THE BELATED FRESHMAN


"The first thing I shall do this morning after breakfast is to
unpack," announced Grace Harlowe with decision, as she gave her hair
a last pat preparatory to going downstairs to breakfast. "Last year
I was so excited over what studies I intended to take and meeting new
girls that I unpacked by fits and starts. It was weeks before I knew
where to find things. But I've reformed, now. I'm going to put every
last article in place before I set foot outside Wayne Hall. Do you
wish the chiffonier or the bureau this year, Anne, for your things?"

"The chiffonier, I think," replied Anne, after due reflection. "I
haven't as much to stow away as you have. It will do nicely for me."

"There goes the breakfast bell!" exclaimed Grace. "Come along, Anne,
I'm hungry. Besides, I'd like the same seat at the table that I had
last year."

Outside their door they were joined by Miriam and Elfreda, and the
four friends stopped to talk before going downstairs.

"Were you haunted by nightmares in which glowering Anarchists
pranced about?" asked Miriam, her eyes twinkling.

"No," replied Grace. "I slept too soundly even to dream."

"I dreamed that I went into the registrar's office to get my chapel
card," began Elfreda impressively. "When she handed it to me it was
three times larger than the others. On it in big red letters was