“Right here,” said Nora with decision.  “No fudge, no hot chocolate, no cakes, nothing except work until this bazaar is over, then we’ll have a spread that will give you indigestion for a week.  Do you solemnly promise to be good and not tease for things to eat, but be a ready and willing little toiler?”

“I do,” said Hippy, holding up his right hand.  “Do you assure me that the spread you just mentioned is no myth?”

“I do,” said Nora, “also that the indigestion, shall be equally realistic.”

“Lead me to it,” said Hippy.  “I swear in this hour that—­”

But Hippy never finished his speech, for Eleanor Savell suddenly darted into the group with flashing eyes and set lips.

“How dared you meddle with my booth during my absence!” she cried, looking from one to the other of the astonished young people.  “And what have you done with my things!”

There was a brief silence.  Then Nora O’Malley spoke very coolly.

“Really, Miss Savell, we haven’t the remotest idea of what you are speaking.”

“You know perfectly well of what I am speaking,” retorted Eleanor.  “I might have expected as much, however.”

“I repeat,” said Nora firmly, “that we do not know what you mean, and I am not used to having my word questioned.  You will have to explain yourself if you expect to get a definite reply.”

“Very well,” replied Eleanor, with a toss of her head.  “Last night I spent a great deal of time in arranging the booth over which I have been asked to preside.  On coming here to-day I find that everything has been rearranged, completely spoiling the effect I had obtained.  You and your friends are the only ones who have been here this afternoon.  It looks like a clear case of spite on your part.”

During Eleanor’s angry outburst the boys looked decidedly uncomfortable, then by common consent moved away a little.  This was a matter that the girls alone could settle.

Then Miriam Nesbit stepped forward with all the dignity that she could summon to her aid.

“Miss Savell,” she said quietly, “it is absolutely childish and ridiculous for you to make the assertions you have.  No one of us has the slightest curiosity as to either you or your arrangements.  This is not the first time that you have publicly accused us of meddling.  Now I want you to understand once and for all that this must cease.  You should not jump at conclusions and then vent your rage upon innocent bystanders.

“This much I will say as a matter of information, that we were not the only ones here this afternoon, as several of your particular friends spent some time in your booth, and I should advise that you call them to account and let us alone.  Come on, girls,” she said, turning to Grace and her friends, “we mustn’t waste any more time.”

With this Miriam turned her back squarely upon Eleanor, and without giving her time to reply, walked to the other end of the hall.