e principal, severely.

She always spoke severely, so this did not disturb the girl. But the
latter was so anxious about her own affairs that she flushed deeply and
only played with her food.

Both of these things did not trouble Nancy. In the first place, she was
very pretty when she blushed, having an olive complexion and dark, crisp
hair which she wore in two plaits down her back. And she was so plump
that the loss of luncheon wasn't going to hurt her.

She was glad when the bell rang for the girls to rise and listen to Miss
Trigg's murmured "thanks for meat." Then she ran eagerly over to the
principal's cottage and found Miss Prentice waiting for her.

"I have heard from Mr. Gordon," began that lady.

"My guardian!" gasped Nancy, clasping her hands.

"I do not know that he _is_ your guardian," responded Miss Prentice,
with an admonitory look. "You must remember that he merely pays your
fees here."

"Well!" breathed Nancy, trying to contain herself within bounds.

"He asks me to keep you here this summer as before," continued the
principal.

"Oh!"

"He has made no other plans for tiding you over the summer," went on
the very practical lady. "He objects to entering into arrangements with
any other person for the brief time between your graduation here and
your matriculation at Pinewood Hall in September----"

"Oh, Miss Prentice! Pinewood Hall!" cried Nancy, unable to restrain
herself.

She knew all about Pinewood Hall. It was one of the most popular
preparatory schools in the Middle West. Nancy had never even dreamed
that she would be allowed to attend such a select institution.

"I do wish you would restrain yourself, Nancy," said the principal.
"They will think at Pinewood that you have had no proper training here,
at all."

"Oh, I beg pardon, Miss Prentice," cried the girl. "I really will try to
be a credit to you if I go there."

"I hope so," observed the principal, grimly, and nodded as though she
thought this terminated the interview.

"But, Miss Prentice! Is--is that all he says?" queried Nancy, anxiously.

"That you will remain here--if I agree, which I shall; Miss Trigg will
look after you--until fall, when you will receive your transportation to
Clintondale and will go there, prepared to continue your studies."

"And--noth--ing--more?" sighed Nancy, hopelessly.

"Indeed! What more could you wish?" demanded Miss Prentice, tartly. "It
seems to me you are a very fortunate girl indeed. Pi