The letter made Abby most uncomfortable. Why had she written home anything about Margaret? During the last days of school, she watched anxiously to see if either Margaret or Constance would broach the subject. Nothing was said, and Abby was compelled to wait until she reached home to learn that her father's invitation had been briefly declined, Margaret stating that she had already accepted an invitation for the holiday season, and that her mother did not feel equal to going among strangers alone. No word of comment was offered further, though Abby knew that her father had written a long letter full of remorse and grief. They discussed it the evening after Abby's return. "I am going to see Miss Hamilton in New York next week," Ray announced decidedly. "That letter does not sound like her one bit. You can't go, Pater, because of that unlucky fall you got on Wednesday, but you may trust me not to make a botch of the affair. I was charmed with Miss Hamilton last summer, but that letter is evidently written under some sort of constraint. It is no reply to yours." "I cannot blame her in the least, Ray, for feeling bitter toward me." "Perhaps not," Raymond said regretfully. "Still I intend to see her. You have no objections, Father?" "No. The matter cannot drop here, and for the present I am unfortunately tied to the house." "I would not go if I were you, Raymond," Abby interposed. "It will give her a chance to snub us." "I don't understand you, Abby; I thought that you and Miss Hamilton were warm friends. You haven't gushed about her as much this term as formerly, but I did not know that you had quarreled." "We are not as good friends as we were. I am dreadfully disappointed in her. She is not the girl I had supposed her." "It is rather odd that you didn't tell us something about this in your letters. Miss Hamilton seems to be good enough for Miss Van Gerder, even if she is not for you. I intend to see her, Abby, and that is all there is to the matter." It was with no comfortable feelings that Abby saw him depart for New York on the next Tuesday. Thursday brought her a short note from him. I don't wonder in the least that you objected to my coming here. Miss Van Gerder has given me the history of the past term. I do not feel proud of the part my sister played. Father and I will have hard work undoing the mischief you have wrought. R. D.