The strange girl's name was Jessie Robinson, and she, like Kate Speed, had completed one year at Laurel Hall.
But there all resemblance ceased, for Jessie was a jolly, friendly girl who dressed in quiet good taste and appeared to be the exact opposite in every way of the flashy Kate Speed.
"Since you are new at the hall, I'd be glad to show you around if you like," she offered. "I know most of the girls and I can introduce you to some of them. It will sort of break the ice for you, anyway."
Nan promptly accepted the offer in the spirit in which it was made. She liked Jessie Robinson and found herself hoping that there were many more of her type at the Hall.
The auto bus swung round a curve in the road and revealed to view two immense stone pillars between which a wrought iron gate was hung.
This gate now stood open, and as the horn of the bus blew a sharp warning several girls in bright-colored frocks ran through the entrance and down to the road.
"Laurel Hall!" cried Sadie in great excitement, and clutched at Jo's arm. "Look Jo—there it is standing up on the hill. Isn't it the most beautiful building in the world?"
"Looks like some sort of castle, with its turrets and towers and ivy-grown walls," Jo agreed.
"All out for Laurel Hall!" boomed the driver of the bus, and brought his vehicle to a stop at the side of the road.
The girls scrambled out, dragging bags and other small luggage after them.