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Both schools had now settled down to the routine of book life for the winter when announcement at the college and at Miss Gregory's school told of the reception to the President of the college, an annual affair to which the girls of the school were usually invited.

This first social function of the year for the college was usually a bore to most of the professors and the students alike. While informal, there were so many strangers among the Freshmen and guests, there was little chance for making acquaintances. Those who attended, in the large reception room of the common dining hall, appropriately draped for the event, sought little groups here and there to renew acquaintance or to be introduced to newer corners.

Except for the professors and teachers who came from year to year and the older of the students the entire affair was dull. Some of the younger classmen tried to dance after being presented to partners, others sat off in corners talking light conversational chatter. Bennet was just being bored with the affair and preparing to greet the President then leave when he thought, "Ah, she might come. She's new and some of the girls may bring her. Perhaps I'd better wait."

He was about to pass into an adjoining room to seek a corner from which he could watch the door when he was halted by a call from Dean Ira Sandager.

"Here, just a moment, Bennet," he beckoned. Bennet turned to the speaker who stood in a small group and