had
agreed that Ruth might come back with her each evening and also take
advantage of the services of Miss Renshaw. If Ruth got a scholarship she
would indeed be a happy girl, and it was Cassandra's, opinion that,
although she had been such a short time in the school, she would have a
very good chance if she got a little outside help.

Accordingly Cassandra waited for Ruth outside the school when lessons
were over. During the morning her eyes had travelled in Ruth's direction
pretty often, and her eyes had conveyed to the little girl all sorts of
kind and friendly messages. But Ruth had avoided Cassandra's eyes. She
had made up her mind.

"I can't be two things," she said to herself. "I have elected to go with
the foundationers and with Kathleen O'Hara, although I don't care for
the society, and I don't want to belong to the girls who band themselves
together against the paying girls. But if I do this I certainly can't
take advantage of Cassandra's kindness. I do love her--I am sure I
should love her dearly--but I can't have much to say to her now."

Accordingly, while Cassandra waited for Ruth, hoping that she would
appear at any moment, and that she could tell her what a good thing she
had arranged on her behalf, Ruth avoided Cassandra. Presently Kathleen
O'Hara, dressed somewhat extravagantly, and with her blue velvet cap
perched upon the back of her golden hair, strolled out of school. She
had a crimson sash round her black velvet dress, and a wide lace collar
encircled her neck. She was fastening a heavily embroidered coat of blue
cashmere when Cassandra accosted her.

"How do you do, Miss O'Hara?" she said.

"How are you?" replied Kathleen, just raising her brows, and then
turning to say something to Susy Hopkins.

Cassandra frowned.

"How can Kathleen, who with all her eccentricities is a lady, waste her
time talking to an insignificant little girl like Susy?" thought
Cassandra.

Kathleen seemed to read her neighbor's thoughts, for she slipped her
hand inside Susy's arm.

"I will walk with you a little way," she said; "I have something I want
to say."

"One moment first," said Cassandra. "Have you seen Ruth Craven
anywhere?"

"Oh yes; Ruth has left the school. Didn't you see her go? There she is,
crossing the field. I suppose she is in a hurry to get home."

"Thank you," said Cassandra.

She caught up her books and started running in the direction of Ruth
Craven.

"How tiresome of her to have