She could hear Doris’s conscious little intimate laugh of understanding. Then they separated, calling a cheerful word back and forth as Coulter went down the campus path toward the village.

Well, there were only a few days more before commencement, and they would be necessarily full. Perhaps it was better not to anger Doris. Dear Doris, how she loved her! They had had so many happy times together. And surely Doris was only having a little harmless flirtation. Perhaps it would be better just to try to hold her interest and keep her busy in other ways than to make a fuss now. She would soon be far away in California and her mother could look after her admirers. Far be it from Constance to set herself up as a judge in a case like this!

But suddenly she heard Doris herself coming along the hall, singing a popular song, that lilt in her voice still, and her eyes wearing that starry look.

Constance drew away from the window quickly and turned with a smile of welcome.

“Dorrie, I was just wondering where you were. How about trying on that rose silk frock now? I could easily turn up the hem if you still feel it is a little too long. I’ve just got that paper finished and off my hands at last. Such a nuisance, Professor Hart insisting on my making all those changes at the last minute this way, and now I’m thankful to say we can have some good times together again before it’s all over.”

There was a flash of pleased surprise in Doris’s eyes for an instant and then a sudden withdrawing, apology in her manner.

“Oh, Connie, I’m sorry!” she said hesitantly. “It’s awfully good of you to offer, but I’ve just promised to go out for a drive. I hadn’t an idea you would be free. But say, you go with us, won’t you? I know Casper won’t mind, and I hate to leave you at home this gorgeous day.”

“Oh, Dorrie, you’re not going out with him again, are you?” said Constance impulsively. “Please don’t! He really isn’t your kind! Come on and let’s do something together. This is almost our last Saturday, you know. There’ll be too much going on next week to have fun together.”

“I know, Connie, but I thought you were all tied up, and it’s too late to change now. Casper has gone for his car. It’s a new one, Con, a twelve-cylinder sport model. It’s a wow. I’m the first one to get a ride in it, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. He drove up from New York on purpose to take me out today. I promised him three days ago I would go.”

“But Doris, I’m afraid of his driving. I really am. It’s not just fast or careless. It’s daredevil! It’s as if he was out of his mind sometimes. I’ve seen him driving when he was drunk, Doris, and it’s awful. Rose Mellen says—”

“Oh, cut it, Connie! Don’t try the preaching act on me. You can’t tell me anything that Rose Mellen says. She’s jealous.