Beverly Gray, Freshman

the long version

Beverly Gray arrives at Vernon College with her best friend, Anne White. Beverly is the daughter of Helen Chadwick Gray and John Gray. Helen Chadwick is a legendary figure at Vernon College, and Beverly is determined that no one know that she is the daughter of Helen Chadwick as she wishes to make good on her own. Beverly and Anne are disappointed when they learn that they will not room together. Anne is to room with Lois Mason, and Beverly with Shirley Parker. Anne gets along fine with her new roommate, but Beverly finds it impossible to get along with Shirley. Beverly tries every approach possible, but Shirley rebukes her. The situation only becomes worse when Shirley reveals that she knows Beverly is Helen Chadwick's daughter and that she thinks Beverly is at the college to make everyone think she is so special. As the school year passes, Beverly goes home over the Christmas holidays and has a very harrowing adventure, nearly losing her life. After the holidays, Beverly finds Shirley meeting a man in secret and tries to prevent Shirley from making a serious mistake, even though she and Beverly are not on speaking terms. Finally, Beverly saves Shirley's life, and Shirley warms to Beverly's friendship and explains why she treated Beverly so terribly. As the school year ends, Beverly and Shirley are finally friends, and the rest of the students know that Beverly is Helen Chadwick's daughter and respect Beverly for her own accomplishments.