presented to Madge and Phil.

When Madeleine presented the bouquets the girls took their flowers with
half-averted faces.

The guests of the day, however, were eagerly watching Mrs. Curtis, who
was holding two beautiful silver loving cups in her hands. Professor
Gordon announced Harry Sears and George Robinson as the winners of the
race. They received the larger of the cups in rather an embarrassed
fashion.

"But I wish to know the girl winners," protested Mrs. Curtis, glancing
about the group of young people.

Flora came toward her smiling in the superior manner that proud Madge
particularly disliked. "I believe we came next, Mrs. Curtis," she
announced.

[Illustration: Madge Surprised the Little Company.]

Mrs. Curtis had just opened her lips to congratulate the winners when a
high, clear voice surprised the little company.

"Professor Gordon, did you not, as umpire, see that Miss Harris and
Miss Paine committed a foul which disqualified them in our boat race?"

"O Madge!" Mrs. Curtis spoke in a tone of intense displeasure.
Madeleine's lovely face flushed with embarrassment. Lillian and Eleanor
felt the color rise to their own faces. Miss Jenny Ann stepped to the
side of impetuous Madge, who had precipitated this awkward situation.

Flora Harris paused with her hand lifted to receive the prize. Her
cousin, Alice Paine, looked as though she would like to sink through
the earth.

"Does Miss Morton object to our receiving the prize?" Flora queried
icily. "Then, please don't give it to us. I hardly thought Miss Morton
could endure to see any one but herself as the winner. An Army
officer's daughter is not likely to receive a reward after she has been
accused of cheating, nor will she ever overlook the insult."

Flora moved away from Mrs. Curtis, her head held high, her face white
with anger.

The sympathy of most of the onlookers was at present with Flora and
Alice. Phyllis said nothing, but she moved nearer to Madge, her lips
closed in the firm line which never meant retreat.

"You should have made your complaint to me, Miss Morton, before we left
the boats," answered Professor Gordon sternly. "Don't you think it is
too late, now that we have come ashore and the places have been
awarded?"

"It is not the prize that we wish," returned Madge unsteadily. "It is
only that I think it is dreadful to win anything unfairly. Tom, you saw
what happened. Will you not speak?"

"Yes," began Tom sturdily, determin