“It wasn’t from Teddy at all; handwritings are so much alike nowadays. It was a bill from the hairdresser, of whom Florence had bought those lovely little curls which cluster around her brow—and Molly read it aloud, as she had requested.” “But who told you about it?” said the girl with the classic profile. “Molly. You didn’t suppose it was Florence, did you? I declare, it made me feel like trying to persuade both of them to join our club. There isn’t a girl in it that would do such a mean thing, and the example might—” “No, it wouldn’t; they are too frivolous,” said the girl with the eyeglasses. “Oh, girls, I sometimes wish that the men who dance with us could hear the serious discussions which go on in this club,—so harmoniously, too.” “True,” said the president, “not one unkind word has been spoken, even of the absent, since we organized. I wonder if as much can be said of any other club.” “I doubt it,” said the blue-eyed girl; “and it isn’t as if we couldn’t think of clever things to say about people, either.” “Of course not,” returned the girl with the Roman nose; “why, I know some things, even about the other members, which—” “So do I,” said the girl with the classic profile. “Why, I heard the other day that you—” “Of course I wouldn’t mention, for the world,” finished the girl with the Roman nose, in some agitation. “I thought not, dear; it would hardly be wise,” said the girl with the eyeglasses, “for you, especially.” “I’m sure, I don’t see why I, es—” “Don’t you, dear? But, then, you never were clever,” said the president. “Yes, I am very proud of the amiability we have all displayed since joining the club. I must say that I didn’t expect—” “I don’t see why not,” said the blue-eyed girl. “As for me, I can get along with anybody, so I was not at all afraid.” “Yes, dear,” said the brown-eyed blonde, “your tongue would be a protection, even if—” “Other people were even _more_ envious of me? That is hardly possible, dear; but I thank you for your good opinion of me.” “Don’t overwhelm me with gratitude, dearest; I really do not deserve it.” “But, luckily for you, love, people seldom get their deserts.” “Oh, girls, don’t quarrel,” said the president, wringing her hands; “I’ve always wanted this to be different from a man’s club, and now—” “Really, Evelyn, you seem to be the one who is doing the quarreling,” said the brown-eyed blonde, tartly. “As for me, I am naturally amiable, and—” “It is not your fault if your temper _is_ a bit soured by repeated disappointments,” broke in the blue-eyed girl; “of course not. Everybody says it is no wonder.” “I—I resign from this club,” sobbed the brown-eyed blonde. “I’ll not stay here another minute to be insulted!” “Girls, girls,” said the president, “do be reasonable. I—” “This is the first time _I_ was ever accused of being unreasonable,” said the girl with the Roman nose; “and all I’ve got to say is, that I pity Tom from the bottom of my heart, and—”