e woman was subtly flattered; if
Marjorie had tried to win her affection, she could not have chosen a
more direct method. But she was all unconscious of the impression she
was making.

Although the affair was not to be over until twelve, the boys had not
filled out the girls' programs for the last dances. So, in accordance
with Mrs. Wilkinson's wishes, they started for home in the machine by
half eleven. To her surprise, Marjorie found that she was sleepy; and
making no attempt at conversation, she leaned back against the cushions.
In a few minutes she was fast asleep, her head resting against Mrs.
Hadley's shoulder.

Sunday passed quickly for the girls, for they were both tired out, and
their parents let them sleep late. At three o'clock they took the train
for school.

"Nothing but rehearsals!" yawned Ruth. "Don't you wish the operetta were
over?"

"Yes--and no," replied Marjorie, thinking of Frieda's promise. "I don't
mind rehearsing much. But, then, I haven't a big part."

"No; neither you nor I can sing wonderfully, can we? But didn't it make
you feel the least bit badly, Marj, after being heroine last year, to
have to take a back seat this time?"

Marjorie regarded Ruth with curiosity. This, in a nutshell, summed up
Ruth's character. She could never bear to "take a back seat."

"Not a bit! With basket-ball and everything, I was glad not to have to
work so hard. And then I've got my canoe again, you know!"

"Thanks to me!" said Ruth, proudly.

"Thanks to father!" returned Marjorie, a little sharply. It was tiresome
the way Ruth was always fishing for compliments.

"I say, though," observed Ruth, "I wish I could earn that medal for
locating Frieda Hammer. It would be the first medal of merit in the
troop!"

"Medal!" exclaimed Marjorie. "Goodness, I had forgotten all about it!"

"And had you forgotten all about her, too?"

"No, indeed," replied Marjorie, warmly. "She'll turn up some day. And if
she does, Ruth, you've got to forget that she ever stole anything. For
she's made it up, you know!"

Marjorie looked straight into Ruth's eyes, and seemed to pierce into the
hidden motives of her life. Ruth lowered her lids under the penetrating
gaze, and answered, somewhat doggedly,

"All right! Whatever you say!"

"Thanks, Ruth!"

The train arrived just on time and the girls went directly to their
rooms. Marjorie proceeded to tell Lily all about the dance.

"Is that what makes you look so happy, Marj?