me," was Anne's quick reply.

"She is offended, I know she is," said Grace. "I'm sorry, of course. I
didn't pass her by intentionally. I didn't know she was so sensitive. I
think I'll ask her to go to Vinton's for luncheon on Saturday."

But when Grace delivered her invitation at the breakfast table the next
morning it was curtly refused. Mildred Taylor's attitude, if anything,
was a shade more hostile than it had been the night before. From her
manner, it was evident that the little freshman, whom Grace had hastened
to befriend on that first doleful morning when she found her roomless
and in tears on the big oak seat in the hall, had quite forgotten all
she owed to the girl she now appeared to be trying to avoid.

Finding her efforts at friendliness repulsed, Grace proudly resolved to
make no more overtures toward the sulking freshman. She had done
everything in her power to make amends for what had been an
unintentional oversight on her part, and her self respect demanded that
she should allow the matter to drop. She decided that if, later on,
Mildred showed a disposition to be friendly, she would meet her half
way, but, until that time came, she would take no notice of her or seek
further to ascertain the cause of her grievance.

CHAPTER XI

THE FINGER OF SUSPICION

That very morning as Grace was about to leave Miss Duncan's class room
she heard her name called in severe tones. Turning quickly, she met the
teacher's blue eyes fixed suspiciously upon her.

"Did you wish to speak to me, Miss Duncan?" Grace asked.

"Yes," answered Miss Duncan shortly. She continued to look steadily at
Grace without speaking.

Grace waited courteously for the teacher's next words. She wondered a
little why Miss Duncan had detained her.

"Miss Harlowe," began the teacher impressively, "I have always
entertained a high opinion of you as an honor girl. Your record during
your freshman year seemed to indicate plainly that you had a very clear
conception of what constitutes an Overton girl's standard of honor.
Within the past week, however, something has happened that forces me to
admit that I am deeply disappointed in you." Miss Duncan paused.

Grace's expressive face paled a trifle. A look of wonder mingled with
hurt pride leaped into her gray eyes. "I don't understand you, Miss
Duncan," she said quietly. "What have I done to disappoint you?"

Miss Duncan picked up a number of closely written sheets of folded paper
an