“A week from next Monday, in Assembly Hall,” replied Miriam.  “We wish to give it before the boys go back to school.  They have only ten days at home, you know.”

“How anxious I am to see the boys,” cried Mrs. Gray.  “I found a letter from Tom waiting for me.  He expects to arrive on Monday or Tuesday, and will bring Arnold with him.”

“I received a letter from Tom, too,” said Grace.  “We have also heard from the boys.  David is bringing home a friend of his, Donald Earle, who, he writes, is the most popular man in the freshman class.”

The evening seemed all too short to Mrs. Gray and the Phi Sigma Tau.

“Why, we’ve only begun to talk,” said Jessica, “and here it is after eleven o’clock.”

“To be continued in our next,” said Nora with a grin.  “Introducing new features and startling revelations.”

Sunday afternoon found Anne and Grace strolling up Chapel Hill toward Mrs. Gray’s.  Rather to their surprise they found Miss Nevin with Mrs. Gray in the library.  The two women were in earnest conversation, and as Grace and Anne were ushered in, Grace’s quick intuition told her that Miss Nevin was strongly agitated over something.

“How are my own children to-day,” asked Mrs. Gray, coming forward and kissing both of them warmly.  Anne was then presented to Miss Nevin, who took occasion to congratulate her upon her recent success.  “Your fame has preceded you,” she said with a sweet smile.

“You must tell us all about your stay in New York, Anne,” said Mrs. Gray.  “You are very young to have been chosen for so responsible an engagement, and I feel great pride in your success.”

“Anne had two offers of engagements while in New York,” interposed Grace.  “One from Farman, the big manager, and one from Rupert Manton, the Shakespearian actor.”

“But I am still in Oakdale,” replied Anne smiling, “and have come to-day to beg for my secretaryship again.”

“You delightful child,” cried Mrs. Gray.  “I knew you would never desert me.”

“Margaret,” she said, turning to Miss Nevin, “would you care to tell my girls what you were telling me when they came in?  I have already told them something of Eleanor’s parentage.  They know that Guido Savelli is her father.  Perhaps they might be of assistance in helping you decide what is to be done.  Grace is a famous suggester.”

Miss Nevin flushed and looked hesitatingly at Anne and Grace, as though a trifle reluctant to speak.

“We shall consider anything you may choose to tell us strictly confidential, Miss Nevin,” said Anne quietly.

“I am sure that you will,” replied Miss Nevin.  “What I have told Mrs. Gray is that I have received through my lawyers a letter from Eleanor’s father.  They inclosed his letter in one from them asking whether I were desirous of acquainting him with my whereabouts.

“He has written rather a sad letter.  He seems to have awakened to a late remorse for having neglected my sister as he did.  He asks for his child, and if he may see her.  He has just finished a concert tour of America, and is at present in New York.