“Why, Leila,” Marjorie said presently, going back to her superior officers, “after the girls went home that night I had a long talk with General and Captain. I found they considered it my first duty to come back to college. General pretended to be very threatening. He dared me to try to stay at home and see what would happen. I don’t like to be away from them, Leila, but I love my work. And it’s only begun on the campus. It will take us a long time to pay for the dormitory. I may be old as the hills by the time it is paid for,” was her jocular prediction. “If I’m a tottering last leaf when that happens, at least I will have grown old in a good cause.” CHAPTER VII.—SCENTING MYSTERY Vera was now bringing the roadster to a stop before the Ivy. “Hello, old stand-by!” Marjorie raised a cheerful hand of greeting toward the familiar, one-story white stucco building. Its ornamental bungalow effect was made even more attractive by the traits of English ivy which wandered across the front of the shop and were trained above the door and the narrow-paned windows. “Not another car parked here; glorious! This is a positive streak of luck!” congratulated Vera. “The Ivy is popular with tourists this summer,” Leila informed Marjorie and Robin as the girls sauntered up the wide white stone walk four abreast. “This is the first time since we came back that we have been able to park in front of the shop.” Entering the tea room they steered a straight course for one of four alcove tables. During the college year these tables were difficult to secure unless engaged beforehand. All four stood empty now. A brief lull in the mid-afternoon business of the Ivy had found the prosperous shop temporarily deserted. “Who ever before saw an alcove table at the Ivy empty?” commented Robin as the chums seated themselves. “It’s almost as still here today as in chapel after Prexy has read out an amazing notice,” declared Vera lightly. “Observe how soon that chapel-like atmosphere will depart. We are here,” Leila reminded. “No; this beatific state of sweet silence is due to be shattered this very minute,” Robin agreed. “Right you are, Robin. It’s a grand palaver we’re about to have. Let us order the luncheon before the gabble party begins,” proposed Leila. “Consomme, chicken à la king, potato straws, cucumber salad and whatever your sweet tooth demands for dessert? Yes?” She turned inquiring eyes on her friends. “And a pot of tea, of course?” “It suits me. I wish I were going to eat that dandy luncheon this minute. I’m so hungry,” sighed Marjorie. Vera and Robin echoed Marjorie’s wish. The waitress obligingly promised to hurry the consommé to the hungry quartette and retired briskly kitchen-ward. “Now who is going to start the gabble ball rolling?” playfully demanded Vera. “You and Leila. Tell us about the campus.” Marjorie and Robin answered in the same words, and together. They both laughed. “One heart, one mind,” Robin quoted.