"They treat her as though she were their own sister," remarked Eva Allen. "They will miss her sadly when she leaves them."
"Every one misses Anne," said Miriam Nesbit. "She is so sweet and lovable that she simply draws one's affection to her. I am frightfully jealous of Grace."
"Yes, Grace is Anne's favorite," said Jessica. "Anne would give her life for Grace if it were necessary."
"And Mabel Allison feels the same way toward you, Jessica," interposed Grace.
"How I wish Mabel had been with us," sighed Jessica.
"I received a letter from Mrs. Allison, just before leaving Oakdale," said Mrs. Gibson. "She expects to come east in June. Mabel has set her heart upon being here for commencement week. I shall invite the Southards, too, and perhaps your people will lend you to me for the week following graduation."
"We should love to go," said Grace, and her friends echoed her answer.
Before their journey ended night closed in around them. They had dinner in the dining car, and after dinner the girls began to feel a trifle tired and sleepy.
James Gardiner had discovered a boy friend on the train and had been graciously granted permission by the Phi Sigma Tau to go over and cultivate his society.
"You have been an angel, James," said Nora, "and have proved yourself worthy of a little recreation. Don't forget to be on hand when the train stops, however. I never saw your equal as a luggage carrier."