We must call a meeting very soon, not to fight over basketball, but to make arrangements for our dance." Nora's reminder of the coming ball was a stroke of diplomacy on her part.
What school girl does not grow enthusiastic over a class dance?
A buzz of conversation immediately arose as to gowns, decorations, refreshments and the thousand and one things all important to a festivity of that kind.
Miriam seeing that it was useless to try to raise any further disturbance, cut her call short, taking with her several girls who were her staunch upholders.
Those who remained did not seem sorry at her departure, and Grace drew a breath of relief as the door closed upon the wilful girl.

She had at least saved Anne from a cruel attack, but how much longer she could do so was a question.

Miriam would undoubtedly bring up the subject at the first class meeting, and Grace was not so sure, now, that the girls would be willing to overlook the loss of the signals when she told them of it.
"I shall be loyal to Anne, no matter what it costs me," she decided.

"She has done nothing wrong, and Miriam will find that she cannot trample upon either of us with impunity.

As for Jessica and Nora, I know they will agree with me." Under cover of conversation, Grace whispered to Jessica that she wished her to remain after the others had gone, and to ask Nora and Anne to do the same.
When the last of the callers had said good-bye, and the four chums had the room to themselves, Grace told Nora and Jessica about Anne's mishap, and how utterly innocent of blame she was.
"Do you mean to tell me that Miriam meant Anne when she said she could name the girl ?" demanded Nora.
"She did, indeed," replied Anne, "and if it had not been for Grace she would have made things very unpleasant for me." "Humph," ejaculated the fiery Nora, "then all I have to say is that I don't see how a nice boy like David ever happened to have a horrid hateful, scheming sister like Miriam.