“You may say what you like about the artistic temperament,” said Nora, “but in my opinion it’s nothing more nor less than just plain temper.”

CHAPTER VIII

ELEANOR THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET

“The Phi Sigma Tau is to have a special meeting to-night at Jessica’s,” called Grace Harlowe to Nora O’Malley as the latter entered the locker-room at the close of school one day about two weeks after the initiation at Jessica’s.

“Does Jessica know it?” inquired Nora.

“Not yet,” replied Grace, “but she will as soon as she comes in.  I rushed down here the minute the last bell rang, because I wanted to be here when the girls come in.  You are the first, however.”

“Why are we to hold a meeting?” asked Nora, her curiosity aroused.

“Wait and see,” replied Grace, smiling.  “Of what use is it to hold a meeting, if I tell you all the business beforehand?”

“All right,” said Nora, “you keep your secrets and I’ll keep mine.”

“What have you heard that’s new?” asked Grace.

“Wait and see,” replied Nora, with a grin of delight.  “I am saving my news for the meeting.”

By this time the remaining members of the Phi Sigma Tau, with the exception of Eleanor Savell, had come into the locker-room, and had been promptly hailed by Grace.  Marian Barber, Miriam Nesbit and Eva Allen after agreeing to be at Jessica’s, at eight o’clock, had gone their separate ways.

“Every one excepting Eleanor has been told,” said Grace.  “I really don’t know how to approach her.  She has been so distant of late.”

“Don’t wait to ask her,” said Nora decidedly.  “She won’t attend the meeting.”

“How do you know?” asked Jessica.

“I’ll tell you to-night,” answered Nora mysteriously, “but I know positively that she won’t come, because she is going to have company at ‘Heartsease.’  Now I’ve told you more than I intended to, and I shall not say another word until to-night.”

“Come on then,” said Grace, “we won’t wait any longer.  Jessica, will you ask your father if he will be at liberty for a few minutes this evening?”

“Certainly,” replied Jessica.

“Oh, I know now whom it’s all about,” cried Nora gleefully.  “Mary Stevens.”

“You have guessed it,” said Grace, “but, like yourself, I decline to talk until to-night.”

Before eight o’clock the seven girls had taken possession of the Bright’s big, comfortable sitting room and were impatiently waiting for Grace to tell her news.

“Before I tell you what is on my mind,” said Grace, “we ought to have a president, vice president and secretary for this worthy organization.  I move therefore that we choose Miriam Nesbit for president of this sorority.  Those in favor say ‘aye.’  We’ll dispense with seconding the motion.”

There was an instant’s pause, then a chorus of “ayes” burst forth.