ect until school closed for the day, then while waiting
in the locker-room for Nora and Jessica, the talk was again renewed, and
after swearing Anne to secrecy, Grace imparted to her the conversation
between Marian and Henry Hammond that she and Tom had overheard on New
Year's Night.

"I was so uneasy about it that I went all around town the next day to
see what I could find out about him. I didn't get much satisfaction,
however. He claims to be a real estate agent, and Mr. Furlow in the
First National Bank says that he has interested a number of Oakdale
citizens in land in the west. He is well liked, and it's surprising the
way the business men have taken him up," concluded Grace.

"Perhaps what you heard him say to Marian was nothing of importance
after all," said Anne.

But Grace shook her head obstinately. "No, Anne," she answered, "my
intuitions never fail me. Henry Hammond is a rascal, and some day I
shall prove it. As for Marian we'd better have a meeting of the Phi
Sigma Tau to-morrow night and especially request her to be present. Then
we'll all turn in and offer to help her get ready for the exams. Here
come the girls now."

Nora, Jessica, Miriam and Eva Allen entered the senior locker-room
together.

"Where's Marian?" asked Grace.

"You'd never guess if we told you," exclaimed Nora. "I never was more
surprised in my life."

"Why? What's the matter?" asked Anne and Grace together.

"Who is the last person you'd expect to see her with?" asked Jessica.

"I don't know," said Grace. "Edna Wright?"

"Worse," was Nora's answer. "She's up in the study hall with Eleanor
Savelli."

"Eleanor Savelli?" echoed Grace. "Why she is Marian's pet aversion."

"Past history," said Miriam Nesbit. "They appear to be thicker than
thieves."

"I don't at all understand what ails her, but listen, girls, while I
tell you my idea," and Grace rapidly narrated her plan of action.

"I foresee trouble, but I'll be on hand," said Miriam.

"We'll all be there!" was the chorus.

"Remember, Eva," were Grace's parting words, "I rely on you to coax
Marian over to your house, then we'll surround her and make her accept
our services."

"All right," responded Eva. "I'll do my best. Be careful what you say
about Henry Hammond, or your mission may be in vain."

CHAPTER XV

THE PHI SIGMA TAUS MEET WITH A LOSS

After considerable coaxing, Eva finally wrung from Marian a promise to
visit her that evening. She arrived ab