but that she looks upon it now with more scorn than
you do."

"I hope so. I hope Exeter has had some influence upon her."

"Don't you think, Landis, the proper thing to do, when we know she is
ashamed of what she did last spring, is to help her all we can? It seems
so unforgiving to be remembering always the little mean actions. I think
she has suffered enough as it is. I don't see what is to be gained by
slighting her now."

"Perhaps you don't; but this is your first year at Exeter and you have
lots more to learn. When you have been here two years more, perhaps your
ethical standard will be higher."

"Until I am capable of _copying_ other people's essays and passing them
off for my own." Elizabeth's lips had grown white as Landis spoke. Never
before in all her life had she been as angry as now. It was not alone
Landis' words which hurt her, but the girl's manner and tone, which were
most insulting.

For an instant Landis' face grew crimson. Elizabeth's remark had struck
home. Her embarrassment lasted only for a moment. She was her cool,
confident self again.

"I hope you'll never be capable of that," was the rejoinder, spoken
lightly as she moved to her desk and took up a pencil preparatory to
writing. "Exeter is scarcely a place where one learns such methods. One
must have brought the disposition for such things with her."

Elizabeth was not deceived by the light tone of the remark. Having entered
into the discussion, she did not intend to retreat with lowered flag.
However, it was scarcely fair to Landis to put her at a disadvantage in
Min Kean's presence. While Landis was speaking, the situation presented
itself clearly to Elizabeth's mind. She turned to Miss Kean.

"Min, would you care to go over to call on my roommate for a few minutes?
You'll find some home-made candy which mother sent with Joe Ratowsky. I
wish to speak with Landis, and it's really too personal for even you to
hear."

"Why, certainly! I'll take the gloves along and finish my mending there.
But don't quarrel while I'm gone."

"Scarcely," was the reply from Landis. "I never have quarreled with anyone
and I have no desire to begin now." She was much taller than before. She
was really quite an impressive person when she was on her dignity.

"Well?" she asked, turning to Elizabeth as the door closed after Min. Her
manner and facial expression added, "If you have anything to say, you
little insignificant member of the Middlers, say it. Suc