"Why are you here, and not with Grace?" he asked.
"They didn't seem to want me," replied the girl.
Only one reason for such apparent ostracism could Fred imagine, and at the thought his face grew very serious.
"If they are going to leave you out because of me, I'll quit the school," he declared vehemently.
"Don't be a goose, Fred," returned Margie, though there was a light in her eyes that made Fred's heart beat faster. "Nobody's going to leave either of us out of anything."
"Then why do they all stop talking when I come near, and stare at me?" demanded the boy.
"Nonsense. It's just your imagination," temporized the girl, for, having been apprised of Buttons' plan by Grace, and told why it would not be politic for her to assist in promoting it, she feared the evident suffering of the boy might force her into an explanation.
"Imagination, nothing. I guess I can see," retorted Fred. "Besides, Bronson noticed it, too."
"Oh, well, have it your own way, if you like," pouted Margie. "I don't think, though, it is very nice to contradict me so emphatically."
This rebuke sent a flush of contrition to Fred's cheeks, and while he was stammering an apology the bell rang, and the students, whose actions had caused all the boy's misgivings, hurried into school, those who were near Fred hailing him cordially.