lves
together would create. "I thought, if you approved of the plan, we might
elect our officers at once, and appoint a committee to draw up the
constitution and by-laws. I am going to ask you to talk it over among
yourselves for ten minutes, while Miss Dean and I prepare some balloting
slips," she concluded, and at once a loud buzz of eager conversation
began.

It was fifteen minutes before Grace again called the meeting to order,
and appointed four tellers, who distributed ballots. Then nominations
were in order.

"I nominate Miss Ward for president," proposed Cecil Ferris.

"I second the motion," came from Mary Reynolds.

Grace could hardly control the surprise in her voice, when, after
waiting a little, she asked: "Are there any further nominations?" "I
nominate Miss Sampson," called a small pale girl from her perch in the
window seat, with a fond smile in the direction of her roommate. Another
girl seconded the nomination, and it was then moved and seconded that
the nominations for president be closed. The nomination for
vice-president, secretary and treasurer were then in order and after
they were closed the voting began.

"Well, of all things," whispered Emma to Grace, who sank into the chair
beside her friend, a peculiar expression on her fine face. "I never
dreamed of matters taking that turn, did you?"

Grace shook her head. It had indeed come as a shock. She had thought of
the club as a novel and possible means of bringing the Harlowe House
girls into a closer relationship with one another. She had never
considered the possibility of Evelyn being president of the club. It was
evident that her nomination had come about through admiration of her
undeniable beauty. She was absolutely unfit for any such office. Grace
hoped, devoutly, that Miss Sampson, a tall, capable young woman, with a
likable personality and a cheery, hearty manner of speaking, would be
elected.

Emma made no further remark, but watched the tellers with calculating
eyes. At last one of them, who had been industriously making notations
on a sheet of paper, rose to announce the results of the election.

"The total number of votes cast for president was thirty-three. Of these
Miss Ward received twenty-nine"--an enthusiastic clapping of hands
sounded--"Miss Sampson four." She then went on to read the result of the
balloting for the other three officers. Nettie Weyburn had won the
vice-presidency, Cecil Ferris had been chosen secretary, w