Here she bent forward, and began to whisper vigorously in Gwin's ear. "Yes, I think so," answered Gwin. "I wouldn't, I really wouldn't," said Elma. "I am certain Alice agrees with me." "I can guess what you are saying," cried Alice, "and I do agree most heartily." "And I can guess what you are saying," exclaimed Kitty, starting to her feet with flashing eyes. "You don't want to talk about your society or whatever it is because I am present. Well, discuss it without me. I'll find my way to the library. Poor dear Bessie is the only decent one among you, and I shall go and sit with her. How do you know I won't take up with literature just to spite you all? I can do anything I have a mind to, and that you will soon find to your cost." She ran out of the room as she spoke, slamming the door behind her. "There, that's a comfort," cried Alice, breathing freely for the first time. "Did you ever, girls, in all your lives, see a more terrible creature? What is to be done? Why, she will disgrace us all at school. You know what a very nice set we are in at present." "Oh, an excellent set," said Elma, in a sarcastic voice. "You know, Elma, that we do belong to the nicest set in the school, and I am sure, Gwin, your father--" "You need not drag father in," cried Gwin. Father likes all the people I like." "But, surely--" began Alice. Gwin looked at her gravely, then she nodded. "I am not quite certain yet," she said; "but I think it highly probable that I shall take up that poor, wild, little Kitty. At least she is fresh; she speaks out her mind plainly, and there is a great deal to admire about her." "Then, listen, Gwin," cried Alice; "if she is taken into our special society I will resign." "Will you really, Alice? What, if I ask you to stay?" "It is hard to refuse you, dear; but you scarcely know what all this means to me. I am rubbed the wrong way; I don't understand myself. But frankly, Gwin, you are not going to ask Kitty Malone to join our society?" "What if it does her good?" "But ought we not to think of the others? She is a perfect stranger to us all at present." "But she won't be long. Bless the child, she has no reserve in her, and I do want to help her, poor little girl! Well, we need not decide that point at present." "Do let us vote to leave her out," cried Alice. "No, Alice, we will leave the point undecided. Now let us set to work, and begin to form our rules, for really we have no time to lose." "But what are we to do without Bessie?" exclaimed Alice. "Whatever happens, we cannot do without Bessie Challoner; she will be the life and soul of the whole society. Shall we send for her, Gwin?" "No, Kitty is with her, and they had better not be disturbed." "What a difference Kitty makes," cried Alice. "I did think we should have had a delightful and heavenly evening, and it has been all ruction from first to last." "Because you dislike her so much, Alice," said Gwin.