he was attired in one of her
new dresses. It was corduroy, but of an umber hue that was set off to
perfection by Helen's dark hair and the olive coloring of her face.
There was just enough difference in the two dresses to make them varied,
yet at a glance an observer could tell that they had been created by the
same master hand.

Helen even had on brown hose and shoes that matched her dress.

"Where are your new shoes?" she demanded.

Janet delved further into the box. At the bottom was a shoe box and she
opened it with shaking fingers. This was more than she had ever dared
imagine. She drew forth a pair of blue kid slippers and tucked in them
were three pairs of blue hose to match her dress and shoes. She changed
shoes and hose and stood up again, whirling in front of the mirror. The
costume now was perfection itself. She ran a comb through her golden
hair and knew the thrill that comes from knowing a costume is perfect.

"Do you suppose we'll be asked to join a sorority at school?" asked
Helen.

"If they see you in these dresses I imagine you can join any or all of
them," smiled Mrs. Hardy. "Come now, we must be ready when the men want
to start."

On the echo of her words a horn sounded below. Janet dabbed a little
powder on her face and joined Helen as they hurried down stairs. Even
their fathers were elated over the new dresses and both girls felt that
their cups of happiness were filled to overflowing.

"Honestly," confided Helen, "I hate to wear this in the car. I'd like to
take it off and then put it on when we get near school."

"I suppose you'd like to ride all of the way wrapped up in a blanket or
something," chided Janet. "But I'll admit that I hate to sit down in
this dress."

It was a beautifully clear morning and John Hardy sent his big car
speeding over the paved road at a fast pace. They were in Newton in
ample time to drive around the university grounds and have a leisurely
lunch before going to the office of the dean of women to take the first
steps in registering.

The campus of Corn Belt U. was lined with stately elms that had watched
over the destiny of the school for more than three quarters of a
century. The main buildings were of Indiana limestone with a few of the
older ones of red-faced brick, now well covered with a rich growth of
English ivy.

Janet knew that she would enjoy going to school here. There was a spirit
of calm and dignity about the campus that appealed to her.

At