her head with dignity. "He was very kind and friendly to
us," she explained to their companion, "because he had been very much
devoted to my aunt, who left us the house where we now live. He had no
mother and Aunt Louise was very fond of him."

"Well, you're awfully in luck, however it is," replied the girl. "I'll
see you in about fifteen minutes," and she nodded as she moved off, her
dark hair gleaming in the mingled lights as she carried her small fine
head proudly on her slender neck.

Patricia was about to make a comment when she suddenly turned and came
back to them.

"I forgot to tell you my name," she said, holding out a strong, slender
hand. "I am Margaret Howes, and I know you are Elinor Kendall, for I
saw it on your locker. I don't know your sister's name--she _is_ your
sister, isn't she?"

Patricia was introduced, and Margaret Howes, with promises to meet them
later, went off finally, and Patricia and Elinor set to work to dispose
of their neglected lunch, enjoying their own comments on the assembled
groups more than they did the cakes and fruit.

"Just look at that mournful creature." Patricia motioned with her
eyebrows to the opposite side of the room, where a large, stout young
woman in somber cloak and wide-plumed hat was eating her way through a
chocolate eclair with just such an air of tragic and settled melancholy
as one sometimes sees in a child whose grief is momentarily its most
cherished possession.

"Isn't she the limit?" said Patricia in disdain. "She oughtn't to eat
frivolous things like eclairs. I wonder at her lack of judgment."

"She isn't in mourning," said Elinor, making a discovery. "I wonder
who she is. She's impressive enough to be the president of the board,
and Bruce says that's the most important person in the place."

"She's rather too _collap-y_ for my taste," volunteered Patricia,
gathering up the remains of their repast. "I like the looks of lots of
the others far better than hers. Let's ask Miss Margaret Howes about
her. No doubt she can tell us what is her secret trouble."

They followed the general exodus upstairs, feeling more and more at
home with every step.

"Isn't it funny how familiar that antique room looks?" said Patricia
with enjoyment. "I feel quite like an old residenter already. By the
time my clay comes I'll have the sensations of the oldest inhabitant."

Elinor was breathing fast as she swept the corridor with anxious glance.

"I hope