s over them. She is perfectly aware
that it makes you sore. She does it to be tantalizing. Les likes to keep
something going all the time. It is a wonder to me that she hasn't been
expelled from college for some of the tricks she has put over. What you
must do is to pay no attention to her when she is aggravating. Don't
quarrel with her. She enjoys that. Simply behave as though you couldn't
see her at all. It will cure her. I'd rather see her chummy with you
than Lola or Bess, either. Bess Walbert can't tell the truth to save her
neck, and Lola is a selfish kid who thinks of no one but herself."

"That's all true, Joan," Natalie said with unusual meekness. "I will
really try to treat Les as you suggest."

It was not necessary that evening to treat Leslie as Joan had advised.
She was amiability itself. After ordering dinner, composed of the most
expensive items on the menu, she rested her elbows on the table and
announced: "I am going to hire a coach for you three girls. I have the
address of an all-around sportsman who will teach you a few plays that
no one can get by."

"But, Les, we can't do much with only three to play," objected Joan.
"You don't want those two sticks of juniors at our private practice do
you?"

"Not so you could notice them. You won't have to play a trio. The coach
will make four and----" Leslie paused. "I shall make a fifth. I need the
exercise. The coach needs the money. Besides, I propose to hire a hall."

Joan and Natalie tittered at this last. Leslie smiled in her
loose-lipped fashion.

"I met this man at the beach last summer. He was coaching a private
track team. He knows every trick in the sports category. He told me
there were lots of ways of fussing one's opponents in basket ball
besides treating them roughly. He said he had a regular line of what he
called 'soft talk' that he had used with splendid effect. He gave me his
address and said if ever I needed his services to write him. I had told
him enough about the game here so he understood me. I understand him,
too. This is my idea," she continued, leaning far forward and lowering
her voice.

For ten minutes she talked on, her listeners paying strict and
respectful attention.

"It's a great plan," admiringly approved Joan when Leslie had finished.
"It will take cleverness and nerve, though."

"I doubt if I can do it," deprecated Harriet.

"Certainly you can do it. After you work a week or two with this coach
and learn his meth