"WICKED ONE:" it began. "Why have you not answered the fond letter of your small Imp? But perhaps you have answered, and I have not received. _Ma mere_ and I have had the great annoyance since we came to this most stupid studio, because much of our mail has gone astray. "We have finished the posing for the picture 'The Spirit of the Dawn.' It was most beautiful. _Ma mere_ was, of course, the Dawn Spirit, allowed for one day to become the mortal. She had many dances to perform, and was superb in all. I, too, had the dance to do in several scenes. When we meet in college I will tell you all. "We shall not pose again in these motion pictures for the directors are, of a truth, most queer. They talk much, but have the small idea of art. It became necessary to quarrel with them frequently, otherwise the picture would have contained many ridiculous things. It is now past, and, of a certainty, I am glad. I am longing to make the return to Wellington. It will be the grand happiness to see again all my dear friends, you in particular, beloved Jeanne. "_La petite_ Norma will soon finish the engagement with the stock company. We have the hope to meet her in New York, so that she and your small Imp may make the return together to Wellington. Take the good care of yourself, dear Jeanne. With the regards of _ma mere_ and my most ardent affection, "Ever thy IMP." Jane gave the letter an affectionate little pat. It was almost as though she had heard lively little Adrienne's voice. How good it was, she reflected happily, to know that this time she would go East, not as a lonely outlander, but as one whose place awaited her. There would be smiling faces and welcoming hands to greet her when she climbed the steps of Madison Hall. Yes, Wellington was truly her Alma Mater and Madison Hall her second home. CHAPTER II A COUNCIL OF WAR "What does it all mean? That's the one thing I'd like to know." Judith Stearns plumped herself down on Ethel Lacey's couch bed with an energy that bespoke her feelings. "It is as yet beyond the understanding," gloomily conceded Adrienne Dupree. "You'd better go downstairs and see Mrs. Weatherbee at once, Judy," advised Ethel. It was a most amazed and indignant trio which had gathered for a council of war in the room belonging to Ethel and Adrienne. "I'm going to," nodded Judith with some asperity. "I have Jane's telegram here with me. I just stopped for a minute to tell you girls. Why, Jane will be in on that four o'clock train! A nice tale we'll have to tell her!" "Oh, there's surely been a misunderstanding," repeated Ethel Lacey. Judith shrugged her shoulders. "It looks queer to me," she said. "You know Mrs. Weatherbee never liked Jane. It would be just like her----" Judith paused. A significant stare conveyed untold meaning.