ou as
staunchly as ever I could. Then we quarreled and I got up from the table
and almost ran out of Martell's.

"I walked and walked until I was all tired out. Then I sat down on that
seat by the tree where Miriam found me. In defending you, Grace, I found
myself. I saw clearly that my college life was all wrong. The mean
things I had done stared me in the face. The theme was the worst of all.
No wonder I cried. Now that I've told you everything I am happier than I
have been since last fall. Next year I am going to start all over again
in some other college where no one knows me."

"Besides yourself, there are only three who know, Miriam, Miss Duncan
and I," said Grace slowly. "When Miss Duncan sent for me about the theme
I told myself then that, although I had no desire to know the name of
the other girl, if ever I should learn her identity I would try to be
the best friend she ever had. I am ready to keep my word, Mildred, if
you are ready to come back to Overton next year and help me keep it."

Mildred glanced timidly from Grace to Miriam. "I'd love to come back,"
she faltered, "only I'm afraid you girls would never believe in me
again."

"My friends did," reminded Miriam softly, extending her hand to Mildred.
"I believe in you now."

"Of course we will believe in you," declared Grace cheerfully. "Come
back next fall and give us a chance to show you that we trust you."

"I will," answered Mildred with solemn resolution, "but you shall give
me the chance to show you that your trust is not misplaced. Good night,"
she put out her hand again rather uncertainly. Grace's hand went quickly
out to meet it, holding it in a warm, friendly clasp, and Mildred went
to her room a changed girl.

"How did you happen to be her confessor, Miriam?" asked Grace
wonderingly, after the freshman had gone.

Miriam related the evening's happenings.

"I never even suspected her," said Grace. "I believed her to be angry
with me for overlooking her at the reception. I always tried not to
think of any particular girl as being guilty of taking my theme. It has
turned out beautifully, hasn't it?"

"Yes," nodded Miriam. "As a matter of fact everything generally does
turn out well in the end if one has the patience to wait."

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

"Two more days, then good-bye to Overton," mourned Elfreda Briggs sadly.

The stout girl was seated on the floor, the contents of her trunk spread
broadcast about her.

"El