The reception was an unqualified success, and Beth was established in the popularity of her class. Even the wealthiest and dressiest girls had to admit that “Baldwin shines with the best.”
Beth was destined to see more of Roland Severn. Usually young men did not ruffle the sheltered waters of Rivercliff School life. They were looked upon by Miss Hammersly and the madam as pirate craft, and were warned off the shoals quite gallantly by the whole faculty of the school.
But this was the winter that the Nessing River froze over so solidly that all navigation as high up as Rivercliff ceased before the first day of December. There was no snow, and the surface of the broad stream was like glass. The girls of Rivercliff School were on the ice every hour they could spare from their studies.
The bend, between the landing and the point on this side of the river, was free of ice boats at all times, for in rounding the point sailing in either direction, the scooters and larger craft had to make a wide detour.
This bend proved to be the best stretch of ice on the river, and Jackson City people came down, strung colored electric lamps along the shore, erected booths and shelters, and on moonlight evenings the scene at the foot of the bluff on which Rivercliff School stood was a gay one, indeed.
The ice carnival lasted several weeks, and attracted visitors from far and near. Miss Hammersly was very careful about allowing the girls, even the seniors, to go on the ice in the evening; never allowing more than ten to go together, and always with one of the teachers for chaperon.
It was on these occasions that Beth met Roland Severn. Beth always had Molly with her. The latter began to write her name with the letters F. W. after it.
“For pity’s sake, Molly Granger! what do they mean?” asked somebody in Beth’s hearing.
“Fifth Wheel,” announced Molly, gravely.
“‘Fifth Wheel?’”