Acting under Julia’s direction, Grace brought a little writing case from a nearby table, Julia opened it, selected a sheet of paper and wrote in a firm, clear hand: 

“To the members of the sophomore class, and to all those whom it may concern: 

“The accusation made against Anne Pierson last fall regarding the betrayal of the basketball signals to the junior team is false.  Our knowledge of these signals came from an entirely different source.

        “JuliaCrosby,
     Capt.  Junior Team.”

“And now,” concluded Julia, “I have done something toward straightening out the mischief I made.  Will you forgive me, Grace, and try to think of me as your friend?”

“With all my heart,” replied Grace, kissing her warmly.  “And I am so happy to-day.  Just think, the junior and sophomore classes will be at peace at last.”

The two girls looked into each other’s eyes, and both began to laugh.

“After two years’ war the hatchet will be buried,” said Julia a little tremulously.

“Oh, Julia!” exclaimed Grace, hopping about, “I’ve a perfectly splendid idea!”

“What is it?” asked Julia breathlessly.

“Let’s have a grand blow out and bury the hatchet with pomp and ceremony.  We’ll have speeches from both classes, and a perfectly gorgeous feed afterwards.  You break the news to your class and I’ll endeavor to get my naughty children under control once more.  I believe some of them love me a little yet,” she smiled.

“Of course, they do,” said Julia stoutly.  “I must say I don’t see why they were so hateful to you, even if Anne Pierson were under suspicion.  I know I am to blame for helping the grudge along,” she added remorsefully, “but I am, not the only one.”

“I know,” said Grace quickly.  “There are lots of things I’d like to say, but for certain reasons of my own I shall not say them.  You understand, I think.”

Julia nodded.  She did, indeed, understand, and the full beauty of Grace Harlowe’s nobility of spirit was revealed to her.

“You are the finest, squarest girl I ever knew, Grace,” she said admiringly.

“Nonsense,” laughed Grace, flushing a little at the tribute paid her by the once arrogant junior captain.  “You don’t know me at all.  I have just as many faults as other girls, with a few extra ones thrown in.  I have no claim to a pedestal.  I hope we shall be friends for the rest of our schooldays and forever after.  You will be a senior next year, and I shall be a junior.  It’s time we put by childish quarrels, and assumed the high and mighty attitude of the upper classes.  It is our duty to become a living example to erring freshmen.”

Both girls laughed merrily; then Grace rose to go.  She kissed Julia good-bye and walked out of the house as though on air.  Her cup of happiness was full to the brim.  She carefully tucked the precious paper away in her bag and sped down the street on winged feet.