It is really beautiful," nodded Evelyn, "but I'm going to tell you a
secret. I'm not the least little bit enthusiastic over college. I'd
rather go to a dramatic school and study for the stage. It is Ida who
insists upon my going to college. Thank goodness, I'm not a dunce. It
would be dreadful to be forced into college and then be too stupid to
learn anything, wouldn't it?"

"It would indeed," agreed Grace.

"I suppose my stage aspirations shock you, Miss Harlowe," went on
Evelyn, "but I can't help saying what I think."

"My dearest woman friend is an actress," returned Grace quietly.

"Oh, is she really?" Evelyn's voice rose high with excitement. "What is
her name? Perhaps I've heard of her."

"Anne Pierson."

"I should say I had heard of _her_. She is one of the great stars. She
is with Everett Southard, isn't she? I've seen their pictures in the
magazines."

"She graduated from Overton last year. We were roommates throughout our
four years here. She is from my home town."

"Really and truly?" demanded Evelyn impulsively. "That's the most
interesting piece of news I've heard for a long time. Will you tell me
all about her some time, Miss Harlowe?"

"With pleasure," returned Grace. "It can hardly be to-day, however, for
here we are at Harlowe House."

"What a darling house!" praised Evelyn as they alighted from the
automobile. "I am sure I shall like to live in it."

"I hope that you will be happy here," returned Grace kindly. After all
it might be better not to take this self-willed young woman too
seriously. She had, at least, the virtue of truthfulness. She was
entirely frank in the expression of her opinions. She might have many
other redeeming qualities which would quite overbalance the disagreeably
self-centered side of her character.

Evelyn gazed about in open approval as they ascended the steps of
Harlowe House. As they passed through the hall she peeped into the
living room and exclaimed in admiration of its attractive appointments.
Her voluble appreciation of her own room pleased Grace, who realized
that Evelyn's personality was singularly fascinating and that she could
be exceedingly gracious when she chose.

"I will leave you now," said Grace, after a little further conversation.
"The dinner bell rings at six o'clock. If you need anything, or wish to
ask any questions, you will find me in my office downstairs. It is
rather too late in the day for you to see the registrar. To-morrow
morning