are you so bitter against Kathleen?" she asked. "You have no
personal grievance against her, have you?"

"You know perfectly well that she tried to prevent the club from giving
the bazaar, and you know of other contemptible things she has done. A
girl who would work directly against Semper Fidelis on the outside,
wouldn't make a particularly desirable member. At least that is my
opinion." Arline compressed her lips, looking very dignified.

"I didn't dream you felt so opposed to her," said Grace quietly. "Still,
it will do no particular hurt to ask her to go with us to-night. I hate
to go to her room to invite Patience and leave her out. Besides, I think
Patience would wish her to go. Confidentially, Arline, she and Patience
had some sort of understanding the other day and now they appear to be
almost friends."

"I'm sorry, Grace, but I won't go to-night if you invite Miss West. I am
willing to do almost anything else to please you, but I simply can't
endure her, and I don't intend to have my evening spoiled. I should
prefer not to go. After all, I don't know that it matters much whether I
go or not." With a gesture of superb indifference Arline rose to depart.

Grace was at her side in an instant. "Daffydowndilly Thayer, you know
you care," she smiled, putting her finger under Arline's chin. "You are
not half as hard-hearted as you would have me think."

Arline drew away from her with a pettish little shrug. "You can't make
me feel differently about her, Grace. Please don't try. If she goes
to-night, I shan't. You may choose between us. If you are afraid of
offending her by asking Patience to go and leaving her out, then I will
invite Patience to go."

"I am not afraid to ask Patience to go with us in Miss West's presence,"
was Grace's proud response, "although I believe it would be kinder not
to ask either of them as long as they appear to be friends. Patience
wouldn't feel hurt or slighted, and that would make the party strictly
Semper Fidelis." Grace spoke evenly, although there was a note of
constraint in her voice. "But, please, don't misinterpret my feeling in
the matter as one of fear."

Arline made no answer, and the two girls left the living room in
silence.

"I'll see you in half an hour," was Arline's sole comment.

"Shall we meet here?" asked Grace. "It is nearer the theatre and quite
central."

"Very well." Arline walked to the hall door, her golden head held very
high. Grace took a half step t