s to talk of, and you can breakfast with us, and go to the train,
too. Please don't say no, because you won't see us again for three whole
weeks."

"I give you my official permission to carry her off, this one time,
Grace," laughed Mr. Southard.

"Better wear your long coat, dear. It is very cold," called Miss
Southard as Anne ran upstairs after her wraps.

Then the final good-byes were said and the party were driven back to
their hotel.

Mrs. Gibson invited Miriam to share her apartment, thus Grace and Anne
were left to themselves, and indulged in one of their old heart-to-heart
talks.

Breakfast the next morning was a late affair. After breakfast, the
entire party went for a drive, and after a one-o'clock luncheon repaired
to the station.

Mrs. Gibson, James Gardiner and the Phi Sigma Tau were to take the 2.30
train for Oakdale. The boys would leave at five o'clock. Tom and Arnold
were to travel part of the journey with David, Hippy and Reddy. Then
their ways diverged.

The girls kissed and embraced Anne tenderly, then there was a rush for
the ferry. They stood on the deck waving to her until they could
scarcely see the flutter of her handkerchief. After agreeing to meet the
boys at the ferry, David escorted Anne back to the Southard's and spent
a brief half hour with her.

"Promise me, Anne," said David earnestly, as he was leaving, "that you
won't accept any engagement that you may receive an offer of."

"Of course not, you foolish David," replied Anne. "Notwithstanding the
fact that you won't believe me, I solemnly promise to run from
prospective managers, as I would from small-pox, and there's my hand
upon it."

"I am satisfied," answered David, grasping her out-stretched hand. "I
know you will keep your word."

CHAPTER XIX

GRACE MEETS WITH A REBUFF

During the journey to Oakdale, Anne and the Southards formed the chief
topic of conversation. It was jointly agreed that Anne had been
fortunate indeed in winning the friendship of the great actor and his
charming sister.

"They treat her as though she were their own sister," remarked Eva
Allen. "They will miss her sadly when she leaves them."

"Every one misses Anne," said Miriam Nesbit. "She is so sweet and
lovable that she simply draws one's affection to her. I am frightfully
jealous of Grace."

"Yes, Grace is Anne's favorite," said Jessica. "Anne would give her life
for Grace if it were necessary."

"And Mabel Allison feels the sa