sorry still for her sister, who has made so many sacrifices to
give her a college education. I never told you much about Miss Ward,
Miss Wilder. Let me tell you now."

Miss Wilder listened attentively to Grace's eager outpouring.

"Miss Ward's case has not yet been settled," she said slowly. "It rests
with me whether she shall remain at Overton. I will think over what you
have told me. I am not prepared to give you an answer now. Come to my
office at four o'clock to-morrow afternoon and bring Miss Ward with
you."

"Thank you, Miss Wilder. Good night."

Feeling that there was nothing more to be said, Grace rose and held out
her hand to the dean. The older woman took the hand in both of hers and
looked deep into Grace's honest eyes.

"You are a true house mother," she said gently. "I know something of how
greatly Miss Ward has tried your patience, and if I do decide to give
her an opportunity to begin over again it will be largely because you
have asked me."

When Grace let herself into Harlowe House a little later a hasty glance
into the dining-room revealed the fact that dinner was over. "I'll come
down and get mine after awhile," she decided, and ran upstairs to her
own room.

"Well?" inquired Emma as Grace entered.

"Pretty well," retorted Grace. "I won't know positively until to-morrow.
Is Miss Ward in her room?"

"She is," stated Emma, "and, judging from the sounds, packing is in full
swing. I have heard her trunk lid banging frequently and wickedly, and
she is opening and shutting the drawers of her chiffonier in an anything
but gentle manner."

"I must see her," declared Grace.

"Then prepare to be greeted with an icy blast," predicted Emma.

The next moment found Grace knocking on Evelyn's door.

There was a rush of steps, the door was flung open and Evelyn faced her,
white and defiant.

"Miss Wilder wishes you to be in her office at four o'clock to-morrow
afternoon. It will be to your interest to do as she requests," stated
Grace briefly. Without giving Evelyn an opportunity for speech she
turned and walked down the hall to her room.

"Back so soon and no bones broken," commented Emma.

Grace laughed a little in spite of herself. "Really, Emma, this is a
serious matter," she declared. "I'm not at all sure that Miss Wilder
will give Miss Ward another chance."

"Don't think about it and she will. Worry over it and you'll defeat your
own hope. Think about your dinner instead. It's downstairs