ression with which her family was acquainted.

"When Peggy looks dour," Jean used to say, "look out for rising winds
and a falling barometer!"

Then Viola came forward, and began to plead, in her pretty, wheedling
way.

"Let us go, just this once; that's a dear, good Veezy. I know what has
happened; Miss Russell has found out, hasn't she?"

Peggy nodded.

"And she has spoken to you, and of course I know just how you feel. But
you see, Peggy, we have an appointment this time, truly we have, with
some college girls, and you wouldn't make us break it, would you,
Veezy? Of course you don't want us to go, and we won't again,--at least
most probably we won't, if it is going to get you into trouble. But we
really _have_ to go this time, Peggy, dear, so do be nice and sweet, and
let us pass."

"No," said Peggy. "I'm sorry, Viola, but it's no use. Nothing you can
say will make any difference."

"Possibly not!" said Blanche Haight; she pushed Viola aside without
ceremony, and came close to Peggy.

"Possibly nothing we can say will make a difference, Miss Montfort, but
something we can _do_ may make a good deal. I ask you, fair and square,
will you come away from that window? We are six to one, and I give you
the chance of settling this in a quiet and friendly way. Will you come
away from that window?"

"No," said Peggy, "I will not. Is that square enough?"

"Then, girls," said Blanche, turning to her followers, "we must help
ourselves. We shall see whether one freshman is going to block the way
of the Gang! You take one arm, Viola, and I'll take the other."

"Oh, don't hurt her!" cried Viola. "Don't hurt her, Blanche. I'm awfully
fond of Peggy. I know she only means to do what she thinks she ought to.
Peggy, do give up! You are all alone, and there are six of us. Do give
up, Peggy; for my sake, Peggy! I--I'll give you my gold bangle, the one
with the locket, if you'll only give up, Peggy!"

Peggy smiled, and said nothing. She could not be angry with the little
butterfly, but there was no use in wasting breath; she might need all
she had.

Blanche Haight seized one arm, Vivia Varnham the other, and tried to
drag her away from the window by main force. With her favourite
Newfoundland-dog motion, Peggy shook them off, planted a quick blow
here, another there, and her assailants staggered back for a moment. In
another instant, however, they returned to the attack, and this time the
other sophomores joined, and all fi