Grace Harlowes First Year at Overton College | Page 9

Frances," beamed Mabel. "You heard me calling and came
on the run, didn't you? This is the noblest junior of them all, my dear
freshmen. Her name is Frances Veronica Marlton. Doesn't that sound
like the heroine's name in one of the six best sellers?" Mabel introduced
the three girls in turn. "Now let us be on our way," she commanded,
looking up and down the station platform at the fast dissolving groups
of girls. "I don't see any more stray lambs. I think the committee
appointed to meet the freshmen has fulfilled its mission. And now for
your hotel. It is past dinner time and I know you are hungry and
anxious to rest."
Picking up Grace's bag she led the way through the station followed by
Grace and Miriam. Anne walked behind them with Frances Marlton.
The little company set off down the main street of the college town at a
swinging pace. It was a wide, beautiful street, shaded by tall maples.
The houses that lined it were for the most part old-fashioned and the
wayfarers caught alluring glimpses of green lawns dotted with flower
beds as they walked along.
"It makes me think of High School Street in Oakdale!" Grace
exclaimed. "If ever I feel that I'm going to be homesick, I'll just walk
down this street and make believe that I'm at home! That will be the
surest cure for the blues, if I get them."
Mabel Ashe, who was now walking between Grace and Miriam, looked
at Grace rather speculatively. "You won't get them," she predicted.
"You'll have so many other things to think of, you won't think of

yourself at all. Here we are at the college campus. Over there is
Overton Hall."
The eyes of the newcomers were at once focussed on the stately gray
stone building that stood in the center of a wide stretch of green
campus, shaded by great trees. At various points of the campus were
situated smaller buildings which Mabel Ashe pointed out as Science
Hall, the gymnasium, laboratory, library and chapel. In Overton Hall,
Mabel explained, were situated certain recitation rooms, the offices of
the president, the dean and other officials of the college. Around the
campus were the various houses in which the more fortunate of the
hundreds of students lived. It was very desirable to secure a room in
one of these houses, but somewhat expensive and not always easy to do.
Rooms were sometimes spoken for a whole year in advance.
"Do you room on the campus?" asked Grace.
"Yes," replied Mabel. "I live at Holland House. I was fortunate enough
to have a friend graduate from here and will me her room. I entered
Overton the autumn following her graduation."
"One of our Oakdale girls is a junior here," remarked Grace. "Her name
is Constance Fuller. She graduated from high school when we were
sophomores. We do not know her very well, and had quite forgotten
she was here. This afternoon on the train, Anne, who never forgets
either faces or names, suddenly announced the fact. I wonder if she has
arrived yet. We came early, I believe, but that is because we are obliged
to take the entrance examinations."
"Now I know why the name, Oakdale, seemed so familiar!" exclaimed
Mabel Ashe. "I have heard Constance mention it. She is one of my best
friends. Does she know that you are to be here?"
"No," replied Grace. "We haven't seen her this summer. We were away
from Oakdale." Grace did not wish to mention their trip to Europe,
fearing their companion might think her unduly anxious to boast. One
of the things against which Julia Crosby, her old time Oakdale friend,
and a senior in Smith College, had cautioned her, was boasting. "Avoid

all appearance of being your own press agent," Julia had humorously
advised. "If you don't you'll be a marked girl for the whole four years of
your college career. The meek and modest violet is a glowing example
for erring freshmen."
"I'll remember, Julia," Grace had promised, and she now resolved that
she would think twice before speaking once, whatever the occasion
might be.
"Constance has not arrived yet," said Mabel. "I heard her roommate say
this morning that she expected her to-morrow. She rooms at Holland
House, too. I shall tell her about you the moment I see her. This is the
Tourraine," she announced, pausing before a handsome sandstone
building and leading the way up the steps that led to the broad veranda,
gay with porch boxes of flowers and shaded by awnings.
"Won't you come up to our rooms?" asked Miriam.
"Not to-night, thank you," replied Mabel. "Frances and I will be over
bright and early to-morrow morning to pilot you to the college. Then
you can