thing such as we
read of in our ancient histories," commented Betty. "Cheer up, Grace.
There may be worse to come."

"It's awfully good of you, Betty, to try and cheer me, only, if you
understood--but there--let them in. They must be perishing!"

"Oh, it isn't so cold. You don't feel well, that's all. Hello,
Amy--Mollie. Come in!" she greeted the other girls, at the same time
endeavoring by nods and winks to convey some idea that all was not well
with Grace.

But if Betty hoped to convey a quiet intimation that something out of
the ordinary had happened she did not succeed. In her eagerness to warn
the newcomers not to ask questions she overdid it, and succeeded only in
making them alarmed.

"What--what is it?" asked Mollie, in a sort of stage whisper.

"Oh, nothing like that," said Betty, seeing that she was only making
matters worse.

"Who--who is----" began Amy.

"No one!" said Betty, half-sharply. "Don't put on such a mournful look,
Amy. But Grace has had some bad news, I expect, so I let you in."

"Bad news!" echoed Mollie.

"What kind?" inquired Amy.

"I don't know--yet. She's going to tell us."

The two newcomers, divesting themselves of their rubbers, walked on
tiptoe toward the library, preceded by Betty. The latter heard their
cautious approach and turned on them quickly.

"Nobody's asleep!" she exclaimed. "Why don't you act--naturally?"

"Why don't you, yourself, Betty Nelson?" demanded Mollie Billette,
quickly, her dark eyes flashing. "You meet us as if--as if something
terrible had happened, and because we live up to the part, and behave
ourselves, you----"

"Hush, please," begged gentle Amy, for well she knew Mollie's
failing--an exceedingly quick temper.

"I beg your pardon," spoke Mollie, contritely. "I forgot myself."

"That's all right," said Betty, with a smile. "I don't blame you. But we
must all help Grace now. She feels very bad."

As the three entered the library they saw their chum standing near a
window, looking out over the snow-covered lawn. Grace did not turn at
the approach of her friends.

Then Amy stole softly up to her, and, reaching up her arms, tried to put
them around Grace's neck. But Grace was tall, while Amy was rather
short, so the little act of kindness could not be carried out.

Mollie laughed a little. She could not help it.

Amy flushed. She was rather sensitive on the point of her stature.

"Don't mind them, Amy," said Grace quickly, as she turned a