ting story to tell the girls when we go back to
college," said Grace thoughtfully. "He is a wonderful man, he made me
feel as though it paid to do one's best."

"That is the reason he has been so successful in his work, I suppose,"
remarked Anne. "He makes other people feel that it pays to be good,
too."

From the subject of the actor-minister the conversation drifted to
Overton. Miss Southard listened interestedly to Grace's vivid
description of the college, the various halls and even the faculty.

"Then you are satisfied with your choice? You never wish that you had
entered Vassar or Smith or any other college?"

"Yes, I am satisfied," declared Grace, while Miriam and Anne echoed her
reply, but Grace might have truthfully added that there were times when
even the glorious privilege of being an Overton freshman had its
drawbacks.

CHAPTER XVI

THANKSGIVING WITH THE SOUTHARDS

Thanksgiving dinner was served at exactly half-past twelve o'clock, and
eaten with much merriment and good cheer. At half-past one Mr. Southard
was obliged to leave his sister and guests, and at two o'clock they were
getting into their wraps, preparatory to accompanying Miss Southard to
another theatre to see one of the most successful plays of the season.
That night they saw the actor in "Hamlet," and his remarkable portrayal
of the ill-fated Prince of Denmark was something long to be remembered
by the three girls as well as by the rest of the enthusiastic assemblage
that witnessed it.

"I shall never forget the awful look in his poor eyes," said Grace
solemnly. Then she joined in the insistent applause that Everett
Southard's art had evoked. Presently the actor appeared and bowed his
appreciation of the tribute. Then he made his exit nor could he be
induced to appear again.

Anne sat as though turned to stone. She could not find words to express
the emotions that had thrilled her during Mr. Southard's marvelous
portrayal of the role. His own personality was completely submerged in
that of the melancholy ghost-ridden youth, who, dedicating his life to
the purpose of avenging his father's murder, welcomed death with open
arms when his purpose had been accomplished. She had seen a great play
and a great actor. The first time she saw "Hamlet" she left the theatre
heartsick and discouraged. To-night she was leaving it alert and
triumphant.

"Anne has been touched by the finger of Genius," smiled Miss Southard,
as she marshaled h