the seven girls had taken possession of the
Bright's big, comfortable sitting room and were impatiently waiting for
Grace to tell her news.

"Before I tell you what is on my mind," said Grace, "we ought to have
a president, vice president and secretary for this worthy organization.
I move therefore that we choose Miriam Nesbit for president of this
sorority. Those in favor say 'aye.' We'll dispense with seconding the
motion."

There was an instant's pause, then a chorus of "ayes" burst forth.

"Contrary, 'no.'"

The only "no" was from Miriam.

"We appreciate the fact that you are too polite to vote for yourself,
Miriam," said Grace, "but your 'no' doesn't amount to a row of pins.
You're elected, so come over here and occupy the chair of state. Long
live the president of the Phi Sigma Tau."

Miriam, flushed with pleasure, then took the seat that Grace had
vacated. She had not expected this honor and was deeply touched by it.
Her summer with her girl chums at Lake George had made her an entirely
different girl from the Miriam of old. Admiration for Grace and her
friends had taken the place of the old animosity. Although the chums had
not taken her into their inner circle, still they made much of her, and
she came nearer to being one of them than any other girl in the junior
class.

"I am sure I thank you all," began Miriam, "and now we must have a vice
president and a secretary."

Grace and Anne were elected with enthusiasm to the respective offices,
then Miriam requested Grace to tell the other members what was on her
mind.

After addressing the chair, Grace began: "I know you will all be glad to
hear that Mabel has received a letter from Mary Stevens. It was
addressed to me on the outside envelope and Mabel has given me
permission to open and read it to you. She is willing for us to do
whatever we think best. I won't attempt to read all the letter, only
that part that interests us.

"Here it is: 'I am so sorry about the way in which you are treated, but
glad to know that you have found friends at last. Miss Brant has no
claim on you whatever. She took you from the orphanage with the
understanding that if you did not suit her she was to be allowed to send
you back. The matron asked her why she did not adopt you, or at least
appoint herself your guardian, and she said that under no circumstances
would she do so; that she wanted a good maid of all work, not a
daughter. I enclose a statement from the matron to