“Is Miss Savell in?” asked Grace to the trim maid who answered her ring.

“Yes, miss,” replied the maid.  “Come in.  Who shall I say is here?”

“Say to Miss Savell that Grace Harlowe and her friends would like to see her.”

The maid soon reappeared and led the girls down the wide, old-fashioned hall, and, somewhat to their surprise, ushered them into the dining room, where they beheld Eleanor, arrayed in a dainty white house gown, dining alone.

She arose as they entered and came forward with both hands outstretched.  “How are the Phi Sigma Taus to-day?” she asked.  “It was awfully nice of you to come and see me.”

“We thought you might be ill,” said Nora.  “We missed you at school to-day.”

“Oh, no,” replied Eleanor serenely.  “I am perfectly well.  I really didn’t feel like going to school to-day, so I stayed in bed until eleven o’clock.  I am just having lunch now.  Won’t you join me?  I am keeping house by myself this afternoon.  My aunt is dining with Mrs. Gray.”

“Thank you,” said Grace, speaking for the girls.  “We all have supper at half past six and must save our appetites for that.”

“We usually dine about eight o’clock,” said Eleanor.  “We acquired the habit of dining late from living on the continent.  But, come, now.  I have finished my lunch.  I want you to see where I live, almost entirely, when in the house.”

The girls followed her up the broad staircase and down the hall.  Every inch of the ground was familiar to Grace.  She had been there so often with Mrs. Gray.  “Oh, you have the suite at the back,” she exclaimed.  “I love those two rooms.”

“You will find them somewhat changed,” remarked Eleanor as she opened the door and ushered the girls into the most quietly luxurious apartment they had ever seen.  Even Miriam Nesbit’s room could not compare with it.

“What a beautiful room!” exclaimed Grace, looking about her with delight.  “I don’t wonder you like to spend your time in it.  I see you have your own piano.”

“Yes,” replied Eleanor.  “My aunt sent to New York for it.  The one downstairs in the drawing room is all right, but I like to have this one handy, so that I can play whenever the spirit moves me.  This is my bedroom,” she continued, pushing aside the silken curtains that separated the two rooms.  The girls exclaimed over the Circassian walnut furniture and could not decide as to which room was the prettier.

“Eleanor,” said Grace solemnly, “you ought to be a very happy girl.  You have everything a heart can wish.  Think of poor little Mabel Allison.”

“Oh, don’t let’s think about disagreeable things,” said Eleanor lightly.  “Sit down and be comfy and I’ll play for you.  What shall I play?”

“Do you know the ‘Peer Gynt’ suite?” asked Grace.  “I love ’Anitra’s Dance.’”

Without answering, Eleanor immediately began the “Peer Gynt” music and played the entire suite with remarkable expression.