Despite the unpropitious events of the afternoon, evening saw a merry little party in full swing in Judith's and Jane's room.
Barbara Temple and Christine Ellis came over from Argyle Hall. The five-thirty train had brought not only Dorothy Martin but Mary Ashton as well. Eight o'clock saw them calling on Judith and Jane, along with Adrienne and Ethel. Of the old clan, Norma Bennett alone was absent, a loss which was loudly lamented by all.
So swiftly did time fly that the party ended in a mad scurry to comply with the inexorable half-past ten o'clock rule.
Jane went to bed that night considerably lighter of heart. Reunion with the girls who were nearest to her had driven the afternoon's unpleasantness from her thoughts, for the time being at least. The friendly presence of those she loved had proved a powerful antidote.
A night's sound sleep served to separate her further from the disagreeable incidents of the previous day. She had two things, at least, to be glad of, she reflected, as she dressed next morning. She was back in her own room. More, she now stood on an entirely different footing with Mrs. Weatherbee than heretofore.
This last was brought home to her more strongly than ever when, in going down to breakfast, she passed the matron on her way to the dining-room and received a smiling "Good morning, Miss Allen."
It was at decided variance with the reserved manner in which Mrs. Weatherbee had formerly been wont to greet her.
"Well, we are once again at the same table," remarked Adrienne as Jane slipped into the place at table she had occupied during her freshman year. "Until last night I ate the meals alone. It was triste."
Adrienne's profound air of melancholy made both Jane and Dorothy laugh.
"What made you come back to college so early, dear Imp?" questioned Dorothy, smiling indulgently at the little girl.