"I've something more interesting to discuss, anyway," he added. "And I've only a very few minutes before drill in which to talk it over with you. I've taken the trouble to get a permit from headquarters and all to run over and ask you, so you mustn't delay me by compliments. That's my province, anyway—and duty."
"That was a very neat one," laughed Grace Fuller. "I declare, you are quite a cavalier. But excuse me for wasting the valuable time of the house. What is the matter?"
"I've a scheme," responded Mark.
The girl lost all her bantering manner in a moment; she saw the twinkle in Mark's eyes, and knew that some fun was coming.
"Is this another plan for worrying the unfortunate yearlings?" she inquired.
"It is," said he. "I've no time to think up any other kind of plans just at present. You see they get up so many against me that I am busy all the time holding up my end. If it were not for your aid I am afraid I should have failed before this."
"Have they prepared a new one already?"
By way of answer Mark took out the "invitation."
"Read that," he said, "and see."
Grace took it and glanced at it, a look of surprise spreading over her face.