By this time the gymnasium was almost empty. The class in physical culture
had been dismissed, and the girls belonging to it had withdrawn to the
locker rooms to dress and go home. The four girl chums were practically
alone.

"I do wish the rest of the basketball team would put in an appearance,"
said Grace, as she and Anne stopped to rest. "We need every minute we can
get for practice. The opening game is so very near, and it's really
difficult to get the gymnasium now, for the juniors seem to consider it
their especial possession. One would think they had leased it for the
season."

"They are awfully mean, I think," said Nora O'Malley. "They weren't at all
nice to us last year when we were freshmen and they were sophomores. Even
the dignity of being juniors doesn't seem to improve them any. They are
just as hateful as ever."

"Most of the juniors are really nice girls, but it is due to Julia Crosby
that they behave so badly," said Jessica Bright thoughtfully, "She leads
them, into all kinds of mischief. She is a born trouble-maker."

"She is one of the rudest girls I have ever known," remarked Nora with
emphasis. "How Miriam Nesbit can tolerate her is more than I can see."

"Well," said Grace, "it is hardly a case of toleration. Miriam seems
really fond of her."

"Hush!" said Anne, who had been silently listening to the conversation.
"Here comes the rest of the team, and Miriam is with them."