as right when I said that Miss Brant would notify
the police."

"I hope she got a good scare," remarked Nora wickedly. "As for the
ghosts, they are very likely at home by this time."

CHAPTER VI

A VISIT TO ELEANOR

The next day, when Grace, in company with her chums, left the school
building, they beheld the shabby little figure of Mabel Allison waiting
for them just outside the campus. She looked shy and embarrassed when
she saw the four girls bearing down upon her, and seemed half inclined
to run away. Grace greeted her cordially and introduced her to her
chums, whose simple and unaffected manners soon put her at her ease.

"I am so glad you waited," said Grace cordially. "I have told my three
friends about you, as I knew they would be as much interested in you as
I am. We have made a plan and if we can carry it out, you will be able
to go to school until you graduate."

"You are very good to take so much trouble for me," said Mabel, the
tears springing to her eyes; "but I'm afraid it won't do any good."

"Don't be down-hearted," said Nora sympathetically. "You don't know
Grace Harlowe. She always does whatever she sets out to do."

"She's a regular fairy godmother," said Anne softly. "I know from
experience."

"Such flattery is overwhelming," murmured Grace. "I regret that I'm too
busy to bow my thanks. But to get down to the business of the hour--tell
me, Mabel, dear--did this Miss Brant legally adopt you when she took you
from the orphanage, or are you bound to her in any way?"

"I don't know," said the girl, her eyes growing big with wonder. "I never
thought about it. I don't believe, however, that she has any legal claim
upon me."

"Is there any way in which you can find out?" asked Anne.

"Why, yes," replied Mabel. "I could write the woman at the orphanage who
was good to me. She is still there, and several times she has written to
me, but Miss Brant read her letters first and then tore them up. Her
name is Mary Stevens, and she would surely know!"

"Then write to her at once," said Grace, "and tell her to send her
letter in an outside envelope addressed to me. Your whole future depends
upon her answer."

Grace thereupon related to her their conversation of the previous night.

"As soon as you find out about Miss Brant's claim, we shall take the
matter to Jessica's father, who is a lawyer. He will help us," Grace
concluded. "Then when you are free, we shall have something else to
tell