so many at Briarwood Hall but that we are still one great family. One
thing girls come away from home for, to an institution like this, is to
learn self-control and self-government. If you need help do not be
afraid to go to your instructors, or come to me. Confide in us. But,
on the other hand, you must learn to judge for yourself. We do not
punish an act of wrong judgment, here at Briarwood." And so the
Preceptress bade them good-evening.

"Isn't she nice?" whispered Ruth, as she and Helen made their exit from
the room.

"Ye-es," admitted her chum. "But you can see she is dreadfully
'bossy.'"

At that Ruth laughed heartily. "You foolish child!" she said, shaking
her chum a little. "Isn't she here to 'boss'? My goodness! you didn't
expect to do just as _you_ pleased here at Briarwood; did you?"

Helen Cameron had been used to having her own way a good deal. Being
naturally a sweet-tempered girl, she was not much spoiled. But Mrs.
Murchiston had been unable to be very strict with the twins when Mr.
Cameron was so indulgent himself.

Mary Cox and "Heavy" Stone were waiting on the steps for the friends as
they came out. There was another group of girls on the path, too, who
eyed Ruth and Helen interestedly as the latter came down the steps with
the two Juniors. "'The Fox' has been in the poultry yard again, and
has caught two chickabiddies," laughed one of these idle girls.

Ruth flushed, but Helen did not hear the gibe, being much interested in
what Mary Cox was saying to her. Ruth walked beside the good-natured
Jennie Stone.

"My, my!" chuckled that damsel, "aren't those Fussy Curls jealous?
They had to take the teachers into their old club so as to be more
numerous than the Upedes. But I guess Mary Cox will show 'em! She
_is_ a fox, and I guess she always will be!"

"Is that what they call Miss Cox?" asked Ruth, not a little troubled.

"Oh, she's foxy, all right," said this rather slangy young lady. "She
will beat the Fussy Curls every time. She's President of the Upedes,
you know."

Ruth was still troubled, and she hastened to say:

"You know, we haven't been asked to join the club, Miss Stone. And my
chum and I are not sure that we wish to join any of the school clubs at
first. We--we want to look around us, you know."

"That's all right," said Jennie Stone, cordially. "You'll be put up
for membership when you want to be. But we'll show you some fun. No
use getting in with tho