Grace looked relieved. If Miriam joined the party, something unpleasant
was sure to happen. Miriam treasured a spite against Anne for winning the
freshman prize, and never treated her with civility when they chanced to
meet. Grace knew, too, that Miriam's attitude toward her was equally
hostile. She wondered if David knew all these things about his sister.

Whatever he did know of Miriam and her deep-laid plans and schemes, he
divulged to no one. None of the girls had ever heard him say a word
against his sister; although they felt that he deeply disapproved of her
jealousy and false pride.

"You haven't guessed her name yet," smiled David. "She is one of my best
friends, girls. She has been my sweetheart ever since I was a young man of
five. She's one of the prettiest girls in Oakdale, she's sixty years
young, and her name is----"

"Dear Mrs. Gray, of course!" exclaimed Grace delightedly.

"And has she accepted your invitation?" asked Anne.

"She has," replied David, "and will come in her coach and four, or rather
her carriage and two. You ordinary mortals will be obliged to walk, I
fear."

"But why does she use her 'coach and four,' When she lives in the palace
just next door?" rhymed Nora.

"Very good, my child," commented David. "However, what I was about to say
was this: My party is not to be in a house. It is an open-air party. We