Page:Betty Gordon at Boarding School.djvu/109

Rh "you haven't any choice in the matter; you're elected one already."

While Libbie was thinking up an answer, which considering the finality of that statement, was not an easy matter, the tall draped figure went on to explain to the interested girls that there were two degrees to be undergone before one could be a full fledged member of the Mysterious Four.

"You must take the first degree to-night," they were told. "The second will be several weeks later."

"Are we allowed to ask a question?" asked Betty respectfully.

"Oh, yes. But we may not answer it," was the cheering response.

"Why is the society called the 'Mysterious Four'?" asked Betty "All the freshman class received notes, so the membership must be large; where does the four enter?"

"You'll learn that at the close of your first degree," said the spokesman with firm kindness. "Now you're to remain here for five minutes, and then go down to the study hall. Five minutes, remember."

They departed majestically, and the girls were left to spend their five minutes in discussion of the visit.

"I don't see why I have to belong," grumbled Libbie.