“Allow me to answer that question,” said Hippy.  “You are like the tall and graceful burdock.  Reddy resembles the common, but much-admired sheep sorrel, while I am like that tender little flower, the forget-me-not.  Having once seen me, is it possible to forget me!” He struck an attitude and looked languishingly at Nora.

“I’ll forget you forever if you look at me like that,” threatened Nora.

“Never again,” said Hippy hastily.  “Bear witness, all of you, that my expression has changed.”

Just then the first notes of the waltz “Amoreuse” rang out, and the gymnasium floor was soon filled with High School boys and girls dressed in their best party attire.  The dances followed each other in rapid succession until supper was announced.  This was served at small tables by the town caterer.

Mrs. Gray and her adopted children occupied two tables near together and had a merry time.  Many curious glances were cast in their direction by the other members of the sophomore class.

Some of the girls wondered whether it was a good thing to cut Anne Pierson’s acquaintance.  She was certainly a friend of Mrs. Gray, and Mrs. Gray was one of the most influential women in Oakdale.  Frances Fuller, a worldly-minded sophomore, dared to intimate as much to Miriam Nesbit, who replied loftily: 

“If Mrs. Gray knew as much about Miss Pierson as we do, she would probably not care for her any longer.”

“It’s a pity some one doesn’t tell her,” said Julia Crosby, ever ready for mischief.

“Oh, some one will have the courage yet,” answered Miriam, “and when she does, that will end everything as far as Miss Pierson is concerned.  Mrs. Gray can’t endure anything dishonorable.”

Just then a young man claimed Miriam for the two-step about to begin, and Julia wandered off, leaving Frances to digest what had been said.  The more the latter thought about it, the more she felt that Mrs. Gray ought to be warned against Anne.  She decided that she had the courage; that it was her duty to do so.

Without hesitating, she blundered over to where Mrs. Gray sat for the moment.

“Mrs. Gray,” Frances began, “I want to tell you something which I think you ought to know.”

“And what is that, my dear?” asked the old lady courteously, trying vainly to remember the girl’s face.

“Why, about Miss Pierson’s true character,” replied the girl.

“Miss Pierson’s true character?” repeated Mrs. Gray.  “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“That she is dishonorable and treacherous.  She betrayed the sophomore basketball signals to the juniors, and then denied it, when her class had positive proof against her.  Besides, her father is a disreputable actor, and she was an actress before she came here.  We thought if you knew the truth you wouldn’t uphold any such person.”  Frances paused.  She thought she had made an impression upon her listener.