ng her, whether consciously or
unconsciously, arrogate the entire conversation, interests and viewpoint
to herself. Of course, there are some teachers who can still recall with
sufficient vividness their own school-girl life to feel keenly the
undercurrent of restraint which an older person almost invariably
starts when thrown with a group of younger ones, and who possesses the
power and tact to overcome it and enter the girl-world. But these are
the exceptions rather than the rule, and none knew this better than Mrs.
Vincent. Consequently, she chose her own way of removing all possible
danger of impaired digestion, believing that the best possible aid to
healthy appetites and perfectly assimilated food were untrammeled
spirits and hearty laughs. So she and her staff sat at their own table
where they were free to discuss the entire school if they chose to do
so, and the girls--for, surely, "turn-about-is-fairplay"--could discuss
them. It worked pretty well, too, in spite of Miss Sturgis' inclination
to keep one eye and one ear "batted" toward the other tables, often to
Mrs. Vincent's intense, though carefully concealed amusement.

And now came Hallow E'en, and with small regard for Miss Sturgis'
prejudices, plump in the middle of the school week! At the end of the
last recitation period that afternoon when the whole school of one
hundred fifty girls, big and little, had gathered in the chapel, for the
working day invariably ended with a few kindly helpful words spoken by
Mrs. Vincent and the reading of the thirty-fourth Psalm and singing
Shelley's beautiful hymn of praise, Mrs. Vincent paused for a moment
before dismissing her pupils. Many of the older girls knew what to
expect, but the newer ones began to wonder if their sins had found them
out. Nevertheless, Mrs. Vincent's expression was not alarming as she
moved a step toward them and asked:

"Which of my girls will be willing to give up her afternoon recreation
period and devote that time to the preparation of tomorrow's work!"

The effect was amusing. Some of the girls gave little gasps of surprise,
others, ohs! of protest, others distinct negatives, while a good many
seemed delighted at the prospect. These had known Mrs. Vincent longest.

"Those of you who are ready to return to the main hall at four o'clock
and work until five-thirty may be released from all further obligations
for the evening, and the attic, laundry and gymnasium will be placed at
your dispos