eyes upon its beauty. "Sometimes
I think that autumn is the finest season of the year, and then again
I like spring better."

"What difference does the season make, so long as we have a good time?"
said Nora blithely. "I haven't any preference. They're all good."

"Eleanor will be surprised to see us," remarked Grace, as she rang the
bell.

"Let's hope she will appreciate the honor of having four such
distinguished persons descend upon her at one time," said Anne.

"Is Miss Savell in?" asked Grace to the trim maid who answered her ring.

"Yes, miss," replied the maid. "Come in. Who shall I say is here?"

"Say to Miss Savell that Grace Harlowe and her friends would like to see
her."

The maid soon reappeared and led the girls down the wide, old-fashioned
hall, and, somewhat to their surprise, ushered them into the dining
room, where they beheld Eleanor, arrayed in a dainty white house gown,
dining alone.

She arose as they entered and came forward with both hands outstretched.
"How are the Phi Sigma Taus to-day?" she asked. "It was awfully nice of
you to come and see me."

"We thought you might be ill," said Nora. "We missed you at school
to-day."

"Oh, no," replied Eleanor serenely. "I am perfectly well. I really
didn't feel like going to school to-day, so I stayed in bed until eleven
o'clock. I am just having lunch now. Won't you join me? I am keeping
house by myself this afternoon. My aunt is dining with Mrs. Gray."

"Thank you," said Grace, speaking for the girls. "We all have supper at
half past six and must save our appetites for that."

"We usually dine about eight o'clock," said Eleanor. "We acquired the
habit of dining late from living on the continent. But, come, now.
I have finished my lunch. I want you to see where I live, almost entirely,
when in the house."

The girls followed her up the broad staircase and down the hall. Every
inch of the ground was familiar to Grace. She had been there so often
with Mrs. Gray. "Oh, you have the suite at the back," she exclaimed.
"I love those two rooms."

"You will find them somewhat changed," remarked Eleanor as she opened
the door and ushered the girls into the most quietly luxurious apartment
they had ever seen. Even Miriam Nesbit's room could not compare with
it.

"What a beautiful room!" exclaimed Grace, looking about her with
delight. "I don't wonder you like to spend your time in it. I see you
have your own piano."

"Yes," replied Eleanor. "My