y gesture you do. I'm really looking forward to this evening."

Mary's face flushed with pleasure. "I'm glad you like it. I hope it will
pass off well. You see, the chapel will be crowded. The galleries are
always filled; and, visitors are glad to get standing room below. It's our
best day, and I wish to do myself and the school credit." Then suddenly
remembering that she was to find out what she could of the Middlers'
plans, she asked suddenly, "Have you any engagement for to-morrow evening,
Elizabeth? What do you say about getting up a tally-ho party, our own set
and a few visitors, and driving out by moonlight?"

Elizabeth turned her head aside as though she did not wish Mary to see her
embarrassment. She hesitated before replying. "I--I--don't believe I can,
Mary."

"Have you any engagement?"

"Well,--Oh, I don't know what to say. Please don't ask me."

Mary smiled to herself, then turned back to the mirror for the better
arrangement of her hair. Her convictions were strengthened. Whatever the
Middlers had on hand, to-morrow night was the time for the doings. When
to-morrow night came--! Mary smiled at the thought. To-morrow night would
find every Middler followed by a Senior.

The week had begun with the excitement usually attendant upon
commencement. Relatives and friends began to appear on Monday. The
continuous flow of guests taxed to the limit the accommodations of the
Hall. Bedrooms were doing double duty. Meals were taken in relays. Every
one bore with exceedingly good humor the little inconveniences incident to
such an overflow.

Dr. Shull of the Irvington Female College lectured to the class Tuesday
morning. This was followed by the presentation of diplomas. The graduates
in caps and gowns marched through the chapel and across the stage. So far
as commencement proper was concerned, this was their first and last
appearance.

"But wait until this evening, and the Thursday night promenade! We'll
shine then," Mary Wilson had whispered confidentially to her friends.
"Every girl in the class has done herself proud about her new gowns--one
for the prom and one for to-night, not to mention a few extras for the
tree-planting and the rose parade."

The eventful evening came at last. Mrs. Jones bearing extra switches and
fancy combs, her ebony face wreathed in smiles, had already arrived, and
stood waiting Miss Wilson's pleasure. The much-talked-of dress of
shimmering silk, over which point d'esprit hung lik