Phi Sigma Tau; even to its name?"asked Marian Barber curiously. 

"Lots of people know of it, " remarked Eva Allen. 

"Girls, " said Grace earnestly, "don't you think our society has been asuccess so far?"

"Yes, indeed, " was the united answer. 

"Our sorority has made us fast friends, loyal to each other, throughgood and evil report, " she continued. "Let us resolve now, that duringour senior year we will stand firmly together, and make the Phi SigmaTau represent all that is best and most worthy in High School life. "

When next we meet Grace Harlowe and her girl chums, they will haveentered upon their senior year at High School. In "GRACE HARLOWE'SSENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the Ways, " we shall learnhow the Phi Sigma Tau kept their sorority pledge. Eleanor Savell willagain seek revenge, and Grace Harlowe will once more prove herself equalto the occasion. Those who have followed the "High School Girls" throughthree years of school life cannot fail to be interested in what befellthese lovable everyday girls during their senior year. 

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=By WALTER BENHAM=

1 BEN LIGHTBODY, SPECIAL; Or, Seizing His First Chance to Make Good. 

2 BEN LIGHTBODY'S BIGGEST PUZZLE; Or, Running the Double Ghost to Earth. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

Pony Rider Boys Series

=By FRANK GEE PATCHIN=

These tales may be aptly described as those of a new Cooper. In everysense they belong to the best class of books for boys and girls. 

1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the Lost Claim. 

2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains. 

3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old CusterTrail. 

4 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby Mountain. 

5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; Or, Finding a Key to the DesertMaze. 

6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the Silver Trail. 

7 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; Or, The Mystery of BrightAngel Gulch. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

The Boys of Steel Series

=By JAMES R. MEARS=

The author has made of these volumes a series of romances with sceneslaid in the iron and steel world. Each book presents a vivid picture ofsome phase of this great industry. The information given is exact andtruthful; above all, each story is full of adventure and fascination. 

1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft. 

2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift. 

3 THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS; Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes. 

4 THE IRON BOYS IN THE STEEL MILLS; Or, Beginning Anew in the CinderPits. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

West Point Series

=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=

The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young Americanswhose doings will inspire all boy readers. 

1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the CadetGray. 

2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory ofthe Soldier's Life. 

3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for Flagand Honor. 

4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the Grayfor Shoulder Straps. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

Annapolis Series

=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=

The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted inthese volumes. 

1 DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at theU. S. Naval Academy. 

2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as NavalAcademy "Youngsters. "

3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the Second ClassMidshipmen. 

4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation andthe Big Cruise. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

=The Young Engineers Series=

=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=

The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High School BoysSeries. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton prove worthy ofall the traditions of Dick & Co. 

1 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest. 

2 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks on the "Man-Killer"Quicksand. 

3 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; Or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of aPick. 

4 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

Boys of the Army Series

=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=

These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States Army ofto-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master pen. 

1 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the United StatesArmy. 

2 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons. 

3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First Real Commands. 

4 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; Or, Following the Flag Againstthe Moros. 

(_Other volumes to follow rapidly. _)

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

Battleship Boys Series

=By FRANK GEE PATCHIN=

These stories throb with the life of young Americans on to-day's hugedrab Dreadnaughts. 

1 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy. 

2 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, Winning Their Grades asPetty Officers. 

3 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, Earning New Ratings inEuropean Seas. 

4 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS; Or, Upholding the American Flag ina Honduras Revolution. 

(_Other volumes to follow rapidly. _)

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

The Meadow-Brook Girls Series

=By JANET ALDRIDGE=

Real live stories pulsing with the vibrant atmosphere of outdoor life. 

1 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS; Or, Fun and Frolic in the SummerCamp. 

2 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY; Or, The Young Pathfinders on aSummer Hike. 

3 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT; Or, The Stormy Cruise of the Red Rover. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

High School Boys Series

=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=

In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck. 

Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinatingvolumes. 

1 THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co. 's First Year Pranks andSports. 

2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. On the Gridley Diamond. 

3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the FootballGridiron. 

4 THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading theAthletic Vanguard. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

Grammar School Boys Series

=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=

This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar schoolboys, comes near to the heart of the average American boy. 

1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start ThingsMoving. 

2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick & Co. At Winter Sports. 

3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun andKnowledge. 

4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make TheirFame Secure. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

High School Boys' Vacation Series

=By H. IRVING HANCOCK=

"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"

This has been the burden of the cry from young readers of the countryover. Almost numberless letters have been received by the publishers, making this eager demand; for Dick Prescott, Dave Darrin, Tom Reade, andthe other members of Dick & Co. Are the most popular high school boys inthe land. Boys will alternately thrill and chuckle when reading thesesplendid narratives. 

1 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB; Or, Dick & Co. 's Rivals on LakePleasant. 

2 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; Or, The Dick Prescott SixTraining for the Gridley Eleven. 

3 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; Or, Dick & Co. In the Wilderness. 

4 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; Or, Dick & Co. Making Themselves"Hard as Nails. "

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

The Circus Boys Series

=By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON=

Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intenselyinteresting and exciting life. 

1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in theSawdust Life. 

2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on theTanbark. 

3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the SunnySouth. 

4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show onthe Big River. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

The High School Girls Series

=By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M. =

These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the readerfairly by storm. 

1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of theOakdale Freshman Girls. 

2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of theGirl Chums in Work and Athletics. 

3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in theSororities. 

4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of theWays. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

The Automobile Girls Series

=By LAURA DENT CRANE=

No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all completeunless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books. 

1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade. 

2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost Man'sTrail. 

3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in SleepyHollow. 

4 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds

5 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM BEACH; Or, Proving Their Mettle UnderSouthern Skies. 

 Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 

 * * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

Obvious printer's punctuation errors corrected. Varied hyphenation wherea consensus could not be ascertained, retained. 

Page 9, "friend" changed to "friends" (became the firm friends)

Page 49, "its" changed to "it's" (I think it's high)

Page 54, word "were" inserted into text (thought were the)

Page 74, word "a" inserted into the text (You have everything a)

Page 111, removed double word "to to" (want to go)

Page 143, "entiled" changed to "entitled". 

Page 145, "Harlowe's" changed to "Harlowe" (Harlowe lost no)

Page 175, word "ran" removed from text. Original read "surprise ranaround" (surprise around)

Page 254, "your" changed to "you're" (you know you're)

The Boys of Steel Series: Book list was missing the numerals 3 and 4.