An uneven pavement led to the front door, which bore a painted sign: "Plain Sewing." They paused irresolutely at the gate, and were taking counsel together when Miriam Nesbit passed with her friends.

She pointed at the door and laughed.
"Really, that girl's conduct is contemptible!" exclaimed Grace, giving the wooden gate a vigorous push.

"I simply won't tolerate her rudeness.
She is an unmitigated snob!" Grace knocked on the door rather sharply to emphasize her feelings.

It was opened almost immediately by Miss Pierson herself, still in her hat and coat; and in her surprise and embarrassment she almost shut the door in their faces.

But Jessica's gentle smile reassured her, and Grace, who was a born leader, took her hand kindly and plunged at once into the subject.
"You left school so quickly this afternoon, Miss Pierson, that I didn't have a chance to see you.