ou, yes," gasped Eleanor with as much dignity as she could
muster, and resolved to keep her guesses to herself in future.

The chapel service was short but very beautiful. The president's kindly
welcome to the entering class, "which bids fair to be the largest in the
history of the institution," completely upset the composure of some of
the aforesaid class, and a good many moist handkerchiefs grew moister,
and red eyes redder during the prayer. But on the whole the class of
190- conducted itself with commendable propriety and discretion on this
its first official appearance in the college world.

"I'm glad I don't have that French exam.," said Katherine, as she and
Betty picked out their umbrellas from a great, moist heap in the corner
of the hall. "Come down with me and have a soda."

Betty shook her head. "I can't. Nan asked me to go with her and Eth--I
mean Miss Hale, but I simply must study." And she hurried off to begin.

At the entrance to the campus Eleanor Watson overtook her. "Let's go
home and study together," she proposed. "I can't see why they left this
French till so late in the week, when everybody has it. What did you
come to college for?" she asked abruptly.

Betty thought a minute. "Why, for the fun of it, I guess," she said.

"So did I. I think we've stumbled into a pretty serious-minded crowd at
Mrs. Chapin's, don't you?"

"I like Miss Morrison awfully well," objected Betty, "and I shouldn't
call Katherine Kittredge of Kankakee serious-minded, but----"

"Oh, perhaps not," interrupted Eleanor. "Anyhow I know a lot of fine
girls outside, and you must meet them. It's very important to have a lot
of friends up here. If you want to amount to anything, you can't just
stick with the girls in your own house."

"Oh, no," said Betty meekly, awed by the display of worldly wisdom. "It
will be lovely to meet your friends. Let's study on the piazza. I'll get
my books."

"Wait a minute," said Eleanor quickly. "I want to tell you something. I
have at least two conditions already, and if I don't pass this French I
don't suppose I can possibly stay."

"But you don't act frightened a bit," protested Betty in awestruck
tones.

"I am," returned Eleanor in a queer, husky voice. "I could never show my
face again if I failed." She brushed the tears out of her eyes. "Now go
and get your books," she said calmly, "and don't ever mention the
subject again. I had to tell somebody."

Betty was back in a moment, look