The young woman merely scowled by way of answer.

"I wonder how I'd better begin," pondered Grace, looking squarely
into the hostile eyes.

Elfreda stood calmly surveying the scowling girl. "You might ask us
to sit down," she observed impertinently.

The young woman glanced at the stout girl with an expression of
angry amazement. Elfreda's rudeness was equal to her own.

"I beg your pardon," she said satirically. "Won't you be seated?"

"Oh, no, I just wanted to hear you say it," flung back Elfreda.

Ignoring this retort, Miss Atkins turned to Grace. "What do you
wish?" she asked with cold precision.

"I am sorry to be obliged to tell you that if you do not allow Miss
Taylor to occupy her half of the room, you are likely to be asked to
leave Wayne Hall," said Grace gravely. "Mrs. Elwood was displeased
over what happened last night, and I know that when she learns of
what has happened to-day she will not overlook it. We do not wish to
see you leave Wayne Hall, and besides, the various college houses are
filling fast. You might have difficulty in securing a desirable room
elsewhere."

"Is there any reason why I should not occupy this room alone?"

"None whatever, if you arranged for a single beforehand," interposed