"ELEANOR SAVELL."

"Well, of all things!" exclaimed Marian Barber. "Grace Harlowe, if you
ever attempt to conciliate her again, I'll disown you."

"What does she mean by saying that we discussed her affairs with Mrs.
Gray?" cried Jessica impatiently. "We have always tried to put her best
side out to dear Mrs. Gray, and you all know it."

"The best thing to do," said Anne, smiling a little, "is to tell Mrs.
Gray all about it. We might as well live up to the reputation Eleanor
has thrust upon us. It isn't pleasant to admit that we have failed with
Eleanor, but it isn't our fault, at any rate. I am going there this
afternoon. I'll tell her."

"May I go with you, Anne?" asked Grace.

"You know I'd love to have you," Anne replied.

"As long as I was the first to agree to look out for Eleanor, I have
decided I had better be with you at the finish," said Grace, as the two
girls walked slowly up the drive.

"The finish?" asked Anne. "Why do you say that, Grace?"

"You've heard about the last straw that broke the camel's back, haven't
you?" asked Grace. "Well, Eleanor's note is the last straw. I know I
said that once before, and I broke my word. I don't intend to break it
again, however. I am going to ask Mrs. Gray to release me from my
promise."

CHAPTER XVIII

THE PLAY'S THE THING

Excitement ran high in the three lower classes one morning in early
February when Miss Thompson requested that those interested in the
production of a Shakespearian play go to the library directly after
school, there to discuss the situation.

When the gong sounded dismissal, about sixty girls with dramatic
aspirations made for the library. The Phi Sigma Tau entered in a body.
They had decided at recess to carry away as many laurels as possible,
providing they could get into the cast.

Miss Tebbs, teacher of elocution; Miss Kane, teacher of gymnastics, and
Miss Thompson stood at one side of the library talking earnestly as they
noted each newcomer.

"Oh, look!" whispered Jessica, clutching Nora's arm. "There's Eleanor
and her crowd."

"Then look out for squalls," replied Nora. "She'll try to be the whole
cast, and will get a magnificent case of sulks if she can't have her own
way."

"Sh-h-h," warned Eva Allen. "She'll hear you. Besides, Miss Thompson is
going to speak."

The principal held up her hand for silence and the groups of girls
engaged in subdued conversation ceased t