"If Miriam once realizes that we are willing to overlook some things
which happened last year," Grace had confided to Anne, "perhaps her better
self will come to the surface. I am sure she has a better self, only she
has never given it a chance to develop."

Anne did not feel quite so positive as to the existence of Miriam's better
self, but agreed with Grace because she adored her.

The entire team having assembled, Grace lost no time in assigning the
players to their various positions.

"Miriam will you play one of the forwards?" she asked.

"Who is going to play center?" queried Miriam ignoring Grace's question.

"Why the girls have asked me to play," replied Grace.

"If I cannot play center," announced Miriam shrugging her shoulders, "I
shall play nothing."

A sudden silence fell upon the group of girls, who, amazed at Miriam's
rudeness, awaited Grace's answer.

Stifling her desire to retort sharply, Grace said? "Why Miriam, I didn't
know you felt that way about it. Certainly you may play center if you wish
to. I am sure I don't wish to seem selfish."

This was too much for Nora O'Malley, who deeply resented Miriam's attitude
toward Grace.