ied Mabel. "Frances and I will be over
bright and early to-morrow morning to pilot you to the college. Then you
can find out about the examinations. Good-night and pleasant dreams."
Extending their hands in turn to the three girls and nodding a last
smiling adieu, the two courteous juniors left them on the hotel veranda.

"I must admit that I have been agreeably disappointed," said Miriam
Nesbit as the three girls stood for a moment before entering the hotel
to watch the retreating backs of their new acquaintances.

"I, too," replied Grace. "I can't begin to tell you how dejected I felt
while we stood there on the station platform and no one came near us or
appeared to be aware of our existence."

"It was enough to discourage the most optimistic freshman," averred
Anne.

"I wonder who J. Elfreda Briggs's friends were," commented Miriam. "She
never said a word about knowing any one at Overton. I imagine she is a
thoroughly selfish girl, and the less I see of her in college the better
pleased I shall be."

As their suite of rooms had been engaged in advance it needed but a word
to the clerk on Grace's part, then each girl in turn registered and
they were conducted to their suite.

"This suite seems to be supplied with all the comforts of home,"
observed Miriam, looking about her with satisfaction. "I am thankful to
have reached a haven of rest where I can bathe my grimy face and hands."

"So am I," echoed Grace, setting down her suit case and sinking into an
easy chair with a tired sigh. "I am starved, too. Let us lose no time in
getting ready for dinner. After dinner we can rest."

For the next half hour the travelers were busily engaged in removing the
dust of their journey and attiring themselves in the dainty summer
frocks which they had taken thought to pack in their suit cases.

"I'm ready," announced Grace at last, as she poked a rebellious lock of
hair into place, and viewed herself in the mirror.

"So am I," echoed Anne.

"And I," from Miriam. "Why not walk down stairs? We are on the second
floor, and I never ride in an elevator when I can avoid doing so."

The trio descended the stairs and made their way to the dining room,
where they were conducted to a table near an open window which looked
out on a shady side porch.

"So far I haven't been imbued with what one might call college
atmosphere," remarked Miriam, after the dinner had been ordered and the
waiter had hurried off to attend to their wan