To many people much older than these Girl Scouts the novelty of eating on a train has never lost its charm, so it is little wonder that they looked forward to each occasion with a keen sense of pleasure. They were thankful, too, as they entered the diner for their first meal, that there were eight in their party; it would mean that they might always eat by themselves, if they were fortunate enough to secure two tables. They were careful to keep their voices low, and to avoid drawing any undue attention to themselves; but, in spite of this, more than one fellow-passenger looked enviously at the happy party. When supper was over that first night, the girls, by general consent, congregated in Marjorie’s compartment. It was the larger, more comfortable of the two, and afforded a lovely private sitting-room. “Shall we play bridge?” asked Doris. “No, let’s just talk,” replied Marjorie, who sensed the prevailing sentiment of the group. “Only--not about the lieutenant! I couldn’t bear that!” “We’ll never mention her till she appears!” exclaimed Alice, loyally. “There--will that be a relief to you?” Lily looked distressed. Was all her fun going to be denied her in this fashion? But Marjorie good-naturedly came to her rescue. “No, Alice, I’d rather get used to talking about her now, so that I won’t make a fool of myself when she does appear. You can say whatever you like; it really doesn’t matter to me!” “Well, don’t let’s talk about her, anyway,” said Doris. “I’m sure we can find a more agreeable topic of conversation. Let’s everybody tell what she is going to do next year!” “That will be interesting!” cried Lily, enthusiastically. “Where shall we begin?” “With the oldest,” answered Doris. “That’s you, Ethel.” “Well, you all know about me,” said the girl. “I’ll be a sophomore at Bryn Mawr.” “And I’m going to a finishing school outside of Boston,” volunteered Doris, briefly. “Who’s next--Marj or Lil?” “I am,” said Lily. “I’m not sure what I am going to do. I’d like to go to college, but I’m the only child in my family, you know, and mother wants me home--papa travels so much.” “I’m entered at Turner College,” said Marjorie. “And if I have anything to say about it, Lily will go too!” “But how about her mother?” asked Mae. “Her mother can have her all the rest of her life!” “It’s likely,” laughed Mae. “She’d be married the week after college closed!” “Mae!” remonstrated Lily, “don’t judge others by yourself! Now--what are you going to do?” “I’m going to business college, and I hope to take a position by the first of the year.” “That certainly sounds interesting,” said Doris. “Well, I suppose there isn’t any use asking our seniors. You three are all going back to Miss Allen’s, aren’t you?” she asked, turning to the youngest girls in the party. Florence and Alice both nodded assent; but Daisy sat still, staring into space. It was evident from her attitude that something was troubling her.