lp it," promised Mabel. "Girls, I want you
to meet Miss Graham and Miss Allen, both worthy juniors. You already
know Constance."

The "worthy juniors" nodded smilingly as Mabel presented Grace and her
friends.

"Get your capes and scarfs," directed Mabel briskly. "We must be on our
way. I'm sure it's going to be a red-letter affair. The sophomores have
nearly worked their dear heads off to impress the baby class. Do you
girls all dance, and how many of you can lead?"

"Miriam and I," answered Grace. "Anne is not tall enough. Elfreda and
Ruth will have to answer for themselves."

Ruth Denton confessed to being barely able to dance. Elfreda, who looked
really handsome in her blue evening gown, answered in the affirmative.
Grace noted with secret satisfaction that the stout girl was keeping
strictly in the background and making no effort to push herself forward.
"If she only behaves like that all evening the girls will be sure to
like her, and if anything comes up later about this registrar business
there won't be such fuss made over it," Grace reflected.

"Come on, Grace!" Frances Marlton's merry tones broke in on Grace's
reflections. "I'm going to be your faithful cavalier. I'll offer you my
arm as soon as we get downstairs. We never could walk two abreast in
state down these stairs."

Grace followed Frances's lead, smiling happily. Julia Graham, a rather
stout, pleasant-faced young woman in pink messaline, bowed to Miriam.
Anne found herself accepting the arm of Edith Allen, while Constance
Fuller took charge of Ruth Denton. The crowning honor fell to J.
Elfreda, for Mabel Ashe walked up to her, slipped her arm in that of the
astonished girl, saying impressively, "May I have the pleasure, Miss
Briggs?"

The little party fairly bubbled over with high spirits as they set out
for the gymnasium in couples, but to Elfreda the world was gayest rose
color. To be escorted to the reception by the most popular girl in
college was an honor of which she had never dreamed. Only a few days
before she had resigned all hope of even going, but through the magic of
Grace Harlowe she was among the elect. For almost the first time in her
self-centered young life, she was swept by a wholly generous impulse to
do the best that lay within her in college if only for Grace's sake.
While she listened to Mabel's gay sallies, answering them almost shyly,
her mind was on the debt of gratitude she owed Grace, who, without
mentioning her vis