s anyhow," observed Jessica. "Perhaps some
sort of inspiration will come on the way," and the three girls set out
for the tea party.

As they paused to admire the beautiful flower beds on the Nesbit lawn
Jessica said:

"Have you inquired Miriam's favorite perfume?"

"Oh, yes," answered Grace. "She said she liked them all and had no
favorites."

"Why are all these strange young women breaking into my premises?"
demanded a voice behind them.

"David Nesbit," cried Grace, "where have you been all this time? You
never seem to find the time to come near your old friends any more."

"I have been busy, girls," replied David. "Never busier in my life. But
I believe I've struck it at last. It will not be long, now, before I
turn into a bird."

"Oh, _do_ show it to us!" cried Grace. "Where is the model?"

"In my workroom," he replied. "If you are very good, and will promise to
say nothing to the others, I'll give you a peep this afternoon. When I
signal to you from the music room, by sounding three bass notes on the
piano, start upstairs and I'll meet you on the landing. You may ask why
this mystery? But I know girls, and if all those chattering freshmen are
allowed to come into my room they are sure to knock over some of the
models, or break something, and I couldn't stand it."

The three girls entered the large and imposing drawing room where
Miriam, in a beautiful pink mulle, trimmed with filmy lace insertions,
received them with unusual cordiality; and presently they all repaired
to the dining room where ice cream and strawberries were served with
little cakes with pink icing. It was, as a matter of fact, a pink tea,
and Miriam's cheeks were as pink as her decorations. She looked
particularly excited and happy. Each of the three chums had just
swallowed her last and largest strawberry, saved as a final relish, when
three low notes sounded softly on the piano in the adjoining room.

In the hum of conversation nobody had noticed David's signal except
Grace and her friends, who strolled into the music room where he was
waiting.

"Come along," he said, leading the way up the back stairs, "and please
consider this as a special mark of attention from the great inventor who
has never yet made anything go. Where's Anne?"

"I suppose she is resting," answered Grace. "She had just about reached
the end of her strength to-day."

"But she'll win the prize, I hope," continued David.

"We are all sure of it," answered Gra