right to the room. I gave this girl Miss Gaines's old room. Her
roommate is to be a freshman, too. She hasn't arrived yet. Miss
Atkins decided to pick out her own room, I imagine. Evidently she
took a fancy to yours. As soon as you girls had gone, she gave me one
awful look, gathered up her belongings, and went to the other room
without another word. I picked up two or three things she dropped and
carried them down for her. I wouldn't be sorry if she went to some
other house to board. She looks like a trouble maker."

Grace was of the same opinion, but did not say so. Always eager to
excuse other people's shortcomings, she found it hard to account for
the feeling of strong dislike that had risen within her during her
first encounter with the young woman Elfreda had laughingly named the
Anarchist. She had hoped that the four freshmen at Wayne Hall would
be girls whom it would be a pleasure to know. She had looked forward
to meeting these newcomers and to assisting them in whatever way she
could best give help. Now at least one of her castles in the air had
been built in vain.

"Perhaps we may like Miss Atkins after we know her better," she
said, trying hard to keep the doubt she felt out of her voice.

Mrs. Elwood shook her head. "I hope she will improve on
acquaintance, but I doubt it. It isn't my principle, my dear, to
speak slightingly of any student in my house, but I am certain that
this is not the last time I shall have to lay down the law of Wayne
Hall to Miss Atkins."

At this plain speaking Grace flushed but said nothing. She
understood that Mrs. Elwood's words had been spoken in confidence.