joying the unusual spectacle of
Helen Adams in a frenzy of excitement.

"Why, I don't know. I never thought to ask," said Betty, straightening
the couch pillows. "I only hope she'll have as good a time as she
expects."

"Poor youngster!" said Mary. "Wish I'd asked Laurie to jolly her up a
bit."

It is to be presumed that these fears were groundless, since the bell
was ringing for five o'clock vespers when Helen came back. Betty was
sitting at her desk pretending to write letters, but really trying to
decide whether she should say anything to Eleanor apropos of her remarks
about Emily Davis, and if so, whether she should do it now. Mary Brooks
curled up on Betty's couch, dividing her attention between Jack
Burgess's picture and a new magazine.

"Had a good time, didn't you?" she remarked sociably when Helen
appeared.

"Oh, yes," said Helen happily. "You see I don't go out very often. Were
you ever at the Westcott House for dinner?"

"Once," chuckled Mary. "But I found they didn't have ice-cream, because
the matron doesn't approve of buying things on Sunday; so I've turned
them down ever since."

Helen laughed merrily. "How funny! I never missed it!" There was a
becoming flush on her cheeks, a pretty new confidence in her manner.

"Helen, who did you say asked you to the Westcott?" inquired Betty.

"I didn't say, because you didn't ask me," returned Helen truthfully,
"but it was Miss Mills."

"Miss Mills!" repeated Mary. "Well, my child, I don't wonder that you
were rattled this noon, being invited around by the faculty. Gracious,
what a compliment to a young freshman!"

"I should think so!" chimed in Betty eagerly.

In spite of her embarrassment Helen evidently enjoyed the sensation she
was producing. "I thought it was awfully nice," she said.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" demanded Mary. "Why, child, you must be
a bright and shining shark in lit."

Helen's happy face clouded suddenly. "I'm not, am I, Betty?" she asked
appealingly.

Betty laughed. "Why no, since you ask me. No, she isn't, Mary. She sits
on the back row with me and we don't either of us say an extra word.
It's math, and Latin and Greek that Helen shines in."

"Well, are you awfully devoted to Miss Mills?" pursued Mary. "Is that
why she asked you?"

Helen shook her head. "I like her. She reads beautifully and sometimes
she says very interesting things, doesn't she, Betty?"

"I hadn't noticed," answered her roommate hastily.

"W