Dolly broke in impetuously. “Don’t ask Mary embarrassing questions. She doesn’t have to vote for me just because we chance to room together, and, of course, she knows that Miss Hamilton would make a better president than I. By the way, why don’t you two drop formality and say ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Mary?’ It is quite time you did so.”
“I shall be very glad to do so, if I may be permitted,” Beth said. Then as she caught a slight smile on Mary’s face, she added, “Very well, that weighty matter is settled for the remainder of the college course. You see, I did not dare to say ‘Mary’ so familiarly to one who is such a wonderful scholar in biology as you.”
“That is the only thing I do know, so please do not make fun of me.”
“Gracious, I would never dare to make fun of you! We all hold our breath with awe when you recite. Really, Mary, don’t look so hurt and annoyed. We do admire you tremendously. That is such an unusual branch for a girl to fancy.”
“You had better talk about the class election, I think,” said Mary decidedly.
“Why? do you think it will be close?”
“Miss Hamilton’s friends are working hard. Lots of the girls had no special preferences, but I think all of those will vote for Miss Hamilton now.”
Beth groaned. “I am an idiot to sit still here. I shall go right out in the highways and byways of this building, and see if I cannot accomplish something myself.”
“You will stay here, Beth.”
“I will not.”