“We shall try to mind our own affairs, and trust to other people to do the same,” flashed Miriam, eyeing the other girl steadily.

Grace looked at her friend in surprise.  What had caused Miriam to answer in such fashion?  There was an almost imperceptible lull in the conversation, then Mabel Ashe introduced the other girls.  “Now we will see about your trunks, and then perhaps you would like to walk up to the college,” she said briskly.  “It isn’t far from here.  Some of the girls prefer to ride in the bus, but I always walk.  I can show you some of the places of interest as we go.”

“Come over here, Mabel, dear,” commanded Beatrice Alden, who had moved a little to one side of the group.  Mabel excused herself to her charges, and looking a little annoyed, obeyed the summons.  Beatrice talked rapidly for a moment in coaxing tones, but Mabel shook her head.  Grace, who stood nearest to them, heard her say, “I’d love to go, Bee, and its awfully nice in you to think of me.  I’ll go to-morrow, but I can’t leave these poor stranded freshmen to their own homesick thoughts to-day.  You know just how we felt when we landed high and dry in this town without any one to care whether we survived or perished.”

“If you won’t go to-day, then don’t trouble about it at all,” snapped Beatrice.  “I know plenty of girls who will be only too glad to accept my invitation, but I asked you first, and I think you ought to remember it.  You know I like you better than any other girl in college.”

“You know I appreciate your friendship, Bee,” returned Mabel, “but truly I wish you cared more for other girls, too.  There are plenty of girls here who need friends like you.”

“Yes, but I don’t like them,” snapped Beatrice.  “I’m not going to make a martyr of myself to please any one.  My mother is very particular about my associates at Overton, and I don’t intend to waste my time trying to make things pleasant for the stupid, uninteresting girls of this college.  I did not come to Overton to take a course in doing settlement work.  I came here to have a good time, and incidentally to study a little.”

“Now, now, Bee, don’t try to make me believe you haven’t just as much college spirit as the rest of us,” admonished Mabel in a low tone.  “Don’t be cross because I can’t go to-day.  Come with me, instead, and help look after these verdant freshmen.  There was a positive army of them who got off the train.”

Without replying Beatrice turned and walked sulkily away toward the other end of the platform.  Mabel looked after her with a half frown.

“I am afraid we are causing you considerable inconvenience,” demurred Grace.  “Please do not deprive yourself of any pleasure on our account.”

“Nonsense,” smiled Mabel.  “I am not depriving myself of any pleasure.  Oh, there goes one of my best friends!” Putting her hands to her mouth she called, “Frances!” A tall slender girl, with serious brown eyes and dark hair, who was leisurely crossing the station platform, stopped short, glanced in the direction of the sound, then espying Mabel hurried toward her.