f," she explained. "Papa hates
crowds, and has always said it was too difficult to get tickets, and
last year Percy couldn't get any either, being only a freshman. Carol
Hastings has been, though, and she told me she was never so excited in
her life. The Bells are going this year, and have invited Winifred
Hamilton and Gertie Rossiter to go with them. I can't see why they want
to take Winifred; she is such a baby, and I don't believe a boy will
notice her; but she and Lulu are such chums, one never seems able to go
anywhere without the other."

"Beverly Randolph and his mother are going, too," said Marjorie, who was
making a great effort to keep down the feeling of envious longing, and
to show a real interest and sympathy in her cousin's anticipations. "He
told me so yesterday. His uncle, Dr. Randolph, is going to take them in
his automobile."

"Yes, I know; I heard him talking about it. I must be sure to tell him
Mamma and I are going, so he will look us up. Oh, here come Bessie and
Carol; I must tell them the good news."

Percy Ward's letter arrived on Wednesday morning, and on Friday
afternoon soon after luncheon, Mrs. Carleton and Elsie departed for New
Haven. Mr. Carleton had been called to Washington on business, and was
not expected home before Saturday night. Aunt Julia was very kind, and
kissed Marjorie with more affection than usual.

"I really hate to leave you," she said regretfully. "If it were not for
the disappointment it would have been to Elsie, I would never have
accepted. I hope you will not be very lonely."

"Oh, no, I won't," promised Marjorie cheerfully. She was really touched
by her aunt's solicitude, and had almost, if not quite, succeeded in
banishing the feelings of envy and disappointment. "I've got some hard
lessons for Monday, and I want to have them all perfect, so I can write
Mother that I haven't missed in any of my classes for a week. Then
Hortense says she likes walking, so we can have some fine long tramps.
To-morrow night will be here before I've begun to realize that you are
away."

But despite her cheerful assurances, Marjorie's heart was not very light
when she accompanied her aunt and cousin to the lift, and saw them
start, Elsie's face wreathed in smiles, and even Aunt Julia looking as
if she had not altogether outgrown her interest in a football game. She
went slowly back to her own room, and taking up her Greek history,
determined to forget present disappointment, and sp