“Oh, no, Dr. Tellingham.  This is a new girl.  We wished to see Mrs. Tellingham,” Ruth assured him.

“Quite so,” he said, briskly.  “She is—­Ah! she comes!  My dear!  Two of the young ladies to see you,” and instantly he was buried in his books again—­that is, buried all but his shining crown.

Mrs. Tellingham was a graceful, gray-haired lady, with a charming smile.  She trailed her black robe across the carpet and stooped to kiss Ruth warmly, for she not only respected the junior, but had learned to love her.

“Welcome, Miss Fielding!” she said, kindly.  “I am glad to see you back.  And this is the girl I have been getting letters about—­Miss Hicks?”

“Ann Hicks,” responded Ruth, firmly.  “That is the name she wishes to be known by, dear Mrs. Tellingham.”

“I don’t know who could be writing you but Uncle Bill,” said Ann Hicks, blunderingly.  “And I expect he’s told you a-plenty.”

“I think ‘Uncle Bill’ must be the most recklessly generous man in the world, my dear,” observed Mrs. Tellingham, taking and holding one of Ann’s brown hands, and looking closely at the western girl.

For a moment the new girl blushed and her own eyes shone.  “You bet he is!  I—­I beg pardon,” she stammered.  “Uncle Bill is all right.”

“And Jennie Stone’s Aunt Kate has been writing me about you, too.  It seems she was much interested in you when you visited their place at Lighthouse Point.”

“She’s very kind,” murmured the new girl.

“And Mrs. Murchiston, Helen’s governess, has spoken a good word for you,” added the preceptress.

“Why—­why I didn’t know so many people cared,” stammered Ann.

“You see, you have a way of making friends unconsciously.  I can see that,” Mrs. Tellingham said, kindly.  “Now, do not be discouraged.  You will make friends among the girls in just the same way.  Don’t mind their banter for a while.  The rough edges will soon rub off——­”

“But there are rough edges,” admitted the western girl, hanging her head.

“Don’t mind.  There are such in most girls’ characters and they show up when first they come to school.  Keep cheerful.  Come to me if you are in real trouble—­and stick close to Miss Fielding, here.  I can’t give you any better advice than that,” added Mrs. Tellingham, with a laugh.

Then she was ready to listen to Ruth’s plea that the room next to The Fox and her chums be given up to Ruth, Helen, Mercy and the new girl.

“We love our little room; but it was crowded with Mercy last half; and we could all get along splendidly in a quartette room,” said Ruth.

“All right,” agreed the principal.  “I’ll telephone to Miss Scrimp and Miss Picolet.  Now, go and see about getting settled, young ladies.  I expect much of you this half, Ruth Fielding.  As for Ann, I shall take her in hand myself on Monday and see what classes she would best enter.”