"Of course not," answered the girls. "We won't turn Oakdale's star pupil
out of the gym. Anne shall be our mascot. As for Jessica, she is a matter
of course."

"I object," said Miriam. "I object seriously."

"Object?" repeated Grace, turning in amazement to Miriam. "Why?"

"You know that it is against all basketball rules to allow any one in the
gymnasium during practice except the regular team and the subs. If we
follow our rules then we shall be certain that nothing we do reaches the
ears of the juniors. We have always made an exception of Jessica, but I
don't think we should allow any one else here."

"And do you think that Anne Pierson would carry information?" exclaimed
Grace sharply. "Really, Miriam, you are provoking enough to try the
patience of a saint. Just as if Anne, who is the soul of honor, would do
such a thing."

An indignant murmur arose from the girls. They were all prepared to like
little Anne, although they did not know her very well.

"How can you say such things, Miriam?" cried Nora.

"I didn't say she would," said Miriam rather alarmed at the storm she had
raised. "But I do think it is better to be careful. However, have it your
own way. But if we lose the game----"

She paused. Her judgment told her she had said enough. If anything did