While her two friends laughed and chattered as they unpacked her bag, she gave herself up to somber reflection. The events of the afternoon had left her with a feeling of heavy depression. Why, when she desired so earnestly to do well and be happy, must the ancient enmity of Marian Seaton be dragged into her very first day at Wellington. Was this a forerunner of what the rest of her sophomore days were destined to be? CHAPTER VII AN UNPLEASANT TABLEMATE Despite the unpropitious events of the afternoon, evening saw a merry little party in full swing in Judith's and Jane's room. Barbara Temple and Christine Ellis came over from Argyle Hall. The five-thirty train had brought not only Dorothy Martin but Mary Ashton as well. Eight o'clock saw them calling on Judith and Jane, along with Adrienne and Ethel. Of the old clan, Norma Bennett alone was absent, a loss which was loudly lamented by all. So swiftly did time fly that the party ended in a mad scurry to comply with the inexorable half-past ten o'clock rule. Jane went to bed that night considerably lighter of heart. Reunion with the girls who were nearest to her had driven the afternoon's unpleasantness from her thoughts, for the time being at least. The friendly presence of those she loved had proved a powerful antidote. A night's sound sleep served to separate her further from the disagreeable incidents of the previous day. She had two things, at least, to be glad of, she reflected, as she dressed next morning. She was back in her own room. More, she now stood on an entirely different footing with Mrs. Weatherbee than heretofore. This last was brought home to her more strongly than ever when, in going down to breakfast, she passed the matron on her way to the dining-room and received a smiling "Good morning, Miss Allen." It was at decided variance with the reserved manner in which Mrs. Weatherbee had formerly been wont to greet her. "Well, we are once again at the same table," remarked Adrienne as Jane slipped into the place at table she had occupied during her freshman year. "Until last night I ate the meals alone. It was _triste_." Adrienne's profound air of melancholy made both Jane and Dorothy laugh. "What made you come back to college so early, dear Imp?" questioned Dorothy, smiling indulgently at the little girl. "I had the longing to see the girls," Adrienne replied simply. "This past summer I have greatly missed all of you." "We've all missed one another, I guess," Jane said soberly. "Often out on the ranch I've wished you could all be with me. Next summer you must come. I'm going to give a house party." "What rapture!" Adrienne clasped her small hands. "I, for one, will accept the invitation, and now." Somewhat to Jane's surprise Dorothy said not a word. She merely stared at Jane, a curiously wistful expression in her gray eyes. "Don't you want to come to my house party, Dorothy?" Though the question was playfully asked it held a hint of pained surprise.