anyhow, for
she made me tired," continued Elfreda. "But when the talk about the
sophomore reception began I saw that they were going to hand me a whole
block of ice. It was bad enough to have them cut me in classes and on
the street, but I had set my heart on the reception and wrote to Ma to
send me a new dress. It came yesterday. It's pale blue with pearl
trimmings and it's a dream. But what good does it do me now?" She stared
gloomily ahead of her for an instant, then went on:

"Of course, I knew no one would invite me, but I made up my mind to ask
if I could go along with you folks, and I was going to ask you to-night,
when just before dinner a boy came here with this note." From the inside
of her white silk blouse she drew forth an envelope addressed to "Miss
J. Elfreda Briggs." Handing it to Grace she said briefly: "Read it."

Grace drew a sheet of paper from the envelope, unfolded it and read:

"Miss Briggs:

"In reporting to the registrar two members of the sophomore class you
have offended not merely those members, but the class as well. You have
shown yourself so entirely incapable of understanding the first
principles of honor, that Overton would be much better off without you.
Do not attempt to attend the sophomore reception. If you are wise you
will leave Overton and enter some other college.

"The Sophomore Class."

Grace handed the note to Miriam.

"What do you think of it?" asked Miriam, looking up from the last line.

"I don't know what to think," rejoined Grace. "It doesn't seem as though
a whole class would rise up to settle what is really a personal affair.
Even though the sophomores are angry, they have no right to threaten
Elfreda and advise her to leave Overton. If the dean knew of this affair
I am afraid there would be war indeed."

"Shall I tell her?" asked Elfreda eagerly. "I think I'd better; then
they won't dare to make me leave college."

"Listen to me, Elfreda," said Grace firmly. "No one can make you leave
college unless you fail in your studies or do something really
reprehensible, but there is one thing you must make up your mind to do
if you wish to stay here, and have the girls like you."

"What is it?" inquired Elfreda suspiciously.

"You mustn't tell tales," was Grace's frank answer. "No matter what the
girls do or say to you, don't carry it to the officials of the college."

"Do you mean that I'm to submit to all kinds of insults and not take my
own part?" demanded Elf