or,
and Mr. Southard's deep voice called out:

"All aboard for the actors' retreat."

"Come in, Mr. Southard," said Anne, and the door opened to admit the
eminent actor, who looked bigger and handsomer than ever in his long
coat and soft black hat.

Then Anne presented him to Mrs. Gibson, and a general handshaking
ensued.

For the third time that night they were handed into the "uncomplaining
but over-worked taxicab," according to Nora's version, and set out for
the Southard home.

The entire party promptly fell in love with Miss Southard, who was the
counterpart of her brother, except that she was considerably older, and
she apparently returned their liking from the moment of meeting.

"I know every one of you," she said. "Anne talks of no one else to me.
Your fame has already preceded you."

The Southards proved to be hospitable entertainers, and exerted every
effort in behalf of their young guests. The time slipped by on wings,
and it was well after one o'clock before any one thought of returning to
the hotel.

"I am not a very reliable chaperon," laughed Mrs. Gibson, "to allow my
charges to keep such late hours as this."

"It's only once in a life time," remarked Nora.

"How very cruel," said Mr. Southard solemnly. "I had hoped that you
would all honor us again with your society."

"I didn't mean that," she cried, laughing a little. "I only meant that
this was a red-letter night for us. We are basking in the light of
greatness."

"Very pretty, indeed," was the actor's reply, and he gave Nora one of
his rare, beautiful smiles that caused her to afterwards aver that he
was truly the handsomest man in the whole world.

With many expressions of pleasure for the delightful hours they had
passed, the revelers bade the Southards good night and good-bye.

"I am going to give a special party to the Phi Sigma Tau and these young
men, when my season closes," announced the actor as they stood in the
wide hall for a moment before leaving. "I trust that you may be able to
again assume the role of chaperon," he added to Mrs. Gibson.

"I shall need no second invitation," replied Mrs. Gibson. "But may I not
hope to see your sister and yourself at Hawks' Nest, in the near
future?"

"You are indeed kind," responded Mr. Southard. "It would be a distinct
pleasure and perhaps I may be able to arrange it. My season is to be a
short one."

"Get your things and come with us, Anne," teased Grace. "We've loads of
thing