n. He cared a great deal last commencement,
and he was so dreadfully afraid she'd find out that he actually kept
away from her."

"I remember that," interposed Grace. "Miriam noticed it, too. She told
me that she was afraid she had in some way offended Mr. Southard, for he
treated her with almost distant courtesy. I suppose he imagines himself
as being too old for Miriam."

"This _is_ an interesting secret and no mistake," said Nora, wagging her
head with satisfaction, "but what about poor Arnold Evans?"

"You are running ahead too fast, Nora," smiled Anne. "Remember Miriam
doesn't suspect that Mr. Southard loves her. The chances are she doesn't
nor never will care for him. But I'll be generous and tell you another
secret. Miriam and Arnold aren't the least bit in love with each other."

"Do you know, Anne, I've always thought that, too," agreed Grace. "They
have always acted more like two good comrades."

"Exactly," replied Anne, "but, as far as I am concerned, girls, to me it
would be a wonderful thing if some day Everett Southard and Miriam
Nesbit should decide that they were necessary to each other's welfare.
They are so admirably suited in temperament, disposition, and all that
goes toward making two persons absolutely happy."

"Hear the sage expound life and love," giggled Nora. "What about poor
David's future happiness?"

Anne flushed. "I can't answer that question," she said, after a little
pause. "It does sound rather silly for me to go on talking about the
love affairs of others when I can't settle my own. Not that I love David
less, but acting more," she finished almost tremulously. "I move that we
go on to the next secret."

"Mine is about Julia Crosby," began Nora, "and I can tell you in few
words. She's engaged to a Harvard man."

"Really!" exclaimed Grace delightedly. "Where did you see her, Nora? I
didn't know she was at home."

"She came home from the mountains yesterday. I saw her in Carlton's,
that new confectioner's shop on Main Street. We had a sundae together
and she told me all about it. She has known her fiance for two years.
She met him at a Harvard dance. He was graduated last June from the
Harvard law school. The engagement hasn't been formally announced yet.
She's going to give a luncheon to announce it. She wanted me to be sure
and tell you three girls. She is coming to see you soon, Grace."

"I'll receive her with open arms," assured Grace.

"That was a nice secret," commented