he had a true
ear. At the end of the service Miss Maconahay, the organist, came and
spoke to her and advised her that, providing she would give some time
to it, there was a chance for her to become a member of the chorus and,
if she showed improvement, she might even join the Glee Club.

On Monday school began in earnest. Ruth and Helen were side by side in
every class. What study one took up, the other voted for. The fact
that they had to work hard--especially at first--kept Ruth and Helen
together, and during the first week neither had much time for any
society at all. Between supper and bedtime each evening they
faithfully worked at their lessons for the ensuing day and every hour
of daylight brought its separate duty. There seemed to be little
opportunity for idle hands to find mischief at Briarwood Hall.

Mrs. Tellingham, however, did not propose that the girls should be so
closely confined by their studies that their physical health would be
neglected. Those girls who stood well in their classes found at least
two hours each day for outdoor play or gym work. The tennis courts at
Briarwood were in splendid shape. Helen already was a fair player; but
Ruth had never held a racket in her hand until she was introduced to
the game by her chum during this first week at school.

The girl from the Red Mill was quick and active. She learned the rules
of play and proved that her eye was good and that she had judgment
before they had played an hour. She knew how to leap and run, too,
having been country bred and used to an active life.

"Oh, dear me!" gasped Helen, out of breath. "You are tireless, Ruth.
Why, you'll be an athlete here."

"This is great fun, Helen," declared her chum, "I believe I can learn
to play _this_ game."

"Learn to play!" gasped Helen. "Why, all you want is practice to beat
Tom himself, I believe. You'll be a crack player, Ruthie," prophesied
her friend.

It was while they were loitering on the tennis courts after the game
that Sarah Fish and Phyllis Short, with a number of the other Infants,
joined them. Sarah came out bluntly with:

"When are we going to form our club, Ruth Fielding? I think we should
do it at once. I've told both the Forwards and the Upedes that I am
not in the market. I guess they'll let me alone now."

"I think they will," said Helen, sharply. "At least, the Upedes don't
want you, Miss."

"You seem to knew exactly what they _do_ want," said Sarah,
g