"I think we had better inquire the way to our hotel and leave here as
soon as possible," Grace said slowly. A sudden feeling of disappointment
had suddenly taken possession of her. She had always supposed that in
every college new girls were met and welcomed by the upper classes of
students. Yet now that they had actually arrived no one had come forward
to exchange even a friendly greeting with them.

"Well, if this is an exhibition of the true college spirit, deliver me
from college," grumbled Miriam. "I must say----"

Miriam's denunciation against college was never finished, for at that
juncture a soft voice said, "Welcome to Overton." Turning simultaneously
the three girls saw standing before them a young woman of medium height.
Her hand was extended, and she was smiling in a sweet, friendly fashion
that warmed the hearts of the disappointed freshmen. She wore a
tailored frock of white linen, white buckskin walking shoes that
revealed a glimpse of silken ankles, and carried a white linen parasol
that matched her gown. She was bareheaded, and in the late afternoon her
wavy brown hair seemed touched with gold.

"I am so glad to meet you!" exclaimed the pretty girl. "You are
freshmen, of course. If you will tell me your names I'll introduce you
to some of the girls. Then we will see about escorting you safely to
your boarding place. Have you taken your examinations yet?"

"No," replied Miriam. "We have that ordeal before us." Her face relaxed
under the friendly courtesy accorded to them by this attractive
stranger. She then introduced Grace and Anne. Their new acquaintance
shook hands with the two girls, then said gayly, "Now tell me your