Towards nine o'clock, however, just as Marjorie was landing her canoe
with two of the teachers who had been for a ride, she caught sight of a
familiar pink dress.

Ruth, who had joined their group in order to serve the guests with
ice-cream, also noticed the newcomer.

"I wonder who that is!" remarked Ruth, vainly attempting to identify the
girl in the dim light. "She's all dolled up, too!"

A smile spread over Marjorie's face, and she waved her hand in welcome.
Frieda advanced slowly, as if she were not sure that she desired to
join the group. When she was within half a dozen steps of them, Ruth
recognized her.

"Frieda Hammer!" announced Ruth, in a stage whisper that was perfectly
audible to the girl herself. Then, turning to the others, and laughing,
she added, "Hold on to your jewelry! Nothing's safe----"

"Sh!" cautioned Marjorie, in the deepest distress. "Do be careful, Ruth.
She'll hear you!"

But the girl had evidently overheard the remark, for a hard look came
into her eyes. She grit her teeth fiercely, but said nothing; then,
turning swiftly around, she disappeared among the trees.

The older women, sensing a scene, sauntered away; but Ruth stood where
she was, smiling defiantly. Marjorie might have cried, had she not been
so angry.

"It's all your fault!" she exclaimed; "Frieda was just getting friendly,
and here you had to spoil it! Just the way you spoil everything I try to
do!"

"Calm yourself, Marj!" remarked Ruth, with a superior air. "She can't
feel things like we do! Besides, she is a thief, so why not call her
one?"

"Would you like to have all your sins thrown in your face?" retorted
Marjorie. "And you know----"

"May I have a canoe ride?" said a pleasant voice behind them, and the
girls turned around to see Mrs. Johnson, with her husband, standing near
them.

"Certainly," murmured Marjorie, ashamed of her loss of temper, and
hoping that the others had not heard the angry words. Ruth turned away,
and Marjorie once more paddled out on the lake. But the evening was
spoiled for her.

For Frieda Hammer had again been antagonized!

CHAPTER VIII

THE HOCKEY TEAM

"Marjorie!"

Lily Andrews, entering the room, found it necessary to speak twice
before she aroused the attention of her room-mate, who was seated on her
couch, idly fingering the geometry book she was supposed to be studying,
and looking into space. Lily could not remember when she had seen her
look so dejected. Bu