osity of the uniformed functionaries
forbade any such frivolity.

Mary was there to welcome them, and with her was her fashionable aunt,
Miss Constance Hastings, who was also distantly related to Cleo, through
the marriage of Cleo's aunt to Mary's father's brother--remote but
definite, just the same.

A perceptible stir was occasioned by the entrance of the girls; and
since they were really quite a small troop, they walked in in pairs.
Grace and Cleo led, then came Margaret and Louise, Julia and Helen,
besides Isabel Gantor and Elizabeth Bissell, two True Treds who had come
down that very afternoon, and altogether they made a fine showing for
the scouts.

After the first flush of excitement the usual exchange of compliments
occupied the girls. Cleo had grown so much taller, every one thought so,
and her gray eyes and fair hair were really "a lot prettier." Grace had
better be careful or she would get stout, why not roll on the beach
every day? Elizabeth suggested this, while the tables were then turned
on Elizabeth herself, who was declared to be far from thin.

"I am not getting fat," declared the jolly little Elizabeth. "I'm simply
warped from being out in the rain. You should see my farm."

Then Helen was warned that such beautiful coloring as glowed in her
cheeks, and such shadows as lurked under her dark eyes would some day
put her in the class of distinguished foreigners, but when she protested
that Irish are not so considered, and that those characteristics were
hers because of that sort of connection, the girls passed her by as
"satisfactory."

The opening strains of the orchestra prohibited further exchange of
compliments or criticism, and the scouts paired off for a lively trot.

All the dance seemed suited to their uniforms, in fact, most steps were
then executed with some precision, rather military in effect.

All about them buzzed the fairy-like children in such gorgeous styles,
as seem specially concocted for big summer hotels; and resting between
dances our girls had plenty of opportunity to observe the variety of
plumage under which the little summer birds flew.

It was during intermission that the master of ceremonies approached
Isabel; she happened to be the tallest of the scouts, and he asked her
if they would favor the company with some troop manoeuvers, but on
consulting the other girls they declined to do so.

"You see," Mary explained, as she was best acquainted with the hotel
staff, "