Grace Harlowe's First Year at Overton College

the rack above her head for her broad brimmed panama hat. Obeying a sudden kindly impulse, she carefully deposited J. Elf

ntle touch, saying drowsily, "Let me know whe

h a gesture that signified, "Let

ized into action, and pinning on her hat began quickly to gather up her luggage. "Good-bye," she said indifferently. "I'll probably see you later." Then, rapidly elbowing her way down the aisle she disappeared through the open door, leaving the chums to make the

the stout girl's warm reception by the two girls. "I wonder what we ha

aine," rep

ups of daintily gowned girls who were joyously gre

," remarked Grace in surprise. "The majority of them seem to

e girls over there are favoring us, I imagine that we have

yes and a generally supercilious air occupied the center of the group. She was talking rapidly and her remarks were elici

e merely smiled to herself, while Miriam's mos

ointment had suddenly taken possession of her. She had always supposed that in every college new girls were met and welcomed by the up

true college spirit, deliver me from co

medium height. Her hand was extended, and she was smiling in a sweet, friendly fashion that warmed the hearts of the disappointed freshmen. She wore a tailored frock of white linen, white buckskin wa

you will tell me your names I'll introduce you to some of the girls. Then we will see

ourtesy accorded to them by this attractive stranger. She then introduced Grace and Anne. Th

of her mother's they had engaged a suite of rooms at the Tourraine

abel. "I am always in the seventh heaven of delight when

e with us to-night

ight. Really, I am awfully stupid. I haven't told you my name. It is Mabel Ashe. I

ossible creatures?" asked Ann

aw material that makes good upper classmen. It takes a whole year to mould them into shape-tha

haired girl walked toward them followed by the others upon whom Miriam had commented. "

you to meet Miss Harlowe, Miss Nesbit, and Miss Pierson, all o

fashion with the three girls. "Pleased to meet you," she drawled. "Hope you

trust to other people to do the same," flas

hen Mabel Ashe introduced the other girls. "Now we will see about your trunks, and then perhaps you would like to walk up to the college," she said bri

ked rapidly for a moment in coaxing tones, but Mabel shook her head. Grace, who stood nearest to them, heard her say, "I'd love to go, Bee, and its awfully nice in you to think of me. I'll go to-morrow, but

nty of girls who will be only too glad to accept my invitation, but I asked you first, and

el, "but truly I wish you cared more for other girls, too.

t my associates at Overton, and I don't intend to waste my time trying to make things pleasant for the stupid, uninteresting girls of this col

s," admonished Mabel in a low tone. "Don't be cross because I can't go to-day. Come with me, instead,

ulkily away toward the other end of the platf

convenience," demurred Grace. "Please do not de

hands to her mouth she called, "Frances!" A tall slender girl, with serious brown eyes and dark hair, who was leisurely

heroine's name in one of the six best sellers?" Mabel introduced the three girls in turn. "Now let us be on our way," she commanded, looking up and down the station platform at the fast dissolving groups of girl

mpany set off down the main street of the college town at a swinging pace. It was a wide, beautiful street, shaded by tall maples. The houses that l

feel that I'm going to be homesick, I'll just walk down this street and make bel

y. "You won't get them," she predicted. "You'll have so many other things to think of, you wo

ointed out as Science Hall, the gymnasium, laboratory, library and chapel. In Overton Hall, Mabel explained, were situated certain recitation rooms, the offices of the president, the dean and other officials of the college. Around the campus were t

on the campus

te enough to have a friend graduate from here and will me her

do not know her very well, and had quite forgotten she was here. This afternoon on the train, Anne, who never forgets either faces or names, suddenly

imed Mabel Ashe. "I have heard Constance mention it. She is o

boast. One of the things against which Julia Crosby, her old time Oakdale friend, and a senior in Smith College, had cautioned her, was boasting. "Avoid all appearance of being your own press a

she now resolved that she would think twice befo

land House, too. I shall tell her about you the moment I see her. This is the Tourraine," she announced, pausing before a handsome sa

up to our room

to the college. Then you can find out about the examinations. Good-night and pleasant dreams." Extending their hands

am Nesbit as the three girls stood for a moment before entering t

ted I felt while we stood there on the station platform and n

rage the most optimistic

said a word about knowing any one at Overton. I imagine she is a thoroughly se

ded but a word to the clerk on Grace's part, then each gir

rved Miriam, looking about her with satisfaction. "I am thankful to h

nto an easy chair with a tired sigh. "I am starved, too. Let us l

the dust of their journey and attiring themselves in the dainty sum

she poked a rebellious lock of hair int

I," ech

rs? We are on the second floor, and I never r

dining room, where they were conducted to a table near

e atmosphere," remarked Miriam, after the dinner had been ord

er class girls were with us, but it has vanished," sai

of the college houses. I hope we shall be able to get into a campus house. I have always understood that it is ever so much nicer to be on the campus. We really

ulfilling our destiny,

n our hall or boarding house I dare say we will shake off

inquired Grace as they made thei

oceeding," agreed Miriam. "I w

Let's study until ten, and

ace put down her text book with a tired little sig

ong journey by rail had tired the travelers far more than they would admit. For a few moments, after retiring, conversation flourished between t