"No, worse luck. But I can Ump or Referee or Coach--anything to be in. Think of losing that straw ride out to Breslin! And I'll bet a big spread after it! Janey, put me down--quick for a couple of non-combative jobs."
"Of course, Judy, you will be along. And I must report progress on the practice work, but I want to speak of something really serious."
"Spare me!" Judith mocked her words with the usual funny grab at her head. "I am not in a serious mood."
"I don't blame you, if you have emptied all those fudge boxes lately. I should think you would be in a ruminative mood. But Judy, listen. It's about dear little Helen. Something must be done."
"I know what must be done," and Judith was instantly all serious and attentive. "We should have hateful Marian Seaton expelled from this college, as a trouble maker. Did you ever hear of one girl carrying that sort of thing on through three mortal years, without paying for it? I thought last year I sensed reform, but it was only a case of latent or dormant activity. It has broken out now in so many places we can't keep track of them."
"But Judy, we have no grounds to ask for her expulsion. She has not done anything in absolute violation of the rules."
"Exactly it. She always manages to cover her tracks. Well, what is the particular new trouble?"
Jane reviewed Helen's visit, and then told of the appeal made by Clarisse. She included the fact that Helen had promised not to try to leave Wellington, which was one point gained, and one of particular importance.
"The poor little child," sympathized Judith. "To think they have gone after her like that! Would you think girls, claiming to be Americans, could be so cold hearted?"
"I am not sure it is a purely American work, that is, North American," said Jane. "I rather suspect Dolorez Vincez is at the bottom of it."