l never have
any confidence in me again, and will make me recite every bit of
grammar for the rest of the semester."

"I should think you'd cut," ventured Georgie--that being, in her
opinion, the most obvious method of escaping an examination.

"I can't. I just met Miss Skelling in the hall five minutes before the
blow fell, and she knows I'm alive and able to be about; besides, the
class meets again to-morrow morning, and I'd have to cram all night or
cut that too."

"Why don't you go to Miss Skelling and frankly explain the situation,"
suggested Lucille the virtuous, "and ask her to let you off for a day or
two? She would like you all the better for it."

"Will you listen to the guileless babe!" said Patty. "What is there to
explain, may I ask? I can't very well tell her that I prefer not to
learn the lessons as she gives them out, but think it easier to wait and
cram them up at one fell swoop, just before examinations. That _would_
ingratiate myself in her favor!"

"It's your own fault," said Priscilla.

Patty groaned. "I was just waiting to hear you say that! You always do."

"It's always true. Where are you going?" as Patty started for the door.

"I am going," said Patty, "to ask Mrs. Richards to give me a new
room-mate: one who will understand and appreciate me, and sympathize
with my afflictions."

Patty walked gloomily down the corridor, lost in meditation. Her way led
past the door of the doctor's office, which was standing invitingly
open. Three or four girls were sitting around the room, laughing and
talking and waiting their turns. Patty glanced in, and a radiant smile
suddenly lightened her face, but it was instantly replaced by a look of
settled sadness. She walked in and dropped into an arm-chair with a
sigh.

"What's the matter, Patty? You look as if you had melancholia."

Patty smiled apathetically. "Not quite so bad as that," she murmured,
and leaned back and closed her eyes.

[Illustration: What's the matter, Patty?]

"Next," said the doctor from the doorway; but as she caught sight of
Patty she walked over and shook her arm. "Is this Patty Wyatt? What is
the matter with you, child?"

Patty opened her eyes with a start. "Nothing," she said; "I'm just a
little tired."

"Come in here with me."

"It's not my turn," objected Patty.

"That makes no difference," returned the doctor.

Patty dropped limply into the consulting-chair.

"Let me see your tongue. Um-m--isn't coated very mu