Nancy laughed outright.

"Don't worry about those two funny girls," she said, "for if they
_won't_ study, or _can't_ study, and so are not allowed to remain,
you'll be just as happy, Dorothy dear, and for that matter, so will
they."

Later, when together they descended the quaint stairway, they found the
ever-present Miss Fenler, waiting to present them.

Vera Vane, and Elfreda Carleton, each with an arm about the other's
waist, hastened forward to greet them.

"Oh, we're so glad you and Nancy have--"

"Just a moment Miss Vane, until you have been properly presented," Miss
Fenler said, in a cold, precise manner.

"But I've always known Dorothy--"

"That makes no difference," the assistant said, and she presented them
in formal manner.

Vera raised her eyebrows, presented the tips of her fingers, and told
Dorothy in a high, squeaky voice that she was _very_ glad to know her.
Elf did the same in an exact copy of Vera's manner.

Several of the pupils giggled, but to their credit, Dorothy and Nancy
managed not to laugh.