o the fact that the sun had obligingly finished his daily
pilgrimage behind a flock of gray clouds that banked themselves in the
west, a fairly early twilight descended. A timid new moon, that was
scheduled in the almanac to rise early, also covered itself with glory
by not appearing at all, thereby signally helping along Elfreda's cause.
When at eight o'clock the nine representatives of Semper Fidelis seated
themselves at the tastefully decorated festal board, which occupied a
position of central importance on the grassy lawn, they had no reason to
complain of too much natural light. Through the dense summer darkness
that had now closed in about them, softly-glowing lanterns winked their
many-colored eyes. The main illumination, however, was due to two
good-sized electric lights, each suspended from its own particular post
at opposite sides of the grounds. These Elfreda had thoughtfully swathed
in thin flowered silk, which modifying their glare, gave them the same
Oriental effect as that of the lanterns.

The nine young women made a pretty picture as they gathered about the
table, the delicate hues of their evening frocks lending additional
beauty to the scene. From out each young face shone the joy of reunion.
Whatever the future might ordain for them in the way of trials, for one
week at least they had laid strong hold on happiness.

Having nobly postponed dinner for purely artistic reasons, they were now
decidedly hungry. They, therefore, devoted themselves whole-heartedly to
the substantial meal, comprising several delectable courses which were
deftly served to them by two maids who had long been fixtures in the
Briggs' household, and whose smiling faces indicated their pleasure in
ministering to Elfreda's guests. It was a signally merry repast, eaten
to an accompaniment of gay badinage and rippling laughter. Their college
days now but a memory, it partook of the nature of a rollicking spread,
rather than of that of a formal dinner party, and they reveled in thus
being able to call forth once more a fleeting repetition of their former
jollifications.

"You are a truly hospitable lawyeress, J. Elfreda," lauded Kathleen
West, as, dessert removed, they lingered at the table over their coffee,
served in quaint Japanese cups that were the pride of J. Elfreda's
heart. "I can see that you haven't lost the will to garner things
Japanese. These cups are exquisite."

"I am inordinately proud of them," returned Elfreda, lo