idn't we, Les?"

And Leslie turned and flung herself into Julia Cloud's arms with one
of her enthusiastic hugs.

It was just evening when they entered the little town about twenty
miles from a larger city, where was located a seat of learning,
co-educational, which had been highly recommended to Mr. Luddington,
and which seemed to him to have a great many good points in its
favor.

The sign-posts warned them of their approach; and the three sat
silently watching, judging the place from the outskirts. Big square
houses and lawns multiplied as they progressed. Some streets had
fences. Substantial churches rose here and there, and the college
grounds became visible as they neared the centre of the town. The
buildings were spacious and attractive, with tall old elms and maples
shading the broad walks. There was an ideal chapel of dark-red stone
with arches and a wonderful belfry, and one could easily imagine young
men and maidens flitting here and there.

The two young people studied the scene as the car drove slowly by, and
said nothing. Allison went on to the other end of town till the houses
grew farther apart, and nothing had been said. Then Leslie drew a big
sigh.

"Turn around, brother, and let's go back past there again."

Allison turned around, and drove slowly by the college grounds again.

"There are tennis-courts at the back," said Leslie, "and that looks
like a gym over there. Do you suppose that's the athletic field over
at the back?"

They drove slowly around the block, and Julia Cloud sat silently,
trying to think of herself in this strange environment, and feeling
suddenly chilly and alone. There would be a lot of strange people to
meet, and the children would be off at college all day. She hadn't
thought of that.

"Try some of the side streets," ordered Leslie; "I haven't seen our
house yet."

They came to the business part of the town, and found the stopping-place
suggested in Mr. Luddington's directions.

"We can't tell much about it to-night," said Allison gravely. "I guess
we better get some supper and let Cloudy Jewel get rested for a while.
Then to-morrow we can look around."

They were wise words, and Julia Cloud assented at once; but it was
quite plain that neither he nor Leslie was much elated at the place.

Allison slipped out for a walk through the college grounds after the
others had gone to their rooms, and came back whistling gravely.

"He doesn't like it, Cloudy," whispered