"Dear little Anne," smiled Elfreda, her eyes growing tender.

"I hope she'll be back in time for the girls' weddings. Nora and Jessica
say positively that they won't be married without her." Grace looked
anxious.

"When are they to be married?"

"The last of September. The date hasn't been set."

"Grace," Elfreda fixed round solemn eyes on her friend, "do you feel very
old this summer?"

"Not the least little bit. I can't realize that I've come back to Harlowe
House to take charge of it. I feel as young as I felt when I first entered
high school."

"Well, I'm glad to hear it, for, to save me, I can't feel responsible and
dignified. I've run and raced and swum and played golf like an Indian all
summer, and honestly I feel ever so much younger than when I came to
Overton four years ago. See how tanned I am? I haven't gained an ounce
either. I weigh just one hundred and thirty-five pounds and no more,"
concluded J. Elfreda in triumph.

"You are in splendid condition, Elfreda," praised Mrs. Gray. Grace nodded
emphatic approval.

"Yes, I'm strong enough to hustle furniture, beat rugs, scrub floors, or
do anything else necessary to the beautifying and eternal improvement of