"I said at the beginning of the year that I believed Miriam had a better self," said Grace thoughtfully. "I still believe it, and I am not going to give her up yet."
"I don't envy you the task of finding it," said Jessica.
"I wonder what Marian Barber's motto is?" mused Anne. "She said it would be a good one."
"I have no doubt of that. Marian Barber doesn't usually do things by halves when once she starts," said Jessica. "I am surprised that she ever allowed herself to be drawn into Miriam's net. She seems awfully sorry for it now."
"Oh, girls," cried Nora suddenly. "I have a half a dollar."
"Really?" said Jessica. "I didn't suppose there was that much money in Oakdale."
"My sister gave it to me this morning," Nora went on, ignoring Jessica's remark. "I am supposed to buy a new collar with it, but if you are thirsty——"
"I am simply perishing with thirst," murmured Grace.
Five minutes later the four girls were seated in the nearest drug store busily engaged with hot chocolate, while they congratulated Nora on having spent her money in a good cause.
The sophomores smiled to themselves next morning at Marian's motto. It hung in a prominent place in the locker-room and read: "An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness."