“When first you came to High School, I promised Mrs. Gray that I would help you to like High School life.  For that reason I have overlooked lots of things, but to-night caps the climax, and I tell you frankly that I thoroughly despise your conduct, and if ever again you do anything to injure myself or my friends, I shall not hesitate to bring you to book for it.”

Eleanor stood clenching her hands in impotent rage.  Grace’s plain speaking had roused a tempest in her.

“I hate you, Grace Harlowe, fifty times more than ever before,” she said, her voice shaking with anger.  “I intended to leave this miserable school at the end of the year, but now I shall stay and show you that you cannot trample upon me with impunity.”

Without answering, Grace walked away, leaving Eleanor to stare moodily after her.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE JUNIOR PICNIC

With the first days of spring, the longing to throw down her books and fairly live in the open returned to Grace Harlowe with renewed force.

“I do wish school were over,” she said with a sigh to her three chums, as they strolled home one afternoon in May.  “I don’t mind studying in the winter, but when the spring comes, then it’s another matter.  I long to golf and play tennis, and picnic in the woods and——­”

“That reminds me,” said Nora, interrupting her, “that last fall the juniors talked about giving a picnic instead of a ball.  We didn’t give the ball, so it’s up to us to go picnicking.”

“That’s a fine suggestion, Nora,” said Jessica.  “I move we post a notice in the locker-room and have a meeting to-morrow after school.

“I can’t be there,” said Anne regretfully.  “To-morrow is one of my days at Mrs. Gray’s, but whatever you do will suit me.”

“Awfully sorry, Anne,” said Grace.  “We might call it for the day after to-morrow.”

“No, no,” protested Anne.  “Please don’t postpone it on my account.”

The notice was duly posted in a conspicuous place in the locker-room the next day, and the entire class, with the exception of Anne, met in one of the smaller rooms off the gymnasium at the close of the afternoon session.

“Esteemed juniors and fellow-citizens,” said Grace, after calling the meeting to order.  “It is true that no one has particularly requested me to take charge of this meeting, but as I posted the notice, I feel that I am responsible for your presence here to-day.  We have before us two matters that need attention.  One is the annual entertainment that the junior class always gives, the other the election of class officers.  Last year we gave a ball, but this year so far we have done nothing.  I move that we proceed at once to elect our president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, and then decide what form of entertainment would be advisable.”

“Second the motion,” said Nora.