night I asked you about him and you didn't give me any
satisfaction. I could see that you didn't want to answer, so I didn't
say another word, but I kept on wondering. What are you all laughing
at?" she demanded, darting a suspicious glance about the circle of
smiling faces.

"Elfreda, you are a wonder! I make my bow to you." Patience rose and,
walking over to where Elfreda sat, bowed low before her.

Elfreda's plump hand was raised in protest, but there was curiosity
written on every feature. "What made you keep it a secret?"

"I have designs on an editorial position on the 'College Herald' next
year. But I want to win my literary spurs through my own efforts. I
don't believe in reflected glory." Patience's earnestness was
convincing.

"Neither do I," agreed Mabel heartily. "You won't object if the editor
of our paper knows, though, will you? He is an old friend of Father's. I
am sure he will never forgive me if I don't introduce you to him. I am
going to take you girls to the office with me on Saturday. But to go
back to the object of our council, what are we to do in the case of Miss
West?"

"Nothing." Grace spoke decisively.

"Oh, yes, we must do something, Grace dear," admonished Patience. "We
mustn't give her up in this fashion."

"Then, suggest something," retorted Grace with an impatient frown.

"I will before long," promised Patience. "I can't think of a single
thing now, but the inspiration will come. Will you all agree to help if
I think of something startlingly worth while?"

"I'll consider the matter," was Mabel's dry comment.

The other girls answered in the affirmative, but without enthusiasm.
Grace's almost hostile attitude toward Kathleen had had a potent effect
upon them. Patience, feeling their acquiescence to be perfunctory, said
no more on the subject. There was a perceptible lull in the
conversation, then Mabel proposed that Miriam play for them, and the
council broke up with alacrity and strolled off to the music room.

"It's time to dress for dinner. Father will be here soon," announced
Mabel. "To-night we are to have a little dance. I have been keeping it
as a surprise for you. We have a perfectly darling ballroom in the house
and I have invited a number of my friends to meet you."

Mabel's announcement was received with exclamations of delight. What
girl does not welcome the very idea of a real dance to the notes of a
real orchestra? The Overton girls went upstairs to dress for th