m and composed, that only those who knew her best
noticed the feverish brightness of her eyes and a certain tenseness of
the muscles of her hands.

But this was not unobserved by one in the audience. Mr. Hepworth, though
seated far back, noted every symptom of Patty's nervousness, however
little it might be apparent to others.

Although she went through her ordeal successfully, he knew how much
greater would be the excitement and responsibility of the evening's
performance and he wished he could help her in some way.

But there seemed to be nothing he could do, and though he had sent her a
beautiful basket of roses, it was but one floral gift among so many that
he doubted whether Patty even knew that he sent it; and he also doubted
if she would have cared especially if she had known it.

Like most of the graduates, Patty received quantities of floral tributes.
As the ushers came again and again with clusters or baskets of flowers,
the audience heartily applauded, and Patty, though embarrassed a little,
preserved a pretty dignity, and showed a happy enjoyment of it all.

As soon as the diplomas were awarded, and Patty had her cherished roll
tied with its blue ribbon, Nan told Mr. Fairfield that it was imperative
that Patty should be made to go straight home.

"If she stays there," said Nan, "she'll get excited and exhausted, and be
good for nothing to-night. I gave her some stimulants this noon, although
she didn't know it, but the effects are wearing off and a reaction will
soon set in. She must come home with us at once."

"You are right, Mrs. Fairfield," said Mr. Hepworth, who had crossed the
room and joined them just in time to hear Nan's last words. "Patty is
holding herself together by sheer nervous force, and she needs care if
she is to keep up through the evening."

"That is certainly true," said Nan. "Kenneth," she added, turning to
young Harper, who stood near by, "you have a good deal of influence with
Patty. Go and get her, won't you? Make her come at once."

"All right," said Kenneth, and he was off in a moment, while Mr. Hepworth
looked after him, secretly wishing that the errand might have been
entrusted to him.

But Kenneth found his task no easy one. Although Patty willingly
consented to his request, and even started toward the dressing-room to
get her wraps, she paused so many times to speak to different ones, or
her progress was stopped by anxious-looking girls who wanted her help or
advice,