aking; yet her words were not
wasted--nor her time. She did not talk idly. Nor did the two chums
have much to say but "Yes" and "No." In the course of her remarks she
said:

"This is your first experience, I understand, away from home and in a
school of this character? Yes? Ah, then, many things will be new and
strange to you, as well as hard to bear at first. Among two hundred
girls there are bound to be girls of a good many different kinds," and
she smiled. "You will find some thoughtless and careless--forgetting
what they have been sent to the school for. Avoid that class. They
will not aid you in your own intention to stand well in the classes.

"Keep before you the fact that your friends have sent you here for
improvement--not to kill time. All girls like fun; I hope you will
find plenty of innocent amusement here. I want all my girls happy and
content. Use the advantages of our gym; join the walking club; we make
a point of having one of the best basketball teams in this part of the
State. Tennis is a splendid exercise for girls, and we have an indoor
as well as outdoor courts. Yes, do not neglect the good times. But
remember, too, that amusement isn't the main issue of life at Briarwood
Hall. Let nothing interfere with the study hour. Keep the rules--we
strive to have as few as possible, so that there may be less temptation
to break them," and the Preceptress smiled her quick, understanding
smile again.

"By the way, there are social clubs in the school. To-night--have you
been invited to any gathering?"

"Both the Forward Club and the Up and Doings have invited us to attend
their meetings," said Ruth, quietly.

"Ah!"

"We are going to the Up and Doings, Mrs. Tellingham," said Helen.

"Ah!" was again the lady's comment, and they learned nothing from her
countenance. Nevertheless, Ruth thought it better to explain:

"We were very kindly received by Miss Cox, and shown our room by her,
and she invited us to her club first of all."

"Indeed! We shall be glad to have you come to our club, too, before
you make up your minds to join any," said Mrs. Tellingham, with an
accent on one word that made both Ruth and Helen mark it well. The F.
C.'s were plainly approved by the Preceptress.

"There!" she continued, nodding smilingly at the chums. "I am sure we
shall get on together. You will become acquainted with both your
school-fellows and your instructors in course of time. There are not