eally was angelic of Percy to get
two for us, and he wants us to come up on Friday afternoon so we can go
to the dance that evening. He has engaged a room for us at the hotel."

"It must be wonderful to see a great match like that," declared
Marjorie, with hearty appreciation of her cousin's good fortune. "I have
seen pictures of the college games, and Father always reads the football
news in the papers. He is a Harvard man himself, you know, and used to
be on the team."

"I'm sorry you can't go with us," said Elsie, regretfully, "but of
course Percy couldn't get more than two tickets. Perhaps you wouldn't
enjoy it much, though. It can't be much fun unless you know a lot of the
boys. Percy is such a dear; he is sure to introduce me to all his
friends."

"I wish your father had not gone to Washington on that tiresome business
just now," remarked Mrs. Carleton, laying down her nephew's letter, and
looking a little worried. "I should have liked to consult him before
answering Percy."

"Why, Mamma, you surely don't think he would object!" cried Elsie in
dismay. "What possible reason could he have for not wanting us to go?"

"Oh, no reason whatever, of course, dear. I was only thinking of
Marjorie. I am not sure that he would like the idea of her being left
here alone while we are away."

"Oh, bother! Marjorie won't mind--will you, Marjorie? Besides, she
needn't be alone; Hortense can sleep in my room, and it's only for one
night."

"Please don't worry about me, Aunt Julia," said Marjorie, blushing. "I
shall get on all right, I am sure, and it would be terrible to have you
and Elsie miss the game on my account. I can have my meals up here while
you are away, and go out with Hortense."

But Mrs. Carleton did not look quite satisfied.

"You are very sweet and unselfish, dear," she said, "but I wish Percy
had bought another ticket; then we could have taken you with us. I
cannot bear to disappoint Elsie, so I suppose I shall have to accept the
invitation, though I dislike the idea of leaving you behind, especially
at a time when your uncle is away, too."

So the matter was settled, and as soon as breakfast was over Mrs.
Carleton sat down to write her note of acceptance, while the two girls
started for school, accompanied as usual by Hortense. Elsie was in high
spirits, and entertained her cousin with a vivid description of the
delight and excitement of a college football match.

"Not that I have ever seen one mysel