Marian firmly believed what she said.  She had never been an ardent admirer of Miriam, and had at first stubbornly refused to repudiate Grace.  But Miriam had little by little instilled into her the idea of Grace’s incompetency, until Marian, who thought only of the good of the team, became convinced that a change of captains was advisable.  Miriam’s brilliant playing in the recent game was the final touch needed, and now Marian was prepared to do what she considered was her absolute duty.

“Suppose we write Grace a letter,” suggested one of the substitutes, “as long as no one seems anxious to tell her.”

“Hush,” exclaimed Eva Allen, holding up her finger.  “Here come Nora and Jessica.  I know they are going to make a lot of fuss when they hear the news.  Suppose we go back to the classroom and write the letter.  We can all sign our names to it, and then we’ll be equally to blame.”

The conspirators accordingly trooped into the corridor, just as Nora and Jessica were about to enter the locker-room.

“What in the world is the matter now?” called Jessica.  “You girls looks as guilty as though you’d stolen a gold mine.”

“Wait and see,” said Eva with a rather embarrassed laugh, as she hurried after the others up the stairs.

“Do you know, Jessica, I believe they’re up to some hateful mischief.  What did I tell you the other day?  Those girls have given Grace the cold shoulder more than ever, since the game.  They have been following Miriam about like a lot of sheep.  Grace notices it, too, and it makes her unhappy, only she’s too proud to say so.”

“Never mind,” said Jessica soothingly.  “They’ll be sorry some day.  Miriam’s influence won’t last.  Grace did perfectly right in standing by Anne, and you and I must always stand by Grace.  Grace is a fine captain, and——­”

“What are you saying about me?” demanded Grace herself, walking into the locker-room with Anne.

Jessica blushed and was silent, but Nora said glibly, “Oh, Jessica just now said that you made a fine captain.”  Then she went on hurriedly, “I think our chances for winning the championship are better than ever, don’t you?”

“The juniors have been practising like mad since their defeat,” mused Grace.  “They will make a hard fight next time.  Miss Thompson told me yesterday that she never saw better work in basketball than ours last Saturday.  I am so proud of my team even, though they haven’t been very nice to me lately.  My whole desire is for them to win the final game.  I suppose a captain has about the same feeling toward her players that a mother has toward her daughters.  She is willing to make any sacrifice in order to make fine girls of them.”

“And you are a fine captain,” cried Anne.  “I felt so proud of you the other day.  You handled your team so well.  Knowing how hateful they have been, it was wonderful to see you give your orders as though nothing had happened.  No other girl could have done it.”