night. So hurry along now, for mother's waiting for
you."

A minute later he had mounted his motorcycle and was off down the street,
going like the wind.

The girls entered the house and were warmly greeted by Mrs. Nesbit. She
and David had viewed the little scene from the window. She had deeply
deplored Miriam's attitude toward Grace and her chums. It was with delight
that she and David had watched the three girls stop at the gate and clasp
hands. She therefore hurried her son out to the girls to offer them her
hospitality.

Anne had never before entered the Nesbit home. She thought it very
beautiful and luxurious. Miriam put forth every effort to be agreeable,
and the time passed so rapidly that they were surprised when dinner was
announced.

After dinner, Miriam, who was really a brilliant performer for a girl of
her age, played for them. Anne, who was a music-hungry little soul,
listened like one entranced. David, seeing her absorption, beckoned to
Grace, who stole softly out of the room without being observed.

Once out in the hall the two young people did a sort of wild dance to
express their feelings.

"You are the best girl a fellow ever knew," said David in a whisper. "How
did you do it?"

"I'll tell you some other time," whispered Grace, who had cautioned the
girls to say nothing of the adventure for fear of frightening Miriam's
mother. "Let's go back before they notice we're gone."

"Anne is too wrapped up in music to pay any attention to us. Come on up to
my workshop. I want to show you something I'm working at in connection
with my aeroplane. We can talk there, without being disturbed. I want to
know what worked this transformation. It is really too good to be true.
I've always wanted Miriam to be friends with Anne, but I had just about
lost all hope."

Grace followed David up the stairs and through the hall to his workshop,
which was situated at the back of the house.

"Now," said the young man, as he pushed forward a stool for his guest,
"fire away."

Grace began with their call at the house, their walk in search of Miriam,
and their adventure with the tramp, modestly making light of her own
bravery. When she had finished, David held out his hand, his face glowing
with appreciation "Grace," he said, "you've more spirit and courage than
any girl I ever knew. You ought to have been a boy. You would have done
great things."

Grace felt that this was the highest compliment David could pay her.