The train is due at five-thirty." Elfreda's round face flushed at this mark of thoughtfulness on the part of the girls she adored, and agreed almost shyly to make one of the party.

She had never become quite used to the knowledge that these three young women had long since accepted her as one of their number.
Consequently an invitation to participate in their personal good times or to share their intimate friends was always a matter of wonder to her.
The train was reported to be on time, but the quartette of happy-faced young women who waited impatiently for its arrival from the north that afternoon were agreed that it must be late.

It was Anne who, when it rushed into the station, first espied the familiar figure of the snowy-haired old lady who had brought so much sunshine into her life, and her quick eyes also discovered the identity of the tall, broad-shouldered young man who was helping her down the car steps.

"Oh, Tom Gray is with her!" she exclaimed in delight.
"How nice!" cried Grace, with frank, unembarrassed pleasure.

"I never thought that he would come with Mrs.Gray." Her three friends exchanged significant glances.