scott, with a smile, "that it was just to
see me, without any ulterior motive."

"It will be the next time--if you will let me come again; but to-night I
had another reason, which I'm afraid you'll think impertinent--and," she
added frankly, "I don't know just what's the best way to tell it so that
you _won't_ think it impertinent."

"Tell it to me any way you please, and I will try not to think so,"
said Miss Prescott, kindly.

"Don't you think sometimes the girls can tell more of one another's
ability than the instructors?" Patty asked. "I know a girl," she
continued, "a freshman, who is, in some ways, the most remarkable person
I have ever met. Of course I can't be sure, but I should say that she is
going to be very good in English some day--so good, you know, that the
college will be proud of her. Well, this girl has flunked such a lot
that I am afraid she is in danger of being sent home, and the college
simply can't afford to lose her. I don't know anything about your rules,
of course, but what seems to me the easiest way is for you to give her
another examination in geometry immediately,--she really knows it,--and
then tell the faculty about her and urge them to give her another
trial."

Patty brought out this astounding request in the most matter-of-fact way
possible, and the corners of Miss Prescott's mouth twitched as she
asked: "Of whom are you speaking?"

"Olivia Copeland."

Miss Prescott's mouth grew firm, and she looked like the instructor in
mathematics again.

"Miss Copeland did absolutely nothing on her examination, Miss Wyatt,
and what little she has recited during the year does not betoken any
unusual ability. I am sorry, but it would be impossible."

"But, Miss Prescott," Patty expostulated, "the girl has worked under
such peculiar disadvantages. She's an American, but she lives abroad,
and all our ways are new to her. She has never been to school a day in
her life. Her father prepared her for college, and, of course, not in
the same way that the other girls have been prepared. She is shy, and
not being used to reciting in a class, she doesn't know how to show off.
I am sure, Miss Prescott, that if you would take her and examine her
yourself, you would find that she understands the work--that is, if you
would let her get over being afraid of you first. I know you're busy,
and it's asking a good deal," Patty finished apologetically.

"It is not that, Miss Wyatt, for of course I do not wish t