There was a sudden silence.  Then Grace said gently, although she felt irritated at Eleanor’s careless speech:  “I don’t think Mabel Allison could really be called a beggar; and if we adopt her, we ought never to let her think that we consider her a dependent.  Of course we know very little about her yet, but I think she will prove worthy.  I am to see her to-morrow, and perhaps it would be better to talk a little more with her before we tell Jessica’s father about it.”

Eleanor looked at Grace with an amused smile.

“How serious you girls are,” she said.  “Is it school that makes you so?  If it is, I don’t think I shall stay long.  I like to drift along and do only what my inclination prompts me to do.  I hate responsibility of any sort.”

“Perhaps you will feel differently about school after a while,” said Anne quietly.  “This is my third year in Oakdale High School, and I never had any good times until I came here.  As for responsibility, it is a good thing to learn to be responsible for one’s self, if for no one else.”

“Well, perhaps you are right, but I am sure that if you had never lived long enough in one country to become acclimated, you wouldn’t feel very responsible, either,” said Eleanor in such rueful tones that the girls laughed, although they secretly disapproved of Eleanor’s inconsequential attitude.

“Did you think the examinations hard?” asked Jessica of Eleanor.

“Oh, no,” replied Eleanor lightly.  “I had an English governess who was with us for five years.  She drilled me thoroughly in English and mathematics.  I loathed them both, but studied them merely to show her that I could master them.  Miss Thompson said my work was good, and that if I were ambitious she would put me in the senior class, but I held out for the juniors and finally got my own way.  If you are going to take such a serious view of this gay world, however, perhaps I’ll wish I had joined the seniors, after all.  No, I don’t mean that.  I’m awfully glad to know you, and feel honored at being a member of your sorority.  Only I don’t expect to ever be a very useful one.  My aunt has spoiled me, and I frankly admit it.  So, you see, there is no hope for me.”  She spread out both hands in a deprecating manner and shrugged her shoulders exactly as a French woman might have done.

“I am sure we like you, just as you are,” said Eva Allen warmly.  She had been rather impressed with Eleanor.

“Do you see the time?” said Nora, suddenly pointing to the old-fashioned clock in the corner.  “Half past ten!  I must go this minute.  Sister will be worried.”

She immediately made for her hat and coat, the others following suit, with the exception of Eleanor, who was to wait until the coachman came for her.

Once the girls were outside the gate, Marian Barber broke out with:  “What a queer girl that Eleanor Savell is.  She is beautiful and fascinating, but I don’t know whether I like her or not.”