was good, and that
if I were ambitious she would put me in the senior class, but I held out
for the juniors and finally got my own way. If you are going to take
such a serious view of this gay world, however, perhaps I'll wish
I had joined the seniors, after all. No, I don't mean that. I'm awfully
glad to know you, and feel honored at being a member of your sorority.
Only I don't expect to ever be a very useful one. My aunt has spoiled
me, and I frankly admit it. So, you see, there is no hope for me." She
spread out both hands in a deprecating manner and shrugged her shoulders
exactly as a French woman might have done.

"I am sure we like you, just as you are," said Eva Allen warmly. She had
been rather impressed with Eleanor.

"Do you see the time?" said Nora, suddenly pointing to the old-fashioned
clock in the corner. "Half past ten! I must go this minute. Sister will
be worried."

She immediately made for her hat and coat, the others following suit,
with the exception of Eleanor, who was to wait until the coachman came
for her.

Once the girls were outside the gate, Marian Barber broke out with:
"What a queer girl that Eleanor Savell is. She is beautiful and
fascinating, but I don't know whether I like her or not."

"You must like her," said Grace. "You know the members of this society
must stand by each other."

"But why did you ask her to join, Grace?" persisted Marian. "She is
different from the rest of us. I don't believe we shall get along with
her very well."

"I'll tell you girls a secret," replied Grace. "Anne and Nora already
know it. Mrs. Gray wants us to be nice to Eleanor for a number of
reasons, and, of course, we wish to please her. Anne, Jessica, Nora and
I were talking about it the other day, and while we were laying plans
for this sorority, we decided to ask Eleanor to join. We thought we
could learn to know her better, and she would eventually become a good
comrade."

"It sounds ridiculous to talk about helping a clever girl like Eleanor,
but from her conversation to-night you can see that she needs some
wholesome advice occasionally," said Nora bluntly. "Mrs. Gray seems to
think we can be of some use in that direction, so we are trying to carry
out her theory."

"I think I understand the situation," said Miriam Nesbit, "and will do
all I can to be nice to her, if she doesn't attempt to patronize me.
I couldn't stand that. I know I used to do it. I suppose that's why it
seems so unendu