. Ashe's guests at supper.

On Saturday the devoted little band gathered at Arline's home at nine
o'clock in the morning, determined to crowd every possible bit of
pleasure into the hours that were theirs. On Sunday it was Mabel Ashe
who played hostess, and on Sunday night a goodly company saw Grace to
the station and safely on her way.

It was eleven o'clock when she let herself into Harlowe House, and
hurried upstairs, anxious to relax and be comfortable after her long
ride. As she had expected, on opening the door of her room, she saw
Emma, her tall, thin figure wrapped in the folds of a gay crepe kimono,
seated before the table, industriously looking over, and marking,
themes.

"Hello, Gracious," she caroled amiably, laying down the sheet of paper
she held in her hand and making a quick dive for Grace. "I began to
thing you weren't coming home to-night. How are you, and how is
everybody? In spite of being fairly swamped with themes, I managed to
arise in my might and make cocoa. It's in the chocolate pot and there
are some extra fine Dean-made sandwiches to match. Now say, 'Emma, you
are one in a million, and a cook besides.' Give me your coat and hat.
Your kimono and slippers await you."

"What a dear you are, Emma," declared Grace, as she handed her wraps to
Emma and began to unhook her skirt. "How I wish you had been with us.
The girls were so sorry you couldn't come. Elfreda says she is going to
descend upon you some Friday and carry you off for a week end,
regardless of howls and protests."

Emma's expressive face lighted with whimsical tenderness. "J. Elfreda
never forgets, does she? Here's your cocoa, Grace. Help yourself to
sandwiches."

Seating themselves opposite each other at the oak center table, the
plate of sandwiches and the chocolate pot between them, the two young
women settled themselves for a talk which lasted until after midnight.

"We are setting a fearful example for our girls," remarked Grace
yawning, as they finally arose to prepare for bed. "I hope we haven't
disturbed Miss Ward. I haven't heard a sound from her room. She must be
asleep. I wonder when she came back."

"Came back from where?" asked Emma.

"From New York City. She took the same train that I took and sat with me
all the way there."

"She did!" exclaimed Emma. "That doesn't tally with what I heard in the
registrar's office Friday afternoon. I'm afraid she didn't ask
permission to go, Grace."

"Oh, she must have ha