"Oh, I don't know about that," said practical Marian. "She'll make a good
captain, however, because she has showed more loyalty to the team than
Grace has."

Marian firmly believed what she said. She had never been an ardent admirer
of Miriam, and had at first stubbornly refused to repudiate Grace. But
Miriam had little by little instilled into her the idea of Grace's
incompetency, until Marian, who thought only of the good of the team,
became convinced that a change of captains was advisable. Miriam's
brilliant playing in the recent game was the final touch needed, and now
Marian was prepared to do what she considered was her absolute duty.

"Suppose we write Grace a letter," suggested one of the substitutes, "as
long as no one seems anxious to tell her."

"Hush," exclaimed Eva Allen, holding up her finger. "Here come Nora and
Jessica. I know they are going to make a lot of fuss when they hear the
news. Suppose we go back to the classroom and write the letter. We can all
sign our names to it, and then we'll be equally to blame."

The conspirators accordingly trooped into the corridor, just as Nora and
Jessica were about to enter the locker-room.

"What in the world is the matter now?" called Jessica. "You girls looks as
guilty as though you'd stolen a gold mine."

"Wait and see," said Eva with a rather embarrassed laugh, as she hurried
after the others up the stairs.