"The plot thickens," declaimed Emma as the three paused in the middle of the room. "Hurrah for the old guard! Like Macbeth's immortal witches, I'll perform my antic round, just to show how jubilant I feel." She executed a few fantastic steps about Patience, then paused beside her, one hand on her shoulder. "Where did you acquire Patience, Grace?" "I acquired this particular kind of Patience on the campus just a few moments ago. I have never actually acquired the other kind." "You're not the only one," murmured Emma significantly. "Where is our freshman-to-be?" "In her room and fast asleep, I suppose. Although she wouldn't admit it, I know she was completely tired out. I could see that," she added slyly. Patience and Grace smiled in quick recognition of J. Elfreda Briggs' pet phrase. "How I wish 'I could see' dear old J. Elfreda. Wouldn't it be glorious if she were suddenly to appear in the flesh," sighed Emma. "She was here with Mrs. Gray and I in August, Patience." Grace went on to relate the details of Elfreda's visit. "Emma has heard all this before. Still, you don't mind hearing it again, do you, Emma?" "I could listen to it forever, and then ask for a repetition," asserted Emma with gallant glibness. "I won't be so malicious as to take you at your word," returned Grace. "Will you tell Patience all the news while I run upstairs to see Miss Reynolds?" "I will," nodded Emma, "and tell it truthfully and without embellishments. I am not a yellow journal. I am a reliable purveyor of facts and nothing but facts." She pounded on the library table with her clenched fist to emphasize her words. "I believe you," assured Patience with mock solemnity, "and salute you as a disciple of truth." Leaving her friends to exchange confidences, Grace ran lightly up the stairs and knocked on Mary Reynolds' door. Receiving no answer, she knocked again. "She must be asleep," thought Grace. Then she turned the knob and entered the room. Surely enough the tired stranger lay on her couch bed, tranquil and slumber-wrapped. Sleep had smoothed away the lines of care and, in repose, her face looked soft and childish. "Miss Reynolds." The girl sat up with a little, startled cry. "Oh," she breathed, in relief. "I was so frightened. I forgot where I was." "Miss Dean, a friend of ours and I are going to the station to meet another friend. We wish you to go with us," invited Grace. "That is, unless you prefer to stay here. You will be all alone in the house." An expression of alarm showed itself in the girl's eyes. "I'd rather go with you, if you are sure I won't be in the way."