thing
comes to light you'll say, 'You were right, J. Elfreda,' see if you
won't."

"I will say it now if you wish me to," laughed Miriam, "merely to show
you that I have faith in your marvelous powers of observation."

"Thank you," returned Elfreda. "There is nothing like being appreciated.
But under the circumstances I am afraid I can't pursue my usual methods
of investigation. If Mrs. Gray is planning something delightful, you may
be sure it is for her Christmas children, and J. Elfreda Briggs will not
be the one to pry into the surprise."

CHAPTER XIX

WHAT PATIENCE OVERHEARD

"Oh, Overton, our voices clear
Ring out in reverent praise to-day,
To thee, our Mother, loved and dear
Who guides us on our college way,"

sang Grace softly as she walked about her room putting away the various
articles of wearing apparel she had taken from her trunk. The Christmas
vacation had come and gone like a glad, happy dream, and with a hundred
pleasant memories of home to sweeten the days that lay between her and
Easter, Grace cheerfully unpacked her belongings, humming as she worked
the song of Overton that she loved best.

A light knock on the door, accompanied by, "May I come in?" hushed the
song on Grace's lips. "I should say so," she called, recognizing
Patience Eliot's voice. "Enter and give an account of yourself. I've
hardly seen you since I came back."

"I have had more or less unpacking to do, too," said Patience, with a
comprehensive glance about the room. "Also deep in my soul lurks the
fear of the fateful midyear with its burden of exams. I am conducting a
general review every night for the benefit of Patience Eliot, but it is
rather up-hill work. I envy you high and mighty seniors, whose days and
nights of anxiety are past."

"I don't believe you are half as much worried as you pretend. Patience
Eliot is far too valiant to be downed by a mere examination."

"It is all very well to talk," grumbled Patience, "but you know just how
footless mere talk is. I'm not at all sure that I shall not flunk."

"You won't, so don't try to make me believe you will," assured Grace,
"and you are going to forget your books and have dinner with me at
Vinton's to-morrow night, too."

"Am I?" asked Patience. "Let me see. Oh, yes, I am. It is on Wednesday
evening that the great event takes place."

"What great event?" asked Grace with unthinking curiosity. "I beg your
pardon, Patience, I didn't mean to