These young men showed none of Alec's embarrassment. They chatted and joked, making the best of their opportunity--they considered it such; indeed quite a lark to invade seminary walls. Blue Bonnet learned before dinner was over that Billy was the illustrious half-back on the Harvard team; had contributed much to the game she had seen in the autumn; that Hammie McVickar also shared honors. The meal passed all too quickly, and Annabel and Blue Bonnet left the dining-room reluctantly. They had barely reached the gymnasium for the half hour of dancing, when Sue caught up with them breathlessly. "Come back," she called. "Miss North has given you permission to come to the reception-room and meet Billy and Hammie. Hurry, they can only stay a half hour." It is needless to say the girls hurried, slowing down modestly before reaching the reception-room door. It was a pleasant half hour. Blue Bonnet felt as if some one had lifted a curtain and given her a glimpse into another world. It was her first experience in entertaining college men. She enjoyed the good-natured banter--the give and take that passed between them; the college stories. She settled down in her chair and listened to the others talk; wide-eyed, keenly alert, but quiet as a mouse. Sue and Annabel kept up a chatter, and Billy and Hammie were entertaining in the extreme. "Isn't Billy a dear?" Sue said, running into Blue Bonnet's room to say good night. "And isn't Hammie McVickar splendid? I think he's the best-looking man I know. Billy says he's a prince--the fellows at college all swear by him. So glad you could meet them. Good night. Sleep well." Strange to say, Blue Bonnet did sleep well. She was worn out with the day's worry and anxiety; but she awoke the next morning with a depression that manifests itself even before the eyes open, sometimes. "What is wrong with me?" she thought, and, in an instant, she knew. The book--the terrible book! Would she be able to straighten it all out to-day? But another day was to pass, and yet another before the cloud lifted. It was on the fourth day after the visit to Miss North's office that Blue Bonnet felt she could no longer endure the strain, and decided to take Annabel Jackson into her confidence. She had thought it all out carefully, and realized that she must unburden to some one. Carita was too young to be helpful--besides, she didn't wish to worry Carita. "May I see you for a minute after school, Annabel?" she asked. "Of course," Annabel answered. "I think it is about time you saw me--or somebody! You look as if you had the weight of the universe on your shoulders lately. Are you going to tell me what it is all about?" "Yes." "All right. Where shall I meet you?" "In my room after the walk. Joy practises then. We can be alone." Strictly on time, Annabel appeared at Blue Bonnet's door, was ushered in and the door locked. Blue Bonnet laid the whole story before Annabel--all she knew of it.