“That’s settled,” said Miriam.  “The next thing to do is——­”

But a loud ring of the door bell interrupted her speech and caused the whole party to start.

“Some one to see papa,” said Jessica.  “Go on with what you were saying, Miriam.”

But before Miriam had a chance to continue, the maid entered the room, a letter in her hand.

“Here’s a letter, Miss Jessica,” she said.  “But it’s such a quare name on the outside, I be wondering if it’s fur yerself and no other?”

Jessica looked at the envelope.  It was addressed to the “Phi Sigma Tau, care of Miss Jessica Bright.”

“Why, who in the world can this be from?  I thought no one outside knew the name of our society as yet,” said Jessica as she opened the end of the envelope.  Then she turned the page, glanced at the signature, and gave a little cry of surprise.

“Just listen to this, girls!” she exclaimed, and read: 

          “’Tothe Phi Sigma Tau: 

“’After initiating me into your ridiculous society, you have seen fit to call a meeting of the members without directly notifying me, therefore I wish to withdraw from your sorority, as I feel that I have been deeply insulted.  I have this satisfaction, however, that I would not have met with you to-night, at any rate.  I am entertaining some girls in your class this evening, whom I find far more congenial than any previous acquaintances I have made in Oakdale.  We are about to organize a sorority of our own.  Our object will be to enjoy ourselves, not to continually preach to other people.  I am deeply disappointed in all of you, and assure you that I am not in the least desirous of continuing your acquaintance.

                         “’Yours sincerely,
                                   “‘Eleanor Savell.’”

“Well, of all things!” exclaimed Nora O’Malley.  “She says she is deeply insulted because we didn’t invite her, but that she didn’t intend to come, at any rate.  There’s a shining example of consistency for you!”

“Who on earth told her about the meeting?” said Jessica.  “We didn’t wait to ask her to-day.”

“I shall have to confess that I am the guilty one,” said Eva Allen.  “You didn’t say anything to Miriam, Marian and me about Eleanor, and when I left the locker-room I went back upstairs after a book I had forgotten.  I met Eleanor on the stairs and told her about the meeting, and that you were waiting in the locker-room for her.  You must have left before she got there, and, of course, she thought you did it purposely.”

“Oh, dear, what a mess,” sighed Grace.  “I didn’t mean to slight her.  But Nora said she knew, positively, that Eleanor was entertaining some guests to-night, so I didn’t wait.  By the way, Nora, what was that news of yours that you were so mysterious about this afternoon?”