Mrs. Alicia White was a vocal teacher--_the_ vocal teacher of the school it might be said, for there were several. She was in charge of the department and most efficient. There was just enough mystery surrounding Mrs. White to make her an object of interest to the girls, and she had her full share of popularity among them. An army officer's widow, she had been thrown upon her own resources early in life, and having had exceptional musical advantages, as well as a good voice, had taken up teaching as a means of earning a livelihood. She was a slight, fair woman, rather plain of features, but her face had a way of lighting into something closely akin to beauty when she became animated, and there was charm in her manner. It had leaked out--probably without the slightest foundation--that Mrs. White had been deserted by her army husband, and around this bare incident all sorts of fantastic stories had been woven. At the hands of the girls the poor man suffered all kinds of indignities. Sometimes he was lured from the path of duty by a fascinating woman--at others drink, or his terrible temper caused the separation; but whatever his sins, they all redounded to the glory of Mrs. White, and deluged her with sympathy. To the gossip of the school Mrs. White was apparently oblivious--if not oblivious, impervious. Her interest in the girls was rather indifferent, except for a chosen few, upon whom she bestowed a good deal of attention. Annabel Jackson was one of her special favorites. Blue Bonnet found before the walk ended that Mrs. White had charge of the floor upon which she roomed, and a number of other things incident to school life and discipline. Blue Bonnet had barely laid aside her things after returning from the walk when a knock at the door startled her. She opened it, admitting Annabel, Ruth, and Sue Hemphill. "We came over to help you unpack," Annabel announced. "Three of us can do it quickly, and then perhaps you will come over to my room for a cup of tea. We have a whole hour to ourselves now." Blue Bonnet was grateful, but a little embarrassed. She didn't especially care to open her trunk and bare its contents to utter strangers; but Sue was already tugging at the straps, and Ruth opening bureau drawers preparatory to putting things away. Blue Bonnet took the key from her purse and unlocked the trunk. As the gowns and underwear, hats and shoes, tumbled forth, there were exclamations of delight and approval. "Oh, what a love of a hat! Do get out of the way, Ruth, so I can try it on;" this from Annabel. "And, oh, what a sweet organdy! Where did you get that white wool Peter Thompson? I've searched the town for one." Blue Bonnet turned from unwrapping something very dear to her to answer Sue. Annabel leaned over her shoulder, watching with interest the small package in her hands. "What is it?" she asked. Blue Bonnet took off the last wrapping and disclosed to view a small miniature. The girls crowded round her.