"But she'll understand, of course, when you tell her it's _your_ subject and that _you_ want it," went on Mrs. Kennedy, smoothly. Genevieve did not see the keen, almost fearful glances, that Mrs. Kennedy was giving her between the light words. "I know; but that sounds so--so--" There was a long pause; then Genevieve, with a quivering sigh, rose slowly and left the room. Mrs. Kennedy, for some unapparent reason, smiled--but there were tears in her eyes. The Hexagon Club took a long ride the next day. Five of them talked again of Cordelia's paper, and four begged Cordelia to tell what she had said about them. If Genevieve, alone, was unusually silent, nobody, apparently, noticed it. They were riding by themselves to-day. They had invited none of the boys or other girls to join them. It was when the ride was over, and when Genevieve had almost reached the Kennedy driveway, that she said wistfully, stroking the mare's neck: "Topsy, I just couldn't. I just couldn't! It sounded so--so--And, Topsy, _you_ couldn't, if you'd seen how awfully happy she looked!" "What did Cordelia say?" asked Mrs. Kennedy, when Genevieve came into the house a little later. There was no hint in the lady's voice of the hope that was in her heart. "I--I didn't tell her, Aunt Julia," stammered Genevieve. Then, with a playful whimsicality that did not in the least deceive Aunt Julia's ears, she added: "Who wants that old prize, anyhow?" It was a beautiful smile, then, that illumined Aunt Julia's face, and it was a very tender kiss that fell on Genevieve's forehead. "That's my brave Genevieve--and I'm sure you'll never regret it, my dear!" she said. * * * * * May passed, and June came, bringing warm, sunny days that were very tempting to feet that were longing to be tramping through green woods and fields. Examinations, however, were coming soon, and Genevieve knew that, tempting as was the beautiful out-of-doors, studies must come first. Every possible minute, however, she spent in rides, walks, and tennis playing--even Miss Jane insisted that she must have exercise. June brought not only alluring days, however, but a letter from Quentina, which sent Genevieve flying into Mrs. Kennedy's room. "Aunt Julia, did you write again to Mr. Jones?" "I did," smiled Mrs. Kennedy, "and I have a letter from him to-day." "You darling! Then you know, of course! Oh, Aunt Julia, isn't it lovely! I just can't wait till to-morrow to tell the girls." Genevieve did wait, however--she waited even till the morning recess. She wanted all the Happy Hexagons together; and when she had them together she told them the astounding news in one breathless rush of words. "Girls, Quentina's coming next year to school. She's going to room with me. Isn't it lovely!" There was a chorus of delighted questions and exclamations; but Genevieve lifted her hand.