The five Travelers still stood in a half circle outside the door. Miss Monroe had no intention of inviting them in, it appeared.
“We’ve had the very happiest kind of times in college,” Robin was quick to defend her Alma Mater. “One gets out of college precisely what one puts into it. You’ll feel differently about it after college opens and everything is in full swing.”
“If we can help you at any time to feel at home here, or can do anything for you to add to your welfare, please let us know. We were strangers here, too, once upon a time.” Marjorie smiled sunnily at discourteous Miss Monroe. There was finality in her little speech. “Miss Remson will expect us back,” she said to her companions.
“You are very kind. I daresay I shall get on here.” Miss Monroe moved her shoulders indifferently. “I prefer France or England to America. Of course it’s bound to seem very ghastly here for a while.” Sullen discontent lived for an instant on her pretty features. Marjorie’s friendly offer seemed to annoy rather than please her.
“Not half so ghastly as though you were condemned to an English private school for girls.” Leila assured with a flash of white teeth which appeared the extreme of affability. Her companions read into it another meaning. They knew if the haughty newcomer did not that Leila was blandly watching the self-centered girl measure off the rope with which to hang herself.
“I don’t in the least understand your meaning.” There crept into Miss Monroe’s voice a decidedly petulant note.
“I know that very well, indeed,” Leila replied with smiling imperturbability. “I was born in Ireland and half educated in Europe; partly in England, partly in Paris. The other half, the more important half of my education I received at Hamilton College. The best I can wish for you is that you may find at Hamilton what I found. I shall be glad to make Hamilton seem less ghastly to you, if I can. Good night.”
Leila turned away from the door. Characteristic of her was the virtue of finality. She could not dwaddle over a situation.
Her retreat was a signal to the other four girls. They made conscientious effort to say good-night as pleasantly as they had saluted Miss Monroe. She, on the contrary, began to show a first faint sign of interest in her callers. Leila’s information caused the Irish girl to rise in her opinion. She decided that she might be entertained by a little further talk with her.
“Will you—er—won’t you——?” She spoke directly to Leila’s back as the latter continued to move slowly down the corridor. Leila did not turn her head. Marjorie, walking behind her heard and turned her face toward the girl in the doorway. Again Miss Monroe subjected her to a protracted, nearly hostile stare. Then she went into her room and closed the door with a force that was anything but indifferent.