the 8.15 train the next morning after an
all-night ride, she was surrounded by seven laughing girls and marched
in triumph to David Nesbit's big car, which Miriam used at her own
pleasure during her brother's absence.

The eight girls managed to squeeze into it, and drove to the Pierson
cottage with all speed. Here Anne was set down, told to make the most of
her hour with her family and to be prepared upon their return to say
good-bye to home for the rest of the day.

The programme outlined by Grace was carried out to the letter. The joy
of Mrs. Gray at again seeing her adopted children was well worth
witnessing.

"I don't know how I ever managed to stay away from you so long!" she
exclaimed, as she looked fondly about her at the smiling, girlish faces.
"How I wish you might all have been with me. I should have returned
sooner, but dreaded the winter here. I do not thrive here--during these
long, cold Oakdale winters. It is because I--"

Grace placed a soft hand upon Mrs. Gray's lips. "I can't allow you to
finish that sentence," she laughed. "You are sixty-two years young, and
you must always remember it."

The old lady laughed happily at Grace's remark, then under cover of
general conversation said to her, "I am greatly surprised to see Eleanor
here. How did it all come about? You never mentioned it in your
letters."

"I know it," replied Grace, "I wanted to save it until you came home. I
have been out to 'Heartsease' several times, too, and am quite in love
with Miss Nevin. May Anne and I come to-morrow and have a good long
gossip? You must hear all about Anne's triumphs in New York."

"Come and have dinner with me," replied Mrs. Gray.

"That will be fine," returned Grace. "We two are the only ones in the
crowd who don't happen to have previous engagements, so the girls won't
feel hurt at not being included."

"We are so glad that you came home in time for the concert," said Miriam
Nesbit. "It is the last entertainment the senior class will have a
chance to give. We hope to make a nice sum of money to add to the
thousand we already have."

"I have not added my mite to your fund yet," said Mrs. Gray. "But now
that I'm home I shall busy myself immediately with my High School girls.
When and where is the concert to be held?"

"A week from next Monday, in Assembly Hall," replied Miriam. "We wish to
give it before the boys go back to school. They have only ten days at
home, you know."

"How anxious I am to