Dolly broke in impetuously. "Don't ask Mary embarrassing questions. She doesn't have to vote for me just because we chance to room together, and, of course, she knows that Miss Hamilton would make a better president than I. By the way, why don't you two drop formality and say 'Elizabeth' and 'Mary?' It is quite time you did so." "I shall be very glad to do so, if I may be permitted," Beth said. Then as she caught a slight smile on Mary's face, she added, "Very well, that weighty matter is settled for the remainder of the college course. You see, I did not dare to say 'Mary' so familiarly to one who is such a wonderful scholar in biology as you." "That is the only thing I _do_ know, so please do not make fun of me." "Gracious, I would never dare to make fun of you! We all hold our breath with awe when you recite. Really, Mary, don't look so hurt and annoyed. We do admire you tremendously. That is such an unusual branch for a girl to fancy." "You had better talk about the class election, I think," said Mary decidedly. "Why? do you think it will be close?" "Miss Hamilton's friends are working hard. Lots of the girls had no special preferences, but I think all of those will vote for Miss Hamilton now." Beth groaned. "I am an idiot to sit still here. I shall go right out in the highways and byways of this building, and see if I cannot accomplish something myself." "You will stay here, Beth." "I will not." In the midst of the good-humored scrimmage that followed, the lunch-gong sounded, and the girls hurried to their rooms to freshen up a wee bit before going to the dining-room. It was apparent early in the evening that Miss Hamilton's friends felt confident of victory. Their plans were well laid, and one of their number was promptly elected chairman. The preliminary business was gotten out of the way very speedily. Margaret Hamilton was nominated for the class president by Florence Smith. Beth nominated Dolly, and then Abby Dunbar, Grace Chisholm and Bessie Worth were quickly nominated by their friends. The tellers distributed papers and pencils and the balloting commenced. Dolly found herself actually trembling with excitement. What fun it would be if she could telegraph to Fred and sign her name, "Dorothy Alden, President, Class '09." "I wish I were one of those tellers," murmured Beth. "It is simply maddening to sit here and do nothing. Hush, there they come, Dolly. Oh, I do hope that you were elected." CHAPTER IV The faces of the tellers told nothing as they entered the room, carrying the little slip of paper that meant so much to these Freshmen. The chairman rapped loudly for order, and a pin could have been heard drop while the result was read: Miss Hamilton . . . . 145 votes Miss Alden . . . . . 145 " Miss Dunbar . . . . . 10 " Miss Chisholm . . . . 9 " Miss Worth . . . . . 6 "