Anne did not feel quite so positive as to the existence of Miriam’s better self, but agreed with Grace because she adored her.

The entire team having assembled, Grace lost no time in assigning the players to their various positions.

“Miriam will you play one of the forwards?” she asked.

“Who is going to play center?” queried Miriam ignoring Grace’s question.

“Why the girls have asked me to play,” replied Grace.

“If I cannot play center,” announced Miriam shrugging her shoulders, “I shall play nothing.”

A sudden silence fell upon the group of girls, who, amazed at Miriam’s rudeness, awaited Grace’s answer.

Stifling her desire to retort sharply, Grace said?  “Why Miriam, I didn’t know you felt that way about it.  Certainly you may play center if you wish to.  I am sure I don’t wish to seem selfish.”

This was too much for Nora O’Malley, who deeply resented Miriam’s attitude toward Grace.

“We want our captain for center,” she said.  “Don’t we, girls?”

“Yes,” chorused the girls.

It was a humiliating moment for proud Miriam.  Grace realized this and felt equally embarrassed at their outspoken preference.

Then Miriam said with a contemptuous laugh, “Really, Miss Harlowe, I congratulate you upon your loyal support.  It is a good thing to have friends at court.  However, it is immaterial to me what position I play, for I am not particularly enthusiastic over basketball.  The juniors are sure to win at any rate.”

A flush mounted to Grace’s cheeks at Miriam’s insulting words.  Controlling her anger, she said quietly: 

“Very well, I will play center.”  Then she rapidly named the other players.

This last formality having been disposed of, the team lined up for practice.  Soon the game was at its height.  Miriam in the excitement of the play, forgot her recently avowed indifference toward basketball and went to work with all the skill and activity she possessed.

The basketball team, during its infancy in the freshman class had given splendid promise of future fame.  Grace felt proud of her players as she stopped for a moment to watch their agile movements and spirited work.  Surely, the juniors would have to look out for their laurels this year.  Her blood quickened at thought, of the coming contests which were to take place during the course of the winter between the two class teams.  There were to be three games that season, and the sophomores had made up their minds to win all of them.  What if the junior team were a famous one, and had won victory after victory the year before over all other class teams?  The sophomores resolved to be famous, too.

In fact, all of Grace’s hopes were centered on the coming season.  Napoleon himself could not have been more eager for victory.

“We must just make up our minds to work, girls,” she exhorted her friends.  “I would rather beat those juniors than take a trip to Europe.”