Nesbit bluntly. "Don't take her to the reception in that
spirit. You will make yourself and her equally unhappy."

"Hear the sage lay down the law," retorted Elfreda impudently. "She's
right, though, only I won't withdraw my invitation at this late date.
I'll try to give the Anarchist the most exciting time of her young life,
but if she balks please don't blame me. You can lead an Anarchist to a
reception, you know, but you can't make her dance unless she happens to
feel like dancing. Still, I am going to do my best, and no sophomore can
do more."

"That sounds like the Elfreda Briggs I heard talking last night," said
Grace, smiling her approval of the stout girl's words.

"So it does," agreed Elfreda. "Hereafter I'll try to be more consistent.
As for the Anarchist, she shall reap the benefit of my vow. I hope she
knows how to dance. If she doesn't I shall have to constitute myself a
committee of one to furnish amusement for her. If on the fatal night you
see me, my arm firmly linked in that of her majesty, parading solemnly
about the gymnasium with a fixed smile, and an air of gayety that I am a
long way from feeling, don't you dare to laugh at me."

"We won't laugh at you, then, even though we can't help laughing at you
now," said Grace. "We shall be only too glad to do anything we can to
help you entertain her."

"I know that. Maybe you can help and maybe you can't. But if she doesn't
enjoy herself it won't be my fault."

CHAPTER IX

ANTICIPATIONS

The day of the sophomore reception was a busy one for the members of the
sophomore class. To them, it was the event of the year, and the desire
to make this dance outshine all its predecessors was paramount in almost
every sophomore breast. Of course, there were the digs, who never
thought of festivities, but spent all their time in study. No one
counted on their help. The greater part of the class, however, was
properly enthusiastic over the music, decorations, gowns and dance
cards. Grace and Miriam, who were on the decorating committee, had spent
the greater part of their day in the gymnasium. Under the skilful
direction of the committee the big room blossomed out in strange and
gorgeous array. There were the masses of evergreen so convenient for
hiding unsightly gymnasium apparatus, which made the gymnasium a
veritable forest green. Strings of Japanese lanterns added to the
effect, while the freshmen and sophomore colors impartially wound the
gallery