ought the girls had
gone to their classes."

[Illustration: "Did I Startle You, Miss Ward?"]

"I--I--am late," stammered Evelyn. "I'm going to my botany recitation in
a minute. I--expected a letter. Here is the mail." She thrust the
letters she had been holding into Grace's hand, and, turning, almost ran
up the stairs.

For an instant Grace's eyes followed Evelyn's disappearing figure, then
she turned her attention to the letters. She still held the two she had
picked up from the floor in her one hand. Glancing at them she saw that
they were both addressed to her. No doubt Evelyn had intended to leave
them on her desk. Rapidly sorting the other letters she found another
for herself in Anne's handwriting. Placing the letters for the various
members of the household in the bulletin board Grace retired to her
office to read Anne's letter.

"DEAREST GRACE:

"Just a line to tell you that the part in 'The Reckoning' is still
open. Mr. Forest cannot find the type of girl he wishes for the
part. She must be dazzlingly, but naturally, blonde and very
beautiful. I am sure if he were to see Miss Ward he would engage
her at once, even though she has had no dramatic experience. Why
not let her read this note? Perhaps she may change her mind. She
will never have a better opportunity. I am ready and willing to
help her. Am writing in a rush. It is almost time for me to go on.
With much love. Will write more fully later.

"Yours as ever, ANNE."

Grace laid down the letter with a slight frown. Since Evelyn's first
refusal to consider Anne's proposal Grace had held little communication
with her. Of late Evelyn had gone about her affairs with a curious air
of repression, which reminded Grace of the terrible calm that so often
precedes a storm.

"I'll watch for her when she comes in from her classes and give her
Anne's letter," said Grace, half aloud. She picked up the next envelope
and looked curiously at the unfamiliar writing. The postmark was all but
obliterated. Tearing the envelope she drew forth the letter, unfolded it
and read:

"DEAR MISS HARLOWE:

"More than once I have planned to write and thank you for your
goodness to Evelyn, but I have been so very busy that the time has
slipped by faster than I realized. Fortunately, for Evelyn and me,
I have had a great deal of work to do and have been in
exceptionally good health