“Very,” was the short answer.

“Anne Pierson is the dearest girl friend I have in the world,” declared wily Grace.  “Then two Oakdale girls who are studying in an eastern conservatory of music come next, and after that Miriam Nesbit.  There are also three other girls, members of a high school sorority to which I belong, and a girl in Denver, who have very strong claims on my affection.  I have a number of dearest friends, you see.  Some time I should like to tell you more of them.”

Beatrice had brightened visibly as Grace talked.  She now felt assured that this attractive freshman with her clear grey eyes and straightforward manner would never attempt to monopolize Mabel’s entire attention.

At this moment Mabel’s voice was heard at the head of the stairs.  She descended, followed by Leona Rowe and Helen Burton.

“Why, hello, Bee!” cried Mabel.  “I asked for you upstairs, but was told you were out.”

“So I was,” smiled Beatrice, “but I’m here now.  What is your pleasure?”

“Come over to Holland House and have tea and cakes and candy, if there’s any left in the box of Huyler’s that came last night.  Every girl in the house sampled it.  You know what that means.”

“I’ll go for my hat and coat,” returned Beatrice brightly.  “See you in a minute.”  She ran lightly up the stairs, smiling to herself.  Helen and Leona rushed out in the hall to interview a girl who had just come in.  Finding themselves alone for the moment Mabel turned to Grace with a solemnly inquiring air, “How did you do it?” she asked in a low tone.

“I’ll tell you some other time,” replied Grace.  “It was a surprise to me, but the chance just happened to come and I took advantage of it.”

The return of the three young women cut off further opportunity for explanation, but as Grace walked back to Holland House, one arm linked in that of Mabel Ashe, while Beatrice Alden, heretofore frigid and unapproachable, walked at the other side of the popular junior, she could not help wishing a certain other tangle might be as easily straightened.

CHAPTER XXI

AN UNHEEDED WARNING

The next day found Grace rather at a loss how to proceed in the case of Elfreda.  From what she had overheard it was evident that Alberta Wicks and Mary Hampton had decided to make Elfreda the victim of some well-laid plot of their own.  What the nature of it was Grace had not the remotest idea.  To approach Elfreda was embarrassing to say the least.  To warn her against the two mischievous sophomores without being able to state anything more definite than what she had overheard at Wellington House was infinitely more embarrassing.