But that depressed piece of humanity was even more like a wet blanket than usual, and Patty was forced to give it up in despair.
She looked around the dining-room and couldn’t help noticing that the group at each table were chatting merrily, and that nowhere else did there seem to be a stranger like herself.
After luncheon there were still fifteen or twenty minutes before class time.
Again Patty determined to do her part toward bringing about a pleasanter condition of affairs. Selecting another affable-looking girl, Patty asked Lorraine to introduce her.
“Why, that’s Gertrude Lyons,” said Lorraine, in astonishment.
“I don’t care if it’s Gertrude Bears, or Gertrude Wild Tigers,” said Patty, “I want you to introduce me. Will you?”
“Certainly,” said Lorraine, staring at Patty; “come on.”
In a half-apologetic way Lorraine presented Patty to Gertrude Lyons, and in a wholly rude way Gertrude stared at them both.
“How do you do?” she said, coldly, to Patty. “Is this your first day here?”
“Yes,” said Patty, determined to be friendly, in spite of Gertrude’s repelling air; “and I think I shall like it after I get better acquainted with you all. It seems a little strange at first.”