nd
caught the girl by the hand. "You poor child! What has happened to you
to make you cry so?"

"Please don't sympathize with me, Miss Eliot, or I'll break down and cry
again. It isn't anything in particular. I'm just a silly goose, that's
all. Miss West promised to be here this afternoon, and I've been waiting
for her ever since half-past four. I suppose she forgot all about it."
Miss Rawle made a valiant attempt to smile. "Please tell her I was here,
and--and was very sorry I didn't see her." Her lip quivered like that of
a grieved child.

Patience turned on the light, then went over to where Miss Rawle stood.
"Do you wish me to give you a piece of good advice?" she asked with
abrupt frankness, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Yes," responded Miss Rawle in a halfhearted manner.

"Then don't leave any word for Miss West, and don't put yourself within
speaking distance of her for at least a week."

"But--I can't do that. She wouldn't understand----"

"All the better for you," cut in Patience's crisp voice. "You are very
fond of Miss West, aren't you?"

Miss Rawle nodded. "She is so bright and clever and says such smart
things, and can write. I adore cleverness. I'm not a bit clever. I work
dreadfully hard to keep up in my classes. But Kathleen is actually
brilliant, and, besides, she took me to the sophomore reception."

The tall girl listened gravely to this enthusiastic tribute to her
captious roommate. "Very good reasons," she agreed. "Still, I wish you
would try to do what I just suggested. Miss West is like a great many
other clever people, she doesn't appreciate what is easily won."

A deep flush overspread Miss Rawle's face. An angry light leaped into
her blue eyes. Then, meeting Patience's calm glance, she said slowly,
"Do you mean that I force myself upon her?"

"In a measure, yes," was the cool reply. "You are very fond of her and
she knows it, consequently she doesn't value your friendship half as
highly as though she weren't sure of it. You must meet her on her own
ground, and make her realize that you are of as much importance in the
world as she. It may be hard at first, but it will be best for both of
you. Miss West stands in need of a friend, and I am sure you would be
loyal to her."

"How nice in you to say so," returned Miss Rawle, brightening. "I
thought I was angry with you for saying what you did about my forcing
myself upon Kathleen, but I'm not. I am going straight home, now