er?
For some reason or other Elfreda knows just how to bring the best in
Miss Atkins to the surface. Shall we run up and see Miss Taylor for a
moment?"

"You go this morning, Grace," urged Miriam. "I'll stop and see her at
noon. I haven't the time just now."

"I'll go with you," volunteered Anne.

Grace knocked gently on the slightly opened door, then, receiving no
answer, opened it softly. She paused irresolutely on the threshold, Anne
peering over her shoulder. Laura Atkins had left the room, but Mildred
Taylor, fully dressed, sat at the window looking listlessly out. If she
heard Grace's light knock she paid no attention to it. It was not until
Grace said rather diffidently, "We heard you were ill and thought we'd
come in to see you," that the girl at the window turned toward Grace.
Her piquant little face was drawn and pale, and her eyes looked
suspiciously red. She eyed Grace almost sulkily, then said slowly, "It
was kind of you to come, but I shall be all right to-morrow." Under
Grace's serious glance her eyes fell, then, to her visitors' amazement,
she burst into tears. Grace crossed the room. Her arm slid across the
sobbing freshman's shoulders in silent sympathy. "Can't you tell me what
troubles you?" she asked softly.

Mildred shook off the comforting arm with a muttered: "Let me alone. I
can't tell you, of all persons. Go away."

"Why can't you tell me?" persisted Grace gently.

"Because I can't. Won't you please go. I don't wish to talk to any one,"
wailed Mildred.

Grace walked toward the door, her eyes on the weeping girl. Anne, who
had kept strictly in the background during the little scene, stepped out
into the hall, Grace following.

"That was hardly my idea of a cordial reception," was Anne's dry comment
as they entered their own room.

"That young woman has something on her mind," declared Grace. "Her
illness is not physical. It is mental. Either some one has torn her
feelings to shreds or else she has done something she is ashamed of and
remorse has overtaken her."

"Unless she has had bad news from home or has been conditioned,"
suggested Anne.

"I don't believe it's either," said Grace, shaking her head. "I believe
this is something different. Of late she has been acting strangely. Ever
since the reception she has avoided me. Anne Pierson, do you see the
time? We'll be late for chapel!" gasped Grace in consternation.

With one accord the two friends gathered up their wraps, putting