bbon drooped despondingly under the chastening influence of a hot
flat-iron, but, "We'll put it on in bands," said Mrs. Deane. "Bows would
really be too dressy for you, my daughter."

Stitch, stitch, stitch, Cassy's fingers flew. And all the time she
sewed, her busy brain was weaving the most rapturous visions of the new
life that was to be hers. In her dreams she made polite little
courtesies to Marion Van Dysk, whom she imagined as standing on the
threshold of the "Boarding and Day School" to welcome her. To be sure
she only knew Marion by sight, but as Marion knew her in the same way,
she thought they would instantly become friends. Then Lillie Downs would
entreat her to join in all the games, for Lillie Downs was already an
acquaintance: at least she had said, "How do you do?" one day when she
saw Cassy on the sidewalk. Cassy was sure there were a dozen girls who
would stretch out their hands at once, and perhaps she could even think
of a secret to tell some of them, and then they would, of course, be
friends forever.

"And even if they wear common clothes, I sha'n't be proud in this
magnificent dress," thought Cassy. For the changeable silk was finished
now, and Cassy stole twenty times a day into the guest-chamber that she
might behold its splendor as it lay on the bed.

It did seem as if August would never end. But at last September
appeared, and the morning of all mornings dawned.

Cassy rose bright and early. Her mother dressed her with her own hands,
and tied up her hair with a narrow pink ribbon.

"Pink goes so well with the green on your gown," said dear, guileless
Mrs. Deane; "and, Cassy, here are some new shoes that father bought for
you yesterday. He'll go himself with you to the door, so you sha'n't
feel strange like."

"Oh, but they'll be so glad to see me I sha'n't feel strange!" cried
Cassy, and down the street she skipped.

But for some reason no one was at the door to welcome her. Cassy crept
into the big school-room. It was full of girls, and there was Marion Van
Dysk among the rest. A wee smile came to Cassy's face. She was about to
say "good-morning," but Marion only glanced carelessly at her and turned
away.

"Why, she's forgotten that I live round the corner," thought Cassy.

Lillie Downs had evidently "forgotten" too, or else she was too busy to
notice.

Cassy turned away, and that just in time to catch a whisper.

"Who, under the sun, is that queer image in a dress that came out