, so that it has been easier than I
thought to raise the money to pay her college fees. I will enclose
the second payment of her fee in a letter which I am writing to
her. I have mentioned in my letter to her that I have written to
you. I thank you many times for your goodness to my little sister
and trust that she has been truly appreciative of your kindness to
her. Trusting that you have been well and that you have met with
the greatest success in your year's work. With grateful thanks and
best wishes.

"Yours sincerely,

"IDA WARD."

Grace read the letter through three times. When she raised her eyes from
it her face wore an expression of mingled horrified suspicion and
unbelief. Surely it could not be possible, and yet--before her mental
eyes flashed the vision of that wet January afternoon when she had come
back to Harlowe House from her Christmas vacation and had been greeted
by the sound of Evelyn's sobs as she passed her door. How she had gone
to Evelyn's room and there heard the pitiful story of Ida Ward's illness
and her failure to send Evelyn's college fees, and of how, through the
Semper Fidelis Fund, she had come forward and bridged Evelyn's
difficulty.

What did it mean? "She must have--" muttered Grace. In her agitation she
spoke aloud. Then she stopped abruptly. She would not condemn Evelyn
without a hearing, but Evelyn would have to explain, if explanation were
possible. She laid the letter on her desk and turning away from it tore
open the last envelope, which bore the name of a business house in one
corner. It contained a bill from Hanford's, the largest department store
in Overton. At the bottom was written. "This account is long overdue.
Please remit at once." Grace had a charge account at Hanford's on which,
occasionally, she allowed certain girls in the house to buy goods,
merely as a matter of accommodation to them. Her gaze traveled down the
list of items in bewilderment.

"Why!" she exclaimed. "I never bought a gown there that cost
seventy-five dollars, or silk stockings or a scarf. There must be some
mistake. I know that none of the girls have either. I haven't bought
anything since February. Let me see. It's only three o'clock. I think
I'll walk down to Hanford's and have the matter adjusted. I must see
Evelyn too, as soon as she comes in."

Grace went upstairs for her hat and was soon on her way to the business
center of Overt