diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-0.txt | 7220 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-0.zip | bin | 110545 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h.zip | bin | 1125014 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/55213-h.htm | 7904 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book01.png | bin | 42202 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book02.png | bin | 52285 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book03.png | bin | 67061 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book04.png | bin | 48722 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book05.png | bin | 67018 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book06.png | bin | 51754 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book07.png | bin | 62365 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book08.png | bin | 60500 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book09.png | bin | 53662 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book10.png | bin | 65367 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book11.png | bin | 40366 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/book12.png | bin | 59395 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 99725 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/cover2.jpg | bin | 101303 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/frontis.jpg | bin | 99391 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55213-h/images/title-illus.jpg | bin | 34861 -> 0 bytes |
23 files changed, 17 insertions, 15124 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cd00a85 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55213 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55213) diff --git a/old/55213-0.txt b/old/55213-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c28fb17..0000000 --- a/old/55213-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7220 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen's School, by Edith Lavell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen's School - -Author: Edith Lavell - -Release Date: July 28, 2017 [EBook #55213] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER Page - - I OFF FOR BOARDING SCHOOL 3 - - II MARJORIE’S ROOM-MATE 11 - - III THE SOPHOMORE RECEPTION 19 - - IV THE STOLEN MEETING 27 - - V THE SORORITY PARTY 36 - - VI PLEDGE-DAY 46 - - VII OUTSIDERS 56 - - VIII THE HOCKEY MATCH 65 - - IX MARJORIE’S HOUSE-PARTY 73 - - X THE DANCE 87 - - XI THE GIRL SCOUT TROUP 97 - - XII THE BOY SCOUTS’ DEMONSTRATION 104 - - XIII AFTER THE MEETING 114 - - XIV PANSY TROOP MEETS 120 - - XV THE LATIN TEST 132 - - XVI A WINTER HIKE 141 - - XVII MARJORIE’S DISAPPOINTMENT 152 - - XVIII THE SECOND-CLASS TEST 161 - - XIX THE BOY SCOUTS ENTERTAIN 171 - - XX MARJORIE’S SUSPICIONS 180 - - XXI THE BASKET-BALL GAME 186 - - XXII THE GHOST AT THE CABIN 196 - - XXIII RUTH’S ADVENTURE 205 - - XXIV RESTITUTION 217 - - XXV THE VERDICT 227 - - XXVI THE PLAY 233 - - - - -[Illustration: All eyes watched it describe a graceful arc and fall -straight through the goal,--a perfect shot. (_The Girl Scouts at Miss -Allen’s School_) _Page 193_] - - - - - THE GIRL SCOUTS AT - MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL - - BY EDITH LAVELL - - AUTHOR OF - “_The Girl Scouts of Camp_,” “_The Girl Scouts’ Good - Turn_,” “_The Girl Scouts’ Canoe Trip_,” “_The - Girl Scouts’ Rivals_.” - - [Illustration] - - A. L. BURT COMPANY - Publishers New York - - - - - THE GIRL SCOUTS SERIES - - A Series of Stories for Girl Scouts - By EDITH LAVELL - - The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen’s School - The Girl Scouts at Camp - The Girl Scouts’ Good Turn - The Girl Scouts’ Canoe Trip - The Girl Scouts’ Rivals - - Copyright, 1922 - By A. L. BURT COMPANY - - THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL - - Made in “U. S. A.” - - - - -THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL - -CHAPTER I - -OFF FOR BOARDING SCHOOL - - -“Secret societies! Whew! I’m glad they don’t have them at our school.” - -The speaker, a boy of sixteen, perched himself upon the porch railing, -and swung his legs contentedly, as if he had uttered the last word on -the subject. - -The two girls to whom the remark was addressed listened eagerly. Ruth -Henry, the small, dark-haired one, who was obviously no relation of the -boy, leaned forward. Challenging him with her eyes, she asked quickly: - -“What makes you say that, Jack? Have you any grounds?” - -The other girl, whose fair hair and straight nose resembled the boy -strongly enough to identify her as his sister, looked impatient. - -“He doesn’t know a thing about them,” she said. - -“Now, listen, Marj,” remonstrated Jack in the tone one might use to -a child, although his sister was only two years his junior, “haven’t -you ever heard dad tell about the awful things some of those secret -societies did when he was at college? They had a house without a -single window, and with only one door--made of iron--and nobody ever -knew what went on inside. But dad said one poor freshman, who was to -be initiated, got rebellious and wouldn’t do the stunts; and they -blindfolded him and threw him into the creek. It was cold, and he got -pneumonia and died!” - -“Oh, Jack, you’re exaggerating!” exclaimed Marjorie scornfully. “You -read about that in a book--you must have forgotten. Anyway, girls’ -societies wouldn’t do anything like that.” - -But Ruth’s dark eyes were sparkling at the idea of adventure and -danger. If the truth were told, it was because of these very secret -societies, or sororities, as the girls called them, that she had -persuaded her mother to let her register among the freshmen at Miss -Allen’s Boarding School for the coming fall. And Marjorie Wilkinson, -a more timid girl, desired to go simply that she might be with Ruth. -Both families had at last consented, but too late to give the girls -a chance to secure a room together. The idea of a strange room-mate -filled Marjorie with dismay; but to Ruth it meant new opportunities for -friendship--and a new chance to make one of the secret societies. - -A week after the foregoing conversation, the girls were on their way -to the school. They had been satisfied to sit quietly during most of -the journey, contenting themselves with looking out of the window, and -dreaming of future popularity and happiness. It was only after they -were seated in the school hack that Marjorie was seized with a sudden -pang of homesickness. - -“If we only could have roomed together!” she sighed, clasping Ruth’s -hand, and looking away from the gathering darkness. “Promise me, Ruth,” -she said ardently, “whoever your room-mate is, you won’t like her -better than me!” - -“Jealous!” teased Ruth. “How do I know who I’m going to like?” Then, -seriously, “Marj, _do_ you suppose we’ll be asked to join a sorority?” - -“Maybe you will, but I never would,” answered Marjorie. “I can’t make -friends quickly enough.” - -At this moment the hack stopped in front of the school door. Miss -Allen’s Boarding School originally started in a beautiful old house -which had been in her family for generations. She began with about -fifteen pupils, and only one teacher besides herself. Each year -she was forced to add a little more to the buildings, until now her -school accommodated almost a hundred girls. The lovely big trees, wide -porches, and large grounds made the spot an ideal one for a boarding -school. At one end of the estate there was a small pond where the girls -went skating in winter, and there were also wonderful little groves -which could be used for picnics whenever the Principal’s permission -could be obtained. The swimming pool, the gymnasium, and the hockey -field supplied ample facilities for the athletic girl to indulge her -desire for more strenuous sport. - -As Ruth and Marjorie approached, and saw the bright lights through -the windows, and heard the happy girls’ laughter, they felt, indeed, -that they had reached the place of their dreams. Marjorie’s feeling -of homesickness vanished as Miss Landis, the English teacher, came to -greet them. - -“How do you do, girls?” she said cordially. “I’m Miss Landis. Will you -tell me your names?” - -“I am Ruth Henry, and this is Marjorie Wilkinson,” replied Ruth. “We’re -so glad to be here,” she added, “after our long ride.” - -“I will take you to your rooms,” said Miss Landis, leading the way. - -Marjorie was charmed by Miss Landis’s manner, which seemed so cordial -and pleasant that she decided if everyone at school were like her, it -surely would be a delightful place. But Ruth’s thoughts had taken an -entirely different direction. - -“Who are our room-mates?” she asked, as they ascended the stairs. - -“Let me think,” said Miss Landis. “It’s hard to remember with so many -girls, but I helped Miss Allen with the lists.” She stopped as they -reached the second floor. “Oh, yes,” she continued, “you room with -Ethel Todd--a sophomore. She’s a splendid girl--very popular. You’re -lucky! And your room-mate,” she turned to Marjorie--“hasn’t come yet. -She’s a freshman, named Lily Andrews.” - -They walked down the corridor and stopped at the room which was to be -Ruth’s. In answer to Miss Landis’s knock, a pretty girl about sixteen -years old opened the door, disclosing an attractive interior with three -large windows. Miss Landis introduced the girls. - -Ethel apologized for the appearance of the room. - -“You see I am just hanging the pictures and putting up the curtains,” -she said. Turning to Ruth, she added, “It will be lovely to have you to -help me!” - -Ruth’s eyes danced; already she was fascinated by Ethel. - -“Now I’ll show you to your room,” said Miss Landis to Marjorie. “I’m -sorry there will be no room-mate there to welcome you, but then you can -do that for her when she comes.” - -As they went up another flight of stairs, Marjorie asked: - -“Does she--does Ruth’s room-mate--belong to any of the sororities?” - -“Yes, she belongs to _the_ sorority,” replied Miss Landis. “There’s -only one, but we teachers wish there weren’t any; for it takes the -girls’ minds from their lessons and their athletics, and besides, it -causes a good deal of unhappiness.” - -“Unhappiness!” repeated Marjorie in astonishment. “Why, I should think -it would be all fun.” - -“It is--for those who belong. But you see only sixteen girls--four out -of each class--are chosen; and most of the other girls in the school -are miserable because they aren’t asked to join. We’d like to abolish -it; but some of the prominent Alumnæ who are members of the Board -belong, and as long as the girls want it, they won’t hear of doing away -with it.” - -Miss Landis stopped before a door at the back of the building. “Here is -your room,” she said. - -As the teacher threw open the door, Marjorie experienced a chill of -disappointment. In contrast to Ruth’s attractive room, hers was dark -and small, with only one window, and the slanting roof extended down -over part of the wall. And it was very bare--only the bed seemed ready -for use. - -“I’m sorry you’ll be alone,” said Miss Landis, “but I’ll come and take -you over to Ruth’s room to go down to supper with her. I’ll be back in -twenty minutes.” - -It was all Marjorie could do to keep from crying. Mechanically she -began to take off her hat and coat. - -“I feel just like poor little Paul Dombey who was sent to that dreary -school of Doctor Blimber’s--in Dickens,” thought Marjorie. “Only, I -guess everything will be all right when I see Ruth again, and meet my -room-mate.” - -The bell for supper had already rung; in a few minutes Miss Landis -returned, and they started off together for Ruth’s room. There was no -answer to Miss Landis’s knock at the door. - -“She must have gone down with her room-mate,” said Miss Landis. “Never -mind; you can come with me. I’ll find you a place.” - -The dining-room was brilliantly lighted. Seven long tables were placed -in various parts of the room. The girls, most of them in light summer -dresses, were crowding in and sitting down anywhere, as the regular -seats were not yet assigned. Marjorie noticed that one teacher sat at -each table. - -“Where would you like to sit?” asked Miss Landis. - -Just then Marjorie spied Ruth sitting beside Ethel Todd, at the -farthest table under the window. - -“I want to sit over there, near the window, with Ruth!” - -“I am sorry,” said Miss Landis, “but I wouldn’t advise you to sit there -without an invitation. All those girls belong to ΦΑΒ,--(Phi Alpha -Beta)--the sorority--except the freshmen who have been invited there by -them; and you wouldn’t want to sit there without an invitation.” - -At that moment Marjorie felt all the bitterness of the outcast. “Ruth -will make the sorority, and I won’t,” she thought. But she gave her -attention to Miss Landis, who introduced her to some other freshmen. - -When supper was over, Marjorie asked some of her new friends to her -room. They did visit her for a few minutes; but they were all tired, -and left early. Marjorie went to bed without even bothering to unpack, -or to make any attempt to see Ruth. - -“Never run after the sorority girls,” Miss Landis had advised, and -Marjorie intended to profit by the advice. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -MARJORIE’S ROOM-MATE - - -When Marjorie awoke in her bare little room the next morning, a feeling -of happy anticipation came over her. What was it? Oh, yes, she was away -at school, and she was to meet her new room-mate to-day. - -She jumped out of bed and dressed quickly, so that she had time to take -a stroll in the garden before the breakfast bell rang. She met several -of the girls she had sat with at supper the night before, and they -asked her to join their group. - -“Why, there goes Ruth!” exclaimed Marjorie. “Funny she didn’t see me!” - -“Ruth who?” asked Ada Mearns, a sophomore. - -“Ruth Henry--my best friend from home. She’s with some girls I don’t -know.” - -“Oh, yes,” said Ada, following the direction of Marjorie’s gaze, “those -are all ΦΑΒ girls with her. I guess your young friend’s made a hit. -Probably she’ll be one of the lucky four.” - -“What lucky four?” asked another freshman. - -“One of the lucky four freshmen to be asked to join the sorority!” - -Marjorie bit her lip. “I’m not going to be miserable and jealous,” she -thought, “only I don’t see why Ruth has to drop me for her new friends.” - -“My word!” exclaimed Ada suddenly. “Look at this funny package coming -up the walk!” - -The girls all looked in the direction Ada indicated and saw the -strangest-looking girl trudging up the path, carrying a suitcase and a -hatbox. She was short and very fat, and vulgarly overdressed in clothes -far too old for a girl of her years--a velvet coat, gray suede shoes -and stockings, and a large hat trimmed with ostrich plumes. She seemed -hot and out of breath. - -When she came abreast of the girls she stopped. - -“Excuse me,” she said, “but will you tell me where to go? I’m the new -girl who was coming to-day.” - -“_The_ new girl?” laughed Ada. “Don’t you know there are several other -freshmen--thirty-five to be exact?” - -The stout girl looked as if she were not listening. “My name’s Lily -Andrews--I’m from New York. Don’t you--any of you know where my room -is?” - -Marjorie’s face fell. So this was her room-mate! This ill-mannered, -over-dressed, unattractive young lady, whose whole bearing stamped -her as “newly rich!” Why should she, Marjorie, have the bad luck to -draw something like this, when Ruth had fallen in with one of the most -popular and influential girls of the school? - -However, she answered, “Yes, I know where your room is, Miss Andrews, -for I’m the freshman who is to room with you. I’ll take you to it. -There’s just time before the second bell rings.” - -Marjorie took Lily’s suitcase and the two girls walked off together. - -“Poor Marjorie!” sighed Ada, “I hope she has the good sense to drop -her.” - -Lily talked all the way upstairs about the clothes she had brought. -When they arrived at the room, and Marjorie opened the door, she -uttered an exclamation of disgust. - -“What!” she exclaimed, “me, Lily Andrews, have to live in a room like -this, when my father’s rich enough to buy me a suite at the McAlpin?” - -Marjorie tried to explain. “You see the older girls choose their rooms, -and the freshmen are assigned the ones that are left. It’ll only be for -one year, then we get our chance to choose.” - -“I’ll never live here for a year! I couldn’t stand it!” - -Marjorie’s hopes rose. - -“What are you going to do?” she asked. “Go back home?” - -“No, indeed!” said Lily. “And miss all the fun I’ve read so much about? -No, I’ll just go tell Miss Allen I’ll pay more, and she’ll give me a -better room. Besides, I want to room with an upper classman who already -belongs to the secret society, so as I’ll be asked to join!” - -Marjorie remembered the attractive girls who sat under the window the -previous night, who were members of ΦΑΒ, and she smiled to herself. -Poor Lily! She didn’t know what was in store for her. - -“I wouldn’t do that, if I were you. The rooms are all assigned now, and -I don’t believe Miss Allen would make any changes. Hurry up! there’s -the last bell for breakfast!” - -They went into the dining-room together, and both girls were conscious -of the fact that all eyes were turned upon them. Lily thought it was -because of her expensive clothing; but Marjorie knew better, and -blushed. - -After classes that afternoon, when Lily and Marjorie were unpacking -their trunks and doing their best to arrange their homely little -room to make it look attractive, Ruth knocked at the door. Marjorie -experienced a joyful surprise as her old friend appeared. - -“I’m so glad to see you, Ruth!” she exclaimed. “I want you to meet my -room-mate, Miss Andrews. This is Miss Henry, Lily.” - -Ruth bowed, and Lily murmured, “Pleased to meet you, I’m sure.” - -“Well, how do you like it all by this time?” asked Marjorie. “Are you -the least bit homesick?” - -“No, indeed!” answered Ruth, enthusiastically. “I never was so happy. -I’m crazy about my room-mate!” - -“She does seem nice,” observed Marjorie. “What do you think of the -teachers?” - -“Teachers!--I don’t give them a thought. They’re necessary evils!” - -“I think Miss Landis is lovely,” said Marjorie. “I like teachers when -they’re nice, and not prim old maids.” - -Lily was all the while busily unpacking her trunk. Suddenly she -produced an enormous box, wrapped in white paper, and tied with pink -ribbon. - -“Father gave me five pounds of chocolates,” she remarked, as she untied -it, “and he promised to send me more when I want them.” - -She passed the candy to the girls. - -“Thank you,” said Marjorie, “but I don’t believe I’ll take any. I want -to make the hockey team, and my brother always said one of the most -important things about doing well in athletics is to eat the right -things.” - -“The girls’ll think you’re a prig,” said Ruth, nibbling a chocolate. -“You won’t get invited to things!” - -“I don’t care!” said Marjorie, “if I only make the team!” - -“I’d much rather make the sorority,” sighed Lily. “Have you met any of -the sorority girls, Miss Henry?” - -“Yes,” answered Ruth. “I room with one, and she has introduced me to -quite a number. They’re awfully nice.” - -“I should guess so,” said Lily. “I suppose they’re the richest crowd at -Miss Allen’s. I’d like to invite them all out to my father’s place on -Long Island, so they can see where I get off!” - -Ruth laughed. “You better not try it,” she said. “Let them do the -inviting.” - -“What are you going to wear to the Sophomore reception?” asked Marjorie -suddenly. - -“My pink organdie. What are you?” - -“My white embroidered voile, I guess.” - -“Will they be fancy enough?” asked Lily. “I expect to wear a blue net -and spangled dress--it’s quite the thing in New York!” - -At this moment, there was a knock at the door, and in answer to -Marjorie’s “Come,” three freshmen, accompanied by Ada Mearns, a -sophomore, entered. - -“These girls were looking for Miss Henry,” said Ada, “and I thought she -might be in here.” - -Ruth jumped up joyfully. “Hulloa!” she exclaimed. “Girls, I want you to -meet Marjorie Wilkinson, and Lily Andrews--Doris Sands, Evelyn Hopkins, -and Mae VanHorn.” - -The girls acknowledged the introduction, and Marjorie invited them to -sit down. - -“No, we simply can’t,” said Doris. “Ruth’s room-mate--Ethel Todd--wants -to take our picture; but we wouldn’t consent to having it without Ruth!” - -“I’m going, too,” said Lily. “I want some fresh air.” - -“Oh, but you’re not dressed,” interposed Ruth, “and we can’t keep Ethel -waiting. I’m sorry--some other time!” - -The four freshmen linked arms, and went out together. - -“Those four girls,” said Ada, lowering her voice, “are the ones -everyone thinks will be invited to join ΦΑΒ.” - -“How can they tell so soon?” asked Lily, with resentment in her voice. -“It isn’t fair! I think everybody ought to have a chance! I haven’t -even met any sorority girls.” - -“Everybody will have a chance, don’t worry. They don’t choose their -candidates till six weeks are over, so they’ll be pretty sure to know -everybody. And, of course, they may change their minds, and drop one or -all of those girls.’” - -“I’d love to make it,” sighed Lily. - -“I’m not going to bother about it,” said Marjorie. “I’m going out for -the hockey team.” - -“Good work!” said Ada. “That’s the spirit!” - -But Ada could not tell from Marjorie’s words how bravely she was -struggling to hide her feelings. - -“We get our regular places at tables in the dining-room to-night,” said -Ada. “Fortunately, they don’t allow any sorority stuff there. The girls -are chosen by lot from each class--four girls from each, and a teacher -besides. Then, after Christmas, we draw all over again.” - -“I do hope I get with some nice girls,” said Lily. - -“Oh, everybody here is nice,” said Ada. “I never met lovelier girls.” -She got up from the bed, where she had been sitting. “I must go,” she -said. “Good-bye--I’ll see you both at the reception to-morrow night, if -not before.” - -She hurried out, and Marjorie and Lily resumed their unpacking. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE SOPHOMORE RECEPTION - - -When the four freshmen left Marjorie’s room, and walked out of the -dormitory to the campus where Ethel Todd and Marian Guard, and other -sophomore members of ΦΑΒ, were waiting with the camera, their whole -bearing expressed pride, as if they wanted to say to the rest of the -school, “We have been singled out by the sorority as the four most -eligible freshmen!” - -Before they reached Ethel and Marian, the former called out, “Hurry up, -girls! We can’t wait all day!” Then, turning to Marian, she said in a -low voice, “Those girls are entirely too sure of themselves.” As they -came closer, she said aloud, “I always photograph a group of girls from -each class to send to mother. But I wish we could get some more girls -into this picture.” - -Ethel looked away for a minute, as if she were thinking. She turned -to her room-mate. “Ruth,” she said, “who was that girl I met you with -yesterday?” - -“Oh--Marjorie Wilkinson?” - -“Was she tall and pretty?” - -“Yes, she’s tall, and I suppose you might call her pretty: she has -light hair and brown eyes!” - -“That’s the girl I mean! Couldn’t you go get her, if I wait a couple of -minutes?” - -“I don’t believe so; I don’t think she’s dressed.” - -“All right,” said Ethel, “I guess you will make a good picture of -freshness!” - -“Are we so very green?” asked Doris, nevertheless highly flattered to -be teased by so important a person as Ethel Todd. - -“Absolutely!” replied Ethel. “Now arrange yourselves in a group.” - -She looked into the camera and saw Ruth, partly hidden behind Doris. -“She wants to be urged to a more prominent position,” thought Ethel, -“but she’s going to get left!” She said nothing and snapped the -picture. Then turning to Marian, “It’s time to dress,” she said; “let’s -go in.” - -Ruth joined them; inwardly thanking her stars that she roomed with -Ethel. - -After they had reached their room, and Marian had left them, Ethel -said, “To-morrow night I want to make it a point to meet this Marjorie -Wilkinson. Will you ask her to come over and go to the reception with -us?” - -“I don’t believe she’d want to; I think I heard her planning to go with -her room-mate.” - -“Well, let her bring her along, too.” - -Ruth burst out laughing. “If you’d ever see her room-mate!” she -exclaimed. “She dresses like a Christmas tree, and she’s always talking -about her father’s money. She’s simply impossible!” - -“Then I shouldn’t think your friend Marjorie would care for her.” - -“Oh, she likes anybody,” said Ruth, anxious to dismiss the other girl -from the mind of her room-mate. “Let’s finish putting up the pictures.” - -“Anyway,” said Ethel, “I want to know Marjorie Wilkinson. She looks -promising.” - -The sophomores had secured the gymnasium for their reception to the -freshmen. All the afternoon of the following day, the committee was -busy with the decorations. The girls had gone into the woods and -returned with their arms full of autumn leaves and wild asters. They -twined branches through the apparatus; they covered the walls with -school banners; and they pinned orange crepe paper over the bright -electric bulbs to soften the glare. At quarter of six, Frances Wright, -the sophomore president, surveyed the hall approvingly. - -“You’d never recognize the old gym, would you?” she remarked to Ethel, -as the girls started toward the door. - -The sophomores all ate rather hastily that evening, in their anxiety -to precede their guests at the reception. Shortly after eight, the -freshmen began to arrive in groups. Ruth, accompanied by her three -friends--Doris Sands, Evelyn Hopkins, and Mae VanHorn, was among the -first to appear. - -Marjorie and Lily came very late. Lily had encountered difficulty in -dressing--“Without mother’s maid to help me,” she had explained to her -room-mate; and Marjorie had patiently waited for her. Almost everyone -else was there when they finally arrived. - -The reception committee had become scattered, but Frances Wright -noticed the newcomers as they entered the room, and went forward to -greet them. - -“We’re awfully glad to see you, girls,” she said cordially. “Will you -forgive me if I ask you your names?” - -“Certainly,” replied Marjorie, graciously complying with the -president’s request. - -“Marjorie Wilkinson!” she repeated. “Oh, yes, I know. You’re the girl -Ethel Todd has been talking about.” - -“Ethel Todd! Ruth Henry’s room-mate?” asked Marjorie, somewhat -surprised. - -“Yes.” - -“But I only met her once----” - -“Well, you must have made an impression. So long as I’m not busy, I’d -like to take you both over to see Ethel.” - -Ethel, Marian Guard, and Lulu Davids, the other sorority sophomores, -were standing talking to Ruth and her three freshmen friends. Frances -walked between Lily and Marjorie, holding an arm of each. Ethel seemed -particularly cordial, and Lily talked fast and loud, realizing that -their group, including as it did, the four ΦΑΒ sophomores, must be the -center of attraction, and the envy of all the other freshmen. - -Just then the musicians struck up a one-step. Ethel asked Marjorie -immediately for a dance, and the two whirled off together. Marian and -Lulu asked Doris and Mae, and Frances Wright excused herself to attend -to some other matters. Ruth and Evelyn stood watching the dancers, as -Lily turned to them. - -“My, aren’t these sorority girls swell?” she said. “I like them a lot, -and I never thought I’d get in with them so quick! But my father said -he bet I’d wear their pin home Thanksgiving!” - -Ruth looked contemptuous, and Evelyn laughed out loud. - -“Let’s dance together,” suggested Ruth, and without even an apology, -they left Lily standing alone. - -At the end of the dance, games were introduced to scatter the groups; -and even Ruth found herself, in a few moments, far away from her -beloved sorority friends. But they managed to get together again for -refreshments. When everybody was seated, Ethel suddenly asked: - -“Where is Marjorie Wilkinson?” - -“She’s over there with some of her freshmen friends,” said Ruth. - -“I’d like to have her with us,” said Ethel. “Ruth, will you go over and -ask her to join our group?” - -Ruth frowned slightly, but rose obediently to do as Ethel requested. -She showed rather plainly, however, that she did not especially want -Marjorie, and the latter was quick to recognize her feeling. - -“No, thank you!” said Marjorie. “It’s very kind of Miss Todd, but I -can’t leave Lily, and the other girls I am with.” - -“I’ll go,” said Lily, “even if Marjorie doesn’t care to!” She rose and -slipped her fat arm, covered with expensive bracelets, into Ruth’s. -“It’s such fun!” she exclaimed. - -Ethel expressed her disappointment. “Well, then, I am going over to -talk to her,” she said. “Don’t you want to come with me, Marian?” - -As both girls rose, Lily announced, “I believe I’ll change my mind, and -go back again, so that I’ll be with Marjorie when it’s time to go home.” - -Everyone laughed, as Lily tagged along after the two sophomores. Ruth -turned to Doris. - -“Isn’t it too bad, to have all our plans spoiled?” she asked. - -“You mean about the sorority?” - -“Yes.” She lowered her voice, and Mae and Evelyn drew their chairs -nearer to the others. - -“You see,” continued Ruth, “up till to-night, the ΦΑΒ girls haven’t -been paying attention to anybody except us four girls; and I felt -pretty sure we’d be chosen. Now, if they get interested in Marjorie -Wilkinson, one of us is sure to be left out.” - -“That’s so!” exclaimed Mae. - -“What we ought to do,” announced Ruth, “is all stick together--and if -they don’t ask all of us, then none of us will join!” - -“I don’t approve of that,” pouted Evelyn. “There are thirty-five girls -in the Freshman Class, and they can ask four entirely different girls -from any of us. I, for one, intend to join if I am asked.” - -“You’re not very loyal!” exclaimed Ruth. - -“How about your loyalty?” snapped Evelyn. “Wasn’t Marjorie Wilkinson -your friend? And now aren’t you doing your best to work against her?” - -Ruth did not answer this accusation. The situation was relieved by the -orchestra starting to play. - -“There’s the music for the last waltz,” said Doris. “I guess we might -as well dance it together, Ruth.” - -But before the girls got started, Ethel came back again. “I want this -dance with my room-mate,” she said, taking Ruth’s hand. - -Ruth looked up happily, and they started off together. - -“And I’m going to take you home,” she said; “each sophomore takes a -freshman.” - -As Ruth hurried up the stairs to get her cloak, she met Marjorie. -“Hasn’t it been wonderful?” she whispered. - -“Yes, indeed,” answered Marjorie enthusiastically. - -“And Ethel is taking me home!” said Ruth triumphantly. “I thought she -would want to take you, she seemed so struck with you! By the way, who -is taking you?” she asked. - -“I had the last dance with Frances Wright, and she offered to walk over -with me.” - -“Phew!” exclaimed Ruth. “The President of the Sophomore Class, and a -ΦΑΒ girl besides!” - -“She’s a nice girl,” said Marjorie simply; “and I have enjoyed my -evening.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE STOLEN MEETING - - -The spirit of rivalry, which had temporarily given way to one of -courtesy for the night of the sophomore-freshmen reception, returned -again with full force as soon as the party was over. Although no -regular hazing was permitted, the sophomores usually enjoyed the -privilege of ordering the younger girls to obey their commands. - -The struggle between the classes lasted only six weeks, and might -be ended before that time if the freshmen succeeded in holding a -class meeting within that period, and electing a president with due -formality. All the conditions regarding the conduct of the meeting were -printed in large type and hung on the principal Bulletin Boards. - -Ruth, who had always been a ring-leader in affairs of this nature, took -particular interest in the event. She had discussed it many times with -Evelyn and Mae, but neither she, nor in fact any other members of her -class, had decided upon any definite action. - -About a week after the sophomore reception, she paused on her way to -Marjorie’s room to read the notice again. She almost knew it by heart; -nevertheless, she read it over again carefully to see that she had -missed nothing. It said: - - “FRESHMEN PLEASE NOTE: - - “The following rules concerning the election of a class - president must be observed: - - “1. The meeting must be held on the school grounds - within six weeks’ time after the opening of the fall - term. - - “2. There must be at least two-thirds of the members of - the class present to make the meeting valid. - - “3. A president must be elected by a majority vote; at - least two candidates must be nominated. - - “4. The sophomores may do all in their power to prevent - or break up such a meeting. - - “5. If the freshman class fails to hold said meeting - within the alloted time, a committee of three must be - sent to the sophomore president to beg on bended knees - for permission to hold their meeting.” - -Ruth closed her lips tightly, resolving to do something--and to do it -immediately. She hurried to Marjorie’s room. - -“I tell you our class is as slow as molasses!” she exclaimed. “We’ve -got to do something about our class-meeting.” - -Marjorie fingered her hockey-stick, and looked questioningly at her -visitor. Her mind was still on forward passes, and she did not quite -take in what she was saying. - -“There’s no hurry, is there?” she asked, without much display of -interest. “Isn’t there lots of time yet?” - -“I should say not!” answered Ruth, crossly. “Two weeks have gone -already--we only have four more!” - -“Oh, four weeks is an age! I wish you would pay more attention to -hockey, Ruth. Our class hasn’t any good players at all.” - -“Now listen, Marj, I’m not here to talk about hockey. I’m going to do -something about electing our class president. Who do you think would be -good?” - -“I don’t know many girls very well. Who do _you_ think?” - -“Why, how about yourself, Marj?” - -Marjorie scorned the idea. “I’d never make it,” she said positively. -“Besides, hockey takes all my time.” - -Ruth hoped that Marjorie might suggest her in return for the -compliment, but she was forced to leave the room ungratified. - -She received more encouragement from Evelyn, however. - -“I mean to nominate you, Ruth, if we ever get the meeting,” said her -friend. - -“Thanks, Eve--then I’ll nominate you!” - -The other girl laughed. “What fun to run against each other!” she -exclaimed. - -“Of course, it isn’t only the honor of being class president, but they -say she is always chosen by ΦΑΒ. They couldn’t afford to let a girl -like that go by!” - -Ruth rallied her forces, and finally succeeded in passing word around -that all the freshmen should steal into the assembly room as soon as -the lights went off the following night, which was Saturday. - -Marjorie and Lily did not pretend to undress, but Ruth, in order to -deceive Ethel, went to bed as usual. Her classmates had advised her -not to make any attempt to attend the meeting if Ethel seemed at all -suspicious; they reminded her that eleven girls out of the thirty-five -freshmen could be absent, and that she might be one of that number. - -But Ruth could not force herself to lie still and miss everything. She -had arranged the meeting; she hoped to be nominated for the office; and -she could not be content to remain away. Accordingly, after the lights -were out, and she and Ethel were both in bed, she stirred cautiously -and looked to see whether her room-mate were awake. Unfortunately, she -was. - -“Ethel,” she whispered, “Marjorie had a headache, and I want to take -her over some of your aspirin pills. I forgot to do it before I got -undressed. Where are they?” - -“In the top drawer,” replied her room-mate, sleepily. “But, Ruth, it’s -against the rules to go off the floor after ten.” - -“I know, but--poor Marjorie is suffering!” - -“Well, she could go to the infirmary. The night nurse would take care -of her.” - -“But I promised, and I mean to stick to it. You don’t mind?” - -Ethel watched her go out of the door, and buried her head again in her -pillow. The night was rather chilly, and she was glad she did not have -to creep around cold corridors. - -Suddenly she sat up in bed. Why was Ruth doing this? She wasn’t usually -so solicitous about Marjorie; she certainly was willing to slight -her at the reception the previous week! Ethel forgot all about the -chilliness of the night, and her own sleepiness. She put on her shoes -and stockings, and reached for her middy and skirt. Then, seizing a -sweater, she rushed up to Frances Wright’s door on the third floor. - -She opened her friend’s door cautiously. “Wake up, Frances!” she said. -“It’s Ethel--I think the freshmen have something up. Ruth’s gone!” - -Frances jumped out of bed. “Where?” she asked excitedly. - -“I don’t know--you better blow your whistle!” - -“I daren’t at night; it’s against the rules.” - -Ethel gasped. “Well, then hurry,” she said. - -“I’ll go look in the class and assembly rooms, and you wake up the -other squads to search the dormitories.” - -By this time Frances was already dressed, and the girls started out -together. - -She knocked three times on the sophomores’ doors as she passed, thus -substituting the night signal in place of the whistle she used in the -day time. - -The freshmen had chosen an unfortunate place for their meeting; it was -too obvious; and they could not keep down their voices. Ruth was trying -to count the girls, but since the assembly room was almost perfectly -dark, she found this a difficult thing to do. - -When she had finally ascertained that two-thirds of the members of the -class were present, she called for order, and announced: “Nominations -are in order!” - -“They are not!” cried Ethel, throwing on the switch. - -The freshmen could only gasp at the suddenness of the interruption and -the light. The spectacle they presented, with their hair down, and in -their unconventional clothing, contrasted oddly with the usual dignity -of assembly room audiences. Ethel laughed out loud. - -It was only a moment before the light attracted a crowd of sophomores, -and the meeting had to disband. Just as the girls were leaving Miss -Allen appeared, demanding an explanation. She ordered all the girls -back to their rooms, and warned them that if a night meeting were ever -attempted again, the practice would have to be given up. - -At the beginning of the fourth week of school, the freshmen made -another attempt to hold their meeting, and this time, with the help of -several of the juniors, their attempt was successful. - -Edith Evans, an upper classman, stood out under the big tree on the -campus and waved a white handkerchief, which the freshmen interpreted -as a summons to the library basement, secured for the occasion. The -time for the meeting was selected at an hour when the sophomores were -on the hockey field. - -Edith Evans counted the freshmen as they entered the library; as soon -as there were twenty-four, she went inside, and took charge of the -nominations. Doris Sands, the prettiest, and at the same time one of -the most popular girls of the class, was already elected president, -when Ruth and Evelyn arrived on the scene. - -“Who were nominated?” asked the former, breathlessly. - -“Doris Sands and Rita Wilds. Of course Doris got it,” replied the -freshman she had questioned. “She’d get it, no matter who else was put -up.” - -Ruth turned away hastily, for she could not keep back the tears. Evelyn -saw her disappointment, and decided to leave her alone. But before she -had reached the door, it was flung open, and half a dozen sophomores, -with their hockey sticks in their hands, rushed in. - -“Too late!” cried Edith triumphantly. “The freshmen have elected Doris -Sands for their president!” - -A groan arose from the defeated girls. Frances Wright was the first to -put aside the class antagonism, and to remember her manners. - -“Congratulations, Doris!” she said, coming forward and shaking hands. - -By this time Ruth had control of herself again; she resolved not to -let Ethel know that she had ever hoped for the office. She found her -among the group around Doris, and the girls walked back to their room -together. - -“I’m not surprised that Doris was elected,” said Ethel, as she unlaced -her hockey shoes. “I always thought she would be!” - -“So did I,” agreed Ruth pleasantly. “She’s the girl we all wanted from -the first!” - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE SORORITY PARTY - - -Five weeks of school had gone by--five happy weeks, filled with all -sorts of new experiences for Ruth and Marjorie. Pledge-day, the day to -which every freshman looked forward, was only one week off! - -Although the ΦΑΒ girls had singled out certain individuals as their -favorites by inviting them for walks and occasional visits to their -rooms, they had as yet given no formal party for which invitations had -been issued. And, since it was understood that such a party was an -event to be expected, almost every girl in the class cherished the hope -of finding an attractive envelope in her letter box very soon. - -As the time for pledging the freshmen drew near, Ruth became especially -uneasy. Ethel had not paid much attention to her lately, and she lived -in constant dread lest she should not be included among the guests for -the ΦΑΒ party,--an omission which would be a sure indication that she -would not be invited to join the sorority. - -But Marjorie had taken little interest in such affairs. She became -greatly absorbed in athletics; she bent all her energy toward making -the hockey team. - -To add to her interest in athletics, she became infatuated with Miss -Phillips, the gym-teacher, a young woman just out of college, whose -clear, bright eyes and pink cheeks radiated health. She seemed, indeed, -a living example of the wholesome life she advocated. Besides this, -Miss Phillips had a charm all her own; she inspired the girls with a -greater love of athletics than they would otherwise have had. - -And so Marjorie, after the first two or three days, had not given much -thought to the sorority; in fact, she had even neglected her chances -of making it in her zeal for hockey practice. Once or twice Ethel Todd -had come to her room to ask her to go for a walk; but she had refused -because Miss Phillips expected her on the hockey field. - -On one of these occasions, after Ethel had left the room, Lily looked -at Marjorie as if she could not understand her action. - -“I wish I had your chances,” she sighed. “I’d make the sorority in a -minute!” - -“You’d be better off if you made the hockey team,” remarked Marjorie. -“You need some good, stiff exercise, Lily!” - -“I know you think I’m too fat, but I can’t help it. And my father says -it’s all right--he likes fat girls!” - -“You eat too many sweets, and you sit inside too much!” - -“I’m always hoping Ethel Todd or Frances Wright will come for me to -take a walk, and I’d hate to miss either of them.” - -“Nonsense!” exclaimed Marjorie; “if they wanted you very badly, they’d -make it a point to come when you’re here. Don’t bother your head with -them! Promise me you’ll go out for athletics every day!” - -“Oh, I couldn’t do that!” Lily protested. - -Marjorie sighed. She turned toward the door, and put her hand on the -knob. - -“I’m going down to see if we got any mail,” she remarked, as she turned -it. - -As Marjorie looked through the glass door of her post-office box, she -saw a tiny, pale-pink envelope, which appeared very interesting. “It -must be an invitation!” she thought, as she excitedly tore open the -paper. - - The ΦΑΒ Sorority requests the pleasure of Miss Marjorie Wilkinson’s - presence next Saturday afternoon at two-thirty at the home of - Mrs. Walter Johnson, 109 Maple Avenue. - R.S.V.P. to Mrs. Johnson. - -Marjorie wrinkled her brows. “What can this mean?” she muttered. “The -sorority must be inviting all of us freshmen, so they can give us a -last looking over before pledge-day! Why, I believe that comes next -week!” - -As she walked slowly out of the school post-office, she met Ruth, -entering hastily. - -“Hulloa!” greeted Ruth. “Wait a minute, Marj; I’ll walk with you.” - -She found a similar envelope in her box, and opened it. She said -nothing about its contents to Marjorie, but looked happy and mysterious. - -“I suppose you got an invitation for Saturday afternoon?” Marjorie -asked. - -Ruth opened her mouth in surprise. “Yes; did you?” - -“Yes; I wondered if the ΦΑΒ girls were inviting the whole freshman -class.” - -Ruth looked scared. “Oh, it couldn’t be that!” she exclaimed. Then -suddenly her face brightened. - -“Lily didn’t get an invitation in your letter-box, did she?” - -“No,” answered Marjorie, “mine was the only letter there.” - -Ruth smiled happily. “I’m so excited, Marj,” she said, putting her arm -around the other girl’s waist. “Wouldn’t it be great if we’d both make -it?” - -“Yes,” said Marjorie doubtfully, as if she saw little hope of such a -possibility. “Of course you will, but I don’t believe I shall. They -don’t know me. They must have invited more than four girls to their -party; then they will pick out the ones they want and ask them for next -week.” - -“Let’s go see if we can find out who else got invitations,” suggested -Ruth. - -Arm in arm the girls walked down the path in front of the school. -It was a beautiful bright day in October, and they both felt very -happy--Marjorie more so because she was with her old friend Ruth, than -because she had been invited to the ΦΑΒ party. After they had walked -about five minutes, they met Evelyn, Doris, and Mae, who stopped to -chat. - -“The bids are out!” said Mae excitedly. “Of course you got one?” - -“Yes,” answered Ruth. - -Doris looked embarrassed. In truth, she was afraid Marjorie had not, -and she did not want to hurt her feelings. - -But Ruth continued, “Marjorie and I each got one! I suppose all you -girls got them, too?” - -“Yes, yes!” they answered. - -“Isn’t that funny?” said Mae. “Could it be that they intend to ask five -freshmen to join, instead of four?” - -“No,” replied Doris, “they have invited more girls this week than will -get the final bids next week. I was just talking to Anna Cane, the new -girl who arrived here lately from that California seminary, and she -told me she was invited. Poor girl! She’s awfully innocent; she doesn’t -understand a bit about secret societies. They didn’t have any in the -boarding-school she came from. I really think we ought to coach her!” - -“Let her look out for herself,” said Ruth. “We didn’t have anybody to -help us, did we?” - -“No, I guess not,” admitted Doris. - -“It all seems silly!” exclaimed Marjorie. “If I ever did get invited to -join it, I’d try to change it into something with honor attached to it. -Why, as it is, it’s merely chance, whether you get invited, or not.” - -“No, it isn’t!” said Evelyn. “The girls know who they want.” - -“Let’s walk,” said Marjorie. “I want to sign up an hour’s exercise.” - -“What seems so foolish to me,” she continued, “is that you daren’t -mention it to the girls who are in it. Now, if you four girls are asked -to join, and I’m not, I will never dare talk about the sorority to you.” - -“That makes it all the more fun,” said Ruth. - -“Perhaps for those in it. But think of the dozens of girls like Lily -who are just eating their hearts out because they aren’t asked, and -never would be.” - -“What kind of society would _you_ have?” asked Doris diplomatically. - -“Well, I’d have one that only takes in the all-around girl--first -she’d have to be excellent in her studies; then good in athletics; and -finally, generally popular. Then, if the society did interesting things -like take hikes, and study nature and first-aid, and maybe go camping -in the summer, it would be worth-while!” - -Ruth laughed. “I’m glad you aren’t the boss, Marj! I guess I wouldn’t -have much chance of making it.” - -Meeting one or two other freshmen who joined the group, the girls -dropped the subject. - -Saturday dawned clear and mild. The freshmen decided to go together, -and met downstairs near the big lamp in the hall. Marjorie was the last -to arrive. - -The girls were all dressed simply and in good taste--in summer dresses -and light sweaters. It was so warm that no one wore a hat. Marjorie -alone wore a dark dress, a becoming brown crepe-de-chine, which made -her look tall and slender. Her hair was arranged in a long plait--none -of the freshmen wore theirs up yet--and her brown eyes looked -especially soft and beautiful. - -The six girls were in high spirits. Marjorie, who did not expect to be -invited to join, and Anna, who did not know anything about pledge-day, -each thought it was lovely to be included; Doris, Ruth, Evelyn, and -Mae, were each secretly sure of being one of the lucky four, but -nevertheless were nervously self-conscious. - -The house where the party was held was decorated with chrysanthemums -and brightly colored autumn leaves, and although the day was rather -mild, a cheerful fire was burning in the fireplace to dispel any -indication of dampness. Ethel Todd and Frances Wright, two of the -sophomores, received the girls and introduced them to the hostess and -the other members of the Alumnæ who were present. - -There were tables containing miscellaneous games for a progressive -“Salmigundi,” and the victrola was playing a waltz. The girls took -seats together on the sofa in the corner. - -“Here!” said the hostess, standing before them, “this won’t do! You -freshmen are the guests of honor. Each one of you is to sit at a -separate table and get acquainted.” - -The freshmen scattered; the hostess rang a bell and the games began. - -Marjorie sat at a table where the girls speared peanuts in a bowl with -hatpins. Ruth, at the table next, was endeavoring to pick up dried -beans with two skewers. The games were so ridiculous that soon everyone -was laughing and feeling at ease. - -After the girls had progressed all around the room, the bell was rung -and the score cards collected. Marjorie was surprised to be awarded the -prize--a beautiful bunch of violets. - -“You certainly are smart,” said Ethel, “to get all those points.” - -“No,” said Marjorie, “I’m just lucky! I love games. I guess that is why -I’m so crazy about athletics.” - -“But maybe the gym teacher has something to do with that,” teased Ruth. - -After refreshments were served, the girls sang some school songs, and a -few danced together out in the spacious hall. Before they realized it, -the clock struck half-past five. - -“Oh, I must go!” exclaimed Marjorie. “Lily will be wondering what has -become of me.” - -“Lily!” said Ruth contemptuously, “you don’t mean to say you bother -with her?” - -“Why, yes, of course; she’s my room-mate.” - -“Such a girl! I never could be nice to her. Nobody likes her.” - -The freshmen thanked their hostess for the lovely time, and walked back -together. - -“Wasn’t it perfect?” exclaimed Marjorie. - -“Oh, I wonder who will be asked to join?” said Ruth with a sigh. - -“Join what?” asked Anna. - -Doris explained all about the sorority, and Anna listened in amazement. -“Well, I’ll never be asked,” she said. “They must think I’m terribly -fresh, because I guess I often asked questions that are tabooed. Would -you apologize?” - -“No,” replied Doris, “just wait. I think the girls understand.” - -At that moment, Miss Phillips passed, and already Marjorie had -forgotten sororities in her interest in the morrow’s hockey game. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -PLEDGE-DAY - - -When Marjorie returned from the party, she found Lily in tears. - -“You’re awfully late,” she sobbed, “and I’ve been so lonely.” - -“I’m sorry,” said Marjorie, “do you want to hear about the party?” - -Lily raised her head from the pillow. “I don’t care--if you want to -tell me, and it isn’t a secret, or anything.” - -Marjorie began to tell about their good time. Suddenly she stopped, and -looked hastily at her watch. “You better hurry and dress, Lily!” she -advised. “It’s five minutes of six. You’ll be late for supper!” - -“I don’t want any--I couldn’t go in the dining-room like this; my eyes -are a sight!” - -“Well, I’ll ask if I can bring you some supper up here.” - -“No--I’m not hungry. I’ve been eating chocolates. Father sent me -another five-pound box.” - -“Oh, Lily! why did you eat them? Can’t you just eat them after meals? -Your digestion will be ruined, and besides you’ll never be able to play -hockey, or swim in the pool.” - -“I don’t want to play hockey or swim!” she exclaimed. “I hate -athletics. And I loathe Miss Phillips. Every time I see her, she says -something about ‘chocolate éclairs and cream puffs.’” - -Marjorie sighed. The dinner bell sounded. “Well, I’ll have to go,” she -said. “I’ll tell you more about the party after supper.” She paused and -unpinned her bunch of violets. “I want you to have half,” she said as -she divided them. “They were the prize--I won them.” - -“Thanks, awfully, Marjorie,” said Lily, smiling again. “Don’t leave me -long; and, oh, Marjorie, if you do make the sorority, promise to help -get me in it.” - -“I can’t do that, dear. They only take four girls from each class, and -there wouldn’t be a vacancy unless somebody died or left the seminary.” - -“Then promise me you’ll always be my friend.” - -“If you’ll promise to eat less candy, and go out more for athletics,” -she answered. - -“I will; I will, honestly,” said Lily earnestly. - -Marjorie stooped and kissed her. “I don’t think I’ll make the sorority, -but if I should, it wouldn’t make any difference between us,” she said. - -“Lily has improved,” thought Marjorie, as she walked down the hall, -“but there’s room for a lot more. If only she wouldn’t think so much -about herself. If girls would go in hard for athletics when they’re -blue or morbid, they’d soon get over it.” - -At the corner she met Ethel Todd. Just as Ethel was about to say -something, Miss Phillips hurried up to her. - -“Marjorie Wilkinson!” she said, “can you come to my table to talk over -the hockey team this evening?” - -Ethel’s face fell. “Oh, I was just going to invite Marjorie to our -table--I got Miss Allen’s permission. Can’t she go with you some other -time?” - -But Marjorie turned to Ethel, and shook her head. Her eyes sparkled -with excitement, as she glanced again at Miss Phillips. “Thanks -awfully, Ethel,” she said, “but you see, if I don’t go with Miss -Phillips, it will be too late to discuss the team. And besides,” she -added, smiling, “it’s such an honor to be invited by a teacher!” - -Miss Phillips beamed. “I admire your pluck, Marjorie,” she said, after -Ethel had gone off. “There aren’t many girls who would turn down an -ΦΑΒ girl for a teacher!” - -“But I like the teacher better,” she said shyly, as she slipped her arm -into Miss Phillips’s, and walked with her into the dining-room. - -The next day was set aside for the freshman picnic. Miss Phillips and -Miss Landis, the chaperones, guided the girls along a winding path -which led into a deep pine woods. - -“What a wonderful place!” cried Marjorie. - -“Yes,” agreed Miss Phillips enthusiastically, “and the beauty of it is -that it’s just as nice in winter as at any other time, because it is -always secluded from the wind, and the trees never change.” - -“I am going to make a map of it,” said Marjorie. “My brother showed me -how the Boy Scouts make them.” - -Ruth looked scornful. “Marjorie, you are interested in such queer -things!” she said. - -Mae was standing beside Ruth. “Girls,” she said to Ruth and Marjorie in -a low tone, “our crowd is over here under the trees--we’re going to eat -together. Will you both come?” - -Marjorie was rather surprised to be included in what Mae had designated -as “Our crowd,” but she was very glad to be with Ruth. They all walked -over to the spot indicated by Mae, and found Evelyn, Doris, and Anna, -untying packages of lunch. - -Ruth became very gay. “Girls,” she said, “I feel that we ought to stick -together to-day, for this is our last chance. To-morrow, of course, is -pledge-day--and by supper time, we’ll be divided--and two of us will be -left out of the crowd. So let’s be friends as long as we can!” - -“Surely you don’t mean that, do you, Ruth?” asked Anna. “Why can’t we -keep on all being friends, even if four of you are pledged to ΦΑΒ, and -two of us are not?” - -“Anna certainly is modest!” exclaimed Evelyn. “She includes herself -amongst those left out.” - -Anna blushed. “I never have expected to make the sorority,” she said, -“ever since Doris told me about it; but I don’t see why I should lose -all your friendships for that reason.” - -“Of course not,” said Marjorie emphatically. “Let’s be sensible. We’re -too good friends for that. Why, that would mean a sorority girl could -have only three friends in her own class.” - -“Let’s promise to go on just as we are,” said Doris, sweetly, “and if -we don’t make it ourselves, be glad for the ones that do.” - -“That’s easy for you to say,” snapped Evelyn. “You’re President of the -class, and you know she’s always chosen!” - -Mae changed the subject. “Does anyone know how they make the bids?” she -asked. - -“Yes, I do,” said Ruth. “One of the girls from home who went here, told -me. You see to-morrow’s Saturday, and so, after lunch, if it’s a nice -day, the girls usually go for a walk in the garden. Of course, you -don’t have to--you can stay in your room if you like. Well, anyway, -the ΦΑΒ girls meet in the room of one of the senior or junior members -at two o’clock, and begin to vote. They say sometimes they have an -awful lot of voting--I guess like the primary elections my father tells -about--because each new member has to be elected unanimously, so they -often vote over and over again. Then, as soon as they have decided on -the candidates, the four sophomores are each sent to get a freshman who -has been voted in.” - -“My goodness! How exciting!” exclaimed Anna. - -“I don’t think, though,” continued Ruth, “that a girl usually stays out -in the garden unless she either is sure of being asked or of not being -asked.” - -“What do you mean?” asked Doris. - -“Well, of course, you, Doris, would go out in the garden, because -everybody knows you’ll be asked; and Lily Andrews, for instance, could -go out, because nobody expects her to be invited; but all doubtful -people like Marjorie, and Anna, and me--why, we’d feel humiliated if we -were out there and weren’t taken. So I for one am going to stay in my -room.” - -“Oh, but I want to see the fun,” objected Marjorie. “And I sha’n’t mind -not being invited.” - -“Marjorie Wilkinson!” exclaimed Ruth, “you know that is not the -truth--you’re just dying to write home and say you are an ΦΑΒ Pledge!” - -“Maybe I am,” admitted Marjorie. - -“Am what?” inquired Lily, approaching the group, in search of her -room-mate. - -“Am full!” laughed Marjorie. “I can’t stuff another bite.” - -“Sit down, Lily,” said Doris politely. “We want to talk over the -freshman hockey team.” - -Lily did as she was requested, and the girls chatted gaily until Miss -Phillips announced that it was time to pack up. - -The next day was one of great excitement. Thirty-five freshmen girls -were eagerly waiting to see who would be the lucky four. Naturally -everyone expected the candidates to be chosen from the six who had been -invited to the party; but every girl cherished in her heart the hope -of a joyful surprise. Once, it was whispered, a girl whom no one had -thought of had been asked. Why not again? - -Marjorie was secretly excited, but she did not admit it. After lunch, -instead of walking on the campus, she went over to the gym to Miss -Phillips’s office, where she could watch proceedings out of the window, -and at the same time, help her favorite teacher with some work. - -Ruth went up to her own room and tried to write letters. Doris, Mae, -and Anna, strolled out in the garden, and Evelyn went to the library to -read. Lily looked in vain for Marjorie, and finally went up to her room -and sat where she could see the door, listening for every step. - -The clock on the library door chimed half-past two. Nothing had -happened, except that all the sorority girls were missing. The groups -of girls on the campus began to come closer together, to center around -the side porch. - -The clock chimed quarter of the hour. Still nothing happened. The girls -kept walking closer and closer. One or two girls, tired of waiting, -went into the house. Then, just as the clock struck three, Frances -Wright, the sophomore President, opened the side door and came out on -the porch. - -The groups all stopped, breathless. Then they tried not to watch, to -look unconcerned, and to talk naturally, though everybody was pretty -sure they knew where Frances was headed. Looking straight ahead, she -walked down the porch steps, across the path, and over to the big elm -where Doris, Mae, and Anna were sitting on the seat around the tree. - -With only a word from Frances, Doris rose and took the arm she -extended, and both girls disappeared into the house. - -Everybody drew a deep breath, and began to talk excitedly. Anna and Mae -were trembling. - -“Let’s join those freshmen over there!” suggested Anna. “Suppose you -were taken--I’d be left sitting here alone, and I’d feel so funny!” - -“All right,” agreed Mae; but before they had put their words into -action, Marian Guard and Lulu Davids, two other sophomore ΦΑΒs, came -out of the building and walked directly towards them. They went through -the same proceeding as Frances, and Anna and Mae accompanied them back -into the house. - -Excitement now ran high. Who was to be the fourth girl? Undoubtedly -Ruth Henry! Where was she? Everybody looked around, but she was nowhere -to be seen. - -“Of course, she’s in her room,” said one freshman; “and Ethel Todd’s -the only sophomore left, so she’ll go there to get her--and we’ll miss -seeing it. I call that mean!” - -By quarter after three, the crowd became restless, and presuming that -Ruth had been asked from her room, they started to move towards the -door. Suddenly it opened, and Ethel Todd appeared. Passing the groups -almost as if she saw no one, she followed the path to the gym. The -girls watched her open the door, and disappear, and in a minute she -reappeared with--Marjorie Wilkinson! - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -OUTSIDERS - - -When quarter after three came and Ethel had not come to the room for -Ruth, she thought there must be something wrong. - -“It may take longer than they expected,” she kept telling herself over -and over, as she tried to fasten her attention on the letter she was -writing to her aunt. - -Then, gradually she became aware of a stir outside the door. The girls -were returning in groups. She could hear their footsteps and even their -voices plainly, for she had left the door open a crack to hear Ethel’s -step in case she should come. - -And then the realization came over her that it was all over, and that -she had not been asked! Could it be true? Ruth suddenly felt weak. -Nothing mattered now. How would she ever tell the folks at home? She -had written so much about the girls, and the sorority; she would be -ashamed to tell them she had lost out. - -At that moment, she heard a group of girls stop in front of the door -next to hers, and the freshman who lived there, and who had been lying -down all afternoon with a sick headache, came out into the hall. - -“Who were asked?” Ruth heard her inquire. - -And then she listened to the names--names among which hers was not -included. Her head positively swam, as the other freshman answered, -“Doris Sands, Anna Cane, Mae VanHorn, and Marjorie Wilkinson!” - -Ruth did not listen to the description of the proceedings that -followed. “Marjorie Wilkinson!” she muttered, and buried her face in -the sofa pillow, and wept. - -In Lily Andrews’s room, a similar scene was taking place. She had -retired there soon after lunch with a magazine and her ever-present box -of chocolates, and had left the door open and waited. Once or twice -she had perched herself upon the window sill to watch developments in -the garden, and at one of these times she had witnessed Frances Wright -approach and claim Doris Sands. Then she had gone back to her chair and -waited. - -In about fifteen minutes she thought she was rewarded. Her heart beat -fast as she heard footsteps approach her door and stop; then a knock -sounded on the half-open door. - -Trembling, she answered, “Come!” - -It was Ethel Todd! - -But Lily’s hopes were to fall as quickly as they had arisen. Ethel -apologized for the interruption. - -“I’m sorry to bother you, Lily; but can you tell me where to find -Marjorie?” - -“Yes, she must have gone over to the gym to help Miss Phillips make out -her records.” - -Ethel thanked her, and went out. Lily, like Ruth, wept; but there was -no bitterness in her tears, only disappointment. “If I couldn’t make it -myself,” she sobbed, “I’d rather have Marjorie get it than any other -girl.” - -Meanwhile the four freshmen were taken into the senior member’s room, -where absolute darkness prevailed. They were commanded to sit upon -the floor, and sat down on something very soft, which they afterwards -discovered to be flour. - -In a hollow voice, one of the Juniors read: - -“Proclamation of the ΦΑΒ Sorority, October 30th, 1920-- - -“Be it understood that Doris Sands, Anna Cane, Mae VanHorn, and -Marjorie Wilkinson are hereby pledged as members of the ΦΑΒ Sorority. -They must submit themselves to all rules of the sorority, and keep -everything absolutely secret. If they comply with these terms, they -shall, in three weeks’ time, be initiated as regular members. Will you -hereby sign your acceptance of these terms?” - -The freshmen were handed a large book; each girl signed, and a seal was -made after her name. Then they were blindfolded and put through two or -three initiation stunts. - -By four o’clock, the proceedings were over, and refreshments were -served. Each girl was presented with a tiny silver pledge-pin which she -wore on the left side of her shirtwaist. - -When all was over, Marjorie went back to her room almost dazed. It -seemed impossible that she could not go tell Ruth about it--why, Ruth -hadn’t made it--she must be unhappy! And poor Lily! Surely she didn’t -expect to make it--and yet--well, she would do her best to console her. - -She was hardly inside the room, and had just noticed Lily lying on her -couch in tears, when Mae VanHorn ran up to her. - -“Oh, Marjorie,” she said, “do come out for a walk with me. I’m simply -dying to talk it over with somebody. Besides, I have to get away from -my room-mate (Mae roomed with Evelyn); she’s so blue I can’t stand her -company!” - -Marjorie glanced at Lily. “Thanks, Mae,” she said, “but I can’t leave -Lily; she’s been alone all afternoon.” - -Mae pouted and stood still. - -“Marjorie,” she said, “why couldn’t you and I fix it up to room -together? Evelyn and Lily might as well be together.” - -Lily looked up, frightened. Evelyn Hopkins had treated her more rudely -than any other girl in the school, with the possible exception of Ruth; -so the prospect was not a pleasant one for her. - -But Marjorie shook her head. “Thank you, Mae,” she said, “but I want to -stay with Lily.” - -Lily jumped up. “Marjorie,” she said between her sobs, “if you want to -room with Mae, you do it--I’ll manage somehow!” - -Marjorie went over and put her arm around her. - -“No, dear,” she said, “I don’t want to room with anybody but you. Now, -Mae, won’t you sit down?” - -“No; I think I’ll go look for Doris. Good-bye!” - -“Good-bye!” answered Marjorie. - -“I’m so glad you made it, Marjorie,” said Lily, drying her eyes. - -“Thank you, Lily, I really believe you are. And it makes it ever so -much nicer for me. But I want you to know that except for the meetings -and parties, I’m never going to leave you for the sorority girls.” - -They talked for a while, going over the events of the afternoon. Lily -started to dress for supper. Suddenly turning to Marjorie, she said: - -“I’ve made a new resolution. From to-day on, I give up candy and sweets -between meals. And I’m going to practice for full-back on the team. Do -you think there’s any chance of my making it?” - -“Splendid!” exclaimed her room-mate. “Yes, there is no one to -substitute for Mildred Warren, in case she gets sick. And Lily, -couldn’t you go out for swimming? Each class is supposed to have six -girls on the team; and positively, our class is awful!” - -“Yes, I’ll try,” said Lily, “but I don’t believe I could ever learn to -swim.” - -“Of course you could!” said Marjorie; and the two girls linked arms, -and went down into the dining-room together. - -After supper, Lily went over to another freshman’s room to study -French, so Marjorie slipped out and went to see Ruth. She found her -alone. - -“Hulloa!” said Ruth, unenthusiastically. “Won’t you sit down?” - -“Thanks,” said Marjorie, accepting her invitation. - -They discussed lessons and hockey, and finally Ruth came to the topic -that was uppermost in both their minds. - -“How does it feel to be an ΦΑΒ?” she asked. - -“I’m not!” - -“What?” asked Ruth, excitedly. A vain hope that Marjorie had turned -down her bid ran through her mind. - -“I’m only pledged,” said Marjorie. “We’re not going to be taken in till -just before Thanksgiving. Lots of things might happen between then and -now.” - -“Have you written home yet?” - -“No, of course not; there hasn’t been time.” - -“I should think you would have written the minute you got back to your -room.” - -“No, there was too much to explain. I never told the family much about -the sorority, because I didn’t expect to make it!” - -“I wish I hadn’t told them so much,” sighed Ruth. “They won’t -understand why I failed.” - -“To tell you the truth, I don’t either, Ruth,--why they ever decided on -me instead of you or Evelyn is a mystery to me!” - -“It was your indifference, Marjorie. They had to run after you. It was -a clever stroke on your part.” - -Marjorie flushed angrily. “Clever stroke!” she exclaimed. “I never -thought a thing about it. I was too crazy about hockey--and Miss -Phillips!” - -“Well, now I suppose you won’t care to keep up our old friendship,” -said Ruth. - -“I just told Lily, and I’ll tell you--it won’t make one bit of -difference between my friends and me because I belong to the sorority.” - -Ruth drew herself up proudly. “You needn’t class me with Lily -Andrews--and go with me out of pity! I won’t stand for that!” - -“Don’t, Ruth! Please! But I do care for Lily for her own sake. She’s -going to make a dandy girl, only her parents have brought her up -all wrong. When she begins to lose some of her laziness, and dress -decently, and be interested in something besides herself and her -father’s money--why, you’ll see that there’s really a lot to Lily. -She’s so loyal, and so affectionate!” - -“I suppose you’ll be trying to get her into ΦΑΒ,” jeered Ruth. - -“You know I can’t do that. The charter limits the membership to four in -each class.” - -“I wish I could start a rival club,” observed Ruth. - -“You can’t,” said Marjorie, “because the faculty have set their foot -down against any more secret societies.” - -“I always thought you didn’t approve of them at all, Marj!” This was -said with a malicious little twinkle in her eyes. - -“I hardly think I do, but I can’t tell yet. Wait till we’ve been here -a year or two, and have had a chance to observe things.” - -Marjorie rose to go. “It’s time to study,” she said. “I just wanted to -run in and see you for a little while. Ruth,” she lowered her voice, -“please don’t be discouraged. There’s a great deal more to school than -being a sorority member!” - -Ruth turned away. “I tell you I don’t want your sympathy, Marj.” - -“I’ll never mention it again,” agreed the other, as she stood with -her hand on the door. “And Ruth, I’ll look for you at hockey-practice -to-morrow! Good night!” - -“Good night,” mumbled Ruth. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -THE HOCKEY MATCH - - -Three weeks had passed by, and the girls were making preparations to -return to their homes for the Thanksgiving holidays. The whole school, -however, looked forward to the big hockey match with Miss Martin’s -Seminary which was to be held the last Saturday before vacation. After -the game there was to be a reception to the teams and to the visitors -from the other school. - -Ruth regretted that she had not gone out for athletics from the first; -it was too late now to try to make any position on the hockey team. -Now that class affairs had quieted down, and there was no longer a -possibility of being chosen for the sorority, she was forced to lose -her place in the foreground of the school affairs, a situation entirely -distasteful to such an ambitious girl as Ruth. She turned the matter -over and over in her mind, but she did not see what she could do to -alter her position. She had been too proud to write much about her -personal feelings to her mother; she preferred to try to work out the -problem by herself. - -Nor had Marjorie’s expectations been realized; she was not so happy -after she was pledged to the sorority as she had hoped to be. She lived -in too much of a rush; she seemed to race from hockey-practices to teas -and cocoa-parties, and to be obliged to stay up late at night to finish -her lessons. This, of course, was not allowed--the lights were turned -off at ten o’clock--but she lighted three or four candles and put a -raised umbrella between Lily’s cot and the light, and “crammed.” But -all her lessons, and especially her Latin, suffered. - -She had been chosen for one of the forwards on the school hockey team. -Lily, strange to say, had been appointed substitute full-back, a -position usually taken by girls of the heavier type. She had resolutely -kept her word, and had gone in training ever since she had made her -promise to Marjorie; and because full-backs were scarce, and Lily did -fairly well, and much to her surprise, she had been chosen. She had no -idea of playing in the game with Miss Martin’s, but Miss Phillips had -told her to come out dressed for action, in case she should be needed. - -Most of the other members of the team were upper classmen, and a few of -them sorority members. On one occasion, during practice, Miss Phillips -showed herself particularly cross with the sorority girls, for a round -of parties had left them tired out, and with little energy for practice. - -“I wish we could abolish that sorority!” she remarked to Miss Landis -after the practice. “Marjorie Wilkinson isn’t the girl she was before -she was asked. She hasn’t much time for athletics. I don’t believe -she’ll even go out for the swimming team.” - -“I certainly agree with you about the sorority,” replied Miss Landis. -“The freshmen couldn’t settle down to work on their lessons till after -the first six weeks of excitement were over, and then it was too late. -I wish there could be some sort of standard mark a girl had to make and -_keep_, to belong to the society.” - -“It would be a good plan, but it’s too late to introduce changes now. -The thing will go on forever as it is because it can only be changed by -a majority vote from within, or by the agreement of the whole Board. -And neither of these will ever give in.” - -“Lily Andrews certainly has improved, hasn’t she?” remarked Miss -Landis. “Compare the change in her with that in Marjorie! Why, that -would be the strongest argument anybody could make against sororities!” - -The Saturday before the Thanksgiving holidays arrived, bright, clear, -and cold. Lily was up early. - -“Come on, Marj!” she cried, “wake up! It’s the day of the game.” - -“I’m so sleepy!” pleaded Marjorie; “let me sleep ten minutes more.” - -“But you’ll be late for breakfast----” - -“I don’t care----” - -After five minutes, Lily made another attack. The other girl roused -herself slowly, and rubbed her eyes. “Oh, why did I go to that -cocoa-party last night at Mae’s? I know I’ll play a bum game!” - -“I hope not,” said Lily pleasantly. “But you ought to follow the advice -you are always giving me. You’re a regular member of the team, and I’m -only a substitute. Oh, don’t you hope we beat? I know a girl who goes -to Miss Martin’s, and I’d feel so badly if her school beat us.” - -“I guess we’ll win,” said Marjorie calmly. “Our team’s pretty good.” - -When afternoon came the regular team and the substitutes met in Miss -Phillips’s office for some final coaching. The girls themselves were -confident of success, but the teacher was doubtful. - -The benches down on the field were already filled with girls in -bright-colored sweaters and fur coats and caps. Miss Martin’s girls -arrived,--not only the team, but the whole school--and announced -themselves with a rousing yell for “Miss Allen’s.” Miss Phillips -brought her team down to the field, and the opponents were introduced. -The substitutes sat on a special bench reserved for them. - -The whistle blew, and the game began. At first it was hotly contested; -for several minutes the ball stayed near the center of the field. At -the end of five minutes, Miss Martin’s girls got control of it, sent it -through the half-back, on past the full-back into the goal. There was a -great shout from the audience. - -The remainder of the half passed without either side’s scoring. -When Miss Phillips blew the whistle for “time,” the girls stopped, -exhausted. And Mildred Warren, the full-back for whom Lily was to -substitute, announced that she was played out. - -“I couldn’t play the next half,” she said, “if my life depended upon -it.” - -So Miss Phillips called Lily to take her place. - -As the girls grouped around her for final instructions, the teacher -showed by her voice that she was vexed. “You’re not getting into it, -girls! Marjorie Wilkinson, you act as if you were half asleep,--and -Margaret and Elsie,” she said, addressing two of the half-backs, “you -never should have let that ball slip through. Now brace up, and win -this half!” - -The game started; but with little more promise of success. Finally -Marjorie got the ball and started down the field. But she was attacked -by the opposing forward, who sent the ball flying past Marjorie and -past the half-back. But Lily Andrews was on the alert; with all her -might she hit the ball and sent it back to her forwards. Everyone -clapped. - -“A yell for Lily Andrews!” called the cheerleader; and a hearty one was -given. - -But the forward who was playing against Marjorie on the opposing team -was not to be easily daunted. She succeeded in getting the ball again, -and this time she aimed it towards the other side of the field from -that on which Lily was playing. She sent it past the other full-back -and into the goal! Miss Martin’s girls rose in a body and cheered and -cheered for their forward. The score was now 4-0. - -A final chance was given to Miss Allen’s girls to score when one of the -opposing team made a foul, and Marjorie was chosen to make a free shot; -but either she had been keeping too late hours, or else she was too -nervous; for she missed it. The whistle blew, and the score remained -4-0. - -The girls shook hands and crowded around Miss Phillips. She -congratulated Miss Martin’s girls, but said nothing to her own team. It -was plain to be seen that she was disappointed. - -Marjorie and Lily walked together towards the gymnasium. - -“You were splendid, Lily!” said Marjorie. “If it hadn’t been for you, -the score would have been a good deal worse than it was.” - -“Thanks,” said Lily, “but that doesn’t make me feel better about the -defeat.” - -“It was a lot my fault,” admitted Marjorie. “I certainly played badly.” - -“You’re not so much interested in athletics now, are you?” asked Lily, -as the girls entered the door. - -“Yes, I am; but I simply don’t have enough time to do anything well. -I’m always helping to get some party ready for the sorority, or talking -with the girls, or going to a meeting or a feed. I wish I could do -better, though,” she added wistfully; “I still love Miss Phillips, -and--somehow I’m not as good as I am when I feel her influence. -Wouldn’t you love to be like her when you’re a woman, Lily?” - -“Yes, I would. I’m crazy about her, too. You see I know her better now. -By the way, did you know what we girls do every Friday evening while -you have sorority meeting? We go up to Miss Phillips’s room, and take -our fancy-work, and she reads to us.” - -“That must be lots of fun,” said Marjorie. “What sort of books does she -read?” - -“She has just finished reading us ‘Old Chester Tales’ by Margaret -Deland. It’s great, too! And one night she read us a story by O. Henry, -and I was so interested that I wrote home and asked mother to buy me -the book. She usually reads a poem or two besides, that she thinks we -would like.” - -Marjorie thought of the profitless way in which the evenings of -sorority meetings were spent, and sighed; but she said nothing. - -That evening the freshmen pledged became regular members and were -awarded the little blue-and-gold sorority pin, to wear home -Thanksgiving. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -MARJORIE’S HOUSE-PARTY - - -Although Marjorie and Ruth did not visit each other during the -Thanksgiving holidays, they met at the station on the day of their -return to school, and rode back together. But they seemed to have -less to talk about than when they first made the trip. Ruth was still -jealous of Marjorie because she had made the sorority, and she made no -attempt to conceal the fact from the other girl. The consciousness of -her feelings made Marjorie uncomfortable. They tried to keep up the -conversation with commonplace remarks; but both girls felt relieved -when the journey was over. - -Lily was waiting on the station platform as the train pulled into the -school town. At this time, she presented a very different appearance -from that of the day when she first arrived at school. Instead of an -elaborately frizzed coiffure, her hair was parted simply on the side, -and hung in a long plait down her back. And her clothes were more -appropriate, too; she was dressed neatly in a dark blue Peter Thomson, -over which she wore a big blue sweater; and on her head was a knitted -cap to match. In this costume, Lily Andrews was far from unattractive. - -Marjorie and Lily kissed each other affectionately. - -“I’m awfully glad you’re back, Marj!” Lily said. - -“Yes, I’m glad to be back, too. I surely missed all the girls.” - -“It was better for you than for me,” said Lily, “for you had Ruth, and -nobody from Miss Allen’s lives near me.” - -“I don’t count!” exclaimed Ruth, sarcastically. - -Lily looked puzzled, and Marjorie hastily changed the subject. - -“I’m glad now that I don’t room with Ruth!” thought Marjorie, as the -girls separated to go to their rooms. - -The dining-room that night rang with laughter and gay chatter. The -girls had all had a good time; but they were glad to be back among -their school friends again. There was so much to tell about the -vacation that everybody lingered longer at the table than was the usual -custom. - -Marjorie was the first at her table to ask to be excused. She was -anxious to see Miss Phillips; she had to tell her that it would be -impossible for her to go out for swimming. She knew the teacher would -be disappointed; but she had made up her mind. - -She met Miss Phillips in the hall, and after greeting her somewhat -coolly, asked her to come into the parlor with her. - -“I am afraid I can’t go out for the swimming team, Miss Phillips,” she -said abruptly, after they had seated themselves side by side on the -sofa. “I’m down in Latin, and if I don’t study hard, I won’t pass.” - -“I’m awfully sorry. Can’t you possibly manage it? We need girls so -much--and you’re a good swimmer already. I wouldn’t want you to neglect -your lessons; but Latin won’t take all your time, will it?” - -“No, but you know the sorority takes an awful lot of it. I’ve just got -to give up something--so I guess it will have to be athletics.” - -“Very well,” replied Miss Phillips, rising; “you know best.” - -But as the days passed Marjorie often wondered whether she really did -know best. She realized, in a vague sort of way, that she was not so -happy as she had been when she first came to Miss Allen’s; and she was -not so healthy either. Her cheeks had lost their rosy color, and she -was visibly thinner. - -She seldom saw Miss Phillips now--and she missed her. - -When it came time to pick the class swimming teams, it was a difficult -matter to find enough freshmen to make the required number. In fact, -most of the girls chosen were beginners. Lily Andrews, who had gone -religiously to practice every day, made it; and, strange to say, Ruth -Henry developed a new interest in athletics, and proved to be so clever -in the water that she was immediately chosen captain. But the team -could not in any way compete with those of the upper classes; in the -inter-class tournament, it was the first to be defeated. - -Marjorie tried not to take the defeat to heart; but she had to tell -herself over and over that it was not her fault, that it would hardly -have done better if she had taken part. She tried to dismiss athletics -and Miss Phillips from her mind, and turn her attention to other -interests. - -She planned a sorority house-party for the Christmas holidays, and -wrote home for her mother’s consent. When she received her reply, -approving the idea, she ran over to Doris’s room to announce the good -news. - -Doris was enthusiastic over the plan. Marjorie went into detail in her -explanation. - -“You are invited for the Friday before we come back to school,” she -said, “and stay till Sunday night, when we’ll all come back together. -I’m just asking the freshmen and sophomore members--there wouldn’t be -room for everybody.” - -“I love house-parties!” exclaimed Doris, “and this will be wonderful!” - -“I hope you will have a good time. We’re going to have an informal -little dance on Saturday night; my brother Jack--you know he goes to -Episcopal Academy--will invite the boys.” - -Together they ran over to Ethel Todd’s room, and found her alone. -Marjorie was talking excitedly about the party when Ruth suddenly -opened the door, and came in. Stopping in the middle of a sentence, she -rose, and added, “We must go, Ethel. I just wanted to make sure you’d -come.” - -“You bet I’ll come, Marj,” answered Ethel; “the four o’clock train?” - -“Yes, Jack--my brother--will meet it with the machine.” - -Marjorie and Doris went out, and Ethel turned to Ruth with a word of -explanation. “Marjorie is inviting the freshmen and sophomore members -of our sorority to her home for the last week end before we come back. -Won’t that be delightful?” - -“Charming,” assented Ruth, unenthusiastically. - -Ethel turned away. Why did Ruth always show so plainly that she was -jealous? - -When the time came for the girls to leave for the Christmas holidays, -Marjorie succeeded in being excused in time to make an early train; she -wanted to avoid the necessity of the long ride with Ruth; it would be -too embarrassing to talk about the house-party, and yet she knew Ruth -would bring the subject up if she had the opportunity. - -For the same reason she managed to keep away from Ruth during the -holidays. Once or twice the girls met at entertainments or social -gatherings, but they never were alone together. - -The day for the arrival of Marjorie’s guests came, and her brother -Jack, and his chum, Roger Harris, each borrowed his father’s machine, -and drove down to meet the four o’clock train. Marjorie went with Jack. - -“Isn’t Ruth coming over to meet the girls?” he asked as they got into -the car. - -“No,” answered Marjorie, without looking up. - -“Why not? I always thought she was your best friend.” - -“She’s _one_ of my best friends; but you see she doesn’t belong to our -sorority, so she’s not invited.” - -“But there’s nothing secret about this house-party, is there?” - -“No, but--oh, you wouldn’t understand, Jack--it simply wouldn’t do!” - -“Well, she’s coming to the dance, isn’t she?” - -Marjorie frowned. “No!” she said emphatically, “she isn’t coming any of -the time.” - -Jack looked disappointed, but said nothing more. Ruth had always been a -favorite of his, and he could not quite imagine a party without her. - -In a minute or two, both machines pulled up to the station, and the -young people got out, just as the whistle of the locomotive was heard -around the curve beyond. - -Almost before the train stopped, Mae and Doris had reached the -platform, and Ethel, Marian, and Frances were close behind them. -Marjorie had not expected Anna, who had gone far away for her vacation; -but she was surprised to miss Lulu Davids. - -After the girls had kissed each other, and the boys had been -introduced, Marian hastened to explain the other girl’s absence. - -“Lulu took a bad cold yesterday,” she said, “and her mother wouldn’t -let her come. I guess you’ll get a letter from her to-morrow.” - -Marjorie expressed her disappointment, and the girls began to get into -the machines. Jack and Roger both clamored for Doris’s suitcase; then, -remembering their manners, they went to the assistance of the other -girls. - -While the girls were unpacking their suitcases, Marjorie outlined the -program. - -“After you rest, and dress, we’re going to have dinner quietly at -home--just mother and dad, and Jack and Roger besides us; then the boys -are going to take us to the early show at the movies. So we’ll get back -by nine-thirty, and get into our nighties, and have a little something -to eat in our rooms, and settle down early. To-morrow mother’s going to -let us sleep as long as we want, and then Jack and Roger will drive us -over to the cutest little tea-room out in the country for lunch. We’ll -come back early to rest and dress for the dance.” - -“I’m so excited about the dance!” said Mae, her eyes sparkling. - -“The only thing about the dance is, we expected Lulu, and Jack has -invited five other boys besides himself and Roger.” - -“That’s much nicer than having too many girls,” said Mae. - -“But it’s not so nice as an even number.” - -“Oh, well, we’ll do our best to be entertaining,” said Doris. - -“I guess you can easily manage two, Doris,” teased Marjorie, taking -great delight in watching the pretty girl blush. - -Mrs. Wilkinson soon made the girls feel at home, and the party -progressed splendidly. Jack and Roger, with their constant teasing, -never allowed things to get slow. They collected half a dozen clocks -and set the alarms to ring every half hour, and hid them in the girls’ -rooms before they arrived; so that early Saturday morning the sleepy -girls awakened at regular intervals, much to their annoyance. By half -past seven, they were thoroughly awake, and decided to get up. - -When they were all seated at the breakfast table, Mrs. Wilkinson asked -casually: - -“Ruth will be over for the dance to-night, I suppose?” - -Marjorie flushed, and without raising her eyes from her plate, she -replied, “No, she isn’t coming.” - -“Why not?” asked her mother in surprise. - -“I didn’t invite her.” - -But Mrs. Wilkinson failed to notice the embarrassment of her daughter -and the other girls, and persisted with her questions. - -“Couldn’t Jack get enough boys together?” - -“Yes--it wasn’t that.” - -At this point Jack interrupted. “I’ve even got an extra one; I invited -one for the girl who didn’t come.” - -“Then call Ruth on the telephone,” suggested Mrs. Wilkinson. - -Marjorie felt herself growing angry. “But, Mother,” she explained, “she -isn’t in our sorority.” - -“Nonsense! What difference does that make?” - -But Marjorie did not answer, and her father, seeing her predicament, -came to the rescue, and changed the subject. - -After the girls had eaten as many hot-cakes, and as much “country -sausage” as they possibly could, they went into the sitting-room to -read magazines and chat while Roger and Jack went out to the garage to -look over their cars. - -When they returned, the girls were waiting for them. - -“Couldn’t we all go in one car?” asked Frances. “It seems a shame to be -separated! And there are only eight of us!” - -But Roger expressed instant disapproval. He was counting on having -Doris beside him on the front seat, and he did not care to sacrifice -his plan. - -“Well, maybe it will be better to take both cars,” remarked Marjorie. -“We’re not big, but our coats are!” - -“Miss Sands, will you ride with me?” asked Roger boldly. - -“Thank you,” said Doris, and she stepped into his car. - -The young couple were surprised to see all the others climb into Jack’s -machine, laughing in high good humor at the joke they had played in -leaving them alone together--a joke, however, which suited Roger -immensely, and which was not unpleasing to Doris. - -The machines started together; Jack, who was more familiar with the -roads, took the lead. They drove along the principal business streets -of the town, and stopped at one or two of the principal shops. Finally, -they left the houses and stores behind, and, following an unfrequented -road, made for the open country. They rode for over an hour, laughing -and chatting gayly. Jack was in his element. - -“I really think your brother likes being the only boy among us all,” -teased Ethel. - -“How about Roger?” asked Jack. - -“Oh, he doesn’t count--he’s in the other machine, and besides, he’s -completely absorbed with Doris.” - -“Well, I won’t have the distinction long,” he remarked. “The boys will -be here to-night.” - -“Do tell us about them,” pleaded Mae. “What are their names, and what -are they like?” - -“The finest fellow, to my way of thinking, is John Hadley. He’s a -senior--the oldest of the bunch; he’s Captain of the football team, and -Senior Patrol leader of the Boy Scouts--which is one of the highest -honors a boy can get at Episcopal.” - -“Are you a Boy Scout, Jack?” asked Ethel. - -“No, not yet; but I’m studying for it, and hope to make it before the -year’s out.” Returning to the subject of interest, he continued, “Two -other Boy Scouts--both juniors--are coming. Russell Henderson and David -Conner--I think you’ll like them, too. And the other two boys--Ross -Morgan and Art Whiteside, are members of my class. Ross is funny; -can keep you laughing forever. Perhaps he isn’t much for looks, but -everybody likes him.” - -“Aren’t there any freshmen coming?” asked Mae, a trifle disappointed. - -“No, I didn’t ask any; they’re so green, you know.” - -The girls laughed at the typical sophomore point of view. - -“Are the boys pretty good dancers?” asked Marjorie. - -“Yes, I think so--all but Ross. He’d probably rather run the victrola, -and sit out dances. It would be all right if we only had enough girls!” - -“Oh, here’s the tea-room!” cried Marjorie, glad of the opportunity to -change the subject. “I hope Roger and Doris aren’t lost.” - -The other machine drove up in a minute, and the young people jumped -out. Marjorie led the way. - -“Are you ready for us, Mrs. King?” she asked, as a good-natured looking -landlady smilingly approached the girls. - -“Yes, indeed--there’s your table by the window, Miss Marjorie.” - -The little tea-room, with its prettily curtained windows, its -fireplace, and its shining white paint, was exceedingly attractive. The -table to which Mrs. King had directed the girls was already set with -dainty china, and a big bowl of pink roses served as a center-piece. - -Mrs. Wilkinson had known Mrs. King for many years; and believing -that the young people would enjoy a luncheon by themselves, she had -telephoned to her to ask her to act as chaperone. - -The luncheon, from the appetizing chicken soup to the French pastry -dessert, was delicious and dainty; the service was good; and the party -was in high spirits. After it was over, Mrs. King invited the young -people to sing some school songs around the open fireplace. It was -almost three o’clock when Marjorie rose to go. - -“If this were the end of it all,” said Ethel, as she climbed into the -machine, “I would vote it the best time I ever had in my life.” - -“And the best is yet to come,” said Frances, her eyes sparkling with -anticipation. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE DANCE - - -As soon as the girls reached home, they went to their rooms and -substituted kimonas for their street clothes, preparing to rest before -dinner. But though one or two of the number expressed the desire for -a nap, the others would not keep quiet long enough for them to fall -asleep. Ethel was attempting to comb her hair at Marjorie’s dressing -table, and Frances was manicuring her nails; all the other girls were -stretched lazily on the beds of one or the other of the communicating -rooms. - -“Isn’t it the grandest thing in the world to belong to ΦΑΒ and go on -parties like this?” observed Frances. - -“It is fun to be together,” said Marjorie slowly; “but we could do that -just the same if we didn’t belong to the sorority!” - -“Oh, but we wouldn’t be likely to. The other girls at school don’t have -them much. I guess it would be too hard to know where to draw the line, -without hurting some girl’s feelings!” - -“And don’t you suppose _we_ ever hurt anybody’s feelings by being -exclusive?” asked Marjorie, bitterly. - -“I don’t believe girls like Lily feel hurt; they know they’re out of -it.” - -“I wasn’t thinking of Lily,” said Marjorie, as she left the room. - -“I wonder if Marjorie’s worrying about Ruth!” remarked Doris, thinking -of the conversation at the breakfast table. “In a way, it does seem too -bad.” - -“Well, she’s foolish if she worries over her!” exclaimed Ethel; “for -Ruth never troubles herself about Marjorie. She’s awfully selfish!” - -“And yet I wonder whether _we_ wouldn’t feel resentful if we were in -her position,” said Frances. “It’s terribly hard for the girls who -_almost_ make the sorority.” - -Marjorie came back with the dress she was to wear that evening, and the -girls hastily changed the subject. - -“How lovely!” exclaimed Doris, looking admiringly at the lemon-colored -georgette Marjorie was holding on a hanger. - -“Marj, why did you insist that we all wear different-colored dance -dresses?” asked Mae. - -Her hostess laughed gaily. “It’s a secret,” she said. “You’ll find out -to-night!” - -“But I want to know now!” - -“Let’s all get out our dresses, and see if we really did strike -different colors,” suggested Marian. - -“I hope they harmonize,” said Frances. - -The soft pastel shades of the six dresses did blend beautifully -together. Lavender, green, yellow, pink, blue, and white -had been selected. They were not elaborately made; perhaps Doris’s was -the fanciest; but it was white, and could afford, therefore, to have -more trimming. - -“It reminds me of a rainbow wedding,” said Marian. “Did you ever see -one, where each bridesmaid wears a different-colored dress?” - -“And the bride wears white!” laughed Marjorie, with a significant look -at Doris. - -A knock at the door drew the attention away from Doris, but only for a -moment; for the box which Maggie, Mrs. Wilkinson’s second maid, handed -to Marjorie was directed to her. - -“Flowers for the bride!” announced Marjorie solemnly. - -Doris opened the box, and found a bunch of violets. - -“Who could have sent them?” teased Ethel. - -Doris glanced at the card, and hastily slipped it into her suitcase. As -soon as she was dressed she pinned the flowers through her sash, and -followed the others to the dining-room. But to her great relief, Roger -was not present at supper; he had gone home to dress. - -Shortly after eight o’clock, the boys all arrived together. Jack -received them and presented them to the girls. After everyone had been -given a program, Marjorie announced her plan for the first dance. - -“Since nobody knows anybody else,” she said, “I made a little game -for finding partners for the first dance. The girls, as you see, all -have on different-colored dresses. Now there is a candy pillow hidden -somewhere in this room to match each dress. The boys hunt for them, and -then go to claim their partners. - -“Of course,” she continued, “you know that we are very much -disappointed because one girl we had expected didn’t come. So, besides -the six candy pillows, I have hidden a licorice taffy. Whoever finds -the taffy has to be content to eat it instead of dancing the first -dance!” - -“Now get to work and find them!” - -The boys searched diligently. Roger came across a green pillow, but -seeing that no one was looking, he instantly hid it again in order to -look further for a white one. Then he saw Jack with the white pillow, -and gave up his chances of securing Doris. He returned to the hiding -place of the green one, but found that it had already been captured, -and David Conner was claiming Mae for the dance. In a minute or two he -found the licorice taffy, and hunted Mr. Wilkinson, to spend the time -with him at the victrola. - -John Hadley was delighted to claim Marjorie. He had singled her out -as the most interesting girl at the dance. And she certainly did look -attractive in her simple party dress. - -“I feel very much honored,” said John, “to have the first dance with -the hostess.” - -As they danced, he asked her all sorts of questions about the school, -and the girls, and even the sorority. When she described the methods of -the latter, he wrinkled his brows. - -“Doesn’t that cause a good deal of unhappiness?” he asked. - -“Perhaps--at first; but I guess the girls who aren’t taken in soon get -over it. Don’t you have fraternities at Episcopal?” - -“No; we only have a Boy Scout troop; and all the money, and pull, and -even popularity, in the world can’t get you into that. It’s simply a -question of hard work.” - -“And what do you do?” asked the girl eagerly. - -John started to tell of some of the troop’s activities, but before he -had gone very far, the dance was over. - -“Promise me the intermission and the last waltz?” he asked. - -“All right,” agreed Marjorie, “if you’ll excuse me now to look after -things.” - -She had Jack announce that the next dance would be a Paul Jones, and -that after that, the boys might fill their programs according to -the girls’ wishes. He also said that during the intermission, when -refreshments were served, he would be the “extra man”--without a -partner--as he was needed to help; so the fellows could go ahead and -get their programs filled. - -When everyone was served, Marjorie turned to John and asked more about -the scouts. She was fascinated by the accounts of their activities; -and John--big, handsome John Hadley, the most popular fellow at -Episcopal--was fascinated by this slip of a freshman. - -“I tell you,” he suggested; “why don’t you start Girl Scouts at your -school?” - -“I’d love to,” said Marjorie, “but I don’t have time now for the -regular things at school because ΦΑΒ keeps me so busy!” - -John persuaded Marjorie to give him an extra dance in the second half, -and when she saw how happy her guests seemed to be, she agreed. - -Mrs. Wilkinson had set the time limit of the dancing at half-past -eleven; so before twelve o’clock, the boys had all gone, and the girls -were starting up for bed. - -“If they’d only let us have callers at Miss Allen’s!” sighed Doris, so -woefully that everybody laughed out loud. - -“They do, when you’re a senior, Doris!” said Ethel, “so cheer -up--you’ve only three years to wait, and surely Roger’s love won’t grow -cold in that time!” - -Doris smiled and put her violets in water. - -“Well, it’s been the loveliest time I’ve ever had!” said Frances; “oh, -Marjorie, I’m so happy!” - -“So am I”--“So am I,” cried the others. - -“I guess _everybody_ was happy to-night, Marj; it’s been such a perfect -party!” said Doris. - -But one person was unhappy that evening; one girl passed the gaily -lighted house and looked in from the outside; one girl thought of the -sorority she had missed making, and the friend she had lost--and in it -all Ruth Henry blamed not herself, but Marjorie. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE GIRL SCOUT TROOP - - -Ruth had no desire to ride back to school on the same train with the -sorority girls, so she decided to wait over until Monday morning. -Besides, she had an important letter to write on Sunday evening, and -she needed the quiet of her own room to compose her thoughts. As she -sat at the window, she saw Wilkinsons’ machine, filled with the joyful -members of the house-party, pass in the street below. But Ruth was no -longer envious; if her scheme worked--as she felt it must--the tables -would be turned; Marjorie and her friends would be begging favors of -her! - -A letter and a package in her post-office box on Wednesday came in -prompt reply to her letter of Sunday. She broke the seal in breathless -haste. Its contents seemed to come up to her expectations, for she -smiled brightly, and literally ran to Evelyn’s room. - -“I’ve a grand new plan!” she exclaimed enthusiastically, after she had -opened her friend’s door without knocking. “A rival for ΦΑΒ!” - -“No!” cried Evelyn, dropping the book she was reading. “It isn’t -possible to start another sorority, is it?” - -“Almost as good,” answered Ruth, holding out her letter. “A Girl Scout -Troop! My cousin tells me all about it; here, read this!” - -The other girl took the letter and read the details concerning the -organization of a troop. It did sound very interesting. The letter -closed by stating that a handbook would follow. - -Ruth was already untying the string of the package. The girls sat down -side by side on the couch, and turned the pages together. - -“Do you suppose anybody can belong?” asked Evelyn doubtfully. - -“Yes, it seems to say so--any girl over ten years old!” - -“But what’s the fun then? If Lily Andrews, and just any old girl can -belong, who wants to be a Girl Scout?” - -“Don’t you know Lily Andrews is quite popular now?” Ruth laughed -sarcastically. It seemed impossible that such a girl could really stand -higher among her class-mates than she did herself. - -After a minute or two, she said, “I guess we won’t have to take anybody -we don’t want; our troop’ll be different.” - -“I’ll bet Miss Allen won’t let you start anything secret!” said Evelyn. - -Ruth stood up. “I believe I’ll go see her right away,” she announced, -“and talk it all over with her.” - -Miss Allen received her graciously, and carefully examined the book. - -“I would have to look more closely into it,” she said. “And I think -I’ll consult Miss Phillips. I have always heard that the Girl Scouts is -an organization along athletic lines.” - -Ruth was not a favorite with Miss Phillips. She frowned. “Oh, don’t -let’s have any teachers in it! Except you,” she added diplomatically. - -“But you have to have a Captain--a woman over twenty-one. And I see -each troop has thirty-two members, but there are ninety-five girls in -the school--how would you decide who was to belong?” - -“Why, that’s easy--I started it, so Evelyn and two or three more of our -friends would vote on the new members.” - -Miss Allen smiled. “You want another sorority, Ruth,” she said. “And -that you can’t have. But this Girl Scout idea appeals to me. I’ll think -it over, and let you know.” - -Miss Allen and Miss Phillips spent the evening in going over the -handbook. They were delighted with its contents; the Girl Scout -movement seemed to be just the thing the school needed. - -“It is my idea,” said Miss Phillips, “to start the troop with only -such girls as have 80% or over in their lessons, and are at the same -time members or substitutes on one of the school teams. This will give -the organization a high standard at the outset, and besides, I think -it will make both lessons and athletics more popular. Then, if a girl -drops in either, she can be temporarily deprived of the Troop’s good -times!” - -“Splendid!” exclaimed Miss Allen; “but do you think more than -thirty-two girls in the school will qualify?” - -“If they do, we can start two troops. I guess you can easily find two -teachers to act as Captains.” - -“I think the girls ought to be allowed to elect their own Captain, -don’t you?” asked Miss Allen; and Miss Phillips nodded her approval. -“They will have to meet on Friday evenings, of course,” she continued. -“But what about the sorority?” - -“I don’t think a girl should be allowed to belong to both ΦΑΒ and the -Girl Scouts,” said Miss Phillips emphatically. “For one evening in a -week is all that can be spared!” - -The next night, when dessert was being served, Miss Allen rose from her -seat at the front of the room. The girls instantly became quiet, and -turned attentively to listen to what she had to say. - -“Girls,” she announced in her usual quiet tone, “we have decided, if -you are in favor, to start a Girl Scout troop here. It was Ruth Henry’s -idea, and after careful consideration of the matter, we have found the -organization to be splendid. The members will wear a uniform, meet once -a week, and on Saturdays take hikes and boat-trips; and perhaps this -summer go camping. - -“There will be lots for a Girl Scout to learn--first-aid, out-door -cooking, horsemanship--in fact, almost anything you are interested in.” - -She paused for a moment, and the girls signified their approval by -breaking into a hearty applause. Ruth looked important, as if to take -the credit of it all to herself. - -Miss Allen continued: “We have decided to make both scholarship and -athletic ability the qualifications for membership. Any girl who wishes -to belong must have at least 80% in all her studies, and must be a -member or a substitute on some school team. And if there are more than -thirty-two girls eligible, we will start two troops.” - -The girls were surprised at Miss Allen’s remarks, and many of their -faces registered disappointment. Frances Wright rose from her seat. - -“Well, Frances?” asked the Principal. - -“Miss Allen, when will the Girl Scouts meet?” - -“Friday evening.” - -Frances looked astonished. “How about the sorority?” she asked. - -“No girl can belong to both the Girl Scouts and the sorority,” Miss -Allen replied significantly. “It would take too much of her time. She -must choose between them!” - -Since there were no other questions, Miss Allen took her seat, and for -the rest of the meal, the dining-room buzzed with the excited voices of -the girls, discussing the new proposition. - -After supper Ruth made her way to Marjorie’s room. - -“What do you think of it?” she asked Marjorie. - -“It’s wonderful!” the other girl exclaimed. - -“Would you rather belong to it than ΦΑΒ?” - -“I almost believe I would. It sounds so much more worth while. To tell -you the truth, Ruth, aside from the excitement of being asked, it isn’t -much of an honor to belong to ΦΑΒ!” - -Ruth looked triumphant. “I knew I’d make you girls see you weren’t so -much!” - -“I never said we were!” - -“Well, you acted it. How about the house-party at Christmas?” - -“Oh, Ruth--I am sorry about it!” - -“Yes, you are! I’d just like to keep you out of the Girl Scouts to pay -you back!” - -It was then that the door opened and Lily Andrews came in, with a book -in her hands, reading as she entered. - -“What has happened to you, Lily?” asked Ruth. “Turned dippy-stude?” - -“No, only I do want to make the Girl Scouts, and I’m almost afraid my -lessons won’t let me!” - -“Good work!” said Ruth, as she produced her handbook, and began to read -the Tenderfoot test questions aloud. - -The next night was sorority meeting, and the members went prepared for -a fight. After the business was over, the senior president opened the -discussion. - -“It would be a shame,” she said, “for ΦΑΒ to allow a passing fancy like -the Girl Scout troop to shake it. We have been here a long time. We -stand for the oldest traditions of the school. We must think carefully -of all the Alumnæ before we make any move.” - -Several other girls spoke along the same line. Finally, Marjorie stood -up. - -“Girls,” she said, “I have been thinking about it seriously and I have -decided I would rather be a Girl Scout. We meet here Friday after -Friday, and do nothing but have a silly business meeting, chat, and -drink cocoa. And when we ought to be studying or practicing for some -team, we are going to a feed. We never learn anything new. We have -friends, but we are not supposed to make any close ones outside our own -set. And once a year, we make the whole freshman class--except four -girls--miserably unhappy. So I’ve decided to hand in my resignation to -the sorority.” - -Everybody was quiet for a moment. Ethel Todd was the first to speak. - -“I’m so sorry, Marjorie!” she said. - -Tears came to Doris’s eyes. “It won’t be the same without you, Marj,” -she said. “Please don’t do it!” - -“Besides,” said Mae, “hadn’t you better wait till you’re asked to join -the Girl Scouts?” - -Marjorie laughed. “Well, if I’m not asked, it will be because I’m down -in my lessons--and I’ll never get up in them as long as I belong to -ΦΑΒ!” - -“Marjorie’s right,” said Frances. “And this fall, when I saw Evelyn and -Ruth almost breaking their hearts over not being asked, I just felt -as if I couldn’t go through the pledging another year. I hand in my -resignation, too.” - -After some hesitation, and some more discussion, Lulu decided to -follow suit, and two of the Juniors joined the ranks. - -“Whatever will we do?” asked Mae, “elect new members?” - -“We’re not allowed to,” replied the president. “Vacancies can only be -filled once a year--six weeks after school starts. We’ll have to go -on as we are. But if more than eight girls resign, the sorority must -be abolished. We have to keep eight girls to allow it to exist. Oh, -girls,” she pleaded, “don’t follow the impulse. Wait! Think of the -Alumnæ! Think if you ever had a daughter and sent her here, she would -stand a good chance of belonging.” - -“And she might be left out like poor Virginia Hall, whose mother was -an ΦΑΒ!” Marian Guard laughed. “You know Virginia is impossible!” she -exclaimed. - -Doris had been thinking hard. “Girls,” she said, “I don’t want to be -mean, and you know I’m not athletic, so I probably won’t make the -troop; but I think the sorority ought to be abolished, and now is the -best time to do it. So I, too, resign.” - -“Oh, Doris--you’re president of the freshman class!” exclaimed one of -the seniors. - -“Yes, and for that reason more than any other, I want to do away with -ΦΑΒ!” - -The senior president intervened. “Girls, that makes six resignations. -But let’s don’t take them as final. We’ll wait till next week, and give -everybody the chance to think it over.” - -Marjorie made one request. “May Miss Phillips be invited to come in -next week after the business part is over?” - -The president frowned; but several of the girls seemed to want it, so -she finally consented. - -“And remember, girls,” she said, “this must be kept secret until at -least next week. You are still members of ΦΑΒ. Promise!” - -“We promise,” murmured Frances and Marjorie, and two or three others; -and the girls adjourned. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE BOY SCOUTS’ DEMONSTRATION - - -During the next few days, the excitement which usually preceded -pledge-day was felt over the school, and in this instance, it was even -more intense; for almost every girl at Miss Allen’s felt that she had -a chance to become a Girl Scout,--if not right away, at least at some -future date. Ruth had sent for more handbooks; the copies went the -rounds, and were read and re-read. The uniform proved to be a constant -topic of interest, and more than one girl wrote home to ask for the -money to buy it, in case she was chosen. - -Miss Landis noticed a decided improvement in the girls’ lessons, and -remarked about it to Miss Allen. Miss Phillips, too, appreciated the -added zeal with which the girls attended unrequired practices. - -At last Ruth was happy. She had started something worth while; no -doubt the whole student body, as well as the teachers, would look to -her constantly as a benefactor. She realized, too, that she had dealt -the most decided blow to the sorority that it had ever received. She -dreamed of its annihilation, and pictured herself always as the leader -of its more popular successor. - -Marjorie, too, was happy. For weeks she had felt a sort of unrest, as -if she were standing still while the rest of the world progressed. -Lily’s accounts of the Friday evenings in Miss Phillips’s room had -deepened this feeling. But now that she had made her decision, the -outlook before her seemed brighter. - -On Wednesday evening, during dinner, it was whispered that Miss Allen -was going to read the list of candidates for the troop very soon; and -one of the seniors told Ruth that she had seen her carry a paper into -the dining-room. - -The girl was correct in her supposition; for as soon as dessert had -been served, Miss Allen rose from her chair. The girls stopped eating, -and waited in breathless attention. - -“First of all,” she began, “I want to tell you that on Friday evening -the Senior Patrol of the Boy Scouts from Episcopal Academy are coming -over to give us a demonstration of Scouting. We will hold the meeting -in the assembly room, and everybody is invited. But only the candidates -whose names I read will be invited over to the gymnasium afterwards to -serve refreshments with Miss Phillips.” - -She paused for a moment, and the girls clapped in approval. - -“I am sorry the list of candidates is so small,” she continued; “but -you see we decided on such strict qualifications, there were only seven -girls eligible. But this was partly due to the fact that the school -swimming team hasn’t been made up yet--class teams don’t count--and we -had only the hockey members to select from. And, of course, many of -those girls were down in their studies. But Miss Phillips hopes to pick -the swimming team soon, so we shall have more girls to choose from.” - -Miss Allen put on her glasses, and reached for a paper on the table. -Without further explanation, she read out the names-- - -“Senior Class--Dorothy Maxwell. - -“Junior Class---Edith Evans, Helen Stewart. - -“Sophomore Class--Frances Wright, Ethel Todd, Marian Guard. - -“Freshman Class--Lily Andrews.” - -Miss Allen sat down. For a minute the girls could only gasp; then the -room buzzed with animated voices. - -Ruth turned to the senior next to her. “There must be some mistake,” -she said. “Why, I started the whole thing!” - -“You aren’t on the school hockey team, are you?” asked the other girl. - -“No, that’s so,” admitted Ruth; “I guess I was counting on the class -swimming team. But, believe me, I’ll make the school swimming team, you -just see!” - -Unlike Ruth, Marjorie said nothing about her disappointment. But she -was surprised that her name was not on the list; for being a hockey -team member, she had expected to be a candidate. “They have Girl -Scouts, and I am not one!” she said over and over to herself. “Maybe I -ought to have stayed in ΦΑΒ,” she thought. “It isn’t too late yet.” - -But Marjorie was not a girl to go back on her word; she had resigned, -though they had not accepted her resignation, and she would abide -by her decision. It must have been her Latin that kept her out, she -concluded, and she resolved to work harder in that branch in the future. - -After supper, Ruth came over to Marjorie’s room and found her -congratulating Lily. - -“I don’t know how I ever did it,” said Lily. “But I’m so glad--if only -Miss Phillips is our Captain. Do you think she will be?” - -“You are allowed to elect whoever you want,” said Ruth. “And I guess it -will be Miss Phillips or Miss Landis. They seem to be about the most -popular teachers in the school.” - -“They deserve to be!” exclaimed Marjorie. “Especially Miss Phillips--I -think she’s wonderful!” - -“I certainly am surprised you didn’t make it, Marj,” said Ruth. “Of -course, when they decided on that team business, I knew I couldn’t,” -she lied. - -“I thought they’d count the class swimming team,” said Lily. “Why, we -can’t really start till we have eight girls, for you need at least that -number for a troop.” - -“Miss Phillips expects to pick the swimming team to-morrow,” said -Marjorie. - -“How do you know?” asked Ruth. - -“She told me.” - -“Oh, I’m going in swimming before breakfast, if she’ll let me!” - -Marjorie smiled. “You’ll make the team, Ruth,” she said. “But how are -your lessons?” - -“All right, I guess. Now would you rather belong to the Girl Scouts or -ΦΑΒ, Marjorie?” - -“I am resigning from ΦΑΒ on Friday, Ruth.” - -“But you weren’t one of the candidates for the troop!” - -“I know--but I want to help abolish the sorority.” - -“Oh, Marj, you’re a peach!” exclaimed Ruth, with genuine admiration. - -Friday evening came. The sorority girls had their meeting immediately -after supper, and adjourned in time to see the Boy Scouts’ -demonstration. The same six girls held to their resolutions to resign, -and Marian Guard and Ethel Todd joined their ranks. Eight girls were -left; if one more resigned, the sorority would have to dissolve. - -According to her promise Miss Phillips came to the meeting; but she was -late, and found that there was really nothing for her to do. Marjorie -and the others had definitely made up their minds; so they contented -themselves with asking the teacher a few questions about the troop, and -adjourned early. - -When the ΦΑΒ girls reached the assembly room, they found it already -crowded. At two minutes of eight, a drum and a bugle sounded in march -time, and a flag bearer, carrying the American flag, and followed by -eight Boy Scouts, in double file, marched up the aisle to the platform. -They held their heads high, and their shoulders back; and as they -marched, they looked neither to the right nor to the left. One or two -of the freshmen giggled, but the boys maintained the discipline of -soldiers. Marjorie looked for John Hadley, and saw him at the head of -the line. - -They reached the platform, and halted at the command of their patrol -leader. At the words: “Left, FACE!” they all turned to the front; the -flag bearer and the color guards on each side stepped forward. Then the -scouts pledged allegiance to the flag, after which the flag bearer and -the guards returned to their places in the line. - -At the signal from John, they all repeated the Scout oath and recited -the twelve Boy Scout laws. Then all the other boys sat down, and John -stepped forward. The girls rather expected him to be nervous, but he -seemed to have complete control of himself. He looked straight into -their eager faces, and told them what the Scouts were about to do. - -“We are honored to be asked here by Miss Allen, and we are glad to -welcome our sister Scouts in this school,” he said. “We look forward -to lots of good times with you. We want you to enjoy our cabin in the -woods, and we will be glad to teach you anything we know. We even hope -to have a baseball game with the troop. And we promise to wear skirts, -if you will lend them to us!” - -He was rewarded with a laugh at his suggestion. “Now,” he continued, -“we are here to-night to show you some of the ordinary things Scouts -do. You saw our opening meeting and heard our promise and our laws. You -know our salute. Now we will show you some signalling.” - -Two of the boys stepped forward; one went down the steps. - -“Will someone in the room please write Russell Henderson, the Scout on -the platform, a message? Then he will signal it, and the Scout at the -end of the room will receive it.” - -Miss Phillips wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to -John. He gave it to Russell, who signaled it in semaphore with two -flags, which fairly seemed to fly from one position to the next; and in -a minute, the Scout at the end of the room read out: - -“We thank the Boy Scouts of Episcopal for their help.” - -Miss Phillips said that the message was correct. Everyone clapped. - -John then asked for another message, and Frances Wright handed him one. -With the Scout still at the end of the room, Russell took out a tiny -telegraph instrument and tapped out sounds which were meaningless to -the girls, but which were evidently intelligible to David Conner, the -Scout at the rear, for he read out: - -“Girl Scouts want to learn signalling.” - -“That is right,” said Frances. - -“Now we will show you some First-Aid work.” - -All the boys except John took part in this--four acting as doctors, -and four serving as patients. They put on the head-cap, the -spiral-reverse, the five-finger bandage, and the triangular arm-sling. -After they had finished these, they demonstrated resuscitation, -fireman’s-lift, and the making of a stretcher. The girls watched -breathlessly, and clapped heartily when it was over. - -Then two Scouts stepped forward and did what seemed to the girls a -truly marvelous thing: they put down a big sheet of tin and made a fire -without any matches. They did this by using the method of the Indians: -a wooden bow-drill rotated until the friction produced heat sufficient -to ignite the fuel. When finally it burst into flames, there was a -great shout of applause. - -John ended by thanking the girls for their attention, saying that he -hoped all the girls present would eventually become Scouts. - -Miss Allen thanked the boys, and invited them to the gymnasium to meet -the girls who were candidates. The rest of the school were dismissed to -return to their rooms. - -It was a much envied little group that followed Miss Allen out of the -room, and more than one girl resolved to perfect her studies or her -athletics in order to be among the favored few in the future. - -Ruth sought Marjorie, and the girls went out together, closer in -spirit than they had been for several months, due probably to their -common misfortune at being left out of the happy number. - -“And to think,” said Ruth, “that Lily Andrews is inside the favored -circle, and we are both outside!” - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -AFTER THE MEETING - - -As soon as the opening ceremony was over, and John Hadley stepped -forward to speak, he looked eagerly around the audience for Marjorie. -But he was not able to locate her immediately; in fact, it was not -until the boys had begun to semaphore, that he recognized her earnest, -up-turned face. - -Neither he nor Marjorie showed by their faces that they had ever seen -each other before, but John waited impatiently for the meeting to be -over, so that he might have a chance to talk with the girl who had -occupied so much of his thoughts during the past days. - -When Miss Allen had said that the Girl Scout candidates had already -been chosen, and that they were to meet the Boy Scouts for a few -moments after the demonstration, John felt sure that he would see -Marjorie. For certainly she would be among those selected. Jack had -often told him of his sister’s love of the out-of-doors; and the -interest she had expressed in scout affairs at the dance assured him -that she was just the type of girl to become a Girl Scout. - -So, when Miss Allen introduced the seven girls on the way to the gym, -it was with a feeling of keen disappointment that John realized that -Marjorie was not one of them. Recognizing the ΦΑΒ sophomores that he -had met at the dance, he went up and spoke to Ethel. - -After they had exchanged the usual greetings, he tried to ask as -casually as possible, “Where is Marjorie Wilkinson? Isn’t she a -candidate for the scout troop?” - -“No,” replied Ethel, “unfortunately she isn’t!” - -“Why not?” asked John in surprise. “I thought she would be just the -sort of girl to go in for a thing like this!” - -“She is--she’s very athletic. She made the school hockey team, which is -a big honor for a freshman. But Miss Allen made other qualifications.” - -By this time, the party had reached the gymnasium, and their -conversation was interrupted while Miss Phillips invited everybody -to dance. Before John had a chance to ask Ethel for the dance, David -Conner had claimed her, and he was forced to find another partner. - -But they did not dance long, for Miss Phillips had some questions she -wished to ask the Boy Scouts. During the brief intermission that -followed, John again sought Ethel. - -While he was turning over in his mind an easy way to bring the -conversation back to Marjorie, Lily approached with ice-cream and cake. - -“Miss Andrews is Marjorie’s room-mate,” said Ethel, while Lily was -serving them. “She can tell you all about her.” Then turning to Lily, -she explained, “Mr. Hadley was wondering why Marjorie isn’t a candidate -for the troop, and I started to explain. But won’t you sit down here, -so that I can see if Miss Phillips needs me?” - -Lily took Ethel’s place, and explained about her room-mate’s Latin. - -After the young people had finished their ice-cream, Miss Phillips -asked everybody to move their chairs into a circle, so that the -conversation might become general. She asked John all sorts of -questions about the conducting of meetings, and troop affairs, and the -girls listened with interest to his replies. - -“We would like a spirit of friendly rivalry between the troops,” -he said. “We might have contests in such things as signalling and -knot-tying.” - -“Not very soon!” laughed Miss Phillips. “I am afraid it will be a good -while before we can compete with you!” - -“Won’t you tell us about camping?” asked Frances. “What do we have to -take with us, and about how much does it cost?” - -John hesitated. “It would be easier to show you, Miss Wright, when you -come out to our cabin for a visit. We’ll fix a date for a party, as -soon as your troop is established.” - -The girls exclaimed enthusiastically over the plan, and asked more -questions about the cabin. - -“Do you have qualifications to join your troop like we do?” inquired -Lily. - -“We certainly do!” said John emphatically; “but they’re a little -different from yours; every three months we have what we call a B. -S. Candidate test. To pass this a fellow has to make flower and leaf -collections, and know how to identify a certain number of birds, and -answer all sorts of questions besides. Then if he passes that test, -he has to spend a night alone in the cabin. He’s allowed a gun, and -as there really aren’t any tramps around to be afraid of, it’s pretty -safe.” - -“Except for the ghosts,” interrupted David. “Most all the boys report -that they saw something mysterious.” - -At this point, Miss Phillips invited the boys to inspect the swimming -pool, and the conversation lost its general tone. - -John walked with Lily. - -“It must be terribly exciting to stay all night alone in that cabin,” -she said, “but I’m afraid I’d be too scared to try it.” - -“Oh, I guess most girls would!” - -“I bet Ruth Henry wouldn’t, though! She’d try most anything!” - -“Ruth Henry?” repeated John; “that name sounds familiar.” - -“Most likely you have heard Marjorie speak of her. She’s a friend from -her town.” - -“No, but I have heard Jack Wilkinson mention her. But she can’t be a -very intimate friend, for she wasn’t at the dance!” - -“Neither was I,” said Lily, good-naturedly; “and I count myself a very -intimate friend of Marjorie’s! But she only invited the ΦΑΒ girls to -that house party!” - -“Oh!” said John significantly. “And how is ΦΑΒ?” - -“Dying; the Girl Scouts put it out of business.” - -“I should think they would! What does Marjorie think of that?” - -“She resigned long ago.” - -“Good for her!” said John. “Well, I wish she was a Girl Scout. It’s my -last year at Episcopal, and if I don’t see her this year, I guess I -never will. Will you give her my regards?” he added, hesitatingly. - -“Surely,” said Lily. “And what are you planning to do next year, Mr. -Hadley?” - -“Princeton, I think,” he said, “though I’m not quite sure.” - -By the time the scouts had completed their tour of inspection, it was -ten o’clock, and they said good-bye to the girls and hurried off to get -their things. Lily ran up to her room as fast as she could, to tell -Marjorie the news. - -“Did he really ask about me?” asked her room-mate, trying to appear -disinterested. - -“Yes, and he seemed so disappointed that you weren’t in the troop!” - -“Tell me all about it,” said Marjorie; and Lily complied with her -request, carrying on one of those one-sided conversations about “what -_he_ said,” that girls all love to hold with each other. - -“But I didn’t tell him how soon you would be a Girl Scout,” she -concluded. - -“If I only am!” sighed Marjorie. “It seems to me I never wanted -anything so much in my life!” - -“Well, keep on studying, and it won’t be long now till the next Latin -test, and that will surely give you the chance you have been waiting -for!” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -PANSY TROOP MEETS - - -Now that the girls had seen the Boy Scouts’ demonstration, they were -more anxious than ever to get their own troop started. But they did not -have long to wait, for the following afternoon Miss Phillips placed a -typewritten list on the Bulletin Board in the main hall. - -In a few minutes, a crowd began to gather. Ruth was the first to -appear; to her great delight she saw her name at the bottom of the list. - -“Who made it?” asked Marjorie, who was too far back in the crowd to -read the paper. - -Ruth read it out loud: - -“School Swimming Team: - -“Seniors--Margaret Williams, Martha Meyers. - -“Juniors--Helen Stewart, Edith Evans, Violet Henderson. - -“Sophomores--Ethel Todd. - -“Freshmen--Ruth Henry. - -“Substitutes--Rose Craig, Frances Wright.” - -“Congratulations, Ruth!” said Marjorie, sincerely. “Now you’ll surely -be a Girl Scout!” - -“I hope so,” said Ruth, as she walked down the hall with her old -friend. “My last marks were pretty good--but, you never can tell.” - -“If I ever pull up my Latin, I’m going in harder for swimming. I want -to learn fancy diving and life-saving,” said Marjorie. - -“That would be nice,” agreed Ruth, “but for the present I’m going to -be content with plain dives and long-distance swimming. Anyway, I -can swim well enough to be a First Class scout, if I pass the other -qualifications.” - -The girls separated to dress for dinner. It hardly seemed possible that -Miss Allen could announce the new Scout candidates so soon, and yet a -decided air of expectancy prevailed during dinner that evening. Every -few minutes, one or two girls would allow their glance to wander in her -direction, and they were finally rewarded by seeing her rise from her -chair. - -“You have all seen the names of the girls on the swimming team,” she -said. “You know, too, that out of that list of eight girls, four are -already candidates for the Scouts. - -“All this goes to prove,” she continued, “just what Miss Phillips and I -have always thought--the same girls go out for athletics over and over -again, and the rest of the school is content to let them do all the -work. Now what we hope the Girl Scout organization will do, is to make -interest more general. - -“Of the remaining four girls on the swimming team, only one stands high -enough in her lessons to be selected as a candidate. That girl is Ruth -Henry!” - -As soon as the girls had stopped clapping, Miss Allen went on with the -announcements. “The eight candidates--Dorothy Maxwell, Edith Evans, -Helen Stewart, Frances Wright, Ethel Todd, Marian Guard, Lily Andrews, -and Ruth Henry are to meet in my office to-morrow afternoon at two -o’clock to organize and to elect their Captain.” - -After dinner was over, Marjorie sought Ruth. She was not jealous of her -friend’s triumph; Ruth deserved it, and she did not. - -So, with genuine pleasure, she said, “I’m awfully glad you made it, -Ruth. Nobody deserves it more than you!” - -Ruth thanked her, and Marjorie continued enthusiastically, “I think you -have done a big thing for the school. And I mean to belong just as soon -as possible. I’m going to give up everything else till I pull up my -Latin mark!” - -Ruth bit her lip. To her, half the fun of belonging to the Girl Scouts -consisted in being able to write home and tell her parents and friends -that she had succeeded where Marjorie had failed. But she said nothing -to indicate her feelings to the other girl. - -Promptly at two o’clock the next afternoon--which was Saturday--the -scout candidates assembled in Miss Allen’s office. - -“The first thing we will do,” said Miss Allen, “is to vote for a -Captain. Then, if possible, we will invite the person you elect into -the meeting, and she can take charge, for I won’t have time myself.” - -She asked Ruth to come forward and give out the paper for voting. -“Every Scout should be prepared with a pencil, but if any girl needs -one this time, I will lend her one. - -“Write the name of the person you want on the paper; if there isn’t a -majority for any one candidate the first time, we will vote over again -between the two or three highest.” - -But there was no cause for a second vote; Miss Phillips was elected by -an overwhelming majority. Lily was sent to the gymnasium to tell her -of the result of the election, and returned with an invitation for the -meeting to transfer its location to the gymnasium. - -In a few words, Miss Phillips thanked the girls for the honor they had -given her, and promised to live up to the Scout laws as faithfully as -she could. - -“Now,” she continued, “since we have eight girls, we will elect a -patrol leader and a corporal.” - -“What are their duties, Miss Phillips?” asked Lily. - -Miss Phillips smiled. “Scout Andrews,” she replied, “after this -when you wish to ask a question, rise, salute me, and say ‘Captain -Phillips.’ If I return the salute, then you ask your question. -Now--let’s try that!” - -Lily did as she was requested, and Miss Phillips explained that the -duties of these officers were to get the girls out to the meetings, -lead the marching, conduct opening exercises, and so forth. Frances -Wright was elected patrol leader and Lily Andrews was made corporal. - -“Now,” said Miss Phillips, “open your handbooks to page 44, and you -will see the different ceremonies to be used. We will begin with a -simple one to-night.” - -After she had read the instructions aloud, she blew a series of short -whistles and the girls assembled in line--with Frances at the top, and -Lily next. Lily was sent to the room next door for the flag, and at the -command of the Captain, the girls pledged allegiance. Then they sang -one stanza of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” standing at attention. After -this, led by Miss Phillips, they took the Scout oath. With their right -hands raised to their foreheads, they repeated: - - “On my honor I will try - To be true to God and my country. - To help others at all times. - To obey the Scout laws.” - -Their hands dropped to their sides. - -“Patrol Leader Wright,” commanded Miss Phillips, “lead in the Scout -Laws.” - -Frances stepped in front of the group, saluted the Captain, and the -girls repeated with her: - - “A Girl Scout’s honor is to be trusted. - A Girl Scout is loyal. - A Girl Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others. - A Girl Scout is a friend to all, and a sister to every - other Girl Scout. - A Girl Scout is courteous. - A Girl Scout is a friend to animals. - A Girl Scout obeys orders. - A Girl Scout is cheerful. - A Girl Scout is thrifty. - A Girl Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.” - -“What is your motto?” asked Miss Phillips. - -“Be prepared,” they answered. - -“What is your slogan?” - -“Do a good turn daily.” - -“Be seated!” commanded Miss Phillips. “After opening ceremony,” she -continued, when the girls were seated, “comes Scout talk. To-night I -am going to talk about your good turn. It will be harder for you girls -than for the Scouts who live at home, but let me see what you can do. -Make a list of the things you do, but do not sign it. Bring it next -week to the meeting, and perhaps we shall read them aloud.” Then she -suggested some good turns that might be done at the school. - -“Business meeting is next in order. We must first of all have a -secretary. I am ready for nominations.” - -After a great deal of consideration, Ethel Todd was elected secretary; -Ruth Henry was made treasurer. - -“Now it is time to decide upon a name,” announced Miss Phillips. - -“A name?” asked Ruth, without rising or saluting. “Can we have Greek -letters--or something like that?” - -The other girls smiled at her impetuosity, but Miss Phillips hastened -to correct the false impression. - -“No, not that,” she answered, “but each troop takes the name of a -flower--rose, daisy, violet, and so on. And each patrol takes the name -of a bird. Suppose some of you suggest the names you would like, and we -can vote upon the three most popular.” - -Frances suggested “Pansy,” and the girls decided to make it their -choice. The selection of the patrol symbol was put off until a later -time. - -After dues had been discussed and agreed upon, Miss Phillips said, “I -would like to suggest that we consider candidates only once a month. -It is nearly February now--and we are just starting. It would make too -much confusion if we take them in at every meeting. So I think the best -plan would be to get the list of those eligible from Miss Allen at the -end of each month, and take them in at the following meeting.” - -This suggestion was voted upon and passed. - -“When shall we have our first hike?” asked the Captain. - -Frances Wright rose and saluted Miss Phillips. “Captain,” she said, -“let’s wait until we get our uniforms.” - -Helen Stewart’s face fell. She was one of the poorest girls in the -school--her mother was a widow, and it was about all she could afford -to do to pay the regular expenses. Helen did not know how she would -ever get her uniform. - -“All right,” agreed the Captain, “but you all know you have to _earn_ -the uniform. You aren’t allowed to write home and ask your parents for -the money. And what is more, you are supposed to _make_ it!” - -Lily looked disappointed. She was thinking of having her uniform made -by a Fifth Avenue tailor. Helen looked proportionately pleased. - -“There are lots of things you can do to earn money--typewriting in -the office, taking care of babies, running errands for people in the -village, taking orders for knitting and sewing----” - -“But we’ll be almost like servants!” exclaimed Lily, interrupting her -Captain’s speech. - -“It won’t hurt you, girls,” Miss Phillips said laughingly. “And to -encourage you,” she added, “I’ll earn mine, aside from my salary.” - -“And we’ll make it a kind of race to see who can earn theirs first. -Let’s have a bank and a banker, and report each week on what we have -made.” - -The girls approved of the plan, and Ethel Todd, the secretary, was -chosen banker. - -“Now,” said Miss Phillips, “we will adjourn our business meeting for -Scout work. Open your handbooks to page 60; we are going over the -Tenderfoot test together.” - -The test seemed comparatively easy, and Miss Phillips decided to give -it the following week. “You may each bring a quarter,” she said, “and -if everybody passes we will fill out our blank and send it to National -Headquarters in New York. - -“Now,” continued the Captain, “let’s have some games. Next week we’ll -have military drill, but we won’t start that to-night. Let’s play -‘Boots without shoes.’ Does anybody know it?” - -The girls shook their heads, and Miss Phillips requested all but -Frances to go into her office. - -She explained the game to Frances, and told her to go and bring one of -the girls into the room. She returned with Lily. - -“You want to belong to the Girl Scouts, don’t you, Lily?” asked Miss -Phillips, with mock solemnity. - -“Yes!” - -“Then will you promise to do as I do, but to say just what I tell you -to say?” - -“I promise.” - -Miss Phillips took three jumps. “Say ‘Boots,’ without shoes!” - -Lily imitated the action, and repeated, “Boots, without shoes!” - -“But that isn’t right!” protested Miss Phillips. “We’ll try over again.” - -She gave her increasingly difficult gymnastic feats to perform, ending -each with the same command of “Say ‘Boots,’ without shoes!” - -Finally Lily saw through the trick, and cried triumphantly, “Boots!” - -Miss Phillips sent her for the next girl, and they continued until all -the girls were initiated. - -Before they separated for the evening, Miss Phillips taught the girls -the Scout yell-- - - “A-M-E-R-I-C-A - GIRL SCOUTS--GIRL SCOUTS--U.S.A” - -and they yelled it joyfully, adding first “Miss Allen’s, Miss Allen’s,” -on the end, and then giving it over again in honor of Miss Phillips. - -Lily ran up to find Marjorie, who had spent the first Friday evening -since Pledge-Day in her own room. Both girls were glad that there was -no secrecy about the Girl Scout meeting, which would prevent them from -discussing it together. - -Ruth went over to her own room with equal haste, joyfully anticipating -the letter she would write to the folks at home to tell them of her -good fortune. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE LATIN TEST - - -By the twentieth of February, the eight candidates had passed their -Tenderfoot tests, and were registered at National Headquarters as -regular members of the Girl Scouts. After the preliminary exercises of -the meeting were over, Captain Phillips asked for a report from the -banker. - -“All the girls have handed in enough money for the khaki and buttons, -Captain,” Ethel Todd announced, after she had given the usual salute. -“And some have turned in more than was required. Shall I give that to -the treasurer?” - -“No,” answered Miss Phillips, “we will keep up our banking system, so -that each girl can always have money on hand to purchase the necessary -equipment. Now,” she continued, turning to the troop, “I want reports -on how the individual Girl Scouts earned their money.” - -The accounts that followed were both interesting and original. Ruth had -made fudge, and sold it at a profit; Ethel Todd had addressed envelopes -in Miss Allen’s office, and had helped with the school records; -Frances and Marian had taken care of babies for some Alumnæ members of -ΦΑΒ who lived in the village; Lily Andrews and Edith Evans had secured -subscriptions for a well-known woman’s magazine; and Helen Stewart and -Dorothy Maxwell had advertised their services for “odd jobs” among -their school-mates, and had been rewarded with plenty of mending, -pressing, darning, and even shoe-shining. - -All the girls agreed that the experience had been fun; even Lily -admitted that she did not mind it after she had once started. - -“And what did you do, Captain Phillips?” she asked. - -“I organized a dancing-class for the little tots of the village, -which meets one afternoon a week, and I charge each child ten cents a -lesson,” she replied. - -“Good!” exclaimed Lily, “you lived up to your promise!” - -“Girls,” said the Captain, “I am going into the city to-morrow, and I -will order the uniforms--the kind that come cut out ready to sew. Then -we ought to receive them before next Saturday, and if we do, we can -meet up in the sewing-room and give up the day to making them.” - -“And when will we go on our hike, Captain?” asked Frances, with the -usual formality. - -“The following Saturday, I hope. You see the marks come out the next -Monday, and the Gym team will be selected; so new girls will be -eligible to the troop after that. And I want one hike by ourselves--as -a reward for the good work you have done.” - -“How many new girls do you think we shall have?” asked Marian. - -“There will be ten girls on the school Gym-team, but probably some of -those are already Scouts. And then there is a possibility that some of -the girls who are either hockey or swimming-team members may pull up -their marks in their studies and qualify.” - -Lily clapped her hands. “I do so hope Marjorie makes it,” she exclaimed -with such enthusiasm that Miss Phillips did not have the heart to -reprove her for her breach of discipline. “And she will,” she added, -“if she makes 90% in her Latin test.” - -Ruth looked annoyed. Half the fun of being a Girl Scout was the -publicity of it--the fact that she was one of the eight distinguished -members--that she belonged to something Marjorie could not join. - -“As soon as we get more girls into the troop,” announced Captain -Phillips, “we will give a play, to earn enough money to pay for our -camping trip this summer.” - -The girls were so interested that Miss Phillips was forced to go into -details about the plans; they talked such a long time that it was -necessary to adjourn without the customary games. - -Marjorie’s evening had been spent in her own room, studying Latin. -Although the test was not to be held until the following Tuesday, she -felt that she had not a minute to lose. The hardest part to her was, -of course, the English into Latin--“prose composition,” Miss White, -the teacher, called it. It was in this that she had failed before; -therefore, she directed all her effort to mastering it. There was not -one construction of which she felt uncertain; she did not see how she -could fail. - -Just as she was gathering her books into a neat pile for the night, the -door opened and Lily came in. She was full of the plans for the hike, -the play, and the camp; and she poured her news into Marjorie’s eager -ears. - -When she stopped a moment for breath, the other girl exclaimed, “I -simply _must_ make it! I’d love to be in the play, and go camping! -Just think of the fun! Of course, Miss Phillips will go with you this -summer?” - -“Certainly!” replied Lily. “Oh, Marj, you’ll surely be a Girl Scout -before then. But keep on studying,” she urged. - -When Marjorie laid her paper on Miss White’s desk on Tuesday, she felt -that she had done exceedingly well in the examination. She had thought -out each construction and had written carefully; she had gone over her -paper twice to make sure that there were no corrections or omissions; -and she was the next to last girl to leave the room. - -Ruth Henry was the last girl to turn in her paper. This was not because -she was slow or uncertain of her work, for she was an excellent Latin -student; but she usually remained to walk over to the dormitory with -Miss White, with whom she was a great favorite. - -Just as she rose from her seat to hand in her paper, a messenger -entered from the office. - -“Miss White, here is a telegram for you,” she said, handing her a -yellow envelope. - -Ruth stood still, and the messenger withdrew. As Miss White read the -telegram, her face grew pale. - -“What is it, Miss White? Oh, I hope nothing is wrong?” said Ruth. - -“My mother’s very ill--I must go home immediately.” - -“I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?” asked Ruth impulsively. - -Miss White hesitated a moment. “Yes, dear, thank you--straighten up -this room and my desk; put the papers in a neat pile in the bottom -drawer; then lock it and bring me the key. And you can carry my -suitcase to the station, if you wish.” - -“Yes, indeed. Please don’t worry, Miss White--surely she’ll get better!” - -Miss White smiled sadly, and handed Ruth the key. “You are a dear, good -girl, Ruth,” she said, as she opened the door. - -Ruth began to straighten the papers, which the girls had piled one by -one on top of the teacher’s desk. As she picked them up, one from the -top of the pile fell to the floor. She stooped to pick it up. It was -Marjorie Wilkinson’s! - -Suddenly, Ruth thought of the other girl’s house-party, and the dance -which she had witnessed through the lighted windows; she remembered -Marjorie’s indifference during the days that followed her pledging to -the sorority; and heard Lily exclaim over again that if her room-mate -made 90% in this Latin test, she would be a Girl Scout. - -This was the opportunity she had been waiting for; if she had schemed -and planned for it, it could not have been more perfect. If she let -this chance go by, she would probably never have another like it. She -would pay Marjorie back for what she had done in the past. - -Taking a pen, and dipping it in Miss White’s inkwell, she turned to -the questions marked “English into Latin.” With her knowledge, it was -a simple matter to make little changes--adding letters here and there -at the ends of words to make the gender, number, tense, or case of the -word out of harmony with the rest of the sentence. - -Once she thought she heard a sound at the door; she quickly dropped her -pen, and pretended to straighten the papers. But no one came in, and -she finished her work of deceit. To the casual observer, Marjorie’s -paper looked no different; but to the Latin student, it proved to -be like the poor twisted poem of “Father William” in “Alice in -Wonderland,” “wrong from beginning to end.” - -While she was locking Miss White’s desk, the risk of her act occurred -to her. What if the teacher should decide to return the papers to the -girls, contrary to her usual custom? What if Marjorie should not be -satisfied with her mark, and should ask Miss White to go over the paper -with her? - -But it was too late now to think of the danger; the deed was done, and -she must take the consequences. - -She decided on the whole that she would stand less chance of detection -if the teacher took the papers home with her to mark. Accordingly, she -unlocked the desk again and took out the pile, and, leaving everything -in good order, went over to Miss White’s room. - -“I brought the test papers over to you, Miss White, instead of leaving -them in your desk, because I thought you would want to take them home -and mark them there, so you could mail the averages to Miss Allen -before the term closes.” - -“Thank you, Ruth, you are so thoughtful. Here--I will put them in my -suitcase,” she said, taking them from the girl. - -“Now I think I’m ready,” she concluded. “Here is a sweater for you to -wear to the station--and I guess your hands won’t get lost in these -gloves.” - -Ruth put on the borrowed clothing, and picked up the suitcase. - -After she came back from the station, she began to dress for dinner, -but said nothing to Ethel of the incident, lest in some way it might -throw suspicion on her. - -All the rest of the week Marjorie felt the satisfaction of a person -whose task was well done. She looked eagerly forward to Monday when -her success would be announced, and the troop would claim her as a -candidate. She knew her Tenderfoot test already, and she thought -constantly of possible ways to earn money for her uniform. - -The Friday evening before the term closed, ΦΑΒ girls met for the last -time. Two Juniors who had been chosen for the gym team, and who were -practically sure of making the Girl Scout troop, resigned; and with -only six members left, the sorority had to disband. - -As Marjorie sat alone in her room that evening while Lily attended the -Scout meeting, she occupied herself by writing a long letter home. And -in this letter, she told her mother to expect a splendid report from -the school--with a mark in Latin that she would be proud of. “And I -think,” she concluded, “that this is the last Friday evening I shall -have to spend in my room alone--for by this time next week, I hope to -be a Girl Scout!” - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -A WINTER HIKE - - -It was indeed an attractive group of girls who met on Saturday morning, -dressed in their new Scout uniforms, with their packs strapped to -their backs. Perhaps they felt a trifle self-conscious, but they had -no need to be ashamed of their appearance, for their suits could not -have fitted them more neatly if they had been made by a fashionable -dressmaker. - -As soon as they left the building, they formed in a line--two -abreast--and swung along in step. Miss Phillips told them that when -they left the village and struck the open country, they might sing as -they marched. - -“And that reminds me,” she said, “I want some Scout songs of our -very own, and I happened to mention the matter to Miss Allen, and -she offered a canteen as a prize for the best song submitted before -June first. So get to work, girls. You needn’t attempt to write the -music--unless you want to--but take some familiar tune and make up new -words.” - -The day was clear and just cold enough to make the walk bracing. The -girls had gone to bed early the night before, and were in perfect trim -for the hike. And they were very happy. They would be glad to welcome -the new girls the following week, and make them their “Scout sisters”; -but for the present they were content to enjoy this last intimate -little adventure alone. - -Miss Phillips had secured copies of the Nature Calendar of the Buffalo -Society of Natural Sciences; and the girls had made a list of some of -the February birds to look for. They had noted the characteristics of -the hemlock, the spruce, and the red and white cedars, and were anxious -to put their knowledge to a test. - -Ruth and Ethel had been given two dollars from the treasury, with the -instructions to purchase wholesome food. “We shall have our first -lesson in out-door cooking,” Miss Phillips had said, “so be sure to buy -something that we can cook over a camp fire. But don’t get anything -like raw beans,” she had laughingly instructed them, “for they require -twelve hours’ baking, and we don’t expect to make it an overnight hike -this time!” - -So Ruth and Ethel had done their purchasing, and had wrapped their -articles into eight packages; they gave each girl a bundle to carry, -but refused to tell what they had bought. And, of course, everybody -tried to find out by feeling her package, but in most cases this failed -to reveal the identity of the contents. - -After ten minutes’ walk, the Scouts had left the town, and struck the -woods. Miss Phillips blew a series of short whistles and called the -girls together for instructions. - -“We are going to lay a trail,” she said. “Frances, Ethel, Dorothy, and -Ruth are to go ahead, and put down the signals; the rest of us will -wait here ten minutes and then follow. - -“Lay your trail until you come to a good place to make a fire and eat -lunch. Choose a spot somewhere near good water, and be sure that you -are well protected from the wind. If you can find a flat rock, so much -the better; but be sure that the ground is dry.” - -“I’ve never eaten around a camp fire,” said Lily. “It’s going to be -such fun!” - -“How will we know what signals to lay?” asked Ruth. - -“I am going to tell you some of the simple ones: perhaps we shall -learn those more difficult later on from the Boy Scouts. Has anybody a -pen-knife?” - -“I have, Captain,” said Marian, producing one. - -“Will you lend it to Ethel? Now, Ethel, you can blaze a trail by -cutting off a piece of bark from a tree along a path which you are -following. - -“But that is not to be the only signal. You can break a twig, and leave -it hanging, or you can set a small stone on top of a larger one to mark -the trail. - -“Now for the turns--if you want us to follow the path to the right, put -a long mark on the right of the tree trunk beneath the blaze; or bend -your twig out straight to the right; or when you put your little stone -on top of your big one, place another small stone beside them to the -right--and, of course, vice versa for the left. Do you understand?” - -“Yes, yes,” cried the girls. - -“One thing more--has everybody matches in her knapsack?” - -Fortunately everybody did have, for Miss Phillips had especially warned -the girls to be provided with them. - -“Now,” she continued, “I want you to try to keep together; and always -remember this: no fewer than two girls must travel together in the -woods; but if anything ever should happen to separate one of you from -your companions, and you find that you are lost, select a high, open -spot and make two fires--carefully piling on lots of leaves and grass -to make smoke; for Girl Scouts have adopted the signal that two smokes -arising together mean ‘I am lost--help.’ - -“Now run along, girls, before you get cold!” - -While the remaining girls--Edith, Marian, Lily, and Helen waited the -ten minutes, Miss Phillips instituted a game to keep them from becoming -cold. - -When the time was up, they started off, looking carefully for signals -of the trail. Miss Phillips told them to call out when they discovered -a trail and instructed each girl to keep count of the signs she -discovered first. Once or twice, everybody missed a mark, and went -straight ahead; then, failing to see any evidences of the trail, they -all turned back and discovered they had missed the turn. - -Finally Dorothy spied a smoke in the distance. “Can that be our girls?” -she asked. - -“I guess so,” replied Miss Phillips. “One smoke means ‘We are camping -here.’” - -The girls ran as fast as they could, and soon reached the spot. Ethel -had spread the big blanket on the ground, and the other girls had -succeeded in starting a good fire. Ruth had filled her canteen from a -spring not far distant, and offered the girls water. Frances was trying -to fasten branches into the ground from which to suspend the kettle for -hot water. - -“It’s pretty hard to dig a deep enough hole without a spade, Frances,” -said Miss Phillips, after she had laid down her pack. “Let your fire -die down a little, and put two green logs on each side of it; then we -can set the kettle across them right over the fire.” - -She turned to Ruth. “Now what have you for lunch?” she inquired. - -“Doggies, rolls, cocoa (we have that in the thermos bottle), and baked -beans; and a surprise for dessert!” - -“Baked beans!” exclaimed Lily, “what did Captain tell you?” - -“Oh, they’re not that kind,” laughingly explained Ethel; “they’re all -cooked--by Mr. Heinz; we only have to heat them!” - -The girls dropped the can in the hot water in the kettle, and each -proceeded to get a stick on which to toast the sausages. Soon they were -eating hungrily. - -“Tell us how you liked our trail,” said Ruth. - -“It was great!” said Miss Phillips. “By the way--who found the most -signs?” - -“I believe Edith did, didn’t you?” asked Dorothy. - -“Well, I found eight; did anybody get more than that?” - -No one had; and Edith was congratulated. - -“Now guess, girls, what we’ve got for dessert?” - -“Apples?” - -“No--better than that!” - -“Cake?” - -“No--still better!” - -“Pie?” - -“Yes!” - -“What kind?” - -“Hot mince pie! We covered it up, and put it among the coals. But -you’ve got to eat it with your fingers.” - -“That’s easy!” exclaimed Dorothy, as Ethel handed two pies to Miss -Phillips to cut with Marian’s pen-knife. - -“Ruth, you and Ethel are certainly dandies,” said Helen; “but do tell -us how you ever got all this wonderful feed for two dollars!” - -“Well, we didn’t,” replied Ruth. “Mother sent me the pies this morning.” - -“And that accounts for the reason they are so good!” exclaimed Lily. “I -thought you couldn’t get pies like these at the village bakery.” - -“Girls,” suggested Frances, “let’s write Mrs. Henry a note of thanks -when we get back to school, and all sign it.” - -“Now Captain,” said Marian, after they had finished eating, “do tell us -about some of your plans for the troop.” - -“Yes, do!” the others urged. - -“Well, next Friday we admit our new members. From then until spring -vacation, we will practice for our play and work for the second class -test. During spring vacation, we are to go to a big party at the Boy -Scout cabin.” - -“How perfect!” exclaimed Ruth enthusiastically. - -“After vacation,” the Captain continued, “we will give our play and -study for merit badge examinations, and take some hikes--maybe one -over-night hike--learning about trees and flowers. And, if any of you -girls want to go out for the Pioneer badge, the Boy Scouts said they -would show us how to build a cabin.” - -“It would be wonderful to have our own cabin!” said Ethel. - -“And, of course, you know, after that comes vacation and our week of -camping. But nobody can go camping who is not at least a second-class -scout.” - -“Oh, it’s all so exciting!” exclaimed Ruth. “I’m so glad I’m a Girl -Scout!” - -“I’d be perfectly happy if Marjorie were in it, too!” sighed Lily. - -“Perhaps she will be soon,” said Frances, encouragingly. “Let’s hope -so!” - -Ruth blushed self-consciously at this remark, but no one noticed her -embarrassment. She hastily changed the subject. “Tell us a story, -Captain,” she suggested. - -“What kind of story would you like?” asked Miss Phillips. - -“Oh, one about the out-of-doors,” answered Ruth. - -“Well, we mustn’t sit here long--the fire is beginning to die; but I’ll -tell you a story of Ernest Thompson Seton’s--it’s in his book called -‘Two Little Savages,’ a boy’s book, but one which I think you girls -would enjoy. - -“This story is about an Indian squaw, who was taken prisoner by some -tribe way up north. They marched her five hundred miles away, but one -night she escaped and set out, not on the home trail, for she knew they -would follow that way and kill her, but to one side. She didn’t know -the country and got lost. She had no weapons but a knife, and no food -but berries. - -“She went as fast as she could for several days till a rainstorm came, -and then she felt safe, because she knew her enemies could not trail -her now. But winter was approaching, and she could not get home before -it came. So she set to work right where she was. - -“Can you girls imagine yourselves in such a position? All alone in the -woods--no shelter, no food, no extra clothing, and the cold weather -coming on fast?” - -Frances shuddered. “I guess most of us would soon give up and die!” she -said. - -“We probably would--though maybe not after we have learned the -principles of Scouting. - -“Well, anyway, she made a Wigwam of birch bark and a fire by rubbing -sticks together, as you saw two of the Boy Scouts do, only she used -the lace of her moccasin for a bow-string. She made snares of the -inner bark of the willow and of spruce roots, and deadfalls, too, for -rabbits. She was starving sometimes, at first, but she ate the buds -and inner bark of birch trees till she found a place where there were -lots of rabbits. And when she caught some she used every scrap of them. -She made a fishing-line of the sinews, and hook of the bones and teeth -lashed together with sinew and spruce gum. - -“She made a cloak of rabbit skins, sewed with needles of rabbit bone -and thread of rabbit sinew, and a lot of dishes of birch bark sewed -with spruce roots. - -“She spent the whole winter there alone, and when the spring came she -was found by Samuel Hearne, the great traveler. Her precious knife was -worn down, but she was fat, and happy, and ready to set out for her own -people.” - -“And is that a true story?” asked Ruth, after a silence of a minute or -two. - -“Yes,” replied Miss Phillips, “wasn’t she wonderful?” - -The girls thanked their Captain for the interesting tale and Frances -led in the Scout yell. - -They sang one or two of their favorite songs, as they put out the -fire, and buried the tin cans and refuse they could not burn. Miss -Phillips congratulated them on the appearance of the spot. “A Scout -leaves the place in perfect order after she has camped there,” she said -approvingly. - -It was a happy, weary crowd that trudged into school that night. But -after they had bathed and dressed for dinner they felt better, though, -as Lily remarked, “glad that the next day was Sunday.” - -“And the day after is Monday,” said Marjorie, excitedly--“and we’ll -know our marks!” - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -MARJORIE’S DISAPPOINTMENT - - -Morning exercises at Miss Allen’s always began with the singing of a -hymn, followed by reading from the Bible by one of the teachers. No -matter what events were to come after, this custom was never altered. - -Once in two months the students received their reports with due -formality when everyone was in the assembly room. Miss Allen’s -secretary carried the pile of white envelopes on to the platform; -and, after the religious exercises were concluded, the Principal read -the names of the girls in the order of their averages, and they came -forward to receive the reports. - -Up to this time, Marjorie had never been particularly interested in -the ceremony. She always wanted to pass, but she rather regarded -those girls whose marks ranged from eighty to ninety per cent as a -little “queer”; they must be abnormal if they were more interested in -mathematics and Latin than in hockey and cocoa-parties. - -But this Monday morning after the Latin test, she felt that she had -never cared about anything so much before as she cared for her term -average. She was so nervous that she could have cried out while the -girls droned through four stanzas of the hymn the music teacher had -selected. She glanced apprehensively at the secretary, but failed to -see the usual pile of white envelopes on the chair beside her; then -resolutely putting her doubts aside, she attempted to join in the -singing. - -Finally it was over; Miss Allen rose and walked to the front of the -platform. But, contrary to her usual custom, the secretary kept her -seat. Something was wrong; Marjorie sensed it even before Miss Allen -began to explain. - -“Girls,” she said slowly, fingering her watch-chain, “I am very sorry -to say that you will not receive your marks until to-morrow. We -received Miss White’s list of Latin test averages only to-day; so, even -though Miss Smith will work on them all day in the office, we can’t -have them ready before late this afternoon. But as soon as she has them -made up, she will give the list of girls eligible for the Scout troop -to Miss Phillips, and perhaps we can announce the new candidates at -dinner to-night. But you may come to assembly to-morrow prepared to -receive your reports.” - -When Miss Allen stopped speaking, Marjorie discovered that she was -literally shaking all over. “Why, I never cared half so much about -making the sorority,” she said to herself. “I wonder if Ruth felt -that way over it--and Lily, too! Poor girls! I wish I had been more -sympathetic. But I didn’t understand.” - -No day ever seemed so long to Marjorie; but it went all too quickly for -Ruth, who was glad to have the moment postponed when Marjorie learned -of her disappointment. Once or twice she was inclined to regret her -action, and her conscience told her that she had broken the Scout’s -first law--that “her honor is to be trusted;” but she always succeeded -in justifying herself by thinking: “Marjorie was glad I didn’t make the -sorority, and probably would have done the same thing to me if it had -been necessary!” She remembered the house-party, and the dance, and -Marjorie’s indifference during the past months; and she gritted her -teeth, and said she was glad for what she had done. - -She tried to avoid Marjorie, but as so often happens, she met both -Lily and Marjorie in the pool. Miss Phillips was sitting on the bench, -superintending the hour. - -“In about a month,” said Miss Phillips to the girls at the deep end, -“after spring vacation, basket-ball season starts. And then we play -Miss Martin’s school; and if you girls don’t beat them this time--I -believe I’ll resign!” - -Ruth was sitting on the edge of the diving-board, dangling her feet; -and Lily and Marjorie were making attempts to tread water, but every -few minutes they reached for the side-rail. All the while they were -listening to Miss Phillips. - -Marjorie looked frightened. “Oh, don’t do that, Miss Phillips--why, -we’d do anything to prevent that! I do believe the whole school’d turn -out every day to practice, if they thought that would prevent you from -leaving!” - -“Thanks for the compliment,” said Miss Phillips. “But I really do think -the girls have a different spirit now from last fall--not about me, -but athletics and lessons; and it’s all because we have substituted a -splendid, democratic, American organization for that sickly, snobbish, -thing that used to exist--I mean ΦΑΒ--to take the girls’ hearts, and -their time and their money, and give them nothing in return!” - -“In other words,” said Ruth, proudly, “thanks to me!” - -“Yes, thanks to you, Ruth, and to Miss Allen, and to Mrs. Juliette -Lowe--the founder of the Girl Scouts!” - -Noticing that Marjorie had seemed somewhat embarrassed at her -arraignment of the sorority, and was swimming off in the opposite -direction, Miss Phillips added hastily: - -“And we’re all hoping, Marjorie dear, that by this time to-morrow night -you’ll be among the candidates. I’m only waiting for the list now.” - -Marjorie flushed with pleasure. It was something to be called “dear” by -Miss Phillips even if she never made the troop. - -“Marjorie’s going to make it,” said Lily. “Why, with the way she’s -studied, she couldn’t help it.” - -Before the teacher could say anything further, a messenger from the -office entered and handed her an envelope. Glancing hastily at its -contents, she rose, and issued the command: “All out of the pool!” and -stood until the girls had filed out; then she extinguished the light, -and went into her office. - -“And in five minutes she will know my fate,” whispered Marjorie to -Lily, as the girls opened their lockers. - -Everybody was in high spirits at dinner that evening; the girls were -happy with expectation. And this feeling was greatly increased when -Miss White entered in the middle of the meal with her coat and hat on, -and showed plainly by her happy smile that everything was right at home. - -It was indeed a fitting time for Miss Allen to inform the lucky -candidates of their election to the Girl Scout troop. - -“Before I announce the names of the new candidates,” she said, “let me -tell you that Miss Martin’s school is watching our Girl Scout troop -carefully, and from our success will decide whether or not to start -one of their own next year! It is a big responsibility, girls! I would -like every student in my school to be a scout, if she would try to live -up to the pledge and laws; but at the same time, I want to keep the -standard very high. So we are going slowly. - -“I am glad to announce to-night that eight girls--another whole -patrol--have qualified; and as I read the names I would like the girls -to stand. - -“Senior--Lucy Graham. - -“Juniors--Elsie Lorimer, Emily Rankin, Mary Ridgeway. - -“Sophomores--Vivien VanSciver, Ada Mearns. - -“Freshmen--Anna Cane, Doris Sands.” - -Everybody clapped except Marjorie. She sat perfectly still. The room -seemed to go around and around; and she thought she was going to faint. - -The girls all got up and pressed over to their friends to congratulate -them. Somehow Marjorie realized that she should not sit any longer, and -she stood up. But in a second Lily was by her side, her arm linked in -hers. - -“Come on out,” she said. “Don’t worry, Marj--surely there has been a -mistake! Wait till you get your report.” - -She literally led Marjorie to their room. When they reached it, and -Lily had closed the door, the unhappy girl threw herself on her cot, -weeping. Lily was unable to console her. - -“It’s no use,” sobbed Marjorie. “I have failed in my Latin. I guess -I tried too hard; I must have been nervous, and put down the wrong -things.” She hid her face in the pillow. - -In a few minutes, a knock sounded at the door, and Lily opened it, -preparing to say that Marjorie had a headache, and to ask the guest to -call again. But it was Miss Phillips. - -“Come in,” said Lily quietly. Approaching her room-mate’s cot, she -leaned over and said, “It’s Miss Phillips, Marjorie, to see you. Please -excuse me,” she added discreetly, “I must go to the library.” - -The next half-hour was one of those short but important times that -always stood out in Marjorie’s memory. Miss Phillips sat down beside -her, and taking her hand, told her it was not a mistake--that her Latin -mark was so low that she had all but failed. And then she related an -instance in her own life, when she had wanted so much to succeed in an -undertaking--it was the passing of a physical training exam;--she had -failed, and her money had given out; she had been forced to give up her -plans and go to work in an office. - -“But it was my Sunday-School teacher,” she said, “who made me hold on -to my ideal, and succeed at last; and I guess I was better equipped in -the end.” - -Marjorie seemed calmer now, so Miss Phillips continued in her soft -voice: - -“I shall never forget that poem of Edwin Markam’s--do you know his -work, Marjorie?--that my teacher read to me at the time: - - “‘Defeat may serve as well as victory - To shake the soul and let the glory out. - When the great oak is straining in the wind, - The boughs drink in new beauty, and the trunk - Sends down a deeper root on the windward side. - Only the soul that knows the mighty grief - Can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come - To stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.’ - -“And I believe sometimes that defeat is just the thing we need.” - -Miss Phillips talked a long time with Marjorie, and held before her a -new race to pursue; so that when Lily came back from the library and -the teacher rose to go, Marjorie seemed quite happy, and promised to -try again. - -The next day she received her report with sixty-six in Latin; but she -never saw her paper, for Miss White had burned it with the others after -she had copied the marks and sent them to Miss Allen. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -THE SECOND-CLASS TEST - - -The new Scout candidates soon passed their Tenderfoot test, and -registered at National Headquarters as regular members of Pansy troop. -Lucy Graham, the senior, was elected patrol leader of the new patrol, -and Doris Sands received the office of corporal. - -The last meeting before spring vacation was held. After the usual -preliminary business had been concluded, Captain Phillips said that she -had several interesting announcements to make. - -“To-morrow,” she said, “instead of our usual outing, we are going -down in the village to Mrs. Burd’s house to cook our own supper. You -know every girl has to cook something satisfactorily as a part of -her second-class test; and I wasn’t quite sure how to give you the -opportunity, when my friend Mrs. Burd came to the rescue, and offered -us her kitchen for to-morrow night, while she and the rest of her -family are away. - -“Now,” she continued, after the girls had discussed her proposition -for several minutes, “I have something to tell you that I know will -interest you all. I have chosen the play we are going to give after -spring vacation!” - -“Oh, what is it?” cried Ruth informally, forgetting the usual ceremony -of address. - -But Miss Phillips did not notice the departure from discipline. Perhaps -too, she was too much interested in her subject to be aware of it. - -“‘Everygirl,’” she replied, holding up a copy of the play. “I think you -are going to like it; and if you do well with it, it will surely bring -credit to the whole school!” - -She opened the pamphlet she was holding, and read off a list of -symbolic characters. “Of course the play is an allegory; ‘Everygirl’ -just represents any girl, who meets with good and evil, and who has to -choose her companions and her course through life. There are a good -many parts to the play, so I hope you will all be able to be in it. Of -course, the main part is that of Everygirl, the heroine.” - -“Captain,” said Frances, rising and saluting, “please tell me how you -are going to select the girls for the parts, and whether we shall be -able to study them over spring vacation.” - -“I am going to select the characters at a try-out to-morrow afternoon; -so will everybody please come to the Gym right after lunch?” - -“I used to be in plays at home,” remarked Ruth. “I suppose that will -help, won’t it?” - -“We’ll see to-morrow,” replied Miss Phillips. “Now, one thing more -before we take our second-class tests: I want to arrange about our -cabin party with the Boy Scouts. School reopens April fifteenth, which -is on Wednesday; so all the Girl Scouts are to come back here on -Tuesday morning. Get here before twelve o’clock. The housekeeper, Mrs. -Rock, is going to give us a light lunch, and we are to change into our -scout uniforms, take a trolley to Bear’s Hill and hike to the cabin. -Each girl is to bring her own mess-kit, and wear warm clothes; the Boy -Scouts prepare the rest.” - -Ruth’s eyes danced. “How many Boy Scouts are there?” she asked. - -“I think they have a full troop--four patrols--thirty-two boys--but -they are going to take only the sixteen with the highest standing. -Their Scoutmaster, Mr. Remington, told me all the boys were crazy to -go; but he didn’t want their numbers to overwhelm us. Now, girls, -unless there are some important questions, we will not talk about these -things any longer, but will prepare to take the written part of the -second-class test. And before I forget it, will you bring your samples -of sewing, crocheting, and knitting over to the Gym to-morrow afternoon -for me to examine. Then after supper to-morrow night, I ought to be -able to announce the names of the girls who have passed the test.” - -Ethel arose excitedly. “Captain,” she said, “the handbook says we need -submit _either_ knitting _or_ crocheting; so we don’t have to bring -both, do we?” - -“Scout Todd,” answered Miss Phillips, “if you remember correctly, I -announced several months ago, that no girl in Pansy troop could become -a second-class scout without submitting samples of _both_ knitting and -crocheting. You all know our standards are very high, and Miss Allen -and I both agreed that in all the cases where the handbook gave a -choice of two alternatives, we would require both. It is entirely fair, -because it is the same for everybody. Do you understand?” - -Ruth sat perfectly still; but she saw her hopes of wearing the green -clover badge home at vacation fading, for though she knit splendidly, -she had never done a stitch of crocheting in her life. - -Miss Phillips distributed the paper, and the girls gave their attention -to the written part of the test. - -As they were getting ready for lunch the next day, Ethel asked Ruth -whether she could crochet. - -“Yes,” replied Ruth, after a slight hesitation. - -“And have you something ready to take this afternoon?” - -Ruth opened her drawer, and took out a square of filet. “I haven’t done -much of it, but I guess it’s enough to show Captain Phillips what I can -do!” - -“How pretty,” said Ethel admiringly. “Oh, Ruth, couldn’t you teach me; -I do so want to get that second-class badge!” - -“I’d love to,” replied Ruth; “but I can’t before to-night, because it’s -pretty hard to learn, and I want to practice for the play. I think I -stand _some_ chance of getting the heroine’s part, if I read it over -several times. But I wouldn’t if Marj Wilkinson were in the troop. -She’s a peach at dramatics!” - -Ethel was disappointed, but decided to wait until spring vacation -to learn. She was not, however, the only girl to fail to win the -second-class badge for this reason. When the scouts met a few hours -later in the Gym, it transpired that Ruth and two others were the only -ones to produce samples of their work. - -“May I have my crocheting back as soon as you have inspected it, -Captain?” asked Ruth. “I want to work on it.” - -“Certainly,” replied Miss Phillips, “you can have it now, for that -matter.” - -The try-outs for the play lasted all afternoon; after each girl read a -number of different parts, Miss Phillips excused them; but most of the -girls preferred to wait to hear the results of the Captain’s decisions. -Finally, a little before five o’clock, she read the characters as she -had selected them, and Ruth was disappointed to hear that Helen Stewart -was awarded the part of “Everygirl.” Her companions crowded around her -with congratulations; and Ruth, who had resolutely put her own feelings -aside, remembering that “a scout is cheerful,” was among them. - -In less than half an hour’s time, the girls re-assembled to accompany -Miss Phillips to Mrs. Burd’s home. They found it charming, just the -sort of house a girl dreams of having some day--with everything bright, -and shining, and new. The kitchen was small, but several of the girls -took their work into the shed or the dining-room, so that all of the -sixteen scouts were never in it at once. - -Miss Phillips had very cleverly prepared a menu that required many -extras; there was soup, two vegetables, cream sauce and gravy, salad, -salad-dressing, muffins, cocoa, and dessert; so that all the girls had -the opportunity to show their skill in cooking. Miss Phillips directed -the work, which was fortunate for such inexperienced cooks, and -everything turned out splendidly. The dinner was a great success. - -As soon as the soup was on the table, the girls took off their aprons -and sat down; each course was served by the girls who had prepared it. -The appetizing smell of the food, and the excitement of the experiment, -made them all hungry; they laughed and chatted gaily as they ate, their -flushed faces testifying the joy of their success. - -When dessert had been served, Miss Phillips said, “I certainly want to -congratulate you all on your splendid dinner. I can see already that no -man who marries a Girl Scout of Pansy troop ever need worry about his -future happiness.” - -The girls laughed, and Ethel looked significantly at Doris, as if to -indicate that she would probably be the first to have the chance to -prove this fact. - -“I wish I could pass you all on _every_ part of your second-class -test,” continued Miss Phillips, “as easily as I can on your cooking. -But unfortunately, I can award only three green clovers to-night: to -Helen Stewart, Ruth Henry, and Doris Sands!” - -She paused while the girls clapped. Producing three badges from the -pocket of her uniform, she requested the three girls to stand up. - -“We will have the formal ceremony the first Friday after spring -vacation; but I know that you girls are anxious to wear your badges -at the cabin party, so I am going to give them to you now. Sew them on -your left sleeve,” she concluded. - -After the dishes had been cleared away, and the dining-room and kitchen -made spotless, the girls sang some songs around the piano in the -living-room, and then proceeded to get ready to go back to the school. - -“The plays will be here by Monday,” said Miss Phillips, as she bade the -girls good night. “Be sure to get your copies to take home with you.” - -The next morning Ruth told Ethel that she had a headache, and intended -to ask for permission to stay away from church. - -“Too much party, I guess,” said Ethel, as she put on her hat. “You -better lie down till noon!” - -But it was not the result of the party that was keeping Ruth at home; -she had an important errand to perform, for which she needed the -desertion of Sunday morning. - -She waited until all was quiet in the hall; then taking a small article -out of her bureau drawer, she walked quickly over to Marjorie’s room. -She was so sure that the latter would be at church, that she opened the -door without knocking. To her great surprise, Marjorie suddenly sat up -in bed. - -“Hullo, Ruth!” she exclaimed. “What time is it? I guess I must have -overslept! Lily went over to stay all night with Helen Stewart, so I -hadn’t anybody to waken me.” - -Ruth was extremely taken back by Marjorie’s presence, but concealed -her embarrassment, and took advantage of the other girl’s sleepiness -to drop, unnoticed, the article she held in her hand behind one of the -pillows on Lily’s cot. - -“It’s after eleven o’clock! You’ll never make church now!” she said. - -“Eleven o’clock!” cried Marjorie, jumping out of bed. “Oh, my goodness, -another unexcused absence!” - -“Marj,” said Ruth slowly, “can I borrow your ‘Tales from Shakespeare’? -I got permission to stay home for a headache; but I’m better now, and I -want to look up something.” - -“Surely--it’s down on the bottom shelf. You don’t mind if I hurry?” - -“No, indeed; I have to go anyhow. Good luck to you! Good-bye!” - -When Marjorie and Lily returned together from church at noon, the -first thing that struck Lily’s eye after she sat down on her cot was -Marjorie’s lost crocheting. - -“Here’s your square of filet, Marj!” she exclaimed, picking up the -piece. “It was behind the pillow! I wonder how long it’s been -there--and we never saw it!” - -“But I did look there, before,” protested Marjorie. “Anyway,” she -added, putting it into her work bag, “I’m glad to have it to take home -with me.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE BOY SCOUTS ENTERTAIN - - -When the girls were ready to take the train which was to carry them -home for the spring holidays, it was Ruth who desired to avoid -Marjorie’s company. But she was not so successful as the latter had -been on their last journey; probably this was due to the fact that she -was not foresighted enough to secure an early dismissal. - -The girls boarded the train together; but Marjorie sat with Lily as far -as the Junction. When, however, the time to change trains arrived, Ruth -found herself alone on the station platform with Marjorie. There was -nothing to do but be sociable; besides, Marjorie must not suspect that -anything had happened in their relationship to alter their friendliness. - -The coach they entered was comparatively empty; Marjorie chose a seat -by the window, and Ruth sat down beside her. - -“I believe I’ll do my crocheting,” said Marjorie, opening her velvet -hand-bag, and taking out a square of filet that was all too familiar -to Ruth. “I lost it last week behind Lily’s cot, and I haven’t done -nearly so much as I wanted to. I’m making a camisole top for Miss -Phillips for her birthday; do you think she’ll like it?” - -Ruth’s face became scarlet. Fortunately for her, the other girl was too -busy with her work to notice. She leaned over, and pretended to button -her spat. - -“Yes, it’s lovely, Marj,” she replied. “When is her birthday?” - -“It’s the sixteenth of April; I want to give it to her the day we get -back. Would you buy the silk and make it up, or give it to her just as -it is?” - -The girls discussed the matter, and Ruth suggested a way of making it. - -“If I come over next week,” asked Ruth, “will you show me that pattern? -I’d like to make it for mother.” - -“Certainly; I never knew you could crochet till Lily told me you -and Helen and Doris were the only ones in the troop who won their -second-class badges on that account.” - -“Yes,” said Ruth, quite composed by now, “I learned the last time I -was home. You see I didn’t have any house-party to keep me busy, so I -thought I might as well do something useful!” - -The conversation drifted to swimming, and basket-ball, and finally to -the Girl Scout troop. Ruth could not refrain from telling Marjorie all -about the good times that were in store for her. - -“But maybe you’ll be a scout before the play comes off, Marj,” she -suggested. - -“How many more times do you think the troop will take in new members -this year?” - -“Only once, I guess--but then I’m not sure. But of course nobody can go -camping who isn’t at least a second-class scout.” - -“Don’t worry about that! If I ever get in, I won’t stop till I’m a -_first_-class scout!” said Marjorie emphatically. - -“It would be fun to race to see who won it first, if you were only in -the troop,” observed Ruth. - -Marjorie folded up her crocheting and looked dismally out of the -window. “Sometimes I think I’ll never make it; I don’t know how to work -any harder than I did for that last Latin test.” - -“Oh, I guess you must have been nervous. I’ll bet you know as much as I -do now about prose composition. But you simply lost your head.” - -“Maybe I did.” - -“Be a sport, and try again--get Jack to help you; he ought to be able -to, he’s a year ahead of you.” - -“Here we are at last!” cried Marjorie, jumping up and reaching for her -bag. “And here are our families to meet us!” - -Mrs. Wilkinson was obviously glad to see the girls together again; and -Mrs. Henry tried to conceal the feeling of pride she experienced at the -thought of her own daughter’s success compared with the other girl’s -failure. - -“A good deal has happened since Christmas, hasn’t it, Marjorie?” said -Mrs. Wilkinson, after they were comfortably seated in the machine. - -“Yes,” answered Marjorie, “I’m no longer a sorority girl.” - -“So I understand--but are you a Girl Scout?” - -“Not yet; my Latin----” - -“Oh, yes, I know; you’ll surely be able to pull that up soon if----” - -“Did Ruth make the troop?” interrupted Jack. - -“Yes; she’s a second-class scout already.” - -“Good for her!” said Jack. “I got my pin on Friday night,” he added -proudly. - -“Oh, Jack, I’m so glad! Did Roger make it, too?” - -“Yes--we’re both in the troop now.” - -“So is Doris,” laughed Marjorie. - -The holidays passed rather quietly for Marjorie; she studied from a -Latin book she had brought home with her, and worked on her crochet. -True to her promise, Ruth came over to copy her pattern, and proved -her ability in the new accomplishment. - -Ruth and Jack discussed the party at the cabin; but Jack regretted -that both he and Roger were too new to be included among the lucky -participants. - -It was with a very heavy heart that Marjorie watched Ruth pass her -house the Tuesday before school re-opened, bound for the cabin party of -the scouts. Jack rushed out to carry her suitcase to the station; and -Marjorie wiped away a tear as she turned again to her Latin grammar. - -The Girl Scouts met in the dining-room, and made a pretence at eating -the lunch Mrs. Rock had provided. But they were all too impatient to -get started to care to waste any unnecessary time; so after fifteen -minutes had elapsed, Miss Phillips announced her intention of starting. - -When the girls got off the trolley at the foot of Bear’s Hill, they -found two of the Boy Scouts waiting for them. As they came forward, the -girls of the first patrol identified them as David Conner and Russell -Henderson. - -After the usual ceremony of greeting, David said: - -“Our boys have laid a trail for you to follow; if you don’t miss any of -the signals, we ought to reach the cabin in fifteen minutes’ time!” - -The girls were glad of their former experience in following a trail, -and succeeded in discovering all the signs and keeping on the path -indicated. Once or twice they found little notes of direction; but -aside from these, the signals were identical with those Miss Phillips -had taught them. - -Part of the way, David walked with Ethel. “Isn’t Miss Wilkinson a scout -yet?” he asked. - -“No,” replied Ethel; “she lost out again!” - -“Somebody’s going to be disappointed,” remarked David, beginning to -whistle. - -“Somebody else I know never gets left when there’s a girl around!” -exclaimed a voice behind them, which David identified as Russell’s -without looking around. - -In a few minutes, the party came in sight of the cabin. Before they -could distinguish it from the trees that surrounded it, they saw two -red and white flags sending a message of “Welcome Girl Scouts!” - -“Hadley’s on the job, as usual,” muttered Russell, as the girls who -knew the code interpreted the message to the others. - -The cabin was built of logs, and surrounded by tall trees. The brush -had been cleared away, leaving an open space in front large enough for -the scouts to build an oven, and to arrange an out-door eating place. -The spring ran below the cabin. - -The other boys who had visited Miss Allen’s came forward and greeted -the girls, and introduced the rest of the scouts and Mr. Remington, the -Scoutmaster. Several of the boys conducted their guests to the inside -of the cabin, where they removed their heavier wraps. - -The interior of the cabin, which had a stone fireplace and a wooden -floor, was fixed up attractively with box furniture made by the boys -themselves. Several shelves in one corner held the supplies. - -“It’s lovely!” exclaimed Ethel enthusiastically, as she sat down on the -bench in front of the fireplace. - -“Where do you sleep?” asked Lily, with a puzzled look. “Surely sixteen -boys couldn’t all find room on the floor!” - -“We sleep in tents, when we stay here all night,” said John. “Except, -of course, when a candidate is sent out here on probation; then he -sleeps on that cot!” - -Mr. Remington appeared at the doorway. “As soon as you get rested, we -want to play some scout games,” he said. - -All the scouts, except the squad who were preparing the dinner, played -games until almost dusk; then a whistle signal sounded which John -interpreted as “get ready for mess,” and the girls followed Miss -Phillips to the stream to wash and make themselves presentable for -supper. - -The supper was a splendid one--much more pretentious than that which -represented the girls’ usual idea of a camp mess. There was broiled -steak, baked potatoes, baked beans, cocoa, rolls, and chocolate cake. - -“I never knew boys could cook like this!” said Frances. “Why, it’s -wonderful!” - -The girls wanted to help clear things away, but their offer was -refused. Two or three of the boys built up the fire, and in a few -minutes everyone was grouped around it, singing and talking. - -John Hadley came over and sat beside Doris. - -“It’s too bad Roger couldn’t be here to-night,” he said, “but you see -he’s one of the newer members of the troop. I daresay you’ll see him at -the next party.” - -Doris laughed gaily. “Don’t worry about me, Mr. Hadley,” she said. “I’m -having a wonderful time.” - -But with her naturally sympathetic disposition, she was quick to -realize that John was not so happy, and she tactfully turned the -conversation in the direction in which he was interested--namely, to -Marjorie. She explained as well as she could about Marjorie’s failure; -but as she never had been able to understand it herself, she was not -very successful in convincing John of the cause. - -About eight o’clock, Mr. Remington called for “stunts,” and started by -telling a funny story himself; Miss Phillips followed with a negro song -in dialect; Ruth and Ethel gave a dialogue; and several of the boys -performed gymnastic feats. - -At nine o’clock, Miss Phillips reluctantly rose to go. She thanked the -boys and invited them to the play. “And some day,” she added, “we want -to entertain you.” - -“Our boys wish to offer the Girl Scouts of Pansy troop the use of our -cabin and its equipment for a week this summer,” said Mr. Remington, -after he had acknowledged Miss Phillips’s invitations. - -The girls all clapped; it seemed too wonderful to be true. - -“The nicest time I ever had in my life!” said Lily, as they were riding -home on the trolley. But she added the phrase which Ruth had come to -hate: “If only Marjorie could have come along!” - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -MARJORIE’S SUSPICIONS - - -When the scouts reached the school, they found a number of the other -girls back from their holidays. But the halls seemed strangely quiet -and deserted; and when Lily reached her room, she was overcome by a -feeling of loneliness. - -“I wish Marjorie were here,” she thought. “I’d love to tell her all -about the party, and John’s disappointment at not seeing her.” - -And then she began to wonder how it would feel to have a boy really -crazy about her; she had always been too fat and unattractive to make -many friends among the opposite sex; and being an only child, without -any brothers to introduce other boys to her, she always spent much of -her holidays alone. And, for the first time in her life, she realized -what she had missed; she felt that other girls were enjoying privileges -that she had never known. She had scarcely spoken more than six words -to any boy at the party, and yet she noticed Doris and Ruth chatting -and laughing with almost all the boys as if they had known them -all their lives. What was the secret? Marjorie must know; she had a -brother--she would be able to tell her what interested them. - -Marjorie did not return to the school until the next morning, just in -time for opening assembly. Lily did not, therefore, have a chance to -talk with her until lunch, and then she suddenly discovered that she -was too shy, or perhaps too proud, to ask such a question. - -“I thought you’d be back yesterday,” she said, as she was getting ready -for lunch. - -“I would have, only I knew all my friends would be away at the party,” -said Marjorie. “Besides, I wanted to finish Miss Phillips’s camisole.” - -“Oh, let me see it,” cried Lily. “When will you give it to her?” - -“To-morrow morning, I guess, before breakfast, if I can catch her in -time. I would like to wish her a happy birthday the very first thing!” - -The girls linked arms, and went into the dining-room together, glad of -the opportunity to talk with each other again. Ethel Todd, who sat at -the same table with them, leaned towards Marjorie. Lowering her voice, -and glancing in the direction of Miss Phillips’s table, she said: - -“The scouts are going to give Miss Phillips a surprise party to-morrow -night, in honor of her birthday; and, Marj, we want you in it, too. -We got permission from Miss Allen. Meet at half-past eight in our -room. You can bring a birthday present if you want, but you don’t have -to. Then we’re all going over and sing a little song Frances wrote in -her honor--a parody on ‘Perfect Day’--and go into her room with our -presents and refreshments. Ruth and Doris are buying everything; the -tax will be about a quarter apiece. You’re both in for it?” - -“Yes, indeed!” answered Lily. - -Marjorie hesitated. “I’d love to,” she said, “but it doesn’t seem -exactly right. I’m not a Girl Scout!” - -“Nonsense!” exclaimed Ethel. “If there is anything that isn’t right -about it, it’s that you aren’t a Girl Scout. I’d like to have seen that -Latin paper! I’ll bet Miss White was all fussed about her mother being -sick, and marked it wrong, or else got it mixed up with some other -girl’s paper!” - -“You know I have sometimes wondered about that myself,” said Marjorie. -“And especially since I went over the past lessons during spring -vacation. I can’t remember putting the wrong things down. But it is too -late now, of course, even if there had been a mistake.” - -“Why don’t you ask for another test?” asked Ethel. - -“Oh, I couldn’t do that! I’ll just have to wait till the end of the -year now.” - -“And lose out on the camping trip!” exclaimed Lily resentfully. “It -just doesn’t seem fair!” - -“Well, go to the party anyway,” pleaded Ethel; “thank goodness, Latin -can’t keep you away from that!” - -The girls had difficulty in keeping their secret from Miss Phillips, -but with a great deal of effort, they managed to do it. It was -fortunate, however, that there was no scout meeting before the event, -or somebody would have been sure to give the plan away. But, as it was, -she was completely surprised. - -She was sitting alone at her desk writing a letter, when, as the scouts -had arranged, one of the maids knocked at her door and handed her a -box. Miss Phillips wrinkled her brows. “Who sent it?” she asked. - -“Some friends who would like to come in to see you,” she answered. -“What shall I tell them?” - -“I’ll be delighted, of course. Are they some of my girls?” - -At this moment, the girls jumped out from around the corridor and -rushed up to Miss Phillips, congratulating her and wishing her many -happy returns of the day. While she untied the box, Ethel closed the -door, and Frances led in the parody of the song, which the girls sang -softly, but distinctly. - -“Roses!” exclaimed Miss Phillips, lifting them out of the box. “My -favorite flowers!” - -After the girls had seated themselves, Miss Phillips was handed her -presents. She received candy, gloves, handkerchiefs, and fancy collars. -Noticing the particular package which Marjorie had given her, she left -it till last to open. - -“Just what I wanted!” she said, delighted, as she examined the camisole -closely. “Did you do all that for me?” - -Marjorie nodded, and Ruth began to look after the refreshments, in -order to hide her embarrassment. - -“That certainly is a pretty pattern,” continued Miss Phillips. “Why, I -believe it is the same one Ruth has been making, isn’t it?” - -Ruth flushed, but answered unconcernedly, “Yes, I am making a -night-gown yoke for mother. Marjorie let me copy it.” - -“Yes, I remember, that was the piece I examined for your second-class -test.” - -Marjorie opened her mouth in speechless amazement. What did all this -mean? Ruth had only begun this pattern while she was at home for the -holidays--and yet she had passed the test several days before she -left! She glanced at Ruth, who was handing around the cake in a most -indifferent manner. There must be some mistake--Miss Phillips must have -forgotten. - -After the girls had eaten, they sang once more the song to Miss -Phillips, and went out quietly. - -When Marjorie reached her room, she asked as casually as she could, “Do -you remember when I first missed my crocheting, Lily?” - -Lily tried to think. “It must have been Saturday before we went home, -Marj; for you were doing it Friday night while we were at scout -meeting. Why?” - -“Oh, nothing--I just wondered. And you found it Sunday, didn’t you?” - -“Yes, when we came home from church. Aren’t you glad, though? I think -Miss Phillips liked your present best of all, Marj!” - -“Thank you, Lily,” said Marjorie absently. But over and over in her -mind she repeated: - -“And a Girl Scout’s honor is to be trusted!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -THE BASKET-BALL GAME - - -It is natural for the younger girls of a school to look up to those -in the upper classes--for the freshmen to make one of the juniors or -seniors her ideal; and it is likewise usual to find the younger girl -admiring the older boys she happens to meet. Partly for this reason, -perhaps, and partly because he was both genial and attractive, Ruth -conceived a violent admiration for John Hadley. She had considered him -the best-looking scout at the demonstration in January; now, after -the party at the cabin, she admitted to herself that she was really -“crazy about him.” True, she had not seen much of him at the party, -for he sat beside Doris after the games were over; but she knew that -Doris was pretty well smitten with Roger Harris, and did not allow -the possibility of her interference to worry her. She had never heard -Marjorie speak of him, and she had no idea that his interest lay in -that direction. - -She knew that this year was John’s last at the academy, so she planned -to see more of him before it was too late. - -“Why don’t you ask Jack to go over to Miss Martin’s to our basket-ball -game with them, and take some of his friends?” asked Ruth of Marjorie, -a week before the date for which the event was scheduled. “Miss Allen -said the boys would be allowed to attend.” - -“Oh, I don’t know; I’ve been too busy to think about it!” - -Marjorie, because she was both tall and quick, had been chosen for the -position of jumping-center on the school team. She had been going out -regularly to the practices in the field (the girls at Miss Allen’s -played out-door basket-ball), and she was in splendid trim for the -game. Her cheeks glowed and her eyes sparkled while she played; had -she been a vain girl, she would have realized that under no other -circumstance could she appear so attractive. - -“Go on--write to Jack!” pleaded Ruth. “Why, he’d love to see you play. -Ask him to bring some of the other scouts!” - -“But I wouldn’t be able to look after them! I’m in the game!” - -“Of course--that’s why he ought to be allowed to come. I’ll entertain -them, and ask Doris to help.” - -“All right,” agreed Marjorie. “Who else shall I suggest?” - -“Roger Harris, of course, for Doris, and anybody else. How about the -senior patrol leader--what was his name?” - -Marjorie blushed. “John Hadley?” - -“Yes; why not?” - -“All right; but I guess I’ll tell Jack to take whoever he wants.” - -The game was scheduled for the second Saturday in May. All of the girls -on the team, except Marjorie, were Girl Scouts--Ethel Todd and Edith -Evans played forward, Ada Mearns and Dorothy Maxwell were the guards, -and Frances Wright acted as side center. Incidentally, Marjorie was the -only freshman on the team, although one other girl of her own class -served as a substitute. - -Jack accepted his sister’s suggestion gladly; he wrote that he would -arrive at Miss Martin’s school with John and Roger immediately after -lunch. - -Marjorie took the letter to Ruth. “It’s your party,” she said. “I won’t -even be able to meet them. Miss Phillips is going to take us over early -to get a chance to try the field; and then Miss Martin’s team is giving -us a special lunch in their gym.” - -“All right,” agreed Ruth; “I’ll look after them. By the way, is there -any girl Jack specially likes, so I could invite her to go with Doris -and me?” - -Marjorie laughed. “I think he always ‘specially liked’ you, Ruth!” - -“No, I mean somebody else. He met some of the girls at your dance.” - -Marjorie tried to think. Finally she shook her head. - -“I’m afraid there isn’t, Ruth; ask whoever else you please to sit with -you. All I know is, I can’t!” - -Ruth decided to ask Evelyn Hopkins. The latter had not made the Girl -Scout troop; and in fact she had been left out of almost everything -lately. Ruth felt sorry for her, and hoped by this invitation to make -up for neglecting her during the past month or two. - -Miss Martin sent over the request that the Girl Scouts wear their -uniforms. Ruth was somewhat annoyed at the idea. “Who wants to dress -up in a hot khaki suit this time of year?” she complained. But Miss -Phillips had issued the order, and all the scouts had to obey. - -Ruth, Doris, and Evelyn got permission to leave the rest of the -students while they went in search of the boys. They met them at the -gate, and Ruth introduced Evelyn. - -Ruth had tried to arrange matters so that Jack would walk with Evelyn, -and Roger with Doris, so that John Hadley would be left to accompany -her. But her plans went wrong. John immediately attached himself to -Doris, who had started on with Roger, so Evelyn and Ruth were both -forced to walk with Jack. - -When the party reached the basket-ball field, Ruth decided to take -matters in her own hands. - -“Mr. Hadley,” she said, laughing, “I am afraid I shall have to scold -you. Can’t you see that Roger and Doris want to be together?” - -“Oh, I beg their pardon!” said John apologetically. “I really forgot.” - -“Nonsense!” exclaimed Doris. “Please don’t be silly!” - -But they discovered that they could not all sit together, and Ruth saw -to it that Doris and Roger took the seats ahead, and she and Evelyn sat -between Jack and John. She smiled happily. At last she was with _him_. - -All the Girl Scouts except Ruth and Doris, and those taking part in -the game, occupied a bench together; in their neat, trim uniforms they -presented an attractive appearance. John remarked about it, and Ruth -saw him looking closely at the girls. - -“Is Marjorie Wilkinson a member of the troop now?” he asked. - -Ruth laughed. “No, poor girl, she isn’t! It’s a shame, too, for she -tries so hard. But she’s hopeless in Latin!” - -John sighed, thinking of his remaining month at Episcopal. “I’ll never -see her again,” he kept thinking to himself, “unless I suddenly develop -a violent friendship with Jack!” - -The referee blew the whistle and the contestants appeared. The forwards -grouped themselves around the baskets, and practiced throwing for -goals; the rest of the girls gathered in separate spots to go over a -few last points. - -Marjorie realized that she was a different girl from the one who had -played forward on the hockey-team last fall. She came to this game with -Miss Martin’s in perfect physical condition, and with the consciousness -of good practices behind her. And, added to this, she felt a new love -for Miss Phillips; she knew how much her teacher cared for the victory, -and she meant to do all in her power to win it. - -John regarded her all the while intently; he scarcely listened to the -conversation Ruth and Evelyn were holding with Jack. - -In a few moments the game started. Marjorie had the advantage of being -taller than the opposing center; besides this, she had arranged for -signals with Frances and her forwards, so that her efforts in getting -the ball to her team immediately after the toss-up were almost always -successful. - -With this advantage, the audience thought the game was going to prove -to be a walk-over for Miss Allen’s team. But such was not the case. The -guards who played against Ethel and Edith were splendid; they succeeded -in keeping the forwards from scoring for nearly five minutes, at the -end of which time they finally sent the ball to the other end of the -field. - -But if the guards on Miss Martin’s team had been good, those on Miss -Allen’s proved equally efficient. Again, these forwards were powerless. -The only real chance that was given to Miss Martin’s side to score -was when Dorothy Maxwell made a foul, and gave the forward a free -throw; but the girl missed the basket, the whistle blew, and the score -remained 0-0. - -During the intermission, the spectators cheered loudly for both sides, -and the Gym teachers encouraged and coached their girls. Each team went -back to the field with the grim determination to win. - -The forwards put even more energy into their playing; but the guards -on both sides opposed them the more zealously. During the first ten -minutes each side threw a successful foul, so that the score now stood -at one all. - -When Marjorie realized that the time was almost up, she grew desperate. -Giving Frances a new signal, which she had agreed to use only in -case of the greatest necessity, she made a quick dodge away from the -opposing center, and, at the very edge of the line, made a wild throw -at the goal. But she missed it, and stepped slightly over the line; the -referee called a foul, and Miss Martin’s girls scored a point on the -ensuing free throw. The home team was ahead. A wild shout arose from -the enthusiastic spectators. - -But Marjorie was not to be daunted by one failure; her forwards had -proved themselves unable to dodge their guards and score; she would try -a second time. Accordingly, she gave the same signal to Frances again, -and, quick as a flash, leapt away from her opponent. Keeping her eye on -the line that she might not overstep it, she made another flying shot. -The ball sped high over the heads of the girls who rushed to defend the -basket; for an instant a hush came over the field as all eyes watched -it describe a graceful arc and fall straight through the goal,--a -perfect shot. Then the silence was broken--not only Miss Allen’s girls; -everyone on the benches clapped; it was a spectacular play, and it -brought victory. In less than a minute, the whistle blew; and the -score-board registered 3-2, in favor of Miss Allen’s team. - -Ruth breathed a long sigh, and John wiped the perspiration from his -forehead. “By George!” he exclaimed, “that was the most exciting game I -ever saw! Wasn’t Marjorie wonderful?” - -At this moment a yell arose for Marjorie, and it was then that Ruth -realized her mistake in having John Hadley asked to attend the game. -But it was too late now to regret her action. Instead, she discreetly -joined in the other girl’s praises. - -Her party followed the crowd across the campus to the gym where tea was -being served. John looked anxiously for Marjorie, but she had been too -much exhausted to appear. Everyone was clamoring for her--the heroine -of the day. - -“And they say she isn’t even a Girl Scout!” Ruth heard one of Miss -Martin’s girls remark to her companions. “She’s such a peach, too! I -wonder why!” - -Ruth frowned. “Yes, everybody else wonders why, too!” she thought. “Oh, -I’m sick of hearing the praises of Marjorie Wilkinson. But I’m even -with her!” - -Ruth was relieved to hear Miss Martin ask the Girl Scouts to give a -demonstration; she stepped forward proudly, glad of the chance to -assume again the center of attraction. - -But Ruth was not happy as she rode home that evening. Outwardly, her -plans had all succeeded; but she was not at peace. She knew that she -was as much of a thief as the common burglar who breaks into the -house at night and steals the silverware; she had stolen Marjorie’s -happiness, and she was paying for her act--she had lost her own. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -THE GHOST AT THE CABIN - - -Miss Phillips had promised to take the first eight girls who qualified -as second-class scouts on an overnight hike. She had decided to limit -the number for two reasons--first, because the ground was still too -damp to risk sleeping out of doors, and she had accepted the use of -the boys’ cabin; and second, because she wanted to reward the more -energetic scouts. - -It was not until the last Friday in May that the required number -finally qualified, and the Captain read the names and announced the -hike for the first week end in June, which was only two weeks before -school closed for the term. Besides Ruth, Doris, and Helen, who had all -passed their test before the Spring holidays, Dorothy Maxwell, Lucy -Graham, Ethel Todd, Edith Evans, and Ada Mearns were finally added to -the number. - -Miss Phillips dismissed the other scouts and dictated a list of -articles for the girls to take with them. Then she divided the group -into pairs, and assigned them their especial duties. Ruth was glad to -be coupled with Doris, for whom she possessed a great admiration. - -“Will we be allowed to go in swimming?” asked Ruth, after most of the -arrangements had been concluded. - -“If it is warm enough,” replied the Captain. “There is a creek just -beyond the cabin, and the swimming is good all the way down to the -dam--where Episcopal Academy is located, you know. So you can take -your suits if you care to, and then we will test the water and see. If -it’s as warm as it has been this week, I don’t see any reason why you -shouldn’t--unless, of course, your parents would object to your going -in on Sunday.” - -“Do you suppose,” asked Doris a little timidly, “that we will see the -ghost the boys talk about?” - -Miss Phillips laughed. “Hardly!” she answered. “I thought of the -possibility of the boys playing some sort of trick on you to scare you, -so I mentioned the matter to Mr. Remington, and he promptly offered to -take the whole troop over to visit another troop of scouts who have the -use of a barn in a little town just outside of New York.” - -“No, Captain, I meant a _real_ ghost! Of course I don’t believe in -them, but----” - -“But if you saw anything at night in the woods,” interrupted Ethel, -“you wouldn’t just care about being alone?” - -“Yes,” admitted Doris, “you know there _might_ be something spooky!” - -“I wish something would happen!” exclaimed Ruth. “But I guess Captain -Phillips killed any chance we had of that!” - -Immediately after lunch the following Saturday, the girls met with -their packs strapped in blanket-rolls and swung over their shoulders. - -“Has anybody ever camped out before?” asked Miss Phillips as they -started on their long hike. - -“About eight of my Sunday School class crowded into one little cottage -at the seashore,” said Ethel, “but that was the nearest I ever came to -it.” - -“Of course this won’t exactly be camping, for we shall not use tents. -But everything else will be the same,” said the Captain, after some of -the others had related experiences similar to Ethel’s. - -Instead of first taking a train and then hiking the rest of the -distance, the girls decided to hike the entire way. If they had been -obliged to construct a lean-to, or even put up tents to sleep under, -Miss Phillips would not have allowed it; but since the cabin was all -ready for them, and there was even a fireplace to use for cooking, -she thought that by this time they should be able to do it. And -although they were somewhat tired when they finally arrived at their -destination, no one considered the distance too far. - -After each girl had unfastened her pack, and deposited her equipment -in the section or corner to which she was assigned, Dorothy and Edith -began to get supper. - -“Who’ll go for water?” asked the latter, holding up two pails. - -The girls groaned; everybody was too tired. But in a moment Ruth jumped -up. “I will,” she said pleasantly. - -“Thanks awfully,” said Edith, gratefully. “Do you want anybody to go -with you?” - -“No; it’s still light; and even if it weren’t, I wouldn’t mind meeting -Doris’s ghost!” - -Ruth ran out lightly, humming a song as she went. It was already -twilight, and the gradual deepening of the shadows made the trees seem -taller, and the absolute stillness increased the loneliness of the -spot. “It _is_ a spooky place,” she thought as she looked about her. “I -wonder who’ll come down to the spring to-night for water?” - -The girls, who in accordance with scout principles, had refrained from -eating while they were hiking, felt that they were almost starved; -nothing ever tasted quite so good as the meal their cooks prepared for -them. They ate hungrily, talking little at first; gradually, as their -appetites were appeased, and their bodies became rested, they became -more talkative. It was dark when they had finished. - -After the mess-kits had been washed and put away, and the food stored -in the closet, the girls stepped out of the cabin to take a look at -their surroundings. But, unlike the night of the boys’ party, there was -no moon, and the trees cut off so much of the sky that very few stars -were in view. Everything looked black and forbidding. - -Doris shuddered. “I’m glad I’m not here alone!” she whispered, afraid -to break the deep silence of the woods. “Those Boy Scouts must be -pretty brave.” - -Suddenly a screech sounded from a distant tree. The girls started -fearfully. “What was it?” asked Doris. - -“Only an owl,” replied Miss Phillips, laughing. - -They turned and entered the cabin, feeling that the light of the -lanterns, though somewhat dim and ghostlike, was more reassuring than -the darkness. - -“Somebody will have to go for more water,” remarked Edith as the girls -were sitting around the fire again, toasting marshmallows. “We used -what we had for the dishes.” - -“I’d rather go without a drink all night,” said Doris, “than go down to -that spring!” - -“How about getting washed?” asked Ruth. - -“I’d rather go dirty!” - -The girls discussed the proposition for several minutes until Miss -Phillips interrupted them by saying: - -“It is my fault, girls, for not appointing water-carriers; but I -thought that since the spring is so near, it wouldn’t be necessary. So -I’ll go myself!” - -“Indeed, you won’t,” declared Ruth; “I’m not afraid a bit; I’ll go.” - -“I don’t think you ought to go again, Ruth,” said Edith. “It doesn’t -seem fair! But so long as you have offered, I’ll go with you. Only, I -won’t pretend I’m not afraid. I am!” - -“Then I’ll go alone!” - -“I dare you to!” said Ethel. - -“All right--I’ll take you up! I’ll go down with two pails, and when I -get back, you do the same!” - -“What is that queer noise?” asked Dorothy suddenly. “Listen!” - -The girls sat perfectly silent, and a low singing and sighing, which at -times sank almost to a moan, could be heard in the woods close by. - -“Could it be two boughs rubbing each other?” asked Ruth. “I read about -that happening once, and scaring some boys out of their wits.” - -“No,” replied Miss Phillips, “there would have to be wind for that, -and it’s perfectly still to-night. It sounds to me like some animal in -distress.” - -“A _wild_ animal?” asked Doris, fearfully. “Oh, let’s bolt the door, -Captain!” - -“No, no; probably a cat or a dog, whining. Let’s forget all about it. -Suppose we sing a while.” - -The girls did try to put aside all their fears, but Ruth and Ethel, -although they would not admit it, dreaded for the time to come when the -party should break up. - -But the moment came all too soon. “Nine o’clock,” announced Miss -Phillips, rising from her pillow on the floor. “Time for taps!” - -The girls got up reluctantly and Edith brought Ruth her pails. The -latter laughed gaily. “And now for the great adventure,” she said, as -she opened the cabin door and stepped out into the darkness. - -She took half a dozen steps, when she suddenly heard that weird sound -from the direction toward which she was approaching. She stopped, -breathless, and looked all around her. But, seeing nothing, she walked -on, trying bravely to whistle. - -Just as she was out of sight of the cabin, she saw a tall figure glide -from one tree to another, and in an instant she heard the sound again. -Her heart stood still. No mortal being had ever produced a sound like -that. The boys were right: the spot _was_ haunted. - -Ruth felt that, although she could now plainly see the spring, she -could not go a step farther. She looked around again. The figure had -vanished, and except for the occasional hoot of an owl or the croak of -a frog, absolute silence prevailed. “It must have been my imagination,” -she thought. She was naturally a brave girl, and added to this fact, -she longed for the admiration of her companions; so she forced herself -to press on and fill her buckets at the spring. - -But she had hardly taken another step, before she heard the weird sound -and saw the figure again. This time she saw it distinctly: it was -perfectly white; even its face had the deathly pallor of the ghost. It -did not seem to possess eyes, only hollow sockets; and by this Ruth was -convinced that it was no earthly being. - -By this time the girl was thoroughly frightened; she cared no longer -for her water, or the approval of the other girls; she thought only of -her safe return to the cabin. Seeing the figure approach noiselessly in -her direction, she dropped her pails and ran as fast as she could to -the cabin. She reached the door and flung it open. - -The girls started forward in alarm. - -“What is it, Ruth?” asked Doris, trembling. - -As soon as Ruth could get her breath, she described her adventure. -Suddenly she stopped. “Listen--there!” The sounds became fainter and -fainter, and finally died in the distance. - -Miss Phillips would not permit Ethel to go to the spring by herself; -she and Dorothy both accompanied her. But when they got back, Doris and -Edith testified that through the one window of the cabin, they had seen -the figure flit by. - -“The only thing we can do,” said Ruth, the last thing before she fell -asleep, “is to compare notes with the boys who have seen the ghost--or -whatever it is!” she added. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -RUTH’S ADVENTURE - - -When the sun poured into the cabin the following morning, and Ruth was -awakened by the happy laughter of her companions, the incident of the -night before seemed like a dream. If she had been a nervous or timid -girl the others would have had occasion to attribute her story to an -over-wrought imagination; but Ruth was the last girl in the world to be -frightened without a cause. Besides, Doris and Edith had testified to -the presence of the ghost, and everybody--even Miss Phillips had heard -the unearthly sound. - -The girls breakfasted out of doors; the day was lovely and warm, and -they all felt rested and happy. - -“After everything has been put in order,” said Miss Phillips, as she -finished her coffee, “we are going to have a simple little service over -in that spot under the trees. Then, after that, all of you who want to, -can go in swimming.” - -The girls prepared to go about their duties. “How shall we know when -it is time for service?” asked Ethel. - -“I do so wish we had a bugler to blow church-call, and all the other -calls for that matter, too,” said Miss Phillips. “But maybe Pansy troop -will have one by next year! In the meanwhile, I’ll have to use the -whistle signals. So listen for a succession of short whistles.” - -The religious service held on that Sunday in June by the little band -of Girl Scouts in the silence of the woods was simple in form, but -probably out-ranked many a more pretentious one in sincerity and -earnestness. Miss Phillips, with her clear voice, led in the singing of -several familiar hymns, and the girls recited the first Psalm together. -With the exception of the Lord’s Prayer, the prayers were silent ones, -but the girls felt deeply moved; and after it was all over, several of -them told the Captain that it was the most impressive service they had -ever attended. - -Everybody except the Captain, and Ethel and Ada, who were cooks, -decided to go swimming. It was almost noon when they gathered in front -of the cabin, dressed in their swimming suits, covered by sweaters or -raincoats. - -“It’s rather late,” said Miss Phillips. “Don’t go too far.” - -“What time is dinner?” asked Doris. - -“Half-past one,” replied Ethel; “and if anybody is more than five -minutes late, she doesn’t get any!” - -The girls ran off in high spirits. Ruth was the first to plunge into -the creek. “It _is_ cold,” she admitted to Doris, who was sitting on -the bank dipping one toe in at a time. - -Ruth began to swim rapidly in order to get warm. “I’m going around the -bend,” she called as she disappeared from view. - -The other girls turned their attention to “getting wet all over,” and -dismissed Ruth from their minds. She was undoubtedly the best swimmer -of the party, so even when she failed to appear after many minutes had -passed, no one expressed concern. - -After Ruth had passed the bend, and felt thoroughly warmed by the -exercise, she decided to swim farther. It would be such fun to go all -the way to the dam. Of course there was no chance of seeing John Hadley -or any other of the scouts, since Mr. Remington had taken them all on -the excursion; but she would have the satisfaction of telling them -later of her feat. She began to wonder how far the dam was. She did -not feel in the least tired, for she was swimming downstream. It would -be an easy matter to run along the shore back to the cabin--and if she -should be late for dinner, Ethel’s admiration for her act would surely -cause her to pardon the delay. - -As she neared the dam, she distinguished two figures walking side by -side, and she wondered whether they would see her; she dipped her head -into the water, using the crawl stroke, which was the most spectacular -one she knew. When she brought her head out a second time, one of the -figures had vanished; the other person was alone: it was a girl. Yes, -and she was watching her! - -The persons that Ruth saw, but did not recognize because of the -distance, were Jack and Marjorie Wilkinson. Jack had not gone on -the Boy Scout outing, for his father and mother, who were visiting -relatives living not far from the Academy, telegraphed to him on Friday -that they would get Marjorie and drive over to his school to spend -Sunday with him; so he had obtained permission to remain there for the -week-end, instead of accompanying the rest of the scouts. - -Marjorie was delighted at the prospect of the visit. She had been -looking forward to a dull Sunday; Lily had gone home with Lucy Graham, -and most of her other friends were at the cabin. She was glad to see -her parents again, and the day was so lovely that she enjoyed every -minute of the ride. - -When they arrived at the Academy, Mr. Wilkinson announced his -intention of looking up one of the teachers who was an old friend of -the family. “You can do whatever you like for an hour,” he said to -Jack and Marjorie; “either come with your mother and me, or go off by -yourselves.” - -Jack looked at Marjorie doubtfully, as if he had no desire to spend -a whole hour cooped up with his English teacher when it was not -necessary. So he suggested an alternative to his sister. - -“How would you like to see our swimming-hole?” he asked. - -“Fine!” answered Marjorie. “It’s too nice a day to be inside. Besides, -I’m tired of sitting still.” - -They took the path back of the school which led down to the creek, and -in less than five minutes they reached the dam. - -It was on the upper side of the dam that the stream was widest, both -banks sweeping out and almost meeting again at the waterfall in a -horseshoe curve, which gave it the appearance of a lake. Trees grew -to the water’s edge, their branches mirrored with a gentle shimmering -reflection in the quiet water along the shore. Farther out, toward the -middle, the current was swift; it seemed to gather force as it rushed -foaming over the dam to the rocks below. Marjorie went into ecstacies, -impressed by the beauty of the spot. - -“I wish I could paint it,” she said. “Wouldn’t it be lovely?” - -“I tell you what I will do,” said her brother, after he had thought for -a minute or two; “I’ll take a picture of it!” - -“What with?” - -“My camera’s up in my room, and I’ve got two exposures left on the -film. If you’ll wait here, I’ll run back and get it.” - -As soon as he was gone, Marjorie sat down on a stone, and gazed idly -into the water. She watched the water-bugs gliding over the smooth -surface, and wondered how deep it was at this spot, and whether it was -still cold. Jack had told her that the boys had already gone swimming -here; but then, boys would try anything! - -For a minute she watched the water falling over the dam, and noted the -swiftness of the current; she turned her head in the other direction, -and caught a glimpse of the swimmer, rapidly approaching her. As the -latter came nearer, Marjorie identified her as a girl by the blue -rubber cap she wore on her head. When she was only a dozen yards away, -but still unrecognizable from the fact that her face was usually under -the water, Marjorie saw her suddenly raise an arm and wave in her -direction, choke, and finally go under. She came up, and went down a -second time before Marjorie saw that it was Ruth, and realized that she -must have been seized with a cramp, and was unable to resist the force -of the current. - -The frightened girl cast a wild glance back toward the school. “Jack, -oh, Jack!” she shrieked, as loud as she could; but she got no answer. - -In a panic she turned again toward the water. Ruth had come up again, -but Marjorie could see by her face that she was unconscious. Already, -the current had carried her several yards further down towards the dam. - -There was not a moment to be lost; if Ruth went down the third time, it -would be too late. Kicking off her pumps, she plunged into the water, -and struck out for her friend. - -Although Marjorie had been swimming in the pool almost every day for -the past three months, the water gave her a shock. It was still much -colder than that to which she had been accustomed, and the weight -of her clothes dragged her down. Nevertheless, with only a few bold -strokes, she reached the unconscious girl. - -Breathing a sigh of thankfulness for Miss Phillips’s efficient -instruction in life-saving, she took hold of Ruth and made for the -shore. Her burden seemed heavy, but she did not have far to go; in -another minute she reached the shallow water, and carried Ruth to the -shore. - -But her battle was only half over; she had only a vague idea of what to -do to revive her. She had heard Lily talk about learning the measures -of resuscitation at one of the scout meetings, but she had not gone -into detail. “Oh, if I were only a Girl Scout,” she groaned, “I’d know -what to do!” - -She began to work Ruth’s arms back and forth in an aimless fashion, -which did not produce results. She looked around desperately for her -brother, and to her great relief, saw him coming along the path. - -“Jack, Jack, hurry!” she screamed wildly. “Help!” - -Jack ran as fast as he could, and in a moment stood beside her. He did -not ask for an explanation, but knelt over the prostrate girl and set -to work at once. - -“Hold her tongue out,” he commanded, “to keep her from choking while I -get the water out of her! Now, then, young lady,” he said, addressing -the unconscious girl, “we’ll fix you up in no time.” - -He worked tirelessly for ten minutes before he was rewarded by seeing -Ruth open her eyes. Consciousness slowly returned, but it was several -minutes before she realized where she was. - -“Ruth!” said Marjorie tremulously, “are you all right?” - -Ruth blinked two or three times, and looked from one to the other of -her companions. - -“Speak, Ruth!” urged Marjorie. - -“Marj!” said Ruth, with a puzzled air. “Yes, I’m all right, but----” - -“Do you think you can sit up, Ruth?” asked Jack. “Then we’ll carry you -up to the school.” - -“Yes, I guess so,” she answered; “but what has happened?” - -Jack and Marjorie made a seat with their hands, and raised her from the -ground. Marjorie explained what had just taken place. - -Ruth’s eyes suddenly lighted up. “I remember,” she said. “Oh, maybe I -wasn’t scared! I guess I got a cramp in my leg! I surely thought I was -going to die!” - -“It must have been awful!” said Marjorie, with feeling. “I was scared -to death myself.” - -They carried her to the matron of the infirmary who promised to get her -dry clothes and give her something hot to drink. Jack volunteered to -get the machine and take the news to the cabin, while Marjorie went in -search of her parents. - -While Ruth was dressing, she reviewed the whole situation in her mind. -The experience had been ghastly--if dying was like that, she shuddered -at the prospect. And yet, she realized that one thing only had made it -terrible: in that short space of time, when she had seemed on the verge -of eternity, she thought only of her dishonest act toward Marjorie. -Everything else faded from her consciousness; that alone assumed -gigantic proportions: it seemed black, and terrifying. Even at this -moment, when safety was assured, she almost cried out at the terror of -her memory. “I will confess it all,” she exclaimed, “before I am a day -older!” - -In a few moments Marjorie joined her, and invited her to go with the -family to the hotel for dinner. - -“I will if you promise I can have a few minutes alone with you -afterwards, Marjorie,” she said. “I’ve got something I must confess!” - -Marjorie smiled, thinking of the crocheting. “All right, Ruth, if you -like. But come now.” - -When they were all seated in the machine, Ruth thanked both of her -rescuers profusely. “It certainly was brave of you,” she said. - -“Brave of Marj--but not me,” protested Jack. “I was scared to death for -fear something would happen to you, after I played that awful trick on -you last night!” - -“What trick?” - -“The ghost at the cabin!” - -“Oh!” gasped Ruth, in a tone that expressed volumes. “So it was you!” - -Jack explained why he had remained home from the excursion. “And I was -sort of lonely last night--all the other scouts were away, you know; so -I decided to give you girls a scare. And I did especially want to get -_you_, because I knew you never were nervous and it wouldn’t upset you -like it would some girls.” - -“I was scared, all right. But how did you ever make that awful noise? I -suppose a sheet was fixed up for the disguise?” - -“Yes; and the noise was a violin. I heard Bill Mackintosh practicing -on his new violin on Saturday night, making the most unearthly sounds -you ever heard. That put the idea into my head. I went over and asked -him to go out with me to give the Girl Scouts a scare. Of course he was -tickled to death to go. - -“We slipped away right after supper, and watched you through the -cabin-window. Maybe I wasn’t glad when I saw you were the one to go -after the water!” - -“You horrid, mean thing!” said Ruth. - -“I admit it. Punish me any way you like!” - -But Ruth could not think of any return for his act. During the -rest of the ride, and all through dinner, her mind was on her own -affairs. Absently, she answered the questions that were put to her, -and entered but occasionally into the conversation. The rest of the -party attributed her mood to the experience through which she had just -passed, and left her alone with her thoughts. - -They rode all afternoon, so that she had no opportunity to be alone -with Marjorie; but when the latter said that Lily would be away until -the next morning, she asked to be allowed to visit her right after -supper. “I have something I must tell you before I go to bed to-night!” -she added. - -“All right,” said Marjorie. “But I wish you would forget it!” - -“I wish I could,” said Ruth, as she left Marjorie to go to her room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -RESTITUTION - - -When Ruth reached her own room, she found Ethel already there untying -her pack and putting away her scout equipment. Ruth explained that she -had been with the Wilkinsons--that they had brought her and Marjorie -both back to the school. - -“Now tell me all about the accident,” said Ethel. “Of course we got the -story from Jack, but he wasn’t there the whole time so he couldn’t tell -us everything.” - -Ruth went into detail about the adventure, but she omitted to describe -her own feelings when she thought she was drowning. That was too -personal, and too humiliating; it was bad enough to have to tell -Marjorie, but she could not bear the thought of a public acknowledgment. - -And then, for the first time, she realized something of what the -consequences of her confession would be. It would be only fair to allow -Marjorie to tell Miss White, Miss Allen, and Miss Phillips, so that -she might be given another opportunity to join the troop. This would -necessitate an explanation to the other scouts, and they, in turn, -would undoubtedly tell all the girls in the school. A confession would -doom her to the lasting contempt of her companions and her teachers; -she would probably be put out of the troop and be shunned by her former -friends. - -Even now it was not too late to change her mind; no one was suspicious. -It was true that she had hinted of a confession to Marjorie; but she -could tell her about the crochet, and she would probably laugh and -forgive her. - -While these thoughts were going through her mind, Ethel was talking -about the ghost incident, and laughing at Jack’s cleverness. “It was -funny,” she said, “to think that he put one over on you, Ruth; for -you’re not easily scared. But you were scared when you thought you were -drowning?” - -“Was I!” exclaimed Ruth. “Dying is a good deal worse than I ever -thought it would be!” - -“Maybe you had a guilty conscience,” suggested Ethel. - -“I guess most people have,” answered Ruth, “unless they’re nuns or -ministers, or something like that.” - -“Maybe they have, too,” said Ethel, as she left the room. - -The conversation brought Ruth back to her dilemma. It recalled to her -again, vividly, that dreadful sensation of terror that had overwhelmed -her in the water. Ethel had said she was never afraid of anything! -She smiled bitterly. Probably no girl in the school had ever been so -frightened, so terrified to the very depths of her soul as she had -been. But she would not risk a second experience. She dreaded the -consequences of her confession; but she dreaded to a much greater -degree, the consequences of the omission of that confession. She had -made up her mind--she would not change it; she would tell Marjorie that -night! - -As they were dressing for dinner, she announced to Ethel her -intention of spending the night with Marjorie. “I’ll get Miss Allen’s -permission,” she added. - -Ethel looked at Ruth suspiciously. “There must be some reason,” she -thought, “for this sudden desire for Marjorie’s company.” But her -suppositions were far from the truth: she attributed the attraction to -the other girl’s brother. - -After supper Ruth gathered her books and her toilet articles and -started for Marjorie’s room. She found two or three other girls -visiting her friend, and for some time had no chance to talk with her -alone. Finally they all left. Ruth opened her book; but she could not -study. - -“You know I said I had something to tell you, Marj,” she said slowly, -with her eyes fastened to the pattern of the rug. “It’s a confession!” - -Marjorie drew down the corners of her mouth, in her effort to keep from -smiling. The incident of the crochet had seemed big at the time, but -now it appeared as only a trifle. “Maybe I know already,” she suggested. - -“About your filet, you mean?” - -“Yes--Miss Phillips gave it away at that surprise party.” - -“I thought so; she never guessed, of course. But I knew you’d put two -and two together, Marj.” - -“Well, I don’t mind, Ruth. I was mad at the time, but after all it -didn’t hurt me. And you’d have been a second-class scout soon anyhow.” - -“Perhaps,” said Ruth. “You’ve been too good to me, Marj. But wait till -you hear the rest!” - -“The rest?” - -“Yes; that isn’t nearly all. I’m a real criminal. Oh, Marj, if you -hadn’t saved me to-day, and I’d died, what would have become of me?” - -Ruth suddenly burst into tears. She had been under too great a strain -in the last twenty-four hours, and she lost control of herself -completely. After all, she was only fifteen--and the rôle of criminal -was new to her. Aside from the little white lies that most of us tell -sometimes, she had up to this time been upright in character. - -Marjorie jumped up and put her arms around her. She forgot about the -Ruth she had known during the past year; she saw only her old playmate, -as she used to cry when she was hurt. - -“What is it, Ruth?” she asked with concern. “Is there anything I can do -to help you?” - -But Ruth pushed her aside, and wiped her eyes. “Sit down, Marj,” she -said, as calmly as she could, “I don’t deserve your sympathy. Listen!” - -Marjorie sat opposite her, and Ruth told her story. She told it exactly -as it had happened, omitting none of the details, and making no effort -to excuse her motive. She called herself names--she was a traitor, a -thief, and a liar. She deserved no mercy; she wanted none. Marjorie -could do whatever she wanted with her; but now she could die with a -clear conscience. - -Marjorie listened in amazement. The story seemed too dreadful to be -true; and yet, the facts linked together and explained all her former -doubts. Suddenly the realization of what she had missed came over -her--the party at the cabin, the overnight hike, the play rehearsals, -and all the good times; the fellowship with Miss Phillips, and -Doris, and the rest of her friends, and the opportunity to be with -John Hadley--four months of happiness that she had lost. She had been -cheated out of her rights; she felt bitter; she could not forgive Ruth. -She turned to her sharply. - -But before she could utter a word, a knock sounded at the door. It was -Miss Phillips. - -“Come in,” said Marjorie, as naturally as she could. Ruth stood up as -the teacher entered, but she could not bear to salute. - -“I just wanted to see whether Lily is back yet,” said Miss Phillips. - -“I am sorry; but she isn’t, Miss Phillips. But won’t you sit down?” - -“Only for a minute. I wanted to tell Lily--and I’ll take this chance -to tell you, Ruth--that the scouts decided to-day to give up next -Saturday to doing a good turn for somebody else. So I have Miss Allen’s -permission to invite the twenty-four little orphans from the Mynfield -Home for an outing.” - -“How lovely,” said Marjorie, absently. - -“Poor children; they don’t have much pleasure in their lives,” -continued Miss Phillips, not noticing the girls’ preoccupation. “So -when Frances suggested giving them a party next Saturday, I jumped at -the idea. It’s our last Saturday together--except for the one of the -play--but the girls want to use it for their troop good turn.” - -Miss Phillips stayed for a few minutes and told the girls more about -the little orphans. And when she rose to go, they had almost forgotten, -for the time, their own tragedy. - -Neither girl said anything for several minutes after Miss Phillips had -gone. Marjorie sat down at her desk and started to write; Ruth turned -the pages of her book, but she did not look at the contents. - -“What are you going to do about it, Marj?” she asked. - -“Nothing,” replied Marjorie, indifferently. - -Ruth’s hopes rose, but she shook her head. “I can’t allow that,” she -said. “You ought to be a Girl Scout.” - -“But most of the good times are over now.” - -“Not this summer’s camping trip. And if we tell Miss Phillips the -reason, she’ll probably let you take the second-class test with the -others next Friday night.” - -Marjorie’s face brightened. It was the dream of her heart to become a -Girl Scout! But then she thought of the disgrace this would necessitate -bringing upon Ruth. Miss White and Miss Phillips would both have to -know the story--and perhaps even Miss Allen and some of the scouts. -Ruth had not treated her as a scout should treat anyone, let alone a -former friend; but that would not excuse Marjorie, if she disregarded -the other girl’s feelings. She thought of the scout slogan that Miss -Phillips had just been speaking about--“Do a good turn daily.” “And if -I start my career as a Girl Scout by disregarding that law, it would -be to begin all wrong. Better stay out of the troop forever,” she -reflected. - -“I’m not going to do a thing, Ruth,” she said aloud. “It would be too -hard on you!” - -Ruth jumped up with characteristic impulsiveness. “I’m going straight -to Miss White this very minute,” she said, “and lay the whole thing -before her. Then I’ll do whatever she advises.” - -Before she could protest, Ruth was gone. Marjorie turned to her -writing, but she could think of nothing but the present complication. -She felt sorry for Ruth, but she could not help hoping that Miss White -would insist upon a confession. - -She pictured herself in the Girl Scout uniform, marching along with -the other girls, helping them with the play, and accompanying them on -their camping trip; she thought of the pleasure of telling her father -and mother and Jack,--yes, and John Hadley--of her final triumph. Miss -Phillips, too, would be genuinely glad of her good fortune. - -She waited impatiently for Ruth to return. She got up and straightened -the room, took out some crocheting, put it down, and finally sat down -on the couch to dream of the fulfillment of her cherished hope. - -In about fifteen minutes, Ruth came back, accompanied by Miss White. -The older woman looked sad as she took Marjorie’s hand, and spoke -softly. - -“I am so sorry, my dear, that this had to happen: that Ruth was tempted -and fell, and you had to suffer. But she has done right to confess.” - -“Oh, Miss White, I didn’t want her to tell any body else.” - -“Yes, I know; she told me how noble you have been about it. But you -have some rights, Marjorie. I shall tell Miss Allen to-morrow that -there has been a mistake, and ask her permission to give you a special -examination.” - -“Tell her the truth!” exclaimed Ruth. “It isn’t fair for you to take -the blame, Miss White.” - -“I will tell her if she asks. Marjorie, can you come to my room at -three to-morrow afternoon?” - -“Certainly,” replied Marjorie. - -Miss White opened the door. “Leave the matter in my hands, girls, and -don’t worry about it any more.” - -After she had gone, the girls went to bed, but said nothing more about -the thing that was uppermost in their thoughts. It was Miss Allen and -her attitude toward the matter that caused the most conjecture in the -minds of both girls as they laid their heads upon their pillows that -night. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -THE VERDICT - - -“And what makes you think you made a mistake in Marjorie Wilkinson’s -paper?” asked Miss Allen, after Miss White had requested for permission -to give the girl a second test. “You aren’t in the habit of doing your -work carelessly.” - -“Well--mother was ill, you know; and Marjorie’s subsequent work has -been so good, that I felt there must be some explanation.” - -Miss Allen shut her lips tightly. “I am sorry to refuse to grant your -request, Miss White,” she said, “but if I allowed a second test for no -more reason than you suggest, it would establish a precedent: every -girl who fails in any examination will demand another opportunity. The -final examinations are less than two weeks off; Marjorie will have the -chance to show her ability in them.” - -“I see your point of view, Miss Allen,” said Miss White. “I had hoped -you would grant my request without further explanation; but, as you -say, it would not be right, for such an insignificant reason. So I -will tell you the whole story.” - -She repeated to the Principal the facts of Ruth’s confession; she told -how cleverly the girl had spoiled the paper; she recalled the fact that -the papers had been marked at home, destroyed, and the averages mailed -to the school. Everything, indeed, had seemed to play into Ruth’s hands -in order to help her to escape detection. - -Miss Allen listened with increasing anger as the narrative progressed. -The whole thing was inconceivable--a disgrace to her school. “Ruth -Henry must be expelled at once!” she declared emphatically. - -“No, no,” pleaded Miss White. “Remember that she confessed it herself; -if someone had told on her, it would be different. Suppose we send -for her--and for Miss Phillips, too, since it is a matter which so -intimately concerns the scouts.” - -Ruth and her Captain entered the office together. In a few words, -Miss Allen reviewed the situation to Miss Phillips, while Ruth sat -motionless, with downcast eyes. - -“I am of the opinion,” said Miss Allen coldly, “that a girl who would -do such a contemptible trick as that should be expelled from the -school.” - -Ruth started; that was one calamity she had not thought of. Then her -mother and father would know--yes, and all the people at home. - -But Miss White and Miss Phillips both pleaded in her behalf. She had -done wrong, they said; but it was her first offense, and she had -confessed. Such a punishment would be too severe. - -“Then at least she must be put out of the troop! She has not acted like -a Girl Scout; she should not be permitted to wear the uniform.” - -Ruth rose, white to the lips. “I am ready to resign, Captain Phillips,” -she said unsteadily. “I did not expect to be allowed to remain.” - -Miss Phillips put her hand on the girl’s shoulder. - -“Wait, Ruth,” she said quietly; “we must think everything over -carefully.” Then turning to Miss Allen, she said, “It isn’t fair to -torture Ruth in this fashion; suppose we let her go out, and talk the -matter over, and then give her our decision.” - -Tears came to Ruth’s eyes, but she looked gratefully at Miss Phillips. -“Oh, thank you,” she stammered; “I’ll do whatever you say.” - -“You may go, Ruth,” said Miss Allen. - -The teachers talked for a long time over the affair, but finally Miss -Phillips triumphed. Ruth’s case was to be put up to the Girl Scouts, -while she remained away from the meeting; they were to decide whether -or not she was to stay in the troop. And each scout was to pledge “on -her honor as a Girl Scout” never to mention the matter outside. - -That afternoon Marjorie took her Latin test, and passed with flying -colors; as soon as she learned of her success, she went straight to -Miss Phillips. - -“I will give you the Tenderfoot test to-night, if you wish,” said the -Captain. “Then, if you are prepared, I will waive the usual custom, and -you may take the second-class test on Friday with the eight girls who -have not yet passed it.” - -Lily was wild over the good news. Of course, Marjorie said nothing -about the cause of her incorrect mark; she simply stated that Miss -White had given her a second chance, and that Miss Phillips had -arranged a special scout test. - -“And I am to be taken in on Friday,” she said, hugging her room-mate -joyfully. “Think of it, Lil, a Girl Scout at last!” - -Every girl in the troop was genuinely glad to welcome Marjorie into -their ranks. She had waited so long for her happiness; she trembled now -lest something should happen to destroy it. She made a supreme effort -to calm herself sufficiently to take the second-class test. - -But before the candidates were given their papers, Miss Phillips -announced that she had a matter of serious importance to bring to -their consideration. - -“It concerns one of your sister scouts,” she said. - -The girls looked questioningly from one to another. Ruth, only, was -missing; but no one had thought anything of that after her adventure on -Sunday; they all attributed her absence to the cold she had contracted. -Several of the girls thought of Marjorie; her entrance into the troop -had been out of the usual order of things; perhaps Miss Phillips meant -her. - -The Captain, however, hastened to tell the story as impersonally as she -could. Consternation seized the group; they listened breathlessly. - -“And now it is for you, Girl Scouts of Pansy Troop, to decide what must -be done with Ruth Henry. Shall we expel her from the troop? I would -like to hear some arguments on both sides of the question.” - -Ethel, who probably disliked Ruth more intensely than any other girl in -the troop, and who had originally been the cause of her failing to make -the sorority, spoke against her. The girl had broken the first law of -the scouts; she was a menace to the welfare of the troop; the sooner -they got rid of her, the better. - -Before the speech was finished, Marjorie rose to her defense. “I have -known Ruth a long time,” she said, “and I think I understand her. She -is dreadfully ambitious--always has been--but girls, I think she has -learned her lesson. And I have forgiven her--so can’t you do it, too? -Oh, please let her stay in the troop! Honestly, she’s suffered an awful -lot already!” - -Frances also spoke in her behalf. When the vote was finally taken, the -Ayes carried it, twelve to four. Miss Phillips promised to take the -news to Ruth; the scouts pledged on their honor to drop the incident -from their minds. - -All the candidates who took the second-class test that night passed -with honor, but Marjorie’s mark was highest of them all. - -“Be up early to-morrow morning to get ready for our orphans,” said Miss -Phillips, as the troop separated; “we want to make them the happiest -girls in the world.” - -“We couldn’t do that,” said Marjorie to Lily; “because I’m the very -happiest! Oh, Lil, I’m really going camping this summer!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -THE PLAY - - -“Good-bye! good-bye!” shouted the twenty-four happy little girls, -leaning out of the windows and waving their handkerchiefs, as the train -pulled out of the station the following afternoon. The scouts watched -it until it was out of sight; then they turned towards the school. - -Marjorie took Doris’s arm. “I never had such a good time in my life -before,” she said. “Oh, didn’t they enjoy themselves, though! And -wasn’t that tiny little one cute?” - -Before they had taken many steps, they met Dorothy Maxwell, coming from -the school. - -“Where is Miss Phillips?” she asked, with concern. - -“Back with Lily, I think,” answered Marjorie. “But what is the matter, -Dot? You look as if something dreadful has happened!” - -“Well, it has! Helen’s pretty badly hurt!” - -“Helen Stewart? When she fell off the swing?” - -“Yes; I guess her ankle’s sprained, at least; maybe it’s something even -worse!” - -By this time Miss Phillips and the rest of the scouts had reached the -spot where the girls had stopped, and they all crowded around, asking -questions. - -“I will go to her at once,” said Miss Phillips, hurrying off with -Dorothy. - -The girls resumed walking. “Suppose she can’t take part in the play,” -suggested Ethel. “She’s leading lady, you know!” - -“I think that is what Miss Phillips thought of first, but of course she -wouldn’t say anything,” said Ruth. - -“Nobody else could ever take her place at this late date,” said Doris; -“besides, we all have our own parts. What would we do?” - -“Oh, maybe she’ll be all right by then,” said Marjorie. “Don’t let’s -worry till we hear what the doctor says.” - -But the doctor’s diagnosis proved worse than any of their fears. Helen -was suffering from a complicated fracture; it would be necessary for -her to be taken home on a stretcher and kept flat on her back for -several weeks; any participation in the play was, of course, out of the -question. - -Miss Phillips called a special meeting of the scouts that night. She -was more disturbed than the girls had ever seen her. - -“It’s all my fault,” she said, “for not having appointed an understudy. -Why was I so thoughtless?” - -“Couldn’t you take the part yourself, Captain?” suggested Ethel. “You -must pretty nearly know it already!” - -“I do; but I’m too tall. And I wouldn’t mind that if it were to be -given just for our own school. But think of the outsiders who will be -here! With commencement in the morning, Miss Allen says almost all the -visitors are planning to stay over for the play. And Miss Martin’s -whole school are coming especially to see it!” She covered her eyes -with her hands, and uttered a long sigh. - -“Captain,” said Ruth, suddenly, “I have the solution! Let Marjorie take -it! She’s splendid at dramatics.” - -Miss Phillips raised her head quickly. Marjorie blushed as all eyes -were turned upon her. - -“Will you do it?” asked Miss Phillips. - -“I can try.” - -Miss Phillips’s face expressed blissful relief: she could rely upon -Marjorie, who always did things well; she need worry no longer. - -All that week, Marjorie studied and rehearsed. When the dress-rehearsal -came, on Friday evening, the girls praised her performance; but she -herself was not satisfied: she realized that her acting was stilted, -and Miss Phillips was forced to agree with her when she asked for her -opinion. - -“But it’s all right, Marjorie,” the Captain added; “you can’t expect to -do as well as Helen could, after she had practiced it for weeks.” - -But Marjorie did expect to do as well as Helen, and she made up her -mind to surpass her. She put the play aside from her thoughts, played a -game of cribbage with Lily, and went to bed early. - -Miss Phillips had planned to give the play in the outdoor theater if -the day were fine. When Marjorie opened her eyes that morning and saw -the bright sunlight, it was naturally the first thing she thought of. -It would be so much prettier to have a background of real trees; and -she felt that with such perfect surroundings she could do greater -justice to the part. - -Soon after breakfast, visitors began to arrive. The Wilkinsons did not -especially care to attend the commencement exercises, but promised to -get Jack, and drive over in the machine in time to see the play. Ruth’s -father and mother were coming by train. - -The programs had already been printed with Helen Stewart’s name as -leading lady, and Marjorie had not told her family of her part in the -play. It was enough for them to know that she was at last a Girl -Scout; and she did not wish to have them disappointed if her acting did -not equal their expectations. - -Marjorie accompanied Ruth to meet the train on which her father and -mother would arrive. They passed groups of visitors at frequent -intervals on the path, and they saw the seniors, in their white -dresses, many of them carrying American Beauty roses, here and there -on the campus. Off under the trees, near the library, was the out-door -auditorium; they distinguished Miss Phillips, directing the workmen in -the final decoration of the stage. - -Marjorie was not nearly so nervous as she had been the day before. -Everything had turned out so well that she felt that she must succeed -now; the weather, the gayety of the occasion, and her own calmness -reassured her. - -“So you’re a Girl Scout at last!” said Mrs. Henry to Marjorie, as they -walked from the train. Her tone was a trifle condescending, as if to -call attention to the fact that she had just attained a distinction -which her own daughter had long since gained. Ruth noticed it and -hastened to dispel her feeling. - -“You might say Marj is _the_ Girl Scout!” she exclaimed. “She’s leading -lady in the play this afternoon!” - -“Really! Your father and mother didn’t tell me.” - -“They don’t know it yet,” said Marjorie. “It’s to be a surprise!” - -“They have a surprise for you, too, if I’m not mistaken,” said Mrs. -Henry mysteriously. - -Marjorie’s curiosity was aroused, but she did not have long to wait. -In less than an hour, the Wilkinsons’ machine drove up to the school. -Marjorie rushed down the stairs to meet it. And she had not one, but -two surprises. John Hadley sat on the front seat beside Jack; in his -arms he held a huge box which he handed shyly to Marjorie. - -“I may not be on hand when you graduate,” he said, “so I brought you -some roses to wear to-day.” - -Blushingly, she thanked him, and opened the box. “I will wear one this -afternoon,” she thought, but said nothing about the play; she wanted to -reserve _her_ surprise till later. She hunted Ruth, and Mr. and Mrs. -Henry, and the party went in to luncheon together. - -Both girls excused themselves soon afterwards to see whether they could -help Miss Phillips. Jack and John hunted seats for the older people, -and they watched the crowd gather. - -Mrs. Wilkinson glanced at the names on the program. “I see Ruth is in -the play,” she said, addressing Mrs. Henry. - -“Yes,” replied the latter, remembering Marjorie’s desire to keep the -knowledge of her participation from her parents. - -Jack was impatient for the play to begin; but he did not conceal the -fact that his interest was centered in Ruth. His enthusiasm, however, -failed to find a response in John, who hoped that since Marjorie was -not in the play, she might come and sit with them. For some minutes -he tried to save a seat beside him, but as the theater became more -crowded, he abandoned the idea. - -Finally, the school orchestra began to play, and soon after that the -play commenced. There was no curtain; the characters entered from -behind the platform. - -When Mrs. Wilkinson saw Marjorie, she exclaimed aloud, “Look, Sam! Can -that be our Marjorie?” - -John also leaned forward intently. Mrs. Henry watched him, smiling. - -“By George, it is!” cried Jack. “And she looks ripping, too!” - -Marjorie did more than look “ripping,” as her brother expressed it. The -culmination of events, the recent successes, the gratification of her -dearest wishes, and the excitement of the moment, so inspired her that -she entered, for the time, into the peculiar state of mental detachment -which actors sometimes experience. From the instant she came upon -the stage until the end, she ceased to exist as Marjorie Wilkinson, -so completely did she enter into the spirit of Everygirl; and yet, -subconsciously, she seemed to realize that this was to be the final, -crowning achievement. Strangers exclaimed at her ability, and the whole -audience again and again applauded the talent she displayed in her -acting. Once more Marjorie was the heroine of the day; but, unlike the -time of the basket-ball game, Ruth was not jealous. It was she who had -suggested her for the part, and she rejoiced in her triumph. The old -friendship was revived with a new meaning; Ruth had profited by her -experiences. - -After the play was over, and everyone had congratulated Marjorie, Jack -turned to Mrs. Henry and asked whether Ruth might not be allowed to -ride home in their machine. - -“If she wants to,” agreed Mrs. Henry. And it was plain to be seen from -the girl’s expression that she needed no second invitation. - -The girls changed into their suits, and came out again. The baggage had -been sent by train. Miss Phillips, Doris, and Lily accompanied them to -the machine. - -“A month from to-day!” said Miss Phillips, as she kissed the girls -good-bye. “I’ll write you the details.” - -Marjorie leaned back in the machine and smiled dreamily; she was very -happy. She had been made a Girl Scout; she was now going home for -vacation--with Jack, and John Hadley, and Ruth to help her to enjoy it; -and the week of camping during the following month loomed bright in -anticipation. - -“Remember going away last fall, Marj?” asked Ruth, interrupting her -reverie. “It has all turned out different from what we expected, hasn’t -it?” - -“Different, and better!” said Marjorie, with a deep sigh of contentment. - -How the Troop spent their vacation will be told in the next volume of -this series, “THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP.” - - -THE END - - - - -_SAVE THE WRAPPER!_ - - -_If_ you have enjoyed reading about the adventures of the new friends -you have made in this book and would like to read more clean, wholesome -stories of their entertaining experiences, turn to the book jacket--on -the inside of it, a comprehensive list of Burt’s fine series of -carefully selected books for young people has been placed for your -convenience. - -_Orders for these books, placed with your bookstore or sent to the -Publishers, will receive prompt attention._ - - - - -The Girl Scouts Series - -BY EDITH LAVELL - -[Illustration] - - A new copyright series of Girl Scouts stories by an author - of wide experience in Scouts’ craft, as Director of Girl - Scouts of Philadelphia. - - Clothbound, with Attractive Color Designs. - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL - THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ GOOD TURN - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CANOE TRIP - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ RIVALS - THE GIRL SCOUTS ON THE RANCH - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ VACATION ADVENTURES - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ MOTOR TRIP - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CAPTAIN - THE GIRL SCOUTS’ DIRECTOR - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -The Camp Fire Girls Series - -By HILDEGARD G. FREY - -[Illustration] - - A Series of Outdoor Stories for Girls 12 to 16 Years. - All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles - - PRICE 50 CENTS EACH - Postage 10c. Extra. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The - Winnebagos go Camping. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo Weavers. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic - Garden. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road - That Leads the Way. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS’ LARKS AND PRANKS; or, The House of - the Open Door. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON ELLEN’S ISLE; or, The Trail of - the Seven Cedars. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON THE OPEN ROAD; or, Glorify Work. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS DO THEIR BIT; or, Over the Top with - the Winnebagos. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS SOLVE A MYSTERY; or, The Christmas - Adventure at Carver House. - - THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT CAMP KEEWAYDIN; or, Down Paddles. - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -Marjorie Dean High School Series - -BY PAULINE LESTER - -Author of the Famous Marjorie Dean College Series - -[Illustration] - - These are clean, wholesome stories that will be of great - interest to all girls of high school age. - - All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - Postage 10c. Extra. - - MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN - MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE - MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR - MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -Marjorie Dean College Series - -BY PAULINE LESTER. - -[Illustration] - -Author of the Famous Marjorie Dean High School Series - -Those who have read the Marjorie Dean High School Series will be eager -to read this new series, as Marjorie Dean continues to be the heroine -in these stories. - - All Clothbound. Copyright Titles. - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE FRESHMAN - MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE SOPHOMORE - MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE JUNIOR - MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE SENIOR - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY. 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -MARJORIE DEAN POST-GRADUATE SERIES - -By PAULINE LESTER - -[Illustration] - -Author of the Famous Marjorie Dean High School and College Series. - - All Cloth Bound. Copyright Titles. - _With Individual Jackets in Colors._ - - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - MARJORIE DEAN, POST GRADUATE - MARJORIE DEAN, MARVELOUS MANAGER - MARJORIE DEAN AT HAMILTON ARMS - MARJORIE DEAN’S ROMANCE - MARJORIE DEAN MACY - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -THE MERRY LYNN SERIES - -By HARRIET PYNE GROVE - - Cloth Bound. Jackets in Colors. - -The charm of school and camp life, out-door sports and European travel -is found in these winning tales of Merilyn and her friends at boarding -school and college. These realistic stories of the everyday life, the -fun, frolic and special adventures of the Beechwood girls will be -enjoyed by all girls of high school age. - - MERILYN ENTERS BEECHWOLD - MERILYN AT CAMP MEENAHGA - MERILYN TESTS LOYALTY - MERILYN’S NEW ADVENTURE - MERILYN FORRESTER, CO-ED. - THE “MERRY LYNN” MINE - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, _Publishers_ - 114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK - - - - -Princess Polly Series - -By AMY BROOKS - -[Illustration] - - Author of “Dorothy Dainty” series, Etc. - Stories of Sweet-Tempered, Sunny, - Lovable Little “Princess Polly.” - For girls 12 to 16 years. - Each Volume Illustrated. - - Cloth Bound - _With Individual Jackets in Colors._ - PRICE, 75 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - PRINCESS POLLY - PRINCESS POLLY’S PLAYMATES - PRINCESS POLLY AT SCHOOL - PRINCESS POLLY BY THE SEA - PRINCESS POLLY’S GAY WINTER - PRINCESS POLLY AT PLAY - PRINCESS POLLY AT CLIFFMORE - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -THE Ann Sterling Series - -By HARRIET PYNE GROVE - -[Illustration] - - Stories of Ranch and College Life - For Girls 12 to 16 Years - - _Handsome Cloth Binding with Attractive Jackets in Color_ - - ANN STERLING - The strange gift of Old Never-Run, an Indian whom she - has befriended, brings exciting events into Ann’s life. - - THE COURAGE OF ANN - Ann makes many new, worthwhile friends during her first - year at Forest Hill College. - - ANN AND THE JOLLY SIX - At the close of their Freshman year Ann and the Jolly - Six enjoy a house party at the Sterling’s mountain - ranch. - - ANN CROSSES A SECRET TRAIL - The Sterling family, with a group of friends, and a - thrilling vacation under the southern Pines of Florida. - - ANN’S SEARCH REWARDED - In solving the disappearance of her father, Ann finds - exciting adventures, Indians and bandits in the West. - - ANN’S AMBITIONS - The end of her Senior year at Forest Hill brings a - whirl of new events into the career of “Ann of the - Singing Fingers.” - - ANN’S STERLING HEART - Ann returns home, after completing a busy year of - musical study abroad. - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers, - 114-120 EAST 23d STREET NEW YORK - - - - -Books for Girls - -By GRACE MAY NORTH - -Author of THE VIRGINIA DAVIS SERIES - -[Illustration] - - All Clothbound. Copyright Titles. - _With Individual Jackets in Colors_ - - MEG OF MYSTERY MOUNTAIN - This story tells of the summer vacation some young - people spent in the mountains and how they cleared up - the mystery of the lost cabin at Crazy Creek Mine. - - RILLA OF THE LIGHTHOUSE - “Rilla” had lived all her life with only her - grandfather and “Uncle Barney” as companions, but - finally, at High Cliff Seminary, her great test came - and the lovable girl from Windy Island Lighthouse met - it brilliantly. - - NAN OF THE GYPSIES - In this tale of a wandering gypsy band, Nan, who has - spent her childhood with the gypsies, is adopted by a - woman of wealth, and by her love and loyalty to her, - she proves her fine character and true worth. - - SISTERS - The personal characteristics and incidents in the lives - of two girls--one thoughtless and proud, the other - devoted and self-sacrificing--are vividly described - in this story, told as it is with sympathy and - understanding for both. - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers, - 114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK - - - - -The Greycliff Girls Series - -By HARRIET PYNE GROVE - -[Illustration] - - Stories of Adventure, Fun, Study and Personalities of - girls attending Greycliff School. - For Girls 10 to 15 Years - - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - Cloth bound, with Individual Jackets in Color. - - CATHALINA AT GREYCLIFF - THE GIRLS OF GREYCLIFF - GREYCLIFF WINGS - GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN CAMP - GREYCLIFF HEROINES - GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN GEORGIA - GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ RANCHING - GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ GREAT ADVENTURE - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -The Virginia Davis Series - -By GRACE MAY NORTH - -[Illustration] - - Clean, Wholesome Stories of Ranch Life. - For Girls 12 to 16 Years. - - All Clothbound. - _With Individual Jackets in Colors._ - PRICE, 75 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - VIRGINIA OF V. M. RANCH - VIRGINIA AT VINE HAVEN - VIRGINIA’S ADVENTURE CLUB - VIRGINIA’S RANCH NEIGHBORS - VIRGINIA’S ROMANCE - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -The Radio Boys Series - -BY GERALD BRECKENRIDGE - -[Illustration] - - A new series of copyright titles for boys of all ages. - - Cloth Bound, with Attractive Cover Designs - PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH - POSTAGE 10c EXTRA - - THE RADIO BOYS ON THE MEXICAN BORDER - THE RADIO BOYS ON SECRET SERVICE DUTY - THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE REVENUE GUARDS - THE RADIO BOYS’ SEARCH FOR THE INCA’S TREASURE - THE RADIO BOYS RESCUE THE LOST ALASKA EXPEDITION - THE RADIO BOYS IN DARKEST AFRICA - THE RADIO BOYS SEEK THE LOST ATLANTIS - THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE BORDER PATROL - THE RADIO BOYS AS SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - -A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK - - - - -_The Boy Allies With the Army_ - -(Registered in the United States Patent Office) - -BY CLAIR W. HAYES - -[Illustration] - - For Boys 12 to 16 Years. - All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles - -In this series we follow the fortunes of two American lads unable to -leave Europe after war is declared. They meet the soldiers of the -Allies, and decide to cast their lot with them. Their experiences and -escapes are many, and furnish plenty of good, healthy action that every -boy loves. - - THE BOY ALLIES AT LIEGE; or, Through Lines of Steel. - - THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE; or, Twelve Days’ - Battle Along the Marne. - - THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE COSSACKS; or, A Wild Dash Over - the Carpathians. - - THE BOY ALLIES IN THE TRENCHES; or, Midst Shot and - Shell Along the Aisne. - - THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL; or, With the Italian - Army In the Alps. - - THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN; or, The Struggle - to Save a Nation. - - THE BOY ALLIES ON THE SOMME; or, Courage and Bravery - Rewarded. - - THE BOY ALLIES AT VERDUN; or, Saving France from the - Enemy. - - THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES; or, Leading - the American Troops to the Firing Line. - - THE BOY ALLIES WITH HAIG IN FLANDERS; or, The Fighting - Canadians of Vimy Ridge. - - THE BOY ALLIES WITH PERSHING IN FRANCE: or, Over the - Top at Chateau Thierry. - - THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH; or, The Closing Days - of the Great World War. - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers - - A. L. BURT COMPANY - 114-120 EAST 23d STREET NEW YORK - - - - -Transcriber’s Note: - -The table of contents was added by the transcriber. - -Punctuation has been standardised; spelling retained as in the original -except as follows: - - Page 19 - four most elegible freshmen _changed to_ - four most eligible freshmen - - Page 39 - “Helloa!” greeted Ruth _changed to_ - “Hulloa!” greeted Ruth - - Page 72 - That evening the freshman pledged became _changed to_ - That evening the freshmen pledged became - - Page 89 - Lavendar, green, yellow, pink, _changed to_ - Lavender, green, yellow, pink, - - Page 129 - “Now,” said Miss Philips, “we will adjourn _changed to_ - “Now,” said Miss Phillips, “we will adjourn - - Page 193 - the heads of of the girls _changed to_ - the heads of the girls - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen's School, by -Edith Lavell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS *** - -***** This file should be named 55213-0.txt or 55213-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/2/1/55213/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -http://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at http://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit http://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/55213-0.zip b/old/55213-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 06fc99c..0000000 --- a/old/55213-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h.zip b/old/55213-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index caa4bc3..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/55213-h.htm b/old/55213-h/55213-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 6c7d611..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/55213-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7904 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen’s School, by Edith Lavell - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body {margin: 0 10%;} - .chapter, .section {page-break-before: always;} - h1,h2 {text-align: center; clear: both;} - h2 {font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 2em;} - h2 span {line-height: 2em; font-size: .7em;} - p {margin-top: 1em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 1em; text-indent: 1em;} - .p120 {font-size: 1.2em;} - .p130 {font-size: 1.3em;} - .p140 {font-size: 1.4em;} - .p180 {font-size: 1.8em;} - em {font-style: italic;} - - /* General */ - .noi {text-indent: 0;} - .center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .mt3 {margin-top: 3em;} - .mt0 {margin-top: 0em;} - .mb0 {margin-bottom: 0em;} - .mb3 {margin-bottom: 3em;} - .word-spacing {word-spacing: 1em;} - - /* Table */ - table {margin: auto; border-collapse: collapse;} - th {font-size: .8em;} - td {padding: .2em;} - .tdl {text-align: left; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 2em; text-indent: -1em;} - .tdr {text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;} - .tdr2 {text-align: right; padding-left: 1em;} - - /* Book container */ - .book-container, .title {max-width: 30em; margin: auto;} - .hang {margin-left: 4em; text-indent: -4em;} - .hang2 {margin-left: 2em; text-indent: -2em;} - .box {border: thick double; margin: auto; width: 30em;} - .dropcap {font-size: 2.8em; float: left; line-height: 0.85em; height: 0.85em; padding: 0 .02em 0 0; font-weight: normal;} - .faux-hr {text-decoration: underline; word-spacing: 1em;} - - /* Horizontal rules */ - hr {width: 60%; margin: 2em 20%; clear: both;} - hr.divider {width: 65%; margin: 4em 17.5%;} - hr.divider2 {width: 45%; margin: 4em 27.5%;} - hr.full {width: 100%; margin: 0 0 .5em 0;} - hr.double {width: 100%; margin: 0 0 .5em 0; border-top: 4px double;} - hr.small4 {width: 16%; margin: 1em 42%;} - hr.small2 {width: 8%; margin: .5em 46%;} - - /* Page numbers */ - .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 2%; text-indent: 0em; - text-align: right; font-size: x-small; - font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; - letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; - color: #999; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid; - background-color: inherit; padding: .01em .4em;} - - /* Images */ - img {max-width: 100%; width: 100%; height: auto;} - .figcenter {clear: both; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; max-width: 100%;} - .width400 {width: 400px;} - .width200 {width: 200px;} - .width180 {width: 180px;} - .caption {margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;} - .float-left {float: left; padding-right: 2em;} - - /* Poetry */ - .poetry-container {text-align: center; margin: 0;} - .poetry {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} - .poetry .verse {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - .poetry .line {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} - .poetry .outdent {text-indent: -3.5em;} - - /* Notes */ - ins {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted #dcdcdc;} - .tn {width: 60%; margin: 2em 20%; background: #dcdcdc; padding: .5em 1em;} - ul {list-style: square;} - ul.nobullet {list-style: none; text-align: left;} - li {margin-bottom: .5em;} - - @media handheld { - body {margin: .5em; padding: 0; width: 98%;} - p {margin-top: .1em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .1em; text-indent: 1em;} - hr.divider, hr.divider2 {border-width: 0; margin: 0;} - img {max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto;} - .float-left {float: left; padding-right: 1.5em;} - table {width: 96%; margin: 0 2%;} - .tn {width: 80%; margin: 0 10%; background: #dcdcdc; padding: 1em;} - a {color: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;} - .hidehand {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - } - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen's School, by Edith Lavell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen's School - -Author: Edith Lavell - -Release Date: July 28, 2017 [EBook #55213] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<hr class="divider" /> -<h1>THE GIRL SCOUTS AT<br /> -MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL</h1> -<hr class="divider2" /> - - -<div class="hidehand"> -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/cover2.jpg" width="400" height="602" alt="Cover" /> -</div></div> - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<h2><a name="Contents" id="Contents"></a>Contents</h2> -</div> - -<table summary="Contents"> -<tr> -<th class="tdr">CHAPTER</th> -<th> </th> -<th>Page</th> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">I</td> -<td class="tdl">OFF FOR BOARDING SCHOOL</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#i">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">II</td> -<td class="tdl">MARJORIE’S ROOM-MATE</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ii">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">III</td> -<td class="tdl">THE SOPHOMORE RECEPTION</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iii">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">IV</td> -<td class="tdl">THE STOLEN MEETING</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iv">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">V</td> -<td class="tdl">THE SORORITY PARTY</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#v">36</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VI</td> -<td class="tdl">PLEDGE-DAY</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vi">46</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VII</td> -<td class="tdl">OUTSIDERS</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vii">56</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VIII</td> -<td class="tdl">THE HOCKEY MATCH</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#viii">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">IX</td> -<td class="tdl">MARJORIE’S HOUSE-PARTY</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ix">73</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">X</td> -<td class="tdl">THE DANCE</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#x">87</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XI</td> -<td class="tdl">THE GIRL SCOUT TROUP</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xi">97</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XII</td> -<td class="tdl">THE BOY SCOUTS’ DEMONSTRATION</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xii">104</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIII</td> -<td class="tdl">AFTER THE MEETING</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiii">114</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIV</td> -<td class="tdl">PANSY TROOP MEETS</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiv">120</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XV</td> -<td class="tdl">THE LATIN TEST</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xv">132</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVI</td> -<td class="tdl">A WINTER HIKE</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvi">141</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVII</td> -<td class="tdl">MARJORIE’S DISAPPOINTMENT</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvii">152</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVIII</td> -<td class="tdl">THE SECOND-CLASS TEST</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xviii">161</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIX</td> -<td class="tdl">THE BOY SCOUTS ENTERTAIN</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xix">171</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XX</td> -<td class="tdl">MARJORIE’S SUSPICIONS</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xx">180</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXI</td> -<td class="tdl">THE BASKET-BALL GAME</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxi">186</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXII</td> -<td class="tdl">THE GHOST AT THE CABIN</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxii">196</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIII</td> -<td class="tdl">RUTH’S ADVENTURE</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiii">205</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIV</td> -<td class="tdl">RESTITUTION</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiv">217</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXV</td> -<td class="tdl">THE VERDICT</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxv">227</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXVI</td> -<td class="tdl">THE PLAY</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxvi">233</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="400" height="580" alt="Frontispiece" /> -<div class="caption">All eyes watched it describe a graceful arc and fall -straight through the goal,—a perfect shot. (<cite>The Girl Scouts at Miss -Allen’s School</cite>)<br /> -<a href="#perfect-shot"><i>Page 193</i></a></div> -</div> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<p class="center p180">THE GIRL SCOUTS AT<br /> -MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL</p> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center mt3"><span class="smcap">By EDITH LAVELL</span></p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap p140">Author of</span><br /> -“<cite>The Girl Scouts of Camp</cite>,” “<cite>The Girl Scouts’ Good<br /> -Turn</cite>,” “<cite>The Girl Scouts’ Canoe Trip</cite>,” “<cite>The<br /> -Girl Scouts’ Rivals</cite>.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter width200"> -<img src="images/title-illus.jpg" width="200" height="227" alt="Title page" /> -</div> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center p130 mt3">A. L. BURT COMPANY<br /> -<span class="word-spacing">Publishers New</span> York</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> -<div class="box title"> -<p class="center p180">THE<br /> -GIRL SCOUTS SERIES</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<p class="center p120">A Series of Stories for Girl Scouts</p> - -<p class="center p140">By EDITH LAVELL</p> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen’s School</li> -<li>The Girl Scouts at Camp</li> -<li>The Girl Scouts’ Good Turn</li> -<li>The Girl Scouts’ Canoe Trip</li> -<li>The Girl Scouts’ Rivals</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center">Copyright, 1922<br /> -By A. L. BURT COMPANY</p> - -<hr class="small2" /> - -<p class="center">THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL</p> -</div> -<p class="center">Made in “U. S. A.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">3</a></span> -<p class="center p180"><strong>THE GIRL SCOUTS AT<br /> -MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL</strong></p> -</div> - -<h2 style="page-break-before: avoid;"><a name="i" id="i"></a>CHAPTER I<br /> -<span>OFF FOR BOARDING SCHOOL</span></h2> - - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Secret</span> societies! Whew! I’m glad they don’t have them at our school.”</p> - -<p>The speaker, a boy of sixteen, perched himself upon the porch railing, -and swung his legs contentedly, as if he had uttered the last word on -the subject.</p> - -<p>The two girls to whom the remark was addressed listened eagerly. Ruth -Henry, the small, dark-haired one, who was obviously no relation of the -boy, leaned forward. Challenging him with her eyes, she asked quickly:</p> - -<p>“What makes you say that, Jack? Have you any grounds?”</p> - -<p>The other girl, whose fair hair and straight nose resembled the boy -strongly enough to identify her as his sister, looked impatient.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">4</a></span> -“He doesn’t know a thing about them,” she said.</p> - -<p>“Now, listen, Marj,” remonstrated Jack in the tone one might use to -a child, although his sister was only two years his junior, “haven’t -you ever heard dad tell about the awful things some of those secret -societies did when he was at college? They had a house without a -single window, and with only one door—made of iron—and nobody ever -knew what went on inside. But dad said one poor freshman, who was to -be initiated, got rebellious and wouldn’t do the stunts; and they -blindfolded him and threw him into the creek. It was cold, and he got -pneumonia and died!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Jack, you’re exaggerating!” exclaimed Marjorie scornfully. “You -read about that in a book—you must have forgotten. Anyway, girls’ -societies wouldn’t do anything like that.”</p> - -<p>But Ruth’s dark eyes were sparkling at the idea of adventure and -danger. If the truth were told, it was because of these very secret -societies, or sororities, as the girls called them, that she had -persuaded her mother to let her register among the freshmen at Miss -Allen’s Boarding School for the coming fall. And Marjorie Wilkinson, -a more timid girl, desired to go simply that she might be with Ruth. -Both families had at last consented, but too late to give the girls -a chance to secure a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span> room together. The idea of a strange room-mate -filled Marjorie with dismay; but to Ruth it meant new opportunities for -friendship—and a new chance to make one of the secret societies.</p> - -<p>A week after the foregoing conversation, the girls were on their way -to the school. They had been satisfied to sit quietly during most of -the journey, contenting themselves with looking out of the window, and -dreaming of future popularity and happiness. It was only after they -were seated in the school hack that Marjorie was seized with a sudden -pang of homesickness.</p> - -<p>“If we only could have roomed together!” she sighed, clasping Ruth’s -hand, and looking away from the gathering darkness. “Promise me, Ruth,” -she said ardently, “whoever your room-mate is, you won’t like her -better than me!”</p> - -<p>“Jealous!” teased Ruth. “How do I know who I’m going to like?” Then, -seriously, “Marj, <em>do</em> you suppose we’ll be asked to join a sorority?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe you will, but I never would,” answered Marjorie. “I can’t make -friends quickly enough.”</p> - -<p>At this moment the hack stopped in front of the school door. Miss -Allen’s Boarding School originally started in a beautiful old house -which had been in her family for generations. She began with about -fifteen pupils, and only one teacher besides herself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span> Each year -she was forced to add a little more to the buildings, until now her -school accommodated almost a hundred girls. The lovely big trees, wide -porches, and large grounds made the spot an ideal one for a boarding -school. At one end of the estate there was a small pond where the girls -went skating in winter, and there were also wonderful little groves -which could be used for picnics whenever the Principal’s permission -could be obtained. The swimming pool, the gymnasium, and the hockey -field supplied ample facilities for the athletic girl to indulge her -desire for more strenuous sport.</p> - -<p>As Ruth and Marjorie approached, and saw the bright lights through -the windows, and heard the happy girls’ laughter, they felt, indeed, -that they had reached the place of their dreams. Marjorie’s feeling -of homesickness vanished as Miss Landis, the English teacher, came to -greet them.</p> - -<p>“How do you do, girls?” she said cordially. “I’m Miss Landis. Will you -tell me your names?”</p> - -<p>“I am Ruth Henry, and this is Marjorie Wilkinson,” replied Ruth. “We’re -so glad to be here,” she added, “after our long ride.”</p> - -<p>“I will take you to your rooms,” said Miss Landis, leading the way.</p> - -<p>Marjorie was charmed by Miss Landis’s manner, which seemed so cordial -and pleasant that she decided<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span> if everyone at school were like her, it -surely would be a delightful place. But Ruth’s thoughts had taken an -entirely different direction.</p> - -<p>“Who are our room-mates?” she asked, as they ascended the stairs.</p> - -<p>“Let me think,” said Miss Landis. “It’s hard to remember with so many -girls, but I helped Miss Allen with the lists.” She stopped as they -reached the second floor. “Oh, yes,” she continued, “you room with -Ethel Todd—a sophomore. She’s a splendid girl—very popular. You’re -lucky! And your room-mate,” she turned to Marjorie—“hasn’t come yet. -She’s a freshman, named Lily Andrews.”</p> - -<p>They walked down the corridor and stopped at the room which was to be -Ruth’s. In answer to Miss Landis’s knock, a pretty girl about sixteen -years old opened the door, disclosing an attractive interior with three -large windows. Miss Landis introduced the girls.</p> - -<p>Ethel apologized for the appearance of the room.</p> - -<p>“You see I am just hanging the pictures and putting up the curtains,” -she said. Turning to Ruth, she added, “It will be lovely to have you to -help me!”</p> - -<p>Ruth’s eyes danced; already she was fascinated by Ethel.</p> - -<p>“Now I’ll show you to your room,” said Miss<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> Landis to Marjorie. “I’m -sorry there will be no room-mate there to welcome you, but then you can -do that for her when she comes.”</p> - -<p>As they went up another flight of stairs, Marjorie asked:</p> - -<p>“Does she—does Ruth’s room-mate—belong to any of the sororities?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, she belongs to <em>the</em> sorority,” replied Miss Landis. “There’s -only one, but we teachers wish there weren’t any; for it takes the -girls’ minds from their lessons and their athletics, and besides, it -causes a good deal of unhappiness.”</p> - -<p>“Unhappiness!” repeated Marjorie in astonishment. “Why, I should think -it would be all fun.”</p> - -<p>“It is—for those who belong. But you see only sixteen girls—four out -of each class—are chosen; and most of the other girls in the school -are miserable because they aren’t asked to join. We’d like to abolish -it; but some of the prominent Alumnæ who are members of the Board -belong, and as long as the girls want it, they won’t hear of doing away -with it.”</p> - -<p>Miss Landis stopped before a door at the back of the building. “Here is -your room,” she said.</p> - -<p>As the teacher threw open the door, Marjorie experienced a chill of -disappointment. In contrast to Ruth’s attractive room, hers was dark -and small,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span> with only one window, and the slanting roof extended down -over part of the wall. And it was very bare—only the bed seemed ready -for use.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry you’ll be alone,” said Miss Landis, “but I’ll come and take -you over to Ruth’s room to go down to supper with her. I’ll be back in -twenty minutes.”</p> - -<p>It was all Marjorie could do to keep from crying. Mechanically she -began to take off her hat and coat.</p> - -<p>“I feel just like poor little Paul Dombey who was sent to that dreary -school of Doctor Blimber’s—in Dickens,” thought Marjorie. “Only, I -guess everything will be all right when I see Ruth again, and meet my -room-mate.”</p> - -<p>The bell for supper had already rung; in a few minutes Miss Landis -returned, and they started off together for Ruth’s room. There was no -answer to Miss Landis’s knock at the door.</p> - -<p>“She must have gone down with her room-mate,” said Miss Landis. “Never -mind; you can come with me. I’ll find you a place.”</p> - -<p>The dining-room was brilliantly lighted. Seven long tables were placed -in various parts of the room. The girls, most of them in light summer -dresses, were crowding in and sitting down anywhere, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span> the regular -seats were not yet assigned. Marjorie noticed that one teacher sat at -each table.</p> - -<p>“Where would you like to sit?” asked Miss Landis.</p> - -<p>Just then Marjorie spied Ruth sitting beside Ethel Todd, at the -farthest table under the window.</p> - -<p>“I want to sit over there, near the window, with Ruth!”</p> - -<p>“I am sorry,” said Miss Landis, “but I wouldn’t advise you to sit there -without an invitation. All those girls belong to ΦΑΒ,—(Phi Alpha -Beta)—the sorority—except the freshmen who have been invited there by -them; and you wouldn’t want to sit there without an invitation.”</p> - -<p>At that moment Marjorie felt all the bitterness of the outcast. “Ruth -will make the sorority, and I won’t,” she thought. But she gave her -attention to Miss Landis, who introduced her to some other freshmen.</p> - -<p>When supper was over, Marjorie asked some of her new friends to her -room. They did visit her for a few minutes; but they were all tired, -and left early. Marjorie went to bed without even bothering to unpack, -or to make any attempt to see Ruth.</p> - -<p>“Never run after the sorority girls,” Miss Landis had advised, and -Marjorie intended to profit by the advice.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="ii" id="ii"></a>CHAPTER II<br /> -<span>MARJORIE’S ROOM-MATE</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Marjorie awoke in her bare little room the next morning, a feeling -of happy anticipation came over her. What was it? Oh, yes, she was away -at school, and she was to meet her new room-mate to-day.</p> - -<p>She jumped out of bed and dressed quickly, so that she had time to take -a stroll in the garden before the breakfast bell rang. She met several -of the girls she had sat with at supper the night before, and they -asked her to join their group.</p> - -<p>“Why, there goes Ruth!” exclaimed Marjorie. “Funny she didn’t see me!”</p> - -<p>“Ruth who?” asked Ada Mearns, a sophomore.</p> - -<p>“Ruth Henry—my best friend from home. She’s with some girls I don’t -know.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes,” said Ada, following the direction of Marjorie’s gaze, “those -are all ΦΑΒ girls with her. I guess your young friend’s made a hit. -Probably she’ll be one of the lucky four.”</p> - -<p>“What lucky four?” asked another freshman.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span> -“One of the lucky four freshmen to be asked to join the sorority!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie bit her lip. “I’m not going to be miserable and jealous,” she -thought, “only I don’t see why Ruth has to drop me for her new friends.”</p> - -<p>“My word!” exclaimed Ada suddenly. “Look at this funny package coming -up the walk!”</p> - -<p>The girls all looked in the direction Ada indicated and saw the -strangest-looking girl trudging up the path, carrying a suitcase and a -hatbox. She was short and very fat, and vulgarly overdressed in clothes -far too old for a girl of her years—a velvet coat, gray suede shoes -and stockings, and a large hat trimmed with ostrich plumes. She seemed -hot and out of breath.</p> - -<p>When she came abreast of the girls she stopped.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me,” she said, “but will you tell me where to go? I’m the new -girl who was coming to-day.”</p> - -<p>“<em>The</em> new girl?” laughed Ada. “Don’t you know there are several other -freshmen—thirty-five to be exact?”</p> - -<p>The stout girl looked as if she were not listening. “My name’s Lily -Andrews—I’m from New York. Don’t you—any of you know where my room -is?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie’s face fell. So this was her room-mate! This ill-mannered, -over-dressed, unattractive young lady, whose whole bearing stamped -her as “newly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span> rich!” Why should she, Marjorie, have the bad luck to -draw something like this, when Ruth had fallen in with one of the most -popular and influential girls of the school?</p> - -<p>However, she answered, “Yes, I know where your room is, Miss Andrews, -for I’m the freshman who is to room with you. I’ll take you to it. -There’s just time before the second bell rings.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie took Lily’s suitcase and the two girls walked off together.</p> - -<p>“Poor Marjorie!” sighed Ada, “I hope she has the good sense to drop -her.”</p> - -<p>Lily talked all the way upstairs about the clothes she had brought. -When they arrived at the room, and Marjorie opened the door, she -uttered an exclamation of disgust.</p> - -<p>“What!” she exclaimed, “me, Lily Andrews, have to live in a room like -this, when my father’s rich enough to buy me a suite at the McAlpin?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie tried to explain. “You see the older girls choose their rooms, -and the freshmen are assigned the ones that are left. It’ll only be for -one year, then we get our chance to choose.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll never live here for a year! I couldn’t stand it!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie’s hopes rose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span> -“What are you going to do?” she asked. “Go back home?”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed!” said Lily. “And miss all the fun I’ve read so much about? -No, I’ll just go tell Miss Allen I’ll pay more, and she’ll give me a -better room. Besides, I want to room with an upper classman who already -belongs to the secret society, so as I’ll be asked to join!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie remembered the attractive girls who sat under the window the -previous night, who were members of ΦΑΒ, and she smiled to herself. -Poor Lily! She didn’t know what was in store for her.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t do that, if I were you. The rooms are all assigned now, and -I don’t believe Miss Allen would make any changes. Hurry up! there’s -the last bell for breakfast!”</p> - -<p>They went into the dining-room together, and both girls were conscious -of the fact that all eyes were turned upon them. Lily thought it was -because of her expensive clothing; but Marjorie knew better, and -blushed.</p> - -<p>After classes that afternoon, when Lily and Marjorie were unpacking -their trunks and doing their best to arrange their homely little -room to make it look attractive, Ruth knocked at the door. Marjorie -experienced a joyful surprise as her old friend appeared.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span> -“I’m so glad to see you, Ruth!” she exclaimed. “I want you to meet my -room-mate, Miss Andrews. This is Miss Henry, Lily.”</p> - -<p>Ruth bowed, and Lily murmured, “Pleased to meet you, I’m sure.”</p> - -<p>“Well, how do you like it all by this time?” asked Marjorie. “Are you -the least bit homesick?”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed!” answered Ruth, enthusiastically. “I never was so happy. -I’m crazy about my room-mate!”</p> - -<p>“She does seem nice,” observed Marjorie. “What do you think of the -teachers?”</p> - -<p>“Teachers!—I don’t give them a thought. They’re necessary evils!”</p> - -<p>“I think Miss Landis is lovely,” said Marjorie. “I like teachers when -they’re nice, and not prim old maids.”</p> - -<p>Lily was all the while busily unpacking her trunk. Suddenly she -produced an enormous box, wrapped in white paper, and tied with pink -ribbon.</p> - -<p>“Father gave me five pounds of chocolates,” she remarked, as she untied -it, “and he promised to send me more when I want them.”</p> - -<p>She passed the candy to the girls.</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said Marjorie, “but I don’t believe I’ll take any. I want -to make the hockey team, and my brother always said one of the most -important<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a></span> things about doing well in athletics is to eat the right -things.”</p> - -<p>“The girls’ll think you’re a prig,” said Ruth, nibbling a chocolate. -“You won’t get invited to things!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t care!” said Marjorie, “if I only make the team!”</p> - -<p>“I’d much rather make the sorority,” sighed Lily. “Have you met any of -the sorority girls, Miss Henry?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Ruth. “I room with one, and she has introduced me to -quite a number. They’re awfully nice.”</p> - -<p>“I should guess so,” said Lily. “I suppose they’re the richest crowd at -Miss Allen’s. I’d like to invite them all out to my father’s place on -Long Island, so they can see where I get off!”</p> - -<p>Ruth laughed. “You better not try it,” she said. “Let them do the -inviting.”</p> - -<p>“What are you going to wear to the Sophomore reception?” asked Marjorie -suddenly.</p> - -<p>“My pink organdie. What are you?”</p> - -<p>“My white embroidered voile, I guess.”</p> - -<p>“Will they be fancy enough?” asked Lily. “I expect to wear a blue net -and spangled dress—it’s quite the thing in New York!”</p> - -<p>At this moment, there was a knock at the door, and in answer to -Marjorie’s “Come,” three freshmen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a></span> accompanied by Ada Mearns, a -sophomore, entered.</p> - -<p>“These girls were looking for Miss Henry,” said Ada, “and I thought she -might be in here.”</p> - -<p>Ruth jumped up joyfully. “Hulloa!” she exclaimed. “Girls, I want you to -meet Marjorie Wilkinson, and Lily Andrews—Doris Sands, Evelyn Hopkins, -and Mae VanHorn.”</p> - -<p>The girls acknowledged the introduction, and Marjorie invited them to -sit down.</p> - -<p>“No, we simply can’t,” said Doris. “Ruth’s room-mate—Ethel Todd—wants -to take our picture; but we wouldn’t consent to having it without Ruth!”</p> - -<p>“I’m going, too,” said Lily. “I want some fresh air.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, but you’re not dressed,” interposed Ruth, “and we can’t keep Ethel -waiting. I’m sorry—some other time!”</p> - -<p>The four freshmen linked arms, and went out together.</p> - -<p>“Those four girls,” said Ada, lowering her voice, “are the ones -everyone thinks will be invited to join ΦΑΒ.”</p> - -<p>“How can they tell so soon?” asked Lily, with resentment in her voice. -“It isn’t fair! I think everybody ought to have a chance! I haven’t -even met any sorority girls.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span> -“Everybody will have a chance, don’t worry. They don’t choose their -candidates till six weeks are over, so they’ll be pretty sure to know -everybody. And, of course, they may change their minds, and drop one or -all of those girls.’”</p> - -<p>“I’d love to make it,” sighed Lily.</p> - -<p>“I’m not going to bother about it,” said Marjorie. “I’m going out for -the hockey team.”</p> - -<p>“Good work!” said Ada. “That’s the spirit!”</p> - -<p>But Ada could not tell from Marjorie’s words how bravely she was -struggling to hide her feelings.</p> - -<p>“We get our regular places at tables in the dining-room to-night,” said -Ada. “Fortunately, they don’t allow any sorority stuff there. The girls -are chosen by lot from each class—four girls from each, and a teacher -besides. Then, after Christmas, we draw all over again.”</p> - -<p>“I do hope I get with some nice girls,” said Lily.</p> - -<p>“Oh, everybody here is nice,” said Ada. “I never met lovelier girls.” -She got up from the bed, where she had been sitting. “I must go,” she -said. “Good-bye—I’ll see you both at the reception to-morrow night, if -not before.”</p> - -<p>She hurried out, and Marjorie and Lily resumed their unpacking.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="iii" id="iii"></a>CHAPTER III<br /> -<span>THE SOPHOMORE RECEPTION</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the four freshmen left Marjorie’s room, and walked out of the -dormitory to the campus where Ethel Todd and Marian Guard, another -sophomore members of ΦΑΒ, were waiting with the camera, their whole -bearing expressed pride, as if they wanted to say to the rest of the -school, “We have been singled out by the sorority as the four most -<a name="eligible" id="eligible"></a><ins title="Original has 'elegible'">eligible</ins> freshmen!”</p> - -<p>Before they reached Ethel and Marian, the former called out, “Hurry up, -girls! We can’t wait all day!” Then, turning to Marian, she said in a -low voice, “Those girls are entirely too sure of themselves.” As they -came closer, she said aloud, “I always photograph a group of girls from -each class to send to mother. But I wish we could get some more girls -into this picture.”</p> - -<p>Ethel looked away for a minute, as if she were thinking. She turned -to her room-mate. “Ruth,” she said, “who was that girl I met you with -yesterday?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> -“Oh—Marjorie Wilkinson?”</p> - -<p>“Was she tall and pretty?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, she’s tall, and I suppose you might call her pretty: she has -light hair and brown eyes!”</p> - -<p>“That’s the girl I mean! Couldn’t you go get her, if I wait a couple of -minutes?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe so; I don’t think she’s dressed.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Ethel, “I guess you will make a good picture of -freshness!”</p> - -<p>“Are we so very green?” asked Doris, nevertheless highly flattered to -be teased by so important a person as Ethel Todd.</p> - -<p>“Absolutely!” replied Ethel. “Now arrange yourselves in a group.”</p> - -<p>She looked into the camera and saw Ruth, partly hidden behind Doris. -“She wants to be urged to a more prominent position,” thought Ethel, -“but she’s going to get left!” She said nothing and snapped the -picture. Then turning to Marian, “It’s time to dress,” she said; “let’s -go in.”</p> - -<p>Ruth joined them; inwardly thanking her stars that she roomed with -Ethel.</p> - -<p>After they had reached their room, and Marian had left them, Ethel -said, “To-morrow night I want to make it a point to meet this Marjorie -Wilkinson. Will you ask her to come over and go to the reception with -us?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span> -“I don’t believe she’d want to; I think I heard her planning to go with -her room-mate.”</p> - -<p>“Well, let her bring her along, too.”</p> - -<p>Ruth burst out laughing. “If you’d ever see her room-mate!” she -exclaimed. “She dresses like a Christmas tree, and she’s always talking -about her father’s money. She’s simply impossible!”</p> - -<p>“Then I shouldn’t think your friend Marjorie would care for her.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, she likes anybody,” said Ruth, anxious to dismiss the other girl -from the mind of her room-mate. “Let’s finish putting up the pictures.”</p> - -<p>“Anyway,” said Ethel, “I want to know Marjorie Wilkinson. She looks -promising.”</p> - -<p>The sophomores had secured the gymnasium for their reception to the -freshmen. All the afternoon of the following day, the committee was -busy with the decorations. The girls had gone into the woods and -returned with their arms full of autumn leaves and wild asters. They -twined branches through the apparatus; they covered the walls with -school banners; and they pinned orange crepe paper over the bright -electric bulbs to soften the glare. At quarter of six, Frances Wright, -the sophomore president, surveyed the hall approvingly.</p> - -<p>“You’d never recognize the old gym, would you?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span> she remarked to Ethel, -as the girls started toward the door.</p> - -<p>The sophomores all ate rather hastily that evening, in their anxiety -to precede their guests at the reception. Shortly after eight, the -freshmen began to arrive in groups. Ruth, accompanied by her three -friends—Doris Sands, Evelyn Hopkins, and Mae VanHorn, was among the -first to appear.</p> - -<p>Marjorie and Lily came very late. Lily had encountered difficulty in -dressing—“Without mother’s maid to help me,” she had explained to her -room-mate; and Marjorie had patiently waited for her. Almost everyone -else was there when they finally arrived.</p> - -<p>The reception committee had become scattered, but Frances Wright -noticed the newcomers as they entered the room, and went forward to -greet them.</p> - -<p>“We’re awfully glad to see you, girls,” she said cordially. “Will you -forgive me if I ask you your names?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” replied Marjorie, graciously complying with the -president’s request.</p> - -<p>“Marjorie Wilkinson!” she repeated. “Oh, yes, I know. You’re the girl -Ethel Todd has been talking about.”</p> - -<p>“Ethel Todd! Ruth Henry’s room-mate?” asked Marjorie, somewhat -surprised.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span> -“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“But I only met her once——”</p> - -<p>“Well, you must have made an impression. So long as I’m not busy, I’d -like to take you both over to see Ethel.”</p> - -<p>Ethel, Marian Guard, and Lulu Davids, the other sorority sophomores, -were standing talking to Ruth and her three freshmen friends. Frances -walked between Lily and Marjorie, holding an arm of each. Ethel seemed -particularly cordial, and Lily talked fast and loud, realizing that -their group, including as it did, the four ΦΑΒ sophomores, must be the -center of attraction, and the envy of all the other freshmen.</p> - -<p>Just then the musicians struck up a one-step. Ethel asked Marjorie -immediately for a dance, and the two whirled off together. Marian and -Lulu asked Doris and Mae, and Frances Wright excused herself to attend -to some other matters. Ruth and Evelyn stood watching the dancers, as -Lily turned to them.</p> - -<p>“My, aren’t these sorority girls swell?” she said. “I like them a lot, -and I never thought I’d get in with them so quick! But my father said -he bet I’d wear their pin home Thanksgiving!”</p> - -<p>Ruth looked contemptuous, and Evelyn laughed out loud.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span> -“Let’s dance together,” suggested Ruth, and without even an apology, -they left Lily standing alone.</p> - -<p>At the end of the dance, games were introduced to scatter the groups; -and even Ruth found herself, in a few moments, far away from her -beloved sorority friends. But they managed to get together again for -refreshments. When everybody was seated, Ethel suddenly asked:</p> - -<p>“Where is Marjorie Wilkinson?”</p> - -<p>“She’s over there with some of her freshmen friends,” said Ruth.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to have her with us,” said Ethel. “Ruth, will you go over and -ask her to join our group?”</p> - -<p>Ruth frowned slightly, but rose obediently to do as Ethel requested. -She showed rather plainly, however, that she did not especially want -Marjorie, and the latter was quick to recognize her feeling.</p> - -<p>“No, thank you!” said Marjorie. “It’s very kind of Miss Todd, but I -can’t leave Lily, and the other girls I am with.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go,” said Lily, “even if Marjorie doesn’t care to!” She rose and -slipped her fat arm, covered with expensive bracelets, into Ruth’s. -“It’s such fun!” she exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Ethel expressed her disappointment. “Well, then, I am going over to -talk to her,” she said. “Don’t you want to come with me, Marian?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span> -As both girls rose, Lily announced, “I believe I’ll change my mind, and -go back again, so that I’ll be with Marjorie when it’s time to go home.”</p> - -<p>Everyone laughed, as Lily tagged along after the two sophomores. Ruth -turned to Doris.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it too bad, to have all our plans spoiled?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“You mean about the sorority?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” She lowered her voice, and Mae and Evelyn drew their chairs -nearer to the others.</p> - -<p>“You see,” continued Ruth, “up till to-night, the ΦΑΒ girls haven’t -been paying attention to anybody except us four girls; and I felt -pretty sure we’d be chosen. Now, if they get interested in Marjorie -Wilkinson, one of us is sure to be left out.”</p> - -<p>“That’s so!” exclaimed Mae.</p> - -<p>“What we ought to do,” announced Ruth, “is all stick together—and if -they don’t ask all of us, then none of us will join!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t approve of that,” pouted Evelyn. “There are thirty-five girls -in the Freshman Class, and they can ask four entirely different girls -from any of us. I, for one, intend to join if I am asked.”</p> - -<p>“You’re not very loyal!” exclaimed Ruth.</p> - -<p>“How about your loyalty?” snapped Evelyn. “Wasn’t Marjorie Wilkinson -your friend? And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span> now aren’t you doing your best to work against her?”</p> - -<p>Ruth did not answer this accusation. The situation was relieved by the -orchestra starting to play.</p> - -<p>“There’s the music for the last waltz,” said Doris. “I guess we might -as well dance it together, Ruth.”</p> - -<p>But before the girls got started, Ethel came back again. “I want this -dance with my room-mate,” she said, taking Ruth’s hand.</p> - -<p>Ruth looked up happily, and they started off together.</p> - -<p>“And I’m going to take you home,” she said; “each sophomore takes a -freshman.”</p> - -<p>As Ruth hurried up the stairs to get her cloak, she met Marjorie. -“Hasn’t it been wonderful?” she whispered.</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed,” answered Marjorie enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>“And Ethel is taking me home!” said Ruth triumphantly. “I thought she -would want to take you, she seemed so struck with you! By the way, who -is taking you?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“I had the last dance with Frances Wright, and she offered to walk over -with me.”</p> - -<p>“Phew!” exclaimed Ruth. “The President of the Sophomore Class, and a -ΦΑΒ girl besides!”</p> - -<p>“She’s a nice girl,” said Marjorie simply; “and I have enjoyed my -evening.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="iv" id="iv"></a>CHAPTER IV<br /> -<span>THE STOLEN MEETING</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> spirit of rivalry, which had temporarily given way to one of -courtesy for the night of the sophomore-freshmen reception, returned -again with full force as soon as the party was over. Although no -regular hazing was permitted, the sophomores usually enjoyed the -privilege of ordering the younger girls to obey their commands.</p> - -<p>The struggle between the classes lasted only six weeks, and might -be ended before that time if the freshmen succeeded in holding a -class meeting within that period, and electing a president with due -formality. All the conditions regarding the conduct of the meeting were -printed in large type and hung on the principal Bulletin Boards.</p> - -<p>Ruth, who had always been a ring-leader in affairs of this nature, took -particular interest in the event. She had discussed it many times with -Evelyn and Mae, but neither she, nor in fact any other members of her -class, had decided upon any definite action.</p> - -<p>About a week after the sophomore reception, she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span> paused on her way to -Marjorie’s room to read the notice again. She almost knew it by heart; -nevertheless, she read it over again carefully to see that she had -missed nothing. It said:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="center">“FRESHMEN PLEASE NOTE:</p> - -<p>“The following rules concerning the election of a class -president must be observed:</p> - -<p>“1. The meeting must be held on the school grounds -within six weeks’ time after the opening of the fall -term.</p> - -<p>“2. There must be at least two-thirds of the members of -the class present to make the meeting valid.</p> - -<p>“3. A president must be elected by a majority vote; at -least two candidates must be nominated.</p> - -<p>“4. The sophomores may do all in their power to prevent -or break up such a meeting.</p> - -<p>“5. If the freshman class fails to hold said meeting -within the alloted time, a committee of three must be -sent to the sophomore president to beg on bended knees -for permission to hold their meeting.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Ruth closed her lips tightly, resolving to do something—and to do it -immediately. She hurried to Marjorie’s room.</p> - -<p>“I tell you our class is as slow as molasses!” she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span> exclaimed. “We’ve -got to do something about our class-meeting.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie fingered her hockey-stick, and looked questioningly at her -visitor. Her mind was still on forward passes, and she did not quite -take in what she was saying.</p> - -<p>“There’s no hurry, is there?” she asked, without much display of -interest. “Isn’t there lots of time yet?”</p> - -<p>“I should say not!” answered Ruth, crossly. “Two weeks have gone -already—we only have four more!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, four weeks is an age! I wish you would pay more attention to -hockey, Ruth. Our class hasn’t any good players at all.”</p> - -<p>“Now listen, Marj, I’m not here to talk about hockey. I’m going to do -something about electing our class president. Who do you think would be -good?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know many girls very well. Who do <em>you</em> think?”</p> - -<p>“Why, how about yourself, Marj?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie scorned the idea. “I’d never make it,” she said positively. -“Besides, hockey takes all my time.”</p> - -<p>Ruth hoped that Marjorie might suggest her in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span> return for the -compliment, but she was forced to leave the room ungratified.</p> - -<p>She received more encouragement from Evelyn, however.</p> - -<p>“I mean to nominate you, Ruth, if we ever get the meeting,” said her -friend.</p> - -<p>“Thanks, Eve—then I’ll nominate you!”</p> - -<p>The other girl laughed. “What fun to run against each other!” she -exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Of course, it isn’t only the honor of being class president, but they -say she is always chosen by ΦΑΒ. They couldn’t afford to let a girl -like that go by!”</p> - -<p>Ruth rallied her forces, and finally succeeded in passing word around -that all the freshmen should steal into the assembly room as soon as -the lights went off the following night, which was Saturday.</p> - -<p>Marjorie and Lily did not pretend to undress, but Ruth, in order to -deceive Ethel, went to bed as usual. Her classmates had advised her -not to make any attempt to attend the meeting if Ethel seemed at all -suspicious; they reminded her that eleven girls out of the thirty-five -freshmen could be absent, and that she might be one of that number.</p> - -<p>But Ruth could not force herself to lie still and miss everything. She -had arranged the meeting; she hoped to be nominated for the office; and -she could not be content to remain away. Accordingly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span> after the lights -were out, and she and Ethel were both in bed, she stirred cautiously -and looked to see whether her room-mate were awake. Unfortunately, she -was.</p> - -<p>“Ethel,” she whispered, “Marjorie had a headache, and I want to take -her over some of your aspirin pills. I forgot to do it before I got -undressed. Where are they?”</p> - -<p>“In the top drawer,” replied her room-mate, sleepily. “But, Ruth, it’s -against the rules to go off the floor after ten.”</p> - -<p>“I know, but—poor Marjorie is suffering!”</p> - -<p>“Well, she could go to the infirmary. The night nurse would take care -of her.”</p> - -<p>“But I promised, and I mean to stick to it. You don’t mind?”</p> - -<p>Ethel watched her go out of the door, and buried her head again in her -pillow. The night was rather chilly, and she was glad she did not have -to creep around cold corridors.</p> - -<p>Suddenly she sat up in bed. Why was Ruth doing this? She wasn’t usually -so solicitous about Marjorie; she certainly was willing to slight -her at the reception the previous week! Ethel forgot all about the -chilliness of the night, and her own sleepiness. She put on her shoes -and stockings, and reached for her middy and skirt. Then, seizing a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span> -sweater, she rushed up to Frances Wright’s door on the third floor.</p> - -<p>She opened her friend’s door cautiously. “Wake up, Frances!” she said. -“It’s Ethel—I think the freshmen have something up. Ruth’s gone!”</p> - -<p>Frances jumped out of bed. “Where?” she asked excitedly.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know—you better blow your whistle!”</p> - -<p>“I daren’t at night; it’s against the rules.”</p> - -<p>Ethel gasped. “Well, then hurry,” she said.</p> - -<p>“I’ll go look in the class and assembly rooms, and you wake up the -other squads to search the dormitories.”</p> - -<p>By this time Frances was already dressed, and the girls started out -together.</p> - -<p>She knocked three times on the sophomores’ doors as she passed, thus -substituting the night signal in place of the whistle she used in the -day time.</p> - -<p>The freshmen had chosen an unfortunate place for their meeting; it was -too obvious; and they could not keep down their voices. Ruth was trying -to count the girls, but since the assembly room was almost perfectly -dark, she found this a difficult thing to do.</p> - -<p>When she had finally ascertained that two-thirds of the members of the -class were present, she called<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> for order, and announced: “Nominations -are in order!”</p> - -<p>“They are not!” cried Ethel, throwing on the switch.</p> - -<p>The freshmen could only gasp at the suddenness of the interruption and -the light. The spectacle they presented, with their hair down, and in -their unconventional clothing, contrasted oddly with the usual dignity -of assembly room audiences. Ethel laughed out loud.</p> - -<p>It was only a moment before the light attracted a crowd of sophomores, -and the meeting had to disband. Just as the girls were leaving Miss -Allen appeared, demanding an explanation. She ordered all the girls -back to their rooms, and warned them that if a night meeting were ever -attempted again, the practice would have to be given up.</p> - -<p>At the beginning of the fourth week of school, the freshmen made -another attempt to hold their meeting, and this time, with the help of -several of the juniors, their attempt was successful.</p> - -<p>Edith Evans, an upper classman, stood out under the big tree on the -campus and waved a white handkerchief, which the freshmen interpreted -as a summons to the library basement, secured for the occasion. The -time for the meeting was selected at an hour when the sophomores were -on the hockey field.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span> -Edith Evans counted the freshmen as they entered the library; as soon -as there were twenty-four, she went inside, and took charge of the -nominations. Doris Sands, the prettiest, and at the same time one of -the most popular girls of the class, was already elected president, -when Ruth and Evelyn arrived on the scene.</p> - -<p>“Who were nominated?” asked the former, breathlessly.</p> - -<p>“Doris Sands and Rita Wilds. Of course Doris got it,” replied the -freshman she had questioned. “She’d get it, no matter who else was put -up.”</p> - -<p>Ruth turned away hastily, for she could not keep back the tears. Evelyn -saw her disappointment, and decided to leave her alone. But before she -had reached the door, it was flung open, and half a dozen sophomores, -with their hockey sticks in their hands, rushed in.</p> - -<p>“Too late!” cried Edith triumphantly. “The freshmen have elected Doris -Sands for their president!”</p> - -<p>A groan arose from the defeated girls. Frances Wright was the first to -put aside the class antagonism, and to remember her manners.</p> - -<p>“Congratulations, Doris!” she said, coming forward and shaking hands.</p> - -<p>By this time Ruth had control of herself again;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span> she resolved not to -let Ethel know that she had ever hoped for the office. She found her -among the group around Doris, and the girls walked back to their room -together.</p> - -<p>“I’m not surprised that Doris was elected,” said Ethel, as she unlaced -her hockey shoes. “I always thought she would be!”</p> - -<p>“So did I,” agreed Ruth pleasantly. “She’s the girl we all wanted from -the first!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="v" id="v"></a>CHAPTER V<br /> -<span>THE SORORITY PARTY</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Five</span> weeks of school had gone by—five happy weeks, filled with all -sorts of new experiences for Ruth and Marjorie. Pledge-day, the day to -which every freshman looked forward, was only one week off!</p> - -<p>Although the ΦΑΒ girls had singled out certain individuals as their -favorites by inviting them for walks and occasional visits to their -rooms, they had as yet given no formal party for which invitations had -been issued. And, since it was understood that such a party was an -event to be expected, almost every girl in the class cherished the hope -of finding an attractive envelope in her letter box very soon.</p> - -<p>As the time for pledging the freshmen drew near, Ruth became especially -uneasy. Ethel had not paid much attention to her lately, and she lived -in constant dread lest she should not be included among the guests for -the ΦΑΒ party,—an omission which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> would be a sure indication that she -would not be invited to join the sorority.</p> - -<p>But Marjorie had taken little interest in such affairs. She became -greatly absorbed in athletics; she bent all her energy toward making -the hockey team.</p> - -<p>To add to her interest in athletics, she became infatuated with Miss -Phillips, the gym-teacher, a young woman just out of college, whose -clear, bright eyes and pink cheeks radiated health. She seemed, indeed, -a living example of the wholesome life she advocated. Besides this, -Miss Phillips had a charm all her own; she inspired the girls with a -greater love of athletics than they would otherwise have had.</p> - -<p>And so Marjorie, after the first two or three days, had not given much -thought to the sorority; in fact, she had even neglected her chances -of making it in her zeal for hockey practice. Once or twice Ethel Todd -had come to her room to ask her to go for a walk; but she had refused -because Miss Phillips expected her on the hockey field.</p> - -<p>On one of these occasions, after Ethel had left the room, Lily looked -at Marjorie as if she could not understand her action.</p> - -<p>“I wish I had your chances,” she sighed. “I’d make the sorority in a -minute!”</p> - -<p>“You’d be better off if you made the hockey team,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> remarked Marjorie. -“You need some good, stiff exercise, Lily!”</p> - -<p>“I know you think I’m too fat, but I can’t help it. And my father says -it’s all right—he likes fat girls!”</p> - -<p>“You eat too many sweets, and you sit inside too much!”</p> - -<p>“I’m always hoping Ethel Todd or Frances Wright will come for me to -take a walk, and I’d hate to miss either of them.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed Marjorie; “if they wanted you very badly, they’d -make it a point to come when you’re here. Don’t bother your head with -them! Promise me you’ll go out for athletics every day!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I couldn’t do that!” Lily protested.</p> - -<p>Marjorie sighed. She turned toward the door, and put her hand on the -knob.</p> - -<p>“I’m going down to see if we got any mail,” she remarked, as she turned -it.</p> - -<p>As Marjorie looked through the glass door of her post-office box, she -saw a tiny, pale-pink envelope, which appeared very interesting. “It -must be an invitation!” she thought, as she excitedly tore open the -paper.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="mb0">The ΦΑΒ Sorority requests the pleasure of Miss Marjorie -Wilkinson’s presence next Saturday<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> afternoon at -two-thirty at the home of Mrs. Walter Johnson, 109 -Maple Avenue.</p> - -<p class="noi mt0">R.S.V.P. to Mrs. Johnson.</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Marjorie wrinkled her brows. “What can this mean?” she muttered. “The -sorority must be inviting all of us freshmen, so they can give us a -last looking over before pledge-day! Why, I believe that comes next -week!”</p> - -<p>As she walked slowly out of the school post-office, she met Ruth, -entering hastily.</p> - -<p>“<a name="Hulloa" id="Hulloa"></a><ins title="Original has 'Helloa'">Hulloa</ins>!” greeted Ruth. “Wait a minute, Marj; I’ll walk with -you.”</p> - -<p>She found a similar envelope in her box, and opened it. She said -nothing about its contents to Marjorie, but looked happy and mysterious.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you got an invitation for Saturday afternoon?” Marjorie -asked.</p> - -<p>Ruth opened her mouth in surprise. “Yes; did you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I wondered if the ΦΑΒ girls were inviting the whole freshman -class.”</p> - -<p>Ruth looked scared. “Oh, it couldn’t be that!” she exclaimed. Then -suddenly her face brightened.</p> - -<p>“Lily didn’t get an invitation in your letter-box, did she?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> -“No,” answered Marjorie, “mine was the only letter there.”</p> - -<p>Ruth smiled happily. “I’m so excited, Marj,” she said, putting her arm -around the other girl’s waist. “Wouldn’t it be great if we’d both make -it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Marjorie doubtfully, as if she saw little hope of such a -possibility. “Of course you will, but I don’t believe I shall. They -don’t know me. They must have invited more than four girls to their -party; then they will pick out the ones they want and ask them for next -week.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s go see if we can find out who else got invitations,” suggested -Ruth.</p> - -<p>Arm in arm the girls walked down the path in front of the school. -It was a beautiful bright day in October, and they both felt very -happy—Marjorie more so because she was with her old friend Ruth, than -because she had been invited to the ΦΑΒ party. After they had walked -about five minutes, they met Evelyn, Doris, and Mae, who stopped to -chat.</p> - -<p>“The bids are out!” said Mae excitedly. “Of course you got one?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Ruth.</p> - -<p>Doris looked embarrassed. In truth, she was afraid Marjorie had not, -and she did not want to hurt her feelings.</p> - -<p>But Ruth continued, “Marjorie and I each got<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span> one! I suppose all you -girls got them, too?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes!” they answered.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t that funny?” said Mae. “Could it be that they intend to ask five -freshmen to join, instead of four?”</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Doris, “they have invited more girls this week than will -get the final bids next week. I was just talking to Anna Cane, the new -girl who arrived here lately from that California seminary, and she -told me she was invited. Poor girl! She’s awfully innocent; she doesn’t -understand a bit about secret societies. They didn’t have any in the -boarding-school she came from. I really think we ought to coach her!”</p> - -<p>“Let her look out for herself,” said Ruth. “We didn’t have anybody to -help us, did we?”</p> - -<p>“No, I guess not,” admitted Doris.</p> - -<p>“It all seems silly!” exclaimed Marjorie. “If I ever did get invited to -join it, I’d try to change it into something with honor attached to it. -Why, as it is, it’s merely chance, whether you get invited, or not.”</p> - -<p>“No, it isn’t!” said Evelyn. “The girls know who they want.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s walk,” said Marjorie. “I want to sign up an hour’s exercise.”</p> - -<p>“What seems so foolish to me,” she continued,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span> “is that you daren’t -mention it to the girls who are in it. Now, if you four girls are asked -to join, and I’m not, I will never dare talk about the sorority to you.”</p> - -<p>“That makes it all the more fun,” said Ruth.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps for those in it. But think of the dozens of girls like Lily -who are just eating their hearts out because they aren’t asked, and -never would be.”</p> - -<p>“What kind of society would <em>you</em> have?” asked Doris diplomatically.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’d have one that only takes in the all-around girl—first -she’d have to be excellent in her studies; then good in athletics; and -finally, generally popular. Then, if the society did interesting things -like take hikes, and study nature and first-aid, and maybe go camping -in the summer, it would be worth-while!”</p> - -<p>Ruth laughed. “I’m glad you aren’t the boss, Marj! I guess I wouldn’t -have much chance of making it.”</p> - -<p>Meeting one or two other freshmen who joined the group, the girls -dropped the subject.</p> - -<p>Saturday dawned clear and mild. The freshmen decided to go together, -and met downstairs near the big lamp in the hall. Marjorie was the last -to arrive.</p> - -<p>The girls were all dressed simply and in good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> taste—in summer dresses -and light sweaters. It was so warm that no one wore a hat. Marjorie -alone wore a dark dress, a becoming brown crepe-de-chine, which made -her look tall and slender. Her hair was arranged in a long plait—none -of the freshmen wore theirs up yet—and her brown eyes looked -especially soft and beautiful.</p> - -<p>The six girls were in high spirits. Marjorie, who did not expect to be -invited to join, and Anna, who did not know anything about pledge-day, -each thought it was lovely to be included; Doris, Ruth, Evelyn, and -Mae, were each secretly sure of being one of the lucky four, but -nevertheless were nervously self-conscious.</p> - -<p>The house where the party was held was decorated with chrysanthemums -and brightly colored autumn leaves, and although the day was rather -mild, a cheerful fire was burning in the fireplace to dispel any -indication of dampness. Ethel Todd and Frances Wright, two of the -sophomores, received the girls and introduced them to the hostess and -the other members of the Alumnæ who were present.</p> - -<p>There were tables containing miscellaneous games for a progressive -“Salmigundi,” and the victrola was playing a waltz. The girls took -seats together on the sofa in the corner.</p> - -<p>“Here!” said the hostess, standing before them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> “this won’t do! You -freshmen are the guests of honor. Each one of you is to sit at a -separate table and get acquainted.”</p> - -<p>The freshmen scattered; the hostess rang a bell and the games began.</p> - -<p>Marjorie sat at a table where the girls speared peanuts in a bowl with -hatpins. Ruth, at the table next, was endeavoring to pick up dried -beans with two skewers. The games were so ridiculous that soon everyone -was laughing and feeling at ease.</p> - -<p>After the girls had progressed all around the room, the bell was rung -and the score cards collected. Marjorie was surprised to be awarded the -prize—a beautiful bunch of violets.</p> - -<p>“You certainly are smart,” said Ethel, “to get all those points.”</p> - -<p>“No,” said Marjorie, “I’m just lucky! I love games. I guess that is why -I’m so crazy about athletics.”</p> - -<p>“But maybe the gym teacher has something to do with that,” teased Ruth.</p> - -<p>After refreshments were served, the girls sang some school songs, and a -few danced together out in the spacious hall. Before they realized it, -the clock struck half-past five.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I must go!” exclaimed Marjorie. “Lily will be wondering what has -become of me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span> -“Lily!” said Ruth contemptuously, “you don’t mean to say you bother -with her?”</p> - -<p>“Why, yes, of course; she’s my room-mate.”</p> - -<p>“Such a girl! I never could be nice to her. Nobody likes her.”</p> - -<p>The freshmen thanked their hostess for the lovely time, and walked back -together.</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t it perfect?” exclaimed Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I wonder who will be asked to join?” said Ruth with a sigh.</p> - -<p>“Join what?” asked Anna.</p> - -<p>Doris explained all about the sorority, and Anna listened in amazement. -“Well, I’ll never be asked,” she said. “They must think I’m terribly -fresh, because I guess I often asked questions that are tabooed. Would -you apologize?”</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Doris, “just wait. I think the girls understand.”</p> - -<p>At that moment, Miss Phillips passed, and already Marjorie had -forgotten sororities in her interest in the morrow’s hockey game.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="vi" id="vi"></a>CHAPTER VI<br /> -<span>PLEDGE-DAY</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Marjorie returned from the party, she found Lily in tears.</p> - -<p>“You’re awfully late,” she sobbed, “and I’ve been so lonely.”</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry,” said Marjorie, “do you want to hear about the party?”</p> - -<p>Lily raised her head from the pillow. “I don’t care—if you want to -tell me, and it isn’t a secret, or anything.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie began to tell about their good time. Suddenly she stopped, and -looked hastily at her watch. “You better hurry and dress, Lily!” she -advised. “It’s five minutes of six. You’ll be late for supper!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t want any—I couldn’t go in the dining-room like this; my eyes -are a sight!”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll ask if I can bring you some supper up here.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> -“No—I’m not hungry. I’ve been eating chocolates. Father sent me -another five-pound box.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Lily! why did you eat them? Can’t you just eat them after meals? -Your digestion will be ruined, and besides you’ll never be able to play -hockey, or swim in the pool.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t want to play hockey or swim!” she exclaimed. “I hate -athletics. And I loathe Miss Phillips. Every time I see her, she says -something about ‘chocolate éclairs and cream puffs.’”</p> - -<p>Marjorie sighed. The dinner bell sounded. “Well, I’ll have to go,” she -said. “I’ll tell you more about the party after supper.” She paused and -unpinned her bunch of violets. “I want you to have half,” she said as -she divided them. “They were the prize—I won them.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks, awfully, Marjorie,” said Lily, smiling again. “Don’t leave me -long; and, oh, Marjorie, if you do make the sorority, promise to help -get me in it.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t do that, dear. They only take four girls from each class, and -there wouldn’t be a vacancy unless somebody died or left the seminary.”</p> - -<p>“Then promise me you’ll always be my friend.”</p> - -<p>“If you’ll promise to eat less candy, and go out more for athletics,” -she answered.</p> - -<p>“I will; I will, honestly,” said Lily earnestly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span> -Marjorie stooped and kissed her. “I don’t think I’ll make the sorority, -but if I should, it wouldn’t make any difference between us,” she said.</p> - -<p>“Lily has improved,” thought Marjorie, as she walked down the hall, -“but there’s room for a lot more. If only she wouldn’t think so much -about herself. If girls would go in hard for athletics when they’re -blue or morbid, they’d soon get over it.”</p> - -<p>At the corner she met Ethel Todd. Just as Ethel was about to say -something, Miss Phillips hurried up to her.</p> - -<p>“Marjorie Wilkinson!” she said, “can you come to my table to talk over -the hockey team this evening?”</p> - -<p>Ethel’s face fell. “Oh, I was just going to invite Marjorie to our -table—I got Miss Allen’s permission. Can’t she go with you some other -time?”</p> - -<p>But Marjorie turned to Ethel, and shook her head. Her eyes sparkled -with excitement, as she glanced again at Miss Phillips. “Thanks -awfully, Ethel,” she said, “but you see, if I don’t go with Miss -Phillips, it will be too late to discuss the team. And besides,” she -added, smiling, “it’s such an honor to be invited by a teacher!”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips beamed. “I admire your pluck, Marjorie,” she said, after -Ethel had gone off.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> “There aren’t many girls who would turn down an -ΦΑΒ girl for a teacher!”</p> - -<p>“But I like the teacher better,” she said shyly, as she slipped her arm -into Miss Phillips’s, and walked with her into the dining-room.</p> - -<p>The next day was set aside for the freshman picnic. Miss Phillips and -Miss Landis, the chaperones, guided the girls along a winding path -which led into a deep pine woods.</p> - -<p>“What a wonderful place!” cried Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” agreed Miss Phillips enthusiastically, “and the beauty of it is -that it’s just as nice in winter as at any other time, because it is -always secluded from the wind, and the trees never change.”</p> - -<p>“I am going to make a map of it,” said Marjorie. “My brother showed me -how the Boy Scouts make them.”</p> - -<p>Ruth looked scornful. “Marjorie, you are interested in such queer -things!” she said.</p> - -<p>Mae was standing beside Ruth. “Girls,” she said to Ruth and Marjorie in -a low tone, “our crowd is over here under the trees—we’re going to eat -together. Will you both come?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie was rather surprised to be included in what Mae had designated -as “Our crowd,” but she was very glad to be with Ruth. They all walked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span> -over to the spot indicated by Mae, and found Evelyn, Doris, and Anna, -untying packages of lunch.</p> - -<p>Ruth became very gay. “Girls,” she said, “I feel that we ought to stick -together to-day, for this is our last chance. To-morrow, of course, is -pledge-day—and by supper time, we’ll be divided—and two of us will be -left out of the crowd. So let’s be friends as long as we can!”</p> - -<p>“Surely you don’t mean that, do you, Ruth?” asked Anna. “Why can’t we -keep on all being friends, even if four of you are pledged to ΦΑΒ, and -two of us are not?”</p> - -<p>“Anna certainly is modest!” exclaimed Evelyn. “She includes herself -amongst those left out.”</p> - -<p>Anna blushed. “I never have expected to make the sorority,” she said, -“ever since Doris told me about it; but I don’t see why I should lose -all your friendships for that reason.”</p> - -<p>“Of course not,” said Marjorie emphatically. “Let’s be sensible. We’re -too good friends for that. Why, that would mean a sorority girl could -have only three friends in her own class.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s promise to go on just as we are,” said Doris, sweetly, “and if -we don’t make it ourselves, be glad for the ones that do.”</p> - -<p>“That’s easy for you to say,” snapped Evelyn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span> “You’re President of the -class, and you know she’s always chosen!”</p> - -<p>Mae changed the subject. “Does anyone know how they make the bids?” she -asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I do,” said Ruth. “One of the girls from home who went here, told -me. You see to-morrow’s Saturday, and so, after lunch, if it’s a nice -day, the girls usually go for a walk in the garden. Of course, you -don’t have to—you can stay in your room if you like. Well, anyway, -the ΦΑΒ girls meet in the room of one of the senior or junior members -at two o’clock, and begin to vote. They say sometimes they have an -awful lot of voting—I guess like the primary elections my father tells -about—because each new member has to be elected unanimously, so they -often vote over and over again. Then, as soon as they have decided on -the candidates, the four sophomores are each sent to get a freshman who -has been voted in.”</p> - -<p>“My goodness! How exciting!” exclaimed Anna.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think, though,” continued Ruth, “that a girl usually stays out -in the garden unless she either is sure of being asked or of not being -asked.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” asked Doris.</p> - -<p>“Well, of course, you, Doris, would go out in the garden, because -everybody knows you’ll be asked; and Lily Andrews, for instance, could -go out, because<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> nobody expects her to be invited; but all doubtful -people like Marjorie, and Anna, and me—why, we’d feel humiliated if we -were out there and weren’t taken. So I for one am going to stay in my -room.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, but I want to see the fun,” objected Marjorie. “And I sha’n’t mind -not being invited.”</p> - -<p>“Marjorie Wilkinson!” exclaimed Ruth, “you know that is not the -truth—you’re just dying to write home and say you are an ΦΑΒ Pledge!”</p> - -<p>“Maybe I am,” admitted Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“Am what?” inquired Lily, approaching the group, in search of her -room-mate.</p> - -<p>“Am full!” laughed Marjorie. “I can’t stuff another bite.”</p> - -<p>“Sit down, Lily,” said Doris politely. “We want to talk over the -freshman hockey team.”</p> - -<p>Lily did as she was requested, and the girls chatted gaily until Miss -Phillips announced that it was time to pack up.</p> - -<p>The next day was one of great excitement. Thirty-five freshmen girls -were eagerly waiting to see who would be the lucky four. Naturally -everyone expected the candidates to be chosen from the six who had been -invited to the party; but every girl cherished in her heart the hope -of a joyful surprise. Once, it was whispered, a girl whom no one had -thought of had been asked. Why not again?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> -Marjorie was secretly excited, but she did not admit it. After lunch, -instead of walking on the campus, she went over to the gym to Miss -Phillips’s office, where she could watch proceedings out of the window, -and at the same time, help her favorite teacher with some work.</p> - -<p>Ruth went up to her own room and tried to write letters. Doris, Mae, -and Anna, strolled out in the garden, and Evelyn went to the library to -read. Lily looked in vain for Marjorie, and finally went up to her room -and sat where she could see the door, listening for every step.</p> - -<p>The clock on the library door chimed half-past two. Nothing had -happened, except that all the sorority girls were missing. The groups -of girls on the campus began to come closer together, to center around -the side porch.</p> - -<p>The clock chimed quarter of the hour. Still nothing happened. The girls -kept walking closer and closer. One or two girls, tired of waiting, -went into the house. Then, just as the clock struck three, Frances -Wright, the sophomore President, opened the side door and came out on -the porch.</p> - -<p>The groups all stopped, breathless. Then they tried not to watch, to -look unconcerned, and to talk naturally, though everybody was pretty -sure they knew where Frances was headed. Looking straight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span> ahead, she -walked down the porch steps, across the path, and over to the big elm -where Doris, Mae, and Anna were sitting on the seat around the tree.</p> - -<p>With only a word from Frances, Doris rose and took the arm she -extended, and both girls disappeared into the house.</p> - -<p>Everybody drew a deep breath, and began to talk excitedly. Anna and Mae -were trembling.</p> - -<p>“Let’s join those freshmen over there!” suggested Anna. “Suppose you -were taken—I’d be left sitting here alone, and I’d feel so funny!”</p> - -<p>“All right,” agreed Mae; but before they had put their words into -action, Marian Guard and Lulu Davids, two other sophomore ΦΑΒs, came -out of the building and walked directly towards them. They went through -the same proceeding as Frances, and Anna and Mae accompanied them back -into the house.</p> - -<p>Excitement now ran high. Who was to be the fourth girl? Undoubtedly -Ruth Henry! Where was she? Everybody looked around, but she was nowhere -to be seen.</p> - -<p>“Of course, she’s in her room,” said one freshman; “and Ethel Todd’s -the only sophomore left, so she’ll go there to get her—and we’ll miss -seeing it. I call that mean!”</p> - -<p>By quarter after three, the crowd became restless,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span> and presuming that -Ruth had been asked from her room, they started to move towards the -door. Suddenly it opened, and Ethel Todd appeared. Passing the groups -almost as if she saw no one, she followed the path to the gym. The -girls watched her open the door, and disappear, and in a minute she -reappeared with—Marjorie Wilkinson!</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="vii" id="vii"></a>CHAPTER VII<br /> -<span>OUTSIDERS</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> quarter after three came and Ethel had not come to the room for -Ruth, she thought there must be something wrong.</p> - -<p>“It may take longer than they expected,” she kept telling herself over -and over, as she tried to fasten her attention on the letter she was -writing to her aunt.</p> - -<p>Then, gradually she became aware of a stir outside the door. The girls -were returning in groups. She could hear their footsteps and even their -voices plainly, for she had left the door open a crack to hear Ethel’s -step in case she should come.</p> - -<p>And then the realization came over her that it was all over, and that -she had not been asked! Could it be true? Ruth suddenly felt weak. -Nothing mattered now. How would she ever tell the folks at home? She -had written so much about the girls, and the sorority; she would be -ashamed to tell them she had lost out.</p> - -<p>At that moment, she heard a group of girls stop<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span> in front of the door -next to hers, and the freshman who lived there, and who had been lying -down all afternoon with a sick headache, came out into the hall.</p> - -<p>“Who were asked?” Ruth heard her inquire.</p> - -<p>And then she listened to the names—names among which hers was not -included. Her head positively swam, as the other freshman answered, -“Doris Sands, Anna Cane, Mae VanHorn, and Marjorie Wilkinson!”</p> - -<p>Ruth did not listen to the description of the proceedings that -followed. “Marjorie Wilkinson!” she muttered, and buried her face in -the sofa pillow, and wept.</p> - -<p>In Lily Andrews’s room, a similar scene was taking place. She had -retired there soon after lunch with a magazine and her ever-present box -of chocolates, and had left the door open and waited. Once or twice -she had perched herself upon the window sill to watch developments in -the garden, and at one of these times she had witnessed Frances Wright -approach and claim Doris Sands. Then she had gone back to her chair and -waited.</p> - -<p>In about fifteen minutes she thought she was rewarded. Her heart beat -fast as she heard footsteps approach her door and stop; then a knock -sounded on the half-open door.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> -Trembling, she answered, “Come!”</p> - -<p>It was Ethel Todd!</p> - -<p>But Lily’s hopes were to fall as quickly as they had arisen. Ethel -apologized for the interruption.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry to bother you, Lily; but can you tell me where to find -Marjorie?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, she must have gone over to the gym to help Miss Phillips make out -her records.”</p> - -<p>Ethel thanked her, and went out. Lily, like Ruth, wept; but there was -no bitterness in her tears, only disappointment. “If I couldn’t make it -myself,” she sobbed, “I’d rather have Marjorie get it than any other -girl.”</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the four freshmen were taken into the senior member’s room, -where absolute darkness prevailed. They were commanded to sit upon -the floor, and sat down on something very soft, which they afterwards -discovered to be flour.</p> - -<p>In a hollow voice, one of the Juniors read:</p> - -<p>“Proclamation of the ΦΑΒ Sorority, October 30th, 1920—</p> - -<p>“Be it understood that Doris Sands, Anna Cane, Mae VanHorn, and -Marjorie Wilkinson are hereby pledged as members of the ΦΑΒ Sorority. -They must submit themselves to all rules of the sorority, and keep -everything absolutely secret. If they comply with these terms, they -shall, in three weeks’ time,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span> be initiated as regular members. Will you -hereby sign your acceptance of these terms?”</p> - -<p>The freshmen were handed a large book; each girl signed, and a seal was -made after her name. Then they were blindfolded and put through two or -three initiation stunts.</p> - -<p>By four o’clock, the proceedings were over, and refreshments were -served. Each girl was presented with a tiny silver pledge-pin which she -wore on the left side of her shirtwaist.</p> - -<p>When all was over, Marjorie went back to her room almost dazed. It -seemed impossible that she could not go tell Ruth about it—why, Ruth -hadn’t made it—she must be unhappy! And poor Lily! Surely she didn’t -expect to make it—and yet—well, she would do her best to console her.</p> - -<p>She was hardly inside the room, and had just noticed Lily lying on her -couch in tears, when Mae VanHorn ran up to her.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Marjorie,” she said, “do come out for a walk with me. I’m simply -dying to talk it over with somebody. Besides, I have to get away from -my room-mate (Mae roomed with Evelyn); she’s so blue I can’t stand her -company!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie glanced at Lily. “Thanks, Mae,” she said, “but I can’t leave -Lily; she’s been alone all afternoon.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span> -Mae pouted and stood still.</p> - -<p>“Marjorie,” she said, “why couldn’t you and I fix it up to room -together? Evelyn and Lily might as well be together.”</p> - -<p>Lily looked up, frightened. Evelyn Hopkins had treated her more rudely -than any other girl in the school, with the possible exception of Ruth; -so the prospect was not a pleasant one for her.</p> - -<p>But Marjorie shook her head. “Thank you, Mae,” she said, “but I want to -stay with Lily.”</p> - -<p>Lily jumped up. “Marjorie,” she said between her sobs, “if you want to -room with Mae, you do it—I’ll manage somehow!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie went over and put her arm around her.</p> - -<p>“No, dear,” she said, “I don’t want to room with anybody but you. Now, -Mae, won’t you sit down?”</p> - -<p>“No; I think I’ll go look for Doris. Good-bye!”</p> - -<p>“Good-bye!” answered Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“I’m so glad you made it, Marjorie,” said Lily, drying her eyes.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Lily, I really believe you are. And it makes it ever so -much nicer for me. But I want you to know that except for the meetings -and parties, I’m never going to leave you for the sorority girls.”</p> - -<p>They talked for a while, going over the events of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span> the afternoon. Lily -started to dress for supper. Suddenly turning to Marjorie, she said:</p> - -<p>“I’ve made a new resolution. From to-day on, I give up candy and sweets -between meals. And I’m going to practice for full-back on the team. Do -you think there’s any chance of my making it?”</p> - -<p>“Splendid!” exclaimed her room-mate. “Yes, there is no one to -substitute for Mildred Warren, in case she gets sick. And Lily, -couldn’t you go out for swimming? Each class is supposed to have six -girls on the team; and positively, our class is awful!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I’ll try,” said Lily, “but I don’t believe I could ever learn to -swim.”</p> - -<p>“Of course you could!” said Marjorie; and the two girls linked arms, -and went down into the dining-room together.</p> - -<p>After supper, Lily went over to another freshman’s room to study -French, so Marjorie slipped out and went to see Ruth. She found her -alone.</p> - -<p>“Hulloa!” said Ruth, unenthusiastically. “Won’t you sit down?”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” said Marjorie, accepting her invitation.</p> - -<p>They discussed lessons and hockey, and finally Ruth came to the topic -that was uppermost in both their minds.</p> - -<p>“How does it feel to be an ΦΑΒ?” she asked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> -“I’m not!”</p> - -<p>“What?” asked Ruth, excitedly. A vain hope that Marjorie had turned -down her bid ran through her mind.</p> - -<p>“I’m only pledged,” said Marjorie. “We’re not going to be taken in till -just before Thanksgiving. Lots of things might happen between then and -now.”</p> - -<p>“Have you written home yet?”</p> - -<p>“No, of course not; there hasn’t been time.”</p> - -<p>“I should think you would have written the minute you got back to your -room.”</p> - -<p>“No, there was too much to explain. I never told the family much about -the sorority, because I didn’t expect to make it!”</p> - -<p>“I wish I hadn’t told them so much,” sighed Ruth. “They won’t -understand why I failed.”</p> - -<p>“To tell you the truth, I don’t either, Ruth,—why they ever decided on -me instead of you or Evelyn is a mystery to me!”</p> - -<p>“It was your indifference, Marjorie. They had to run after you. It was -a clever stroke on your part.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie flushed angrily. “Clever stroke!” she exclaimed. “I never -thought a thing about it. I was too crazy about hockey—and Miss -Phillips!”</p> - -<p>“Well, now I suppose you won’t care to keep up our old friendship,” -said Ruth.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> -“I just told Lily, and I’ll tell you—it won’t make one bit of -difference between my friends and me because I belong to the sorority.”</p> - -<p>Ruth drew herself up proudly. “You needn’t class me with Lily -Andrews—and go with me out of pity! I won’t stand for that!”</p> - -<p>“Don’t, Ruth! Please! But I do care for Lily for her own sake. She’s -going to make a dandy girl, only her parents have brought her up -all wrong. When she begins to lose some of her laziness, and dress -decently, and be interested in something besides herself and her -father’s money—why, you’ll see that there’s really a lot to Lily. -She’s so loyal, and so affectionate!”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you’ll be trying to get her into ΦΑΒ,” jeered Ruth.</p> - -<p>“You know I can’t do that. The charter limits the membership to four in -each class.”</p> - -<p>“I wish I could start a rival club,” observed Ruth.</p> - -<p>“You can’t,” said Marjorie, “because the faculty have set their foot -down against any more secret societies.”</p> - -<p>“I always thought you didn’t approve of them at all, Marj!” This was -said with a malicious little twinkle in her eyes.</p> - -<p>“I hardly think I do, but I can’t tell yet. Wait<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span> till we’ve been here -a year or two, and have had a chance to observe things.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie rose to go. “It’s time to study,” she said. “I just wanted to -run in and see you for a little while. Ruth,” she lowered her voice, -“please don’t be discouraged. There’s a great deal more to school than -being a sorority member!”</p> - -<p>Ruth turned away. “I tell you I don’t want your sympathy, Marj.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll never mention it again,” agreed the other, as she stood with -her hand on the door. “And Ruth, I’ll look for you at hockey-practice -to-morrow! Good night!”</p> - -<p>“Good night,” mumbled Ruth.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="viii" id="viii"></a>CHAPTER VIII<br /> -<span>THE HOCKEY MATCH</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Three</span> weeks had passed by, and the girls were making preparations to -return to their homes for the Thanksgiving holidays. The whole school, -however, looked forward to the big hockey match with Miss Martin’s -Seminary which was to be held the last Saturday before vacation. After -the game there was to be a reception to the teams and to the visitors -from the other school.</p> - -<p>Ruth regretted that she had not gone out for athletics from the first; -it was too late now to try to make any position on the hockey team. -Now that class affairs had quieted down, and there was no longer a -possibility of being chosen for the sorority, she was forced to lose -her place in the foreground of the school affairs, a situation entirely -distasteful to such an ambitious girl as Ruth. She turned the matter -over and over in her mind, but she did not see what she could do to -alter her position. She had been too proud to write much about her -personal feelings to her mother; she preferred to try to work out the -problem by herself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> -Nor had Marjorie’s expectations been realized; she was not so happy -after she was pledged to the sorority as she had hoped to be. She lived -in too much of a rush; she seemed to race from hockey-practices to teas -and cocoa-parties, and to be obliged to stay up late at night to finish -her lessons. This, of course, was not allowed—the lights were turned -off at ten o’clock—but she lighted three or four candles and put a -raised umbrella between Lily’s cot and the light, and “crammed.” But -all her lessons, and especially her Latin, suffered.</p> - -<p>She had been chosen for one of the forwards on the school hockey team. -Lily, strange to say, had been appointed substitute full-back, a -position usually taken by girls of the heavier type. She had resolutely -kept her word, and had gone in training ever since she had made her -promise to Marjorie; and because full-backs were scarce, and Lily did -fairly well, and much to her surprise, she had been chosen. She had no -idea of playing in the game with Miss Martin’s, but Miss Phillips had -told her to come out dressed for action, in case she should be needed.</p> - -<p>Most of the other members of the team were upper classmen, and a few of -them sorority members. On one occasion, during practice, Miss Phillips -showed herself particularly cross with the sorority girls,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> for a round -of parties had left them tired out, and with little energy for practice.</p> - -<p>“I wish we could abolish that sorority!” she remarked to Miss Landis -after the practice. “Marjorie Wilkinson isn’t the girl she was before -she was asked. She hasn’t much time for athletics. I don’t believe -she’ll even go out for the swimming team.”</p> - -<p>“I certainly agree with you about the sorority,” replied Miss Landis. -“The freshmen couldn’t settle down to work on their lessons till after -the first six weeks of excitement were over, and then it was too late. -I wish there could be some sort of standard mark a girl had to make and -<em>keep</em>, to belong to the society.”</p> - -<p>“It would be a good plan, but it’s too late to introduce changes now. -The thing will go on forever as it is because it can only be changed by -a majority vote from within, or by the agreement of the whole Board. -And neither of these will ever give in.”</p> - -<p>“Lily Andrews certainly has improved, hasn’t she?” remarked Miss -Landis. “Compare the change in her with that in Marjorie! Why, that -would be the strongest argument anybody could make against sororities!”</p> - -<p>The Saturday before the Thanksgiving holidays arrived, bright, clear, -and cold. Lily was up early.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span> -“Come on, Marj!” she cried, “wake up! It’s the day of the game.”</p> - -<p>“I’m so sleepy!” pleaded Marjorie; “let me sleep ten minutes more.”</p> - -<p>“But you’ll be late for breakfast——”</p> - -<p>“I don’t care——”</p> - -<p>After five minutes, Lily made another attack. The other girl roused -herself slowly, and rubbed her eyes. “Oh, why did I go to that -cocoa-party last night at Mae’s? I know I’ll play a bum game!”</p> - -<p>“I hope not,” said Lily pleasantly. “But you ought to follow the advice -you are always giving me. You’re a regular member of the team, and I’m -only a substitute. Oh, don’t you hope we beat? I know a girl who goes -to Miss Martin’s, and I’d feel so badly if her school beat us.”</p> - -<p>“I guess we’ll win,” said Marjorie calmly. “Our team’s pretty good.”</p> - -<p>When afternoon came the regular team and the substitutes met in Miss -Phillips’s office for some final coaching. The girls themselves were -confident of success, but the teacher was doubtful.</p> - -<p>The benches down on the field were already filled with girls in -bright-colored sweaters and fur coats and caps. Miss Martin’s girls -arrived,—not only the team, but the whole school—and announced -themselves with a rousing yell for “Miss Allen’s.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> Miss Phillips -brought her team down to the field, and the opponents were introduced. -The substitutes sat on a special bench reserved for them.</p> - -<p>The whistle blew, and the game began. At first it was hotly contested; -for several minutes the ball stayed near the center of the field. At -the end of five minutes, Miss Martin’s girls got control of it, sent it -through the half-back, on past the full-back into the goal. There was a -great shout from the audience.</p> - -<p>The remainder of the half passed without either side’s scoring. -When Miss Phillips blew the whistle for “time,” the girls stopped, -exhausted. And Mildred Warren, the full-back for whom Lily was to -substitute, announced that she was played out.</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t play the next half,” she said, “if my life depended upon -it.”</p> - -<p>So Miss Phillips called Lily to take her place.</p> - -<p>As the girls grouped around her for final instructions, the teacher -showed by her voice that she was vexed. “You’re not getting into it, -girls! Marjorie Wilkinson, you act as if you were half asleep,—and -Margaret and Elsie,” she said, addressing two of the half-backs, “you -never should have let that ball slip through. Now brace up, and win -this half!”</p> - -<p>The game started; but with little more promise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span> of success. Finally -Marjorie got the ball and started down the field. But she was attacked -by the opposing forward, who sent the ball flying past Marjorie and -past the half-back. But Lily Andrews was on the alert; with all her -might she hit the ball and sent it back to her forwards. Everyone -clapped.</p> - -<p>“A yell for Lily Andrews!” called the cheerleader; and a hearty one was -given.</p> - -<p>But the forward who was playing against Marjorie on the opposing team -was not to be easily daunted. She succeeded in getting the ball again, -and this time she aimed it towards the other side of the field from -that on which Lily was playing. She sent it past the other full-back -and into the goal! Miss Martin’s girls rose in a body and cheered and -cheered for their forward. The score was now 4–0.</p> - -<p>A final chance was given to Miss Allen’s girls to score when one of the -opposing team made a foul, and Marjorie was chosen to make a free shot; -but either she had been keeping too late hours, or else she was too -nervous; for she missed it. The whistle blew, and the score remained -4–0.</p> - -<p>The girls shook hands and crowded around Miss Phillips. She -congratulated Miss Martin’s girls, but said nothing to her own team. It -was plain to be seen that she was disappointed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span> -Marjorie and Lily walked together towards the gymnasium.</p> - -<p>“You were splendid, Lily!” said Marjorie. “If it hadn’t been for you, -the score would have been a good deal worse than it was.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” said Lily, “but that doesn’t make me feel better about the -defeat.”</p> - -<p>“It was a lot my fault,” admitted Marjorie. “I certainly played badly.”</p> - -<p>“You’re not so much interested in athletics now, are you?” asked Lily, -as the girls entered the door.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I am; but I simply don’t have enough time to do anything well. -I’m always helping to get some party ready for the sorority, or talking -with the girls, or going to a meeting or a feed. I wish I could do -better, though,” she added wistfully; “I still love Miss Phillips, -and—somehow I’m not as good as I am when I feel her influence. -Wouldn’t you love to be like her when you’re a woman, Lily?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I would. I’m crazy about her, too. You see I know her better now. -By the way, did you know what we girls do every Friday evening while -you have sorority meeting? We go up to Miss Phillips’s room, and take -our fancy-work, and she reads to us.”</p> - -<p>“That must be lots of fun,” said Marjorie. “What sort of books does she -read?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span> -“She has just finished reading us ‘Old Chester Tales’ by Margaret -Deland. It’s great, too! And one night she read us a story by O. Henry, -and I was so interested that I wrote home and asked mother to buy me -the book. She usually reads a poem or two besides, that she thinks we -would like.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie thought of the profitless way in which the evenings of -sorority meetings were spent, and sighed; but she said nothing.</p> - -<p>That evening the <a name="freshmen" id="freshmen"></a><ins title="Original has 'freshman'">freshmen</ins> pledged became regular members -and were awarded the little blue-and-gold sorority pin, to wear home -Thanksgiving.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="ix" id="ix"></a>CHAPTER IX<br /> -<span>MARJORIE’S HOUSE-PARTY</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Although</span> Marjorie and Ruth did not visit each other during the -Thanksgiving holidays, they met at the station on the day of their -return to school, and rode back together. But they seemed to have -less to talk about than when they first made the trip. Ruth was still -jealous of Marjorie because she had made the sorority, and she made no -attempt to conceal the fact from the other girl. The consciousness of -her feelings made Marjorie uncomfortable. They tried to keep up the -conversation with commonplace remarks; but both girls felt relieved -when the journey was over.</p> - -<p>Lily was waiting on the station platform as the train pulled into the -school town. At this time, she presented a very different appearance -from that of the day when she first arrived at school. Instead of an -elaborately frizzed coiffure, her hair was parted simply on the side, -and hung in a long plait down her back. And her clothes were more -appropriate, too; she was dressed neatly in a dark blue Peter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span> Thomson, -over which she wore a big blue sweater; and on her head was a knitted -cap to match. In this costume, Lily Andrews was far from unattractive.</p> - -<p>Marjorie and Lily kissed each other affectionately.</p> - -<p>“I’m awfully glad you’re back, Marj!” Lily said.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I’m glad to be back, too. I surely missed all the girls.”</p> - -<p>“It was better for you than for me,” said Lily, “for you had Ruth, and -nobody from Miss Allen’s lives near me.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t count!” exclaimed Ruth, sarcastically.</p> - -<p>Lily looked puzzled, and Marjorie hastily changed the subject.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad now that I don’t room with Ruth!” thought Marjorie, as the -girls separated to go to their rooms.</p> - -<p>The dining-room that night rang with laughter and gay chatter. The -girls had all had a good time; but they were glad to be back among -their school friends again. There was so much to tell about the -vacation that everybody lingered longer at the table than was the usual -custom.</p> - -<p>Marjorie was the first at her table to ask to be excused. She was -anxious to see Miss Phillips; she had to tell her that it would be -impossible for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span> her to go out for swimming. She knew the teacher would -be disappointed; but she had made up her mind.</p> - -<p>She met Miss Phillips in the hall, and after greeting her somewhat -coolly, asked her to come into the parlor with her.</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I can’t go out for the swimming team, Miss Phillips,” she -said abruptly, after they had seated themselves side by side on the -sofa. “I’m down in Latin, and if I don’t study hard, I won’t pass.”</p> - -<p>“I’m awfully sorry. Can’t you possibly manage it? We need girls so -much—and you’re a good swimmer already. I wouldn’t want you to neglect -your lessons; but Latin won’t take all your time, will it?”</p> - -<p>“No, but you know the sorority takes an awful lot of it. I’ve just got -to give up something—so I guess it will have to be athletics.”</p> - -<p>“Very well,” replied Miss Phillips, rising; “you know best.”</p> - -<p>But as the days passed Marjorie often wondered whether she really did -know best. She realized, in a vague sort of way, that she was not so -happy as she had been when she first came to Miss Allen’s; and she was -not so healthy either. Her cheeks had lost their rosy color, and she -was visibly thinner.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> -She seldom saw Miss Phillips now—and she missed her.</p> - -<p>When it came time to pick the class swimming teams, it was a difficult -matter to find enough freshmen to make the required number. In fact, -most of the girls chosen were beginners. Lily Andrews, who had gone -religiously to practice every day, made it; and, strange to say, Ruth -Henry developed a new interest in athletics, and proved to be so clever -in the water that she was immediately chosen captain. But the team -could not in any way compete with those of the upper classes; in the -inter-class tournament, it was the first to be defeated.</p> - -<p>Marjorie tried not to take the defeat to heart; but she had to tell -herself over and over that it was not her fault, that it would hardly -have done better if she had taken part. She tried to dismiss athletics -and Miss Phillips from her mind, and turn her attention to other -interests.</p> - -<p>She planned a sorority house-party for the Christmas holidays, and -wrote home for her mother’s consent. When she received her reply, -approving the idea, she ran over to Doris’s room to announce the good -news.</p> - -<p>Doris was enthusiastic over the plan. Marjorie went into detail in her -explanation.</p> - -<p>“You are invited for the Friday before we come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> back to school,” she -said, “and stay till Sunday night, when we’ll all come back together. -I’m just asking the freshmen and sophomore members—there wouldn’t be -room for everybody.”</p> - -<p>“I love house-parties!” exclaimed Doris, “and this will be wonderful!”</p> - -<p>“I hope you will have a good time. We’re going to have an informal -little dance on Saturday night; my brother Jack—you know he goes to -Episcopal Academy—will invite the boys.”</p> - -<p>Together they ran over to Ethel Todd’s room, and found her alone. -Marjorie was talking excitedly about the party when Ruth suddenly -opened the door, and came in. Stopping in the middle of a sentence, she -rose, and added, “We must go, Ethel. I just wanted to make sure you’d -come.”</p> - -<p>“You bet I’ll come, Marj,” answered Ethel; “the four o’clock train?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Jack—my brother—will meet it with the machine.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie and Doris went out, and Ethel turned to Ruth with a word of -explanation. “Marjorie is inviting the freshmen and sophomore members -of our sorority to her home for the last week end before we come back. -Won’t that be delightful?”</p> - -<p>“Charming,” assented Ruth, unenthusiastically.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> -Ethel turned away. Why did Ruth always show so plainly that she was -jealous?</p> - -<p>When the time came for the girls to leave for the Christmas holidays, -Marjorie succeeded in being excused in time to make an early train; she -wanted to avoid the necessity of the long ride with Ruth; it would be -too embarrassing to talk about the house-party, and yet she knew Ruth -would bring the subject up if she had the opportunity.</p> - -<p>For the same reason she managed to keep away from Ruth during the -holidays. Once or twice the girls met at entertainments or social -gatherings, but they never were alone together.</p> - -<p>The day for the arrival of Marjorie’s guests came, and her brother -Jack, and his chum, Roger Harris, each borrowed his father’s machine, -and drove down to meet the four o’clock train. Marjorie went with Jack.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t Ruth coming over to meet the girls?” he asked as they got into -the car.</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Marjorie, without looking up.</p> - -<p>“Why not? I always thought she was your best friend.”</p> - -<p>“She’s <em>one</em> of my best friends; but you see she doesn’t belong to our -sorority, so she’s not invited.”</p> - -<p>“But there’s nothing secret about this house-party, is there?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span> -“No, but—oh, you wouldn’t understand, Jack—it simply wouldn’t do!”</p> - -<p>“Well, she’s coming to the dance, isn’t she?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie frowned. “No!” she said emphatically, “she isn’t coming any of -the time.”</p> - -<p>Jack looked disappointed, but said nothing more. Ruth had always been a -favorite of his, and he could not quite imagine a party without her.</p> - -<p>In a minute or two, both machines pulled up to the station, and the -young people got out, just as the whistle of the locomotive was heard -around the curve beyond.</p> - -<p>Almost before the train stopped, Mae and Doris had reached the -platform, and Ethel, Marian, and Frances were close behind them. -Marjorie had not expected Anna, who had gone far away for her vacation; -but she was surprised to miss Lulu Davids.</p> - -<p>After the girls had kissed each other, and the boys had been -introduced, Marian hastened to explain the other girl’s absence.</p> - -<p>“Lulu took a bad cold yesterday,” she said, “and her mother wouldn’t -let her come. I guess you’ll get a letter from her to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie expressed her disappointment, and the girls began to get into -the machines. Jack and Roger both clamored for Doris’s suitcase; then, -remembering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span> their manners, they went to the assistance of the other -girls.</p> - -<p>While the girls were unpacking their suitcases, Marjorie outlined the -program.</p> - -<p>“After you rest, and dress, we’re going to have dinner quietly at -home—just mother and dad, and Jack and Roger besides us; then the boys -are going to take us to the early show at the movies. So we’ll get back -by nine-thirty, and get into our nighties, and have a little something -to eat in our rooms, and settle down early. To-morrow mother’s going to -let us sleep as long as we want, and then Jack and Roger will drive us -over to the cutest little tea-room out in the country for lunch. We’ll -come back early to rest and dress for the dance.”</p> - -<p>“I’m so excited about the dance!” said Mae, her eyes sparkling.</p> - -<p>“The only thing about the dance is, we expected Lulu, and Jack has -invited five other boys besides himself and Roger.”</p> - -<p>“That’s much nicer than having too many girls,” said Mae.</p> - -<p>“But it’s not so nice as an even number.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, well, we’ll do our best to be entertaining,” said Doris.</p> - -<p>“I guess you can easily manage two, Doris,” teased<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span> Marjorie, taking -great delight in watching the pretty girl blush.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Wilkinson soon made the girls feel at home, and the party -progressed splendidly. Jack and Roger, with their constant teasing, -never allowed things to get slow. They collected half a dozen clocks -and set the alarms to ring every half hour, and hid them in the girls’ -rooms before they arrived; so that early Saturday morning the sleepy -girls awakened at regular intervals, much to their annoyance. By half -past seven, they were thoroughly awake, and decided to get up.</p> - -<p>When they were all seated at the breakfast table, Mrs. Wilkinson asked -casually:</p> - -<p>“Ruth will be over for the dance to-night, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie flushed, and without raising her eyes from her plate, she -replied, “No, she isn’t coming.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” asked her mother in surprise.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t invite her.”</p> - -<p>But Mrs. Wilkinson failed to notice the embarrassment of her daughter -and the other girls, and persisted with her questions.</p> - -<p>“Couldn’t Jack get enough boys together?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—it wasn’t that.”</p> - -<p>At this point Jack interrupted. “I’ve even got an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span> extra one; I invited -one for the girl who didn’t come.”</p> - -<p>“Then call Ruth on the telephone,” suggested Mrs. Wilkinson.</p> - -<p>Marjorie felt herself growing angry. “But, Mother,” she explained, “she -isn’t in our sorority.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense! What difference does that make?”</p> - -<p>But Marjorie did not answer, and her father, seeing her predicament, -came to the rescue, and changed the subject.</p> - -<p>After the girls had eaten as many hot-cakes, and as much “country -sausage” as they possibly could, they went into the sitting-room to -read magazines and chat while Roger and Jack went out to the garage to -look over their cars.</p> - -<p>When they returned, the girls were waiting for them.</p> - -<p>“Couldn’t we all go in one car?” asked Frances. “It seems a shame to be -separated! And there are only eight of us!”</p> - -<p>But Roger expressed instant disapproval. He was counting on having -Doris beside him on the front seat, and he did not care to sacrifice -his plan.</p> - -<p>“Well, maybe it will be better to take both cars,” remarked Marjorie. -“We’re not big, but our coats are!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span> -“Miss Sands, will you ride with me?” asked Roger boldly.</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said Doris, and she stepped into his car.</p> - -<p>The young couple were surprised to see all the others climb into Jack’s -machine, laughing in high good humor at the joke they had played in -leaving them alone together—a joke, however, which suited Roger -immensely, and which was not unpleasing to Doris.</p> - -<p>The machines started together; Jack, who was more familiar with the -roads, took the lead. They drove along the principal business streets -of the town, and stopped at one or two of the principal shops. Finally, -they left the houses and stores behind, and, following an unfrequented -road, made for the open country. They rode for over an hour, laughing -and chatting gayly. Jack was in his element.</p> - -<p>“I really think your brother likes being the only boy among us all,” -teased Ethel.</p> - -<p>“How about Roger?” asked Jack.</p> - -<p>“Oh, he doesn’t count—he’s in the other machine, and besides, he’s -completely absorbed with Doris.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I won’t have the distinction long,” he remarked. “The boys will -be here to-night.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span> -“Do tell us about them,” pleaded Mae. “What are their names, and what -are they like?”</p> - -<p>“The finest fellow, to my way of thinking, is John Hadley. He’s a -senior—the oldest of the bunch; he’s Captain of the football team, and -Senior Patrol leader of the Boy Scouts—which is one of the highest -honors a boy can get at Episcopal.”</p> - -<p>“Are you a Boy Scout, Jack?” asked Ethel.</p> - -<p>“No, not yet; but I’m studying for it, and hope to make it before the -year’s out.” Returning to the subject of interest, he continued, “Two -other Boy Scouts—both juniors—are coming. Russell Henderson and David -Conner—I think you’ll like them, too. And the other two boys—Ross -Morgan and Art Whiteside, are members of my class. Ross is funny; -can keep you laughing forever. Perhaps he isn’t much for looks, but -everybody likes him.”</p> - -<p>“Aren’t there any freshmen coming?” asked Mae, a trifle disappointed.</p> - -<p>“No, I didn’t ask any; they’re so green, you know.”</p> - -<p>The girls laughed at the typical sophomore point of view.</p> - -<p>“Are the boys pretty good dancers?” asked Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I think so—all but Ross. He’d probably<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span> rather run the victrola, -and sit out dances. It would be all right if we only had enough girls!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, here’s the tea-room!” cried Marjorie, glad of the opportunity to -change the subject. “I hope Roger and Doris aren’t lost.”</p> - -<p>The other machine drove up in a minute, and the young people jumped -out. Marjorie led the way.</p> - -<p>“Are you ready for us, Mrs. King?” she asked, as a good-natured looking -landlady smilingly approached the girls.</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed—there’s your table by the window, Miss Marjorie.”</p> - -<p>The little tea-room, with its prettily curtained windows, its -fireplace, and its shining white paint, was exceedingly attractive. The -table to which Mrs. King had directed the girls was already set with -dainty china, and a big bowl of pink roses served as a center-piece.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Wilkinson had known Mrs. King for many years; and believing -that the young people would enjoy a luncheon by themselves, she had -telephoned to her to ask her to act as chaperone.</p> - -<p>The luncheon, from the appetizing chicken soup to the French pastry -dessert, was delicious and dainty; the service was good; and the party -was in high spirits. After it was over, Mrs. King invited the young -people to sing some school songs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span> around the open fireplace. It was -almost three o’clock when Marjorie rose to go.</p> - -<p>“If this were the end of it all,” said Ethel, as she climbed into the -machine, “I would vote it the best time I ever had in my life.”</p> - -<p>“And the best is yet to come,” said Frances, her eyes sparkling with -anticipation.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="x" id="x"></a>CHAPTER X<br /> -<span>THE DANCE</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> soon as the girls reached home, they went to their rooms and -substituted kimonas for their street clothes, preparing to rest before -dinner. But though one or two of the number expressed the desire for -a nap, the others would not keep quiet long enough for them to fall -asleep. Ethel was attempting to comb her hair at Marjorie’s dressing -table, and Frances was manicuring her nails; all the other girls were -stretched lazily on the beds of one or the other of the communicating -rooms.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it the grandest thing in the world to belong to ΦΑΒ and go on -parties like this?” observed Frances.</p> - -<p>“It is fun to be together,” said Marjorie slowly; “but we could do that -just the same if we didn’t belong to the sorority!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, but we wouldn’t be likely to. The other girls at school don’t have -them much. I guess it would be too hard to know where to draw the line, -without hurting some girl’s feelings!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span> -“And don’t you suppose <em>we</em> ever hurt anybody’s feelings by being -exclusive?” asked Marjorie, bitterly.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe girls like Lily feel hurt; they know they’re out of -it.”</p> - -<p>“I wasn’t thinking of Lily,” said Marjorie, as she left the room.</p> - -<p>“I wonder if Marjorie’s worrying about Ruth!” remarked Doris, thinking -of the conversation at the breakfast table. “In a way, it does seem too -bad.”</p> - -<p>“Well, she’s foolish if she worries over her!” exclaimed Ethel; “for -Ruth never troubles herself about Marjorie. She’s awfully selfish!”</p> - -<p>“And yet I wonder whether <em>we</em> wouldn’t feel resentful if we were in -her position,” said Frances. “It’s terribly hard for the girls who -<em>almost</em> make the sorority.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie came back with the dress she was to wear that evening, and the -girls hastily changed the subject.</p> - -<p>“How lovely!” exclaimed Doris, looking admiringly at the lemon-colored -georgette Marjorie was holding on a hanger.</p> - -<p>“Marj, why did you insist that we all wear different-colored dance -dresses?” asked Mae.</p> - -<p>Her hostess laughed gaily. “It’s a secret,” she said. “You’ll find out -to-night!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span> -“But I want to know now!”</p> - -<p>“Let’s all get out our dresses, and see if we really did strike -different colors,” suggested Marian.</p> - -<p>“I hope they harmonize,” said Frances.</p> - -<p>The soft pastel shades of the six dresses did blend beautifully -together. <a name="Lavender" id="Lavender"></a><ins title="Original has 'Lavendar'">Lavender</ins>, green, yellow, pink, blue, and white -had been selected. They were not elaborately made; perhaps Doris’s was -the fanciest; but it was white, and could afford, therefore, to have -more trimming.</p> - -<p>“It reminds me of a rainbow wedding,” said Marian. “Did you ever see -one, where each bridesmaid wears a different-colored dress?”</p> - -<p>“And the bride wears white!” laughed Marjorie, with a significant look -at Doris.</p> - -<p>A knock at the door drew the attention away from Doris, but only for a -moment; for the box which Maggie, Mrs. Wilkinson’s second maid, handed -to Marjorie was directed to her.</p> - -<p>“Flowers for the bride!” announced Marjorie solemnly.</p> - -<p>Doris opened the box, and found a bunch of violets.</p> - -<p>“Who could have sent them?” teased Ethel.</p> - -<p>Doris glanced at the card, and hastily slipped it into her suitcase. As -soon as she was dressed she pinned the flowers through her sash, and -followed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span> the others to the dining-room. But to her great relief, Roger -was not present at supper; he had gone home to dress.</p> - -<p>Shortly after eight o’clock, the boys all arrived together. Jack -received them and presented them to the girls. After everyone had been -given a program, Marjorie announced her plan for the first dance.</p> - -<p>“Since nobody knows anybody else,” she said, “I made a little game -for finding partners for the first dance. The girls, as you see, all -have on different-colored dresses. Now there is a candy pillow hidden -somewhere in this room to match each dress. The boys hunt for them, and -then go to claim their partners.</p> - -<p>“Of course,” she continued, “you know that we are very much -disappointed because one girl we had expected didn’t come. So, besides -the six candy pillows, I have hidden a licorice taffy. Whoever finds -the taffy has to be content to eat it instead of dancing the first -dance!”</p> - -<p>“Now get to work and find them!”</p> - -<p>The boys searched diligently. Roger came across a green pillow, but -seeing that no one was looking, he instantly hid it again in order to -look further for a white one. Then he saw Jack with the white pillow, -and gave up his chances of securing Doris. He returned to the hiding -place of the green one, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span> found that it had already been captured, -and David Conner was claiming Mae for the dance. In a minute or two he -found the licorice taffy, and hunted Mr. Wilkinson, to spend the time -with him at the victrola.</p> - -<p>John Hadley was delighted to claim Marjorie. He had singled her out -as the most interesting girl at the dance. And she certainly did look -attractive in her simple party dress.</p> - -<p>“I feel very much honored,” said John, “to have the first dance with -the hostess.”</p> - -<p>As they danced, he asked her all sorts of questions about the school, -and the girls, and even the sorority. When she described the methods of -the latter, he wrinkled his brows.</p> - -<p>“Doesn’t that cause a good deal of unhappiness?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps—at first; but I guess the girls who aren’t taken in soon get -over it. Don’t you have fraternities at Episcopal?”</p> - -<p>“No; we only have a Boy Scout troop; and all the money, and pull, and -even popularity, in the world can’t get you into that. It’s simply a -question of hard work.”</p> - -<p>“And what do you do?” asked the girl eagerly.</p> - -<p>John started to tell of some of the troop’s activities,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span> but before he -had gone very far, the dance was over.</p> - -<p>“Promise me the intermission and the last waltz?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“All right,” agreed Marjorie, “if you’ll excuse me now to look after -things.”</p> - -<p>She had Jack announce that the next dance would be a Paul Jones, and -that after that, the boys might fill their programs according to -the girls’ wishes. He also said that during the intermission, when -refreshments were served, he would be the “extra man”—without a -partner—as he was needed to help; so the fellows could go ahead and -get their programs filled.</p> - -<p>When everyone was served, Marjorie turned to John and asked more about -the scouts. She was fascinated by the accounts of their activities; -and John—big, handsome John Hadley, the most popular fellow at -Episcopal—was fascinated by this slip of a freshman.</p> - -<p>“I tell you,” he suggested; “why don’t you start Girl Scouts at your -school?”</p> - -<p>“I’d love to,” said Marjorie, “but I don’t have time now for the -regular things at school because ΦΑΒ keeps me so busy!”</p> - -<p>John persuaded Marjorie to give him an extra<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> dance in the second half, -and when she saw how happy her guests seemed to be, she agreed.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Wilkinson had set the time limit of the dancing at half-past -eleven; so before twelve o’clock, the boys had all gone, and the girls -were starting up for bed.</p> - -<p>“If they’d only let us have callers at Miss Allen’s!” sighed Doris, so -woefully that everybody laughed out loud.</p> - -<p>“They do, when you’re a senior, Doris!” said Ethel, “so cheer -up—you’ve only three years to wait, and surely Roger’s love won’t grow -cold in that time!”</p> - -<p>Doris smiled and put her violets in water.</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s been the loveliest time I’ve ever had!” said Frances; “oh, -Marjorie, I’m so happy!”</p> - -<p>“So am I”—“So am I,” cried the others.</p> - -<p>“I guess <em>everybody</em> was happy to-night, Marj; it’s been such a perfect -party!” said Doris.</p> - -<p>But one person was unhappy that evening; one girl passed the gaily -lighted house and looked in from the outside; one girl thought of the -sorority she had missed making, and the friend she had lost—and in it -all Ruth Henry blamed not herself, but Marjorie.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xi" id="xi"></a>CHAPTER XI<br /> -<span>THE GIRL SCOUT TROOP</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Ruth</span> had no desire to ride back to school on the same train with the -sorority girls, so she decided to wait over until Monday morning. -Besides, she had an important letter to write on Sunday evening, and -she needed the quiet of her own room to compose her thoughts. As she -sat at the window, she saw Wilkinsons’ machine, filled with the joyful -members of the house-party, pass in the street below. But Ruth was no -longer envious; if her scheme worked—as she felt it must—the tables -would be turned; Marjorie and her friends would be begging favors of -her!</p> - -<p>A letter and a package in her post-office box on Wednesday came in -prompt reply to her letter of Sunday. She broke the seal in breathless -haste. Its contents seemed to come up to her expectations, for she -smiled brightly, and literally ran to Evelyn’s room.</p> - -<p>“I’ve a grand new plan!” she exclaimed enthusiastically, after she had -opened her friend’s door without knocking. “A rival for ΦΑΒ!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span> -“No!” cried Evelyn, dropping the book she was reading. “It isn’t -possible to start another sorority, is it?”</p> - -<p>“Almost as good,” answered Ruth, holding out her letter. “A Girl Scout -Troop! My cousin tells me all about it; here, read this!”</p> - -<p>The other girl took the letter and read the details concerning the -organization of a troop. It did sound very interesting. The letter -closed by stating that a handbook would follow.</p> - -<p>Ruth was already untying the string of the package. The girls sat down -side by side on the couch, and turned the pages together.</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose anybody can belong?” asked Evelyn doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“Yes, it seems to say so—any girl over ten years old!”</p> - -<p>“But what’s the fun then? If Lily Andrews, and just any old girl can -belong, who wants to be a Girl Scout?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you know Lily Andrews is quite popular now?” Ruth laughed -sarcastically. It seemed impossible that such a girl could really stand -higher among her class-mates than she did herself.</p> - -<p>After a minute or two, she said, “I guess we won’t have to take anybody -we don’t want; our troop’ll be different.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> -“I’ll bet Miss Allen won’t let you start anything secret!” said Evelyn.</p> - -<p>Ruth stood up. “I believe I’ll go see her right away,” she announced, -“and talk it all over with her.”</p> - -<p>Miss Allen received her graciously, and carefully examined the book.</p> - -<p>“I would have to look more closely into it,” she said. “And I think -I’ll consult Miss Phillips. I have always heard that the Girl Scouts is -an organization along athletic lines.”</p> - -<p>Ruth was not a favorite with Miss Phillips. She frowned. “Oh, don’t -let’s have any teachers in it! Except you,” she added diplomatically.</p> - -<p>“But you have to have a Captain—a woman over twenty-one. And I see -each troop has thirty-two members, but there are ninety-five girls in -the school—how would you decide who was to belong?”</p> - -<p>“Why, that’s easy—I started it, so Evelyn and two or three more of our -friends would vote on the new members.”</p> - -<p>Miss Allen smiled. “You want another sorority, Ruth,” she said. “And -that you can’t have. But this Girl Scout idea appeals to me. I’ll think -it over, and let you know.”</p> - -<p>Miss Allen and Miss Phillips spent the evening in going over the -handbook. They were delighted with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span> its contents; the Girl Scout -movement seemed to be just the thing the school needed.</p> - -<p>“It is my idea,” said Miss Phillips, “to start the troop with only -such girls as have 80% or over in their lessons, and are at the same -time members or substitutes on one of the school teams. This will give -the organization a high standard at the outset, and besides, I think -it will make both lessons and athletics more popular. Then, if a girl -drops in either, she can be temporarily deprived of the Troop’s good -times!”</p> - -<p>“Splendid!” exclaimed Miss Allen; “but do you think more than -thirty-two girls in the school will qualify?”</p> - -<p>“If they do, we can start two troops. I guess you can easily find two -teachers to act as Captains.”</p> - -<p>“I think the girls ought to be allowed to elect their own Captain, -don’t you?” asked Miss Allen; and Miss Phillips nodded her approval. -“They will have to meet on Friday evenings, of course,” she continued. -“But what about the sorority?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think a girl should be allowed to belong to both ΦΑΒ and the -Girl Scouts,” said Miss Phillips emphatically. “For one evening in a -week is all that can be spared!”</p> - -<p>The next night, when dessert was being served, Miss Allen rose from her -seat at the front of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span> room. The girls instantly became quiet, and -turned attentively to listen to what she had to say.</p> - -<p>“Girls,” she announced in her usual quiet tone, “we have decided, if -you are in favor, to start a Girl Scout troop here. It was Ruth Henry’s -idea, and after careful consideration of the matter, we have found the -organization to be splendid. The members will wear a uniform, meet once -a week, and on Saturdays take hikes and boat-trips; and perhaps this -summer go camping.</p> - -<p>“There will be lots for a Girl Scout to learn—first-aid, out-door -cooking, horsemanship—in fact, almost anything you are interested in.”</p> - -<p>She paused for a moment, and the girls signified their approval by -breaking into a hearty applause. Ruth looked important, as if to take -the credit of it all to herself.</p> - -<p>Miss Allen continued: “We have decided to make both scholarship and -athletic ability the qualifications for membership. Any girl who wishes -to belong must have at least 80% in all her studies, and must be a -member or a substitute on some school team. And if there are more than -thirty-two girls eligible, we will start two troops.”</p> - -<p>The girls were surprised at Miss Allen’s remarks, and many of their -faces registered disappointment. Frances Wright rose from her seat.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span> -“Well, Frances?” asked the Principal.</p> - -<p>“Miss Allen, when will the Girl Scouts meet?”</p> - -<p>“Friday evening.”</p> - -<p>Frances looked astonished. “How about the sorority?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“No girl can belong to both the Girl Scouts and the sorority,” Miss -Allen replied significantly. “It would take too much of her time. She -must choose between them!”</p> - -<p>Since there were no other questions, Miss Allen took her seat, and for -the rest of the meal, the dining-room buzzed with the excited voices of -the girls, discussing the new proposition.</p> - -<p>After supper Ruth made her way to Marjorie’s room.</p> - -<p>“What do you think of it?” she asked Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“It’s wonderful!” the other girl exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Would you rather belong to it than ΦΑΒ?”</p> - -<p>“I almost believe I would. It sounds so much more worth while. To tell -you the truth, Ruth, aside from the excitement of being asked, it isn’t -much of an honor to belong to ΦΑΒ!”</p> - -<p>Ruth looked triumphant. “I knew I’d make you girls see you weren’t so -much!”</p> - -<p>“I never said we were!”</p> - -<p>“Well, you acted it. How about the house-party at Christmas?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span> -“Oh, Ruth—I am sorry about it!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, you are! I’d just like to keep you out of the Girl Scouts to pay -you back!”</p> - -<p>It was then that the door opened and Lily Andrews came in, with a book -in her hands, reading as she entered.</p> - -<p>“What has happened to you, Lily?” asked Ruth. “Turned dippy-stude?”</p> - -<p>“No, only I do want to make the Girl Scouts, and I’m almost afraid my -lessons won’t let me!”</p> - -<p>“Good work!” said Ruth, as she produced her handbook, and began to read -the Tenderfoot test questions aloud.</p> - -<p>The next night was sorority meeting, and the members went prepared for -a fight. After the business was over, the senior president opened the -discussion.</p> - -<p>“It would be a shame,” she said, “for ΦΑΒ to allow a passing fancy like -the Girl Scout troop to shake it. We have been here a long time. We -stand for the oldest traditions of the school. We must think carefully -of all the Alumnæ before we make any move.”</p> - -<p>Several other girls spoke along the same line. Finally, Marjorie stood -up.</p> - -<p>“Girls,” she said, “I have been thinking about it seriously and I have -decided I would rather be a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span> Girl Scout. We meet here Friday after -Friday, and do nothing but have a silly business meeting, chat, and -drink cocoa. And when we ought to be studying or practicing for some -team, we are going to a feed. We never learn anything new. We have -friends, but we are not supposed to make any close ones outside our own -set. And once a year, we make the whole freshman class—except four -girls—miserably unhappy. So I’ve decided to hand in my resignation to -the sorority.”</p> - -<p>Everybody was quiet for a moment. Ethel Todd was the first to speak.</p> - -<p>“I’m so sorry, Marjorie!” she said.</p> - -<p>Tears came to Doris’s eyes. “It won’t be the same without you, Marj,” -she said. “Please don’t do it!”</p> - -<p>“Besides,” said Mae, “hadn’t you better wait till you’re asked to join -the Girl Scouts?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie laughed. “Well, if I’m not asked, it will be because I’m down -in my lessons—and I’ll never get up in them as long as I belong to -ΦΑΒ!”</p> - -<p>“Marjorie’s right,” said Frances. “And this fall, when I saw Evelyn and -Ruth almost breaking their hearts over not being asked, I just felt -as if I couldn’t go through the pledging another year. I hand in my -resignation, too.”</p> - -<p>After some hesitation, and some more discussion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> Lulu decided to -follow suit, and two of the Juniors joined the ranks.</p> - -<p>“Whatever will we do?” asked Mae, “elect new members?”</p> - -<p>“We’re not allowed to,” replied the president. “Vacancies can only be -filled once a year—six weeks after school starts. We’ll have to go -on as we are. But if more than eight girls resign, the sorority must -be abolished. We have to keep eight girls to allow it to exist. Oh, -girls,” she pleaded, “don’t follow the impulse. Wait! Think of the -Alumnæ! Think if you ever had a daughter and sent her here, she would -stand a good chance of belonging.”</p> - -<p>“And she might be left out like poor Virginia Hall, whose mother was -an ΦΑΒ!” Marian Guard laughed. “You know Virginia is impossible!” she -exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Doris had been thinking hard. “Girls,” she said, “I don’t want to be -mean, and you know I’m not athletic, so I probably won’t make the -troop; but I think the sorority ought to be abolished, and now is the -best time to do it. So I, too, resign.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Doris—you’re president of the freshman class!” exclaimed one of -the seniors.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and for that reason more than any other, I want to do away with -ΦΑΒ!”</p> - -<p>The senior president intervened. “Girls, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span> makes six resignations. -But let’s don’t take them as final. We’ll wait till next week, and give -everybody the chance to think it over.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie made one request. “May Miss Phillips be invited to come in -next week after the business part is over?”</p> - -<p>The president frowned; but several of the girls seemed to want it, so -she finally consented.</p> - -<p>“And remember, girls,” she said, “this must be kept secret until at -least next week. You are still members of ΦΑΒ. Promise!”</p> - -<p>“We promise,” murmured Frances and Marjorie, and two or three others; -and the girls adjourned.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xii" id="xii"></a>CHAPTER XII<br /> -<span>THE BOY SCOUTS’ DEMONSTRATION</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">During</span> the next few days, the excitement which usually preceded -pledge-day was felt over the school, and in this instance, it was even -more intense; for almost every girl at Miss Allen’s felt that she had -a chance to become a Girl Scout,—if not right away, at least at some -future date. Ruth had sent for more handbooks; the copies went the -rounds, and were read and re-read. The uniform proved to be a constant -topic of interest, and more than one girl wrote home to ask for the -money to buy it, in case she was chosen.</p> - -<p>Miss Landis noticed a decided improvement in the girls’ lessons, and -remarked about it to Miss Allen. Miss Phillips, too, appreciated the -added zeal with which the girls attended unrequired practices.</p> - -<p>At last Ruth was happy. She had started something worth while; no -doubt the whole student body, as well as the teachers, would look to -her constantly as a benefactor. She realized, too, that she had dealt -the most decided blow to the sorority that it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> had ever received. She -dreamed of its annihilation, and pictured herself always as the leader -of its more popular successor.</p> - -<p>Marjorie, too, was happy. For weeks she had felt a sort of unrest, as -if she were standing still while the rest of the world progressed. -Lily’s accounts of the Friday evenings in Miss Phillips’s room had -deepened this feeling. But now that she had made her decision, the -outlook before her seemed brighter.</p> - -<p>On Wednesday evening, during dinner, it was whispered that Miss Allen -was going to read the list of candidates for the troop very soon; and -one of the seniors told Ruth that she had seen her carry a paper into -the dining-room.</p> - -<p>The girl was correct in her supposition; for as soon as dessert had -been served, Miss Allen rose from her chair. The girls stopped eating, -and waited in breathless attention.</p> - -<p>“First of all,” she began, “I want to tell you that on Friday evening -the Senior Patrol of the Boy Scouts from Episcopal Academy are coming -over to give us a demonstration of Scouting. We will hold the meeting -in the assembly room, and everybody is invited. But only the candidates -whose names I read will be invited over to the gymnasium afterwards to -serve refreshments with Miss Phillips.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> -She paused for a moment, and the girls clapped in approval.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry the list of candidates is so small,” she continued; “but -you see we decided on such strict qualifications, there were only seven -girls eligible. But this was partly due to the fact that the school -swimming team hasn’t been made up yet—class teams don’t count—and we -had only the hockey members to select from. And, of course, many of -those girls were down in their studies. But Miss Phillips hopes to pick -the swimming team soon, so we shall have more girls to choose from.”</p> - -<p>Miss Allen put on her glasses, and reached for a paper on the table. -Without further explanation, she read out the names—</p> - -<p>“Senior Class—Dorothy Maxwell.</p> - -<p>“Junior Class—-Edith Evans, Helen Stewart.</p> - -<p>“Sophomore Class—Frances Wright, Ethel Todd, Marian Guard.</p> - -<p>“Freshman Class—Lily Andrews.”</p> - -<p>Miss Allen sat down. For a minute the girls could only gasp; then the -room buzzed with animated voices.</p> - -<p>Ruth turned to the senior next to her. “There must be some mistake,” -she said. “Why, I started the whole thing!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span> -“You aren’t on the school hockey team, are you?” asked the other girl.</p> - -<p>“No, that’s so,” admitted Ruth; “I guess I was counting on the class -swimming team. But, believe me, I’ll make the school swimming team, you -just see!”</p> - -<p>Unlike Ruth, Marjorie said nothing about her disappointment. But she -was surprised that her name was not on the list; for being a hockey -team member, she had expected to be a candidate. “They have Girl -Scouts, and I am not one!” she said over and over to herself. “Maybe I -ought to have stayed in ΦΑΒ,” she thought. “It isn’t too late yet.”</p> - -<p>But Marjorie was not a girl to go back on her word; she had resigned, -though they had not accepted her resignation, and she would abide -by her decision. It must have been her Latin that kept her out, she -concluded, and she resolved to work harder in that branch in the future.</p> - -<p>After supper, Ruth came over to Marjorie’s room and found her -congratulating Lily.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know how I ever did it,” said Lily. “But I’m so glad—if only -Miss Phillips is our Captain. Do you think she will be?”</p> - -<p>“You are allowed to elect whoever you want,” said Ruth. “And I guess it -will be Miss Phillips or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span> Miss Landis. They seem to be about the most -popular teachers in the school.”</p> - -<p>“They deserve to be!” exclaimed Marjorie. “Especially Miss Phillips—I -think she’s wonderful!”</p> - -<p>“I certainly am surprised you didn’t make it, Marj,” said Ruth. “Of -course, when they decided on that team business, I knew I couldn’t,” -she lied.</p> - -<p>“I thought they’d count the class swimming team,” said Lily. “Why, we -can’t really start till we have eight girls, for you need at least that -number for a troop.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Phillips expects to pick the swimming team to-morrow,” said -Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“How do you know?” asked Ruth.</p> - -<p>“She told me.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’m going in swimming before breakfast, if she’ll let me!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie smiled. “You’ll make the team, Ruth,” she said. “But how are -your lessons?”</p> - -<p>“All right, I guess. Now would you rather belong to the Girl Scouts or -ΦΑΒ, Marjorie?”</p> - -<p>“I am resigning from ΦΑΒ on Friday, Ruth.”</p> - -<p>“But you weren’t one of the candidates for the troop!”</p> - -<p>“I know—but I want to help abolish the sorority.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Marj, you’re a peach!” exclaimed Ruth, with genuine admiration.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span> -Friday evening came. The sorority girls had their meeting immediately -after supper, and adjourned in time to see the Boy Scouts’ -demonstration. The same six girls held to their resolutions to resign, -and Marian Guard and Ethel Todd joined their ranks. Eight girls were -left; if one more resigned, the sorority would have to dissolve.</p> - -<p>According to her promise Miss Phillips came to the meeting; but she was -late, and found that there was really nothing for her to do. Marjorie -and the others had definitely made up their minds; so they contented -themselves with asking the teacher a few questions about the troop, and -adjourned early.</p> - -<p>When the ΦΑΒ girls reached the assembly room, they found it already -crowded. At two minutes of eight, a drum and a bugle sounded in march -time, and a flag bearer, carrying the American flag, and followed by -eight Boy Scouts, in double file, marched up the aisle to the platform. -They held their heads high, and their shoulders back; and as they -marched, they looked neither to the right nor to the left. One or two -of the freshmen giggled, but the boys maintained the discipline of -soldiers. Marjorie looked for John Hadley, and saw him at the head of -the line.</p> - -<p>They reached the platform, and halted at the command of their patrol -leader. At the words: “Left,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span> FACE!” they all turned to the front; the -flag bearer and the color guards on each side stepped forward. Then the -scouts pledged allegiance to the flag, after which the flag bearer and -the guards returned to their places in the line.</p> - -<p>At the signal from John, they all repeated the Scout oath and recited -the twelve Boy Scout laws. Then all the other boys sat down, and John -stepped forward. The girls rather expected him to be nervous, but he -seemed to have complete control of himself. He looked straight into -their eager faces, and told them what the Scouts were about to do.</p> - -<p>“We are honored to be asked here by Miss Allen, and we are glad to -welcome our sister Scouts in this school,” he said. “We look forward -to lots of good times with you. We want you to enjoy our cabin in the -woods, and we will be glad to teach you anything we know. We even hope -to have a baseball game with the troop. And we promise to wear skirts, -if you will lend them to us!”</p> - -<p>He was rewarded with a laugh at his suggestion. “Now,” he continued, -“we are here to-night to show you some of the ordinary things Scouts -do. You saw our opening meeting and heard our promise and our laws. You -know our salute. Now we will show you some signalling.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span> -Two of the boys stepped forward; one went down the steps.</p> - -<p>“Will someone in the room please write Russell Henderson, the Scout on -the platform, a message? Then he will signal it, and the Scout at the -end of the room will receive it.”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to -John. He gave it to Russell, who signaled it in semaphore with two -flags, which fairly seemed to fly from one position to the next; and in -a minute, the Scout at the end of the room read out:</p> - -<p>“We thank the Boy Scouts of Episcopal for their help.”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips said that the message was correct. Everyone clapped.</p> - -<p>John then asked for another message, and Frances Wright handed him one. -With the Scout still at the end of the room, Russell took out a tiny -telegraph instrument and tapped out sounds which were meaningless to -the girls, but which were evidently intelligible to David Conner, the -Scout at the rear, for he read out:</p> - -<p>“Girl Scouts want to learn signalling.”</p> - -<p>“That is right,” said Frances.</p> - -<p>“Now we will show you some First-Aid work.”</p> - -<p>All the boys except John took part in this—four<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span> acting as doctors, -and four serving as patients. They put on the head-cap, the -spiral-reverse, the five-finger bandage, and the triangular arm-sling. -After they had finished these, they demonstrated resuscitation, -fireman’s-lift, and the making of a stretcher. The girls watched -breathlessly, and clapped heartily when it was over.</p> - -<p>Then two Scouts stepped forward and did what seemed to the girls a -truly marvelous thing: they put down a big sheet of tin and made a fire -without any matches. They did this by using the method of the Indians: -a wooden bow-drill rotated until the friction produced heat sufficient -to ignite the fuel. When finally it burst into flames, there was a -great shout of applause.</p> - -<p>John ended by thanking the girls for their attention, saying that he -hoped all the girls present would eventually become Scouts.</p> - -<p>Miss Allen thanked the boys, and invited them to the gymnasium to meet -the girls who were candidates. The rest of the school were dismissed to -return to their rooms.</p> - -<p>It was a much envied little group that followed Miss Allen out of the -room, and more than one girl resolved to perfect her studies or her -athletics in order to be among the favored few in the future.</p> - -<p>Ruth sought Marjorie, and the girls went out together,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> closer in -spirit than they had been for several months, due probably to their -common misfortune at being left out of the happy number.</p> - -<p>“And to think,” said Ruth, “that Lily Andrews is inside the favored -circle, and we are both outside!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xiii" id="xiii"></a>CHAPTER XIII<br /> -<span>AFTER THE MEETING</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> soon as the opening ceremony was over, and John Hadley stepped -forward to speak, he looked eagerly around the audience for Marjorie. -But he was not able to locate her immediately; in fact, it was not -until the boys had begun to semaphore, that he recognized her earnest, -up-turned face.</p> - -<p>Neither he nor Marjorie showed by their faces that they had ever seen -each other before, but John waited impatiently for the meeting to be -over, so that he might have a chance to talk with the girl who had -occupied so much of his thoughts during the past days.</p> - -<p>When Miss Allen had said that the Girl Scout candidates had already -been chosen, and that they were to meet the Boy Scouts for a few -moments after the demonstration, John felt sure that he would see -Marjorie. For certainly she would be among those selected. Jack had -often told him of his sister’s love of the out-of-doors; and the -interest she had expressed in scout affairs at the dance assured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span> him -that she was just the type of girl to become a Girl Scout.</p> - -<p>So, when Miss Allen introduced the seven girls on the way to the gym, -it was with a feeling of keen disappointment that John realized that -Marjorie was not one of them. Recognizing the ΦΑΒ sophomores that he -had met at the dance, he went up and spoke to Ethel.</p> - -<p>After they had exchanged the usual greetings, he tried to ask as -casually as possible, “Where is Marjorie Wilkinson? Isn’t she a -candidate for the scout troop?”</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Ethel, “unfortunately she isn’t!”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” asked John in surprise. “I thought she would be just the -sort of girl to go in for a thing like this!”</p> - -<p>“She is—she’s very athletic. She made the school hockey team, which is -a big honor for a freshman. But Miss Allen made other qualifications.”</p> - -<p>By this time, the party had reached the gymnasium, and their -conversation was interrupted while Miss Phillips invited everybody -to dance. Before John had a chance to ask Ethel for the dance, David -Conner had claimed her, and he was forced to find another partner.</p> - -<p>But they did not dance long, for Miss Phillips had some questions she -wished to ask the Boy Scouts.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span> During the brief intermission that -followed, John again sought Ethel.</p> - -<p>While he was turning over in his mind an easy way to bring the -conversation back to Marjorie, Lily approached with ice-cream and cake.</p> - -<p>“Miss Andrews is Marjorie’s room-mate,” said Ethel, while Lily was -serving them. “She can tell you all about her.” Then turning to Lily, -she explained, “Mr. Hadley was wondering why Marjorie isn’t a candidate -for the troop, and I started to explain. But won’t you sit down here, -so that I can see if Miss Phillips needs me?”</p> - -<p>Lily took Ethel’s place, and explained about her room-mate’s Latin.</p> - -<p>After the young people had finished their ice-cream, Miss Phillips -asked everybody to move their chairs into a circle, so that the -conversation might become general. She asked John all sorts of -questions about the conducting of meetings, and troop affairs, and the -girls listened with interest to his replies.</p> - -<p>“We would like a spirit of friendly rivalry between the troops,” -he said. “We might have contests in such things as signalling and -knot-tying.”</p> - -<p>“Not very soon!” laughed Miss Phillips. “I am afraid it will be a good -while before we can compete with you!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> -“Won’t you tell us about camping?” asked Frances. “What do we have to -take with us, and about how much does it cost?”</p> - -<p>John hesitated. “It would be easier to show you, Miss Wright, when you -come out to our cabin for a visit. We’ll fix a date for a party, as -soon as your troop is established.”</p> - -<p>The girls exclaimed enthusiastically over the plan, and asked more -questions about the cabin.</p> - -<p>“Do you have qualifications to join your troop like we do?” inquired -Lily.</p> - -<p>“We certainly do!” said John emphatically; “but they’re a little -different from yours; every three months we have what we call a B. -S. Candidate test. To pass this a fellow has to make flower and leaf -collections, and know how to identify a certain number of birds, and -answer all sorts of questions besides. Then if he passes that test, -he has to spend a night alone in the cabin. He’s allowed a gun, and -as there really aren’t any tramps around to be afraid of, it’s pretty -safe.”</p> - -<p>“Except for the ghosts,” interrupted David. “Most all the boys report -that they saw something mysterious.”</p> - -<p>At this point, Miss Phillips invited the boys to inspect the swimming -pool, and the conversation lost its general tone.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> -John walked with Lily.</p> - -<p>“It must be terribly exciting to stay all night alone in that cabin,” -she said, “but I’m afraid I’d be too scared to try it.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I guess most girls would!”</p> - -<p>“I bet Ruth Henry wouldn’t, though! She’d try most anything!”</p> - -<p>“Ruth Henry?” repeated John; “that name sounds familiar.”</p> - -<p>“Most likely you have heard Marjorie speak of her. She’s a friend from -her town.”</p> - -<p>“No, but I have heard Jack Wilkinson mention her. But she can’t be a -very intimate friend, for she wasn’t at the dance!”</p> - -<p>“Neither was I,” said Lily, good-naturedly; “and I count myself a very -intimate friend of Marjorie’s! But she only invited the ΦΑΒ girls to -that house party!”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” said John significantly. “And how is ΦΑΒ?”</p> - -<p>“Dying; the Girl Scouts put it out of business.”</p> - -<p>“I should think they would! What does Marjorie think of that?”</p> - -<p>“She resigned long ago.”</p> - -<p>“Good for her!” said John. “Well, I wish she was a Girl Scout. It’s my -last year at Episcopal, and if I don’t see her this year, I guess I -never will.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> Will you give her my regards?” he added, hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>“Surely,” said Lily. “And what are you planning to do next year, Mr. -Hadley?”</p> - -<p>“Princeton, I think,” he said, “though I’m not quite sure.”</p> - -<p>By the time the scouts had completed their tour of inspection, it was -ten o’clock, and they said good-bye to the girls and hurried off to get -their things. Lily ran up to her room as fast as she could, to tell -Marjorie the news.</p> - -<p>“Did he really ask about me?” asked her room-mate, trying to appear -disinterested.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and he seemed so disappointed that you weren’t in the troop!”</p> - -<p>“Tell me all about it,” said Marjorie; and Lily complied with her -request, carrying on one of those one-sided conversations about “what -<em>he</em> said,” that girls all love to hold with each other.</p> - -<p>“But I didn’t tell him how soon you would be a Girl Scout,” she -concluded.</p> - -<p>“If I only am!” sighed Marjorie. “It seems to me I never wanted -anything so much in my life!”</p> - -<p>“Well, keep on studying, and it won’t be long now till the next Latin -test, and that will surely give you the chance you have been waiting -for!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xiv" id="xiv"></a>CHAPTER XIV<br /> -<span>PANSY TROOP MEETS</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Now</span> that the girls had seen the Boy Scouts’ demonstration, they were -more anxious than ever to get their own troop started. But they did not -have long to wait, for the following afternoon Miss Phillips placed a -typewritten list on the Bulletin Board in the main hall.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes, a crowd began to gather. Ruth was the first to -appear; to her great delight she saw her name at the bottom of the list.</p> - -<p>“Who made it?” asked Marjorie, who was too far back in the crowd to -read the paper.</p> - -<p>Ruth read it out loud:</p> - -<p>“School Swimming Team:</p> - -<p>“Seniors—Margaret Williams, Martha Meyers.</p> - -<p>“Juniors—Helen Stewart, Edith Evans, Violet Henderson.</p> - -<p>“Sophomores—Ethel Todd.</p> - -<p>“Freshmen—Ruth Henry.</p> - -<p>“Substitutes—Rose Craig, Frances Wright.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span> -“Congratulations, Ruth!” said Marjorie, sincerely. “Now you’ll surely -be a Girl Scout!”</p> - -<p>“I hope so,” said Ruth, as she walked down the hall with her old -friend. “My last marks were pretty good—but, you never can tell.”</p> - -<p>“If I ever pull up my Latin, I’m going in harder for swimming. I want -to learn fancy diving and life-saving,” said Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“That would be nice,” agreed Ruth, “but for the present I’m going to -be content with plain dives and long-distance swimming. Anyway, I -can swim well enough to be a First Class scout, if I pass the other -qualifications.”</p> - -<p>The girls separated to dress for dinner. It hardly seemed possible that -Miss Allen could announce the new Scout candidates so soon, and yet a -decided air of expectancy prevailed during dinner that evening. Every -few minutes, one or two girls would allow their glance to wander in her -direction, and they were finally rewarded by seeing her rise from her -chair.</p> - -<p>“You have all seen the names of the girls on the swimming team,” she -said. “You know, too, that out of that list of eight girls, four are -already candidates for the Scouts.</p> - -<p>“All this goes to prove,” she continued, “just what Miss Phillips and I -have always thought—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> same girls go out for athletics over and over -again, and the rest of the school is content to let them do all the -work. Now what we hope the Girl Scout organization will do, is to make -interest more general.</p> - -<p>“Of the remaining four girls on the swimming team, only one stands high -enough in her lessons to be selected as a candidate. That girl is Ruth -Henry!”</p> - -<p>As soon as the girls had stopped clapping, Miss Allen went on with the -announcements. “The eight candidates—Dorothy Maxwell, Edith Evans, -Helen Stewart, Frances Wright, Ethel Todd, Marian Guard, Lily Andrews, -and Ruth Henry are to meet in my office to-morrow afternoon at two -o’clock to organize and to elect their Captain.”</p> - -<p>After dinner was over, Marjorie sought Ruth. She was not jealous of her -friend’s triumph; Ruth deserved it, and she did not.</p> - -<p>So, with genuine pleasure, she said, “I’m awfully glad you made it, -Ruth. Nobody deserves it more than you!”</p> - -<p>Ruth thanked her, and Marjorie continued enthusiastically, “I think you -have done a big thing for the school. And I mean to belong just as soon -as possible. I’m going to give up everything else till I pull up my -Latin mark!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> -Ruth bit her lip. To her, half the fun of belonging to the Girl Scouts -consisted in being able to write home and tell her parents and friends -that she had succeeded where Marjorie had failed. But she said nothing -to indicate her feelings to the other girl.</p> - -<p>Promptly at two o’clock the next afternoon—which was Saturday—the -scout candidates assembled in Miss Allen’s office.</p> - -<p>“The first thing we will do,” said Miss Allen, “is to vote for a -Captain. Then, if possible, we will invite the person you elect into -the meeting, and she can take charge, for I won’t have time myself.”</p> - -<p>She asked Ruth to come forward and give out the paper for voting. -“Every Scout should be prepared with a pencil, but if any girl needs -one this time, I will lend her one.</p> - -<p>“Write the name of the person you want on the paper; if there isn’t a -majority for any one candidate the first time, we will vote over again -between the two or three highest.”</p> - -<p>But there was no cause for a second vote; Miss Phillips was elected by -an overwhelming majority. Lily was sent to the gymnasium to tell her -of the result of the election, and returned with an invitation for the -meeting to transfer its location to the gymnasium.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span> -In a few words, Miss Phillips thanked the girls for the honor they had -given her, and promised to live up to the Scout laws as faithfully as -she could.</p> - -<p>“Now,” she continued, “since we have eight girls, we will elect a -patrol leader and a corporal.”</p> - -<p>“What are their duties, Miss Phillips?” asked Lily.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips smiled. “Scout Andrews,” she replied, “after this -when you wish to ask a question, rise, salute me, and say ‘Captain -Phillips.’ If I return the salute, then you ask your question. -Now—let’s try that!”</p> - -<p>Lily did as she was requested, and Miss Phillips explained that the -duties of these officers were to get the girls out to the meetings, -lead the marching, conduct opening exercises, and so forth. Frances -Wright was elected patrol leader and Lily Andrews was made corporal.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said Miss Phillips, “open your handbooks to page 44, and you -will see the different ceremonies to be used. We will begin with a -simple one to-night.”</p> - -<p>After she had read the instructions aloud, she blew a series of short -whistles and the girls assembled in line—with Frances at the top, and -Lily next. Lily was sent to the room next door for the flag, and at the -command of the Captain, the girls<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span> pledged allegiance. Then they sang -one stanza of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” standing at attention. After -this, led by Miss Phillips, they took the Scout oath. With their right -hands raised to their foreheads, they repeated:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"> -<div class="line outdent">“On my honor I will try</div> -<div class="line">To be true to God and my country.</div> -<div class="line">To help others at all times.</div> -<div class="line">To obey the Scout laws.”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>Their hands dropped to their sides.</p> - -<p>“Patrol Leader Wright,” commanded Miss Phillips, “lead in the Scout -Laws.”</p> - -<p>Frances stepped in front of the group, saluted the Captain, and the -girls repeated with her:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"> -<div class="line outdent">“A Girl Scout’s honor is to be trusted.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout is loyal.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout is a friend to all, and a sister to every other Girl Scout.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout is courteous.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout is a friend to animals.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout obeys orders.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout is cheerful.</div> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout is thrifty.</div> -<div class="line">A Girl Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>“What is your motto?” asked Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“Be prepared,” they answered.</p> - -<p>“What is your slogan?”</p> - -<p>“Do a good turn daily.”</p> - -<p>“Be seated!” commanded Miss Phillips. “After opening ceremony,” she -continued, when the girls were seated, “comes Scout talk. To-night I -am going to talk about your good turn. It will be harder for you girls -than for the Scouts who live at home, but let me see what you can do. -Make a list of the things you do, but do not sign it. Bring it next -week to the meeting, and perhaps we shall read them aloud.” Then she -suggested some good turns that might be done at the school.</p> - -<p>“Business meeting is next in order. We must first of all have a -secretary. I am ready for nominations.”</p> - -<p>After a great deal of consideration, Ethel Todd was elected secretary; -Ruth Henry was made treasurer.</p> - -<p>“Now it is time to decide upon a name,” announced Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“A name?” asked Ruth, without rising or saluting.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> “Can we have Greek -letters—or something like that?”</p> - -<p>The other girls smiled at her impetuosity, but Miss Phillips hastened -to correct the false impression.</p> - -<p>“No, not that,” she answered, “but each troop takes the name of a -flower—rose, daisy, violet, and so on. And each patrol takes the name -of a bird. Suppose some of you suggest the names you would like, and we -can vote upon the three most popular.”</p> - -<p>Frances suggested “Pansy,” and the girls decided to make it their -choice. The selection of the patrol symbol was put off until a later -time.</p> - -<p>After dues had been discussed and agreed upon, Miss Phillips said, “I -would like to suggest that we consider candidates only once a month. -It is nearly February now—and we are just starting. It would make too -much confusion if we take them in at every meeting. So I think the best -plan would be to get the list of those eligible from Miss Allen at the -end of each month, and take them in at the following meeting.”</p> - -<p>This suggestion was voted upon and passed.</p> - -<p>“When shall we have our first hike?” asked the Captain.</p> - -<p>Frances Wright rose and saluted Miss Phillips.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> “Captain,” she said, -“let’s wait until we get our uniforms.”</p> - -<p>Helen Stewart’s face fell. She was one of the poorest girls in the -school—her mother was a widow, and it was about all she could afford -to do to pay the regular expenses. Helen did not know how she would -ever get her uniform.</p> - -<p>“All right,” agreed the Captain, “but you all know you have to <em>earn</em> -the uniform. You aren’t allowed to write home and ask your parents for -the money. And what is more, you are supposed to <em>make</em> it!”</p> - -<p>Lily looked disappointed. She was thinking of having her uniform made -by a Fifth Avenue tailor. Helen looked proportionately pleased.</p> - -<p>“There are lots of things you can do to earn money—typewriting in -the office, taking care of babies, running errands for people in the -village, taking orders for knitting and sewing——”</p> - -<p>“But we’ll be almost like servants!” exclaimed Lily, interrupting her -Captain’s speech.</p> - -<p>“It won’t hurt you, girls,” Miss Phillips said laughingly. “And to -encourage you,” she added, “I’ll earn mine, aside from my salary.”</p> - -<p>“And we’ll make it a kind of race to see who can earn theirs first. -Let’s have a bank and a banker, and report each week on what we have -made.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span> -The girls approved of the plan, and Ethel Todd, the secretary, was -chosen banker.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said Miss <a name="Phillips" id="Phillips"></a><ins title="Original has 'Philips'">Phillips</ins>, “we will adjourn our business -meeting for Scout work. Open your handbooks to page 60; we are going -over the Tenderfoot test together.”</p> - -<p>The test seemed comparatively easy, and Miss Phillips decided to give -it the following week. “You may each bring a quarter,” she said, “and -if everybody passes we will fill out our blank and send it to National -Headquarters in New York.</p> - -<p>“Now,” continued the Captain, “let’s have some games. Next week we’ll -have military drill, but we won’t start that to-night. Let’s play -‘Boots without shoes.’ Does anybody know it?”</p> - -<p>The girls shook their heads, and Miss Phillips requested all but -Frances to go into her office.</p> - -<p>She explained the game to Frances, and told her to go and bring one of -the girls into the room. She returned with Lily.</p> - -<p>“You want to belong to the Girl Scouts, don’t you, Lily?” asked Miss -Phillips, with mock solemnity.</p> - -<p>“Yes!”</p> - -<p>“Then will you promise to do as I do, but to say just what I tell you -to say?”</p> - -<p>“I promise.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> -Miss Phillips took three jumps. “Say ‘Boots,’ without shoes!”</p> - -<p>Lily imitated the action, and repeated, “Boots, without shoes!”</p> - -<p>“But that isn’t right!” protested Miss Phillips. “We’ll try over again.”</p> - -<p>She gave her increasingly difficult gymnastic feats to perform, ending -each with the same command of “Say ‘Boots,’ without shoes!”</p> - -<p>Finally Lily saw through the trick, and cried triumphantly, “Boots!”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips sent her for the next girl, and they continued until all -the girls were initiated.</p> - -<p>Before they separated for the evening, Miss Phillips taught the girls -the Scout yell—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"> -<div class="line outdent">“A-M-E-R-I-C-A</div> -<div class="line">GIRL SCOUTS—GIRL SCOUTS—U.S.A”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="noi">and they yelled it joyfully, adding first “Miss Allen’s, Miss Allen’s,” -on the end, and then giving it over again in honor of Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>Lily ran up to find Marjorie, who had spent the first Friday evening -since Pledge-Day in her own room. Both girls were glad that there was -no secrecy about the Girl Scout meeting, which would prevent them from -discussing it together.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span> -Ruth went over to her own room with equal haste, joyfully anticipating -the letter she would write to the folks at home to tell them of her -good fortune.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xv" id="xv"></a>CHAPTER XV<br /> -<span>THE LATIN TEST</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">By</span> the twentieth of February, the eight candidates had passed their -Tenderfoot tests, and were registered at National Headquarters as -regular members of the Girl Scouts. After the preliminary exercises of -the meeting were over, Captain Phillips asked for a report from the -banker.</p> - -<p>“All the girls have handed in enough money for the khaki and buttons, -Captain,” Ethel Todd announced, after she had given the usual salute. -“And some have turned in more than was required. Shall I give that to -the treasurer?”</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Miss Phillips, “we will keep up our banking system, so -that each girl can always have money on hand to purchase the necessary -equipment. Now,” she continued, turning to the troop, “I want reports -on how the individual Girl Scouts earned their money.”</p> - -<p>The accounts that followed were both interesting and original. Ruth had -made fudge, and sold it at a profit; Ethel Todd had addressed envelopes -in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span> Miss Allen’s office, and had helped with the school records; -Frances and Marian had taken care of babies for some Alumnæ members of -ΦΑΒ who lived in the village; Lily Andrews and Edith Evans had secured -subscriptions for a well-known woman’s magazine; and Helen Stewart and -Dorothy Maxwell had advertised their services for “odd jobs” among -their school-mates, and had been rewarded with plenty of mending, -pressing, darning, and even shoe-shining.</p> - -<p>All the girls agreed that the experience had been fun; even Lily -admitted that she did not mind it after she had once started.</p> - -<p>“And what did you do, Captain Phillips?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“I organized a dancing-class for the little tots of the village, -which meets one afternoon a week, and I charge each child ten cents a -lesson,” she replied.</p> - -<p>“Good!” exclaimed Lily, “you lived up to your promise!”</p> - -<p>“Girls,” said the Captain, “I am going into the city to-morrow, and I -will order the uniforms—the kind that come cut out ready to sew. Then -we ought to receive them before next Saturday, and if we do, we can -meet up in the sewing-room and give up the day to making them.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span> -“And when will we go on our hike, Captain?” asked Frances, with the -usual formality.</p> - -<p>“The following Saturday, I hope. You see the marks come out the next -Monday, and the Gym team will be selected; so new girls will be -eligible to the troop after that. And I want one hike by ourselves—as -a reward for the good work you have done.”</p> - -<p>“How many new girls do you think we shall have?” asked Marian.</p> - -<p>“There will be ten girls on the school Gym-team, but probably some of -those are already Scouts. And then there is a possibility that some of -the girls who are either hockey or swimming-team members may pull up -their marks in their studies and qualify.”</p> - -<p>Lily clapped her hands. “I do so hope Marjorie makes it,” she exclaimed -with such enthusiasm that Miss Phillips did not have the heart to -reprove her for her breach of discipline. “And she will,” she added, -“if she makes 90% in her Latin test.”</p> - -<p>Ruth looked annoyed. Half the fun of being a Girl Scout was the -publicity of it—the fact that she was one of the eight distinguished -members—that she belonged to something Marjorie could not join.</p> - -<p>“As soon as we get more girls into the troop,” announced Captain -Phillips, “we will give a play, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span> earn enough money to pay for our -camping trip this summer.”</p> - -<p>The girls were so interested that Miss Phillips was forced to go into -details about the plans; they talked such a long time that it was -necessary to adjourn without the customary games.</p> - -<p>Marjorie’s evening had been spent in her own room, studying Latin. -Although the test was not to be held until the following Tuesday, she -felt that she had not a minute to lose. The hardest part to her was, -of course, the English into Latin—“prose composition,” Miss White, -the teacher, called it. It was in this that she had failed before; -therefore, she directed all her effort to mastering it. There was not -one construction of which she felt uncertain; she did not see how she -could fail.</p> - -<p>Just as she was gathering her books into a neat pile for the night, the -door opened and Lily came in. She was full of the plans for the hike, -the play, and the camp; and she poured her news into Marjorie’s eager -ears.</p> - -<p>When she stopped a moment for breath, the other girl exclaimed, “I -simply <em>must</em> make it! I’d love to be in the play, and go camping! -Just think of the fun! Of course, Miss Phillips will go with you this -summer?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly!” replied Lily. “Oh, Marj, you’ll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span> surely be a Girl Scout -before then. But keep on studying,” she urged.</p> - -<p>When Marjorie laid her paper on Miss White’s desk on Tuesday, she felt -that she had done exceedingly well in the examination. She had thought -out each construction and had written carefully; she had gone over her -paper twice to make sure that there were no corrections or omissions; -and she was the next to last girl to leave the room.</p> - -<p>Ruth Henry was the last girl to turn in her paper. This was not because -she was slow or uncertain of her work, for she was an excellent Latin -student; but she usually remained to walk over to the dormitory with -Miss White, with whom she was a great favorite.</p> - -<p>Just as she rose from her seat to hand in her paper, a messenger -entered from the office.</p> - -<p>“Miss White, here is a telegram for you,” she said, handing her a -yellow envelope.</p> - -<p>Ruth stood still, and the messenger withdrew. As Miss White read the -telegram, her face grew pale.</p> - -<p>“What is it, Miss White? Oh, I hope nothing is wrong?” said Ruth.</p> - -<p>“My mother’s very ill—I must go home immediately.”</p> - -<p>“I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?” asked Ruth impulsively.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> -Miss White hesitated a moment. “Yes, dear, thank you—straighten up -this room and my desk; put the papers in a neat pile in the bottom -drawer; then lock it and bring me the key. And you can carry my -suitcase to the station, if you wish.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed. Please don’t worry, Miss White—surely she’ll get better!”</p> - -<p>Miss White smiled sadly, and handed Ruth the key. “You are a dear, good -girl, Ruth,” she said, as she opened the door.</p> - -<p>Ruth began to straighten the papers, which the girls had piled one by -one on top of the teacher’s desk. As she picked them up, one from the -top of the pile fell to the floor. She stooped to pick it up. It was -Marjorie Wilkinson’s!</p> - -<p>Suddenly, Ruth thought of the other girl’s house-party, and the dance -which she had witnessed through the lighted windows; she remembered -Marjorie’s indifference during the days that followed her pledging to -the sorority; and heard Lily exclaim over again that if her room-mate -made 90% in this Latin test, she would be a Girl Scout.</p> - -<p>This was the opportunity she had been waiting for; if she had schemed -and planned for it, it could not have been more perfect. If she let -this chance go by, she would probably never have another like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> it. She -would pay Marjorie back for what she had done in the past.</p> - -<p>Taking a pen, and dipping it in Miss White’s inkwell, she turned to -the questions marked “English into Latin.” With her knowledge, it was -a simple matter to make little changes—adding letters here and there -at the ends of words to make the gender, number, tense, or case of the -word out of harmony with the rest of the sentence.</p> - -<p>Once she thought she heard a sound at the door; she quickly dropped her -pen, and pretended to straighten the papers. But no one came in, and -she finished her work of deceit. To the casual observer, Marjorie’s -paper looked no different; but to the Latin student, it proved to -be like the poor twisted poem of “Father William” in “Alice in -Wonderland,” “wrong from beginning to end.”</p> - -<p>While she was locking Miss White’s desk, the risk of her act occurred -to her. What if the teacher should decide to return the papers to the -girls, contrary to her usual custom? What if Marjorie should not be -satisfied with her mark, and should ask Miss White to go over the paper -with her?</p> - -<p>But it was too late now to think of the danger; the deed was done, and -she must take the consequences.</p> - -<p>She decided on the whole that she would stand<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> less chance of detection -if the teacher took the papers home with her to mark. Accordingly, she -unlocked the desk again and took out the pile, and, leaving everything -in good order, went over to Miss White’s room.</p> - -<p>“I brought the test papers over to you, Miss White, instead of leaving -them in your desk, because I thought you would want to take them home -and mark them there, so you could mail the averages to Miss Allen -before the term closes.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Ruth, you are so thoughtful. Here—I will put them in my -suitcase,” she said, taking them from the girl.</p> - -<p>“Now I think I’m ready,” she concluded. “Here is a sweater for you to -wear to the station—and I guess your hands won’t get lost in these -gloves.”</p> - -<p>Ruth put on the borrowed clothing, and picked up the suitcase.</p> - -<p>After she came back from the station, she began to dress for dinner, -but said nothing to Ethel of the incident, lest in some way it might -throw suspicion on her.</p> - -<p>All the rest of the week Marjorie felt the satisfaction of a person -whose task was well done. She looked eagerly forward to Monday when -her success would be announced, and the troop would claim her as a -candidate. She knew her Tenderfoot test already,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span> and she thought -constantly of possible ways to earn money for her uniform.</p> - -<p>The Friday evening before the term closed, ΦΑΒ girls met for the last -time. Two Juniors who had been chosen for the gym team, and who were -practically sure of making the Girl Scout troop, resigned; and with -only six members left, the sorority had to disband.</p> - -<p>As Marjorie sat alone in her room that evening while Lily attended the -Scout meeting, she occupied herself by writing a long letter home. And -in this letter, she told her mother to expect a splendid report from -the school—with a mark in Latin that she would be proud of. “And I -think,” she concluded, “that this is the last Friday evening I shall -have to spend in my room alone—for by this time next week, I hope to -be a Girl Scout!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xvi" id="xvi"></a>CHAPTER XVI<br /> -<span>A WINTER HIKE</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was indeed an attractive group of girls who met on Saturday morning, -dressed in their new Scout uniforms, with their packs strapped to -their backs. Perhaps they felt a trifle self-conscious, but they had -no need to be ashamed of their appearance, for their suits could not -have fitted them more neatly if they had been made by a fashionable -dressmaker.</p> - -<p>As soon as they left the building, they formed in a line—two -abreast—and swung along in step. Miss Phillips told them that when -they left the village and struck the open country, they might sing as -they marched.</p> - -<p>“And that reminds me,” she said, “I want some Scout songs of our -very own, and I happened to mention the matter to Miss Allen, and -she offered a canteen as a prize for the best song submitted before -June first. So get to work, girls. You needn’t attempt to write the -music—unless you want to—but take some familiar tune and make up new -words.”</p> - -<p>The day was clear and just cold enough to make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span> the walk bracing. The -girls had gone to bed early the night before, and were in perfect trim -for the hike. And they were very happy. They would be glad to welcome -the new girls the following week, and make them their “Scout sisters”; -but for the present they were content to enjoy this last intimate -little adventure alone.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips had secured copies of the Nature Calendar of the Buffalo -Society of Natural Sciences; and the girls had made a list of some of -the February birds to look for. They had noted the characteristics of -the hemlock, the spruce, and the red and white cedars, and were anxious -to put their knowledge to a test.</p> - -<p>Ruth and Ethel had been given two dollars from the treasury, with the -instructions to purchase wholesome food. “We shall have our first -lesson in out-door cooking,” Miss Phillips had said, “so be sure to buy -something that we can cook over a camp fire. But don’t get anything -like raw beans,” she had laughingly instructed them, “for they require -twelve hours’ baking, and we don’t expect to make it an overnight hike -this time!”</p> - -<p>So Ruth and Ethel had done their purchasing, and had wrapped their -articles into eight packages; they gave each girl a bundle to carry, -but refused to tell what they had bought. And, of course, everybody<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span> -tried to find out by feeling her package, but in most cases this failed -to reveal the identity of the contents.</p> - -<p>After ten minutes’ walk, the Scouts had left the town, and struck the -woods. Miss Phillips blew a series of short whistles and called the -girls together for instructions.</p> - -<p>“We are going to lay a trail,” she said. “Frances, Ethel, Dorothy, and -Ruth are to go ahead, and put down the signals; the rest of us will -wait here ten minutes and then follow.</p> - -<p>“Lay your trail until you come to a good place to make a fire and eat -lunch. Choose a spot somewhere near good water, and be sure that you -are well protected from the wind. If you can find a flat rock, so much -the better; but be sure that the ground is dry.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve never eaten around a camp fire,” said Lily. “It’s going to be -such fun!”</p> - -<p>“How will we know what signals to lay?” asked Ruth.</p> - -<p>“I am going to tell you some of the simple ones: perhaps we shall -learn those more difficult later on from the Boy Scouts. Has anybody a -pen-knife?”</p> - -<p>“I have, Captain,” said Marian, producing one.</p> - -<p>“Will you lend it to Ethel? Now, Ethel, you can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> blaze a trail by -cutting off a piece of bark from a tree along a path which you are -following.</p> - -<p>“But that is not to be the only signal. You can break a twig, and leave -it hanging, or you can set a small stone on top of a larger one to mark -the trail.</p> - -<p>“Now for the turns—if you want us to follow the path to the right, put -a long mark on the right of the tree trunk beneath the blaze; or bend -your twig out straight to the right; or when you put your little stone -on top of your big one, place another small stone beside them to the -right—and, of course, vice versa for the left. Do you understand?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes,” cried the girls.</p> - -<p>“One thing more—has everybody matches in her knapsack?”</p> - -<p>Fortunately everybody did have, for Miss Phillips had especially warned -the girls to be provided with them.</p> - -<p>“Now,” she continued, “I want you to try to keep together; and always -remember this: no fewer than two girls must travel together in the -woods; but if anything ever should happen to separate one of you from -your companions, and you find that you are lost, select a high, open -spot and make two fires—carefully piling on lots of leaves and grass -to make smoke; for Girl Scouts have adopted the signal that two smokes -arising together mean ‘I am lost—help.’</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span> -“Now run along, girls, before you get cold!”</p> - -<p>While the remaining girls—Edith, Marian, Lily, and Helen waited the -ten minutes, Miss Phillips instituted a game to keep them from becoming -cold.</p> - -<p>When the time was up, they started off, looking carefully for signals -of the trail. Miss Phillips told them to call out when they discovered -a trail and instructed each girl to keep count of the signs she -discovered first. Once or twice, everybody missed a mark, and went -straight ahead; then, failing to see any evidences of the trail, they -all turned back and discovered they had missed the turn.</p> - -<p>Finally Dorothy spied a smoke in the distance. “Can that be our girls?” -she asked.</p> - -<p>“I guess so,” replied Miss Phillips. “One smoke means ‘We are camping -here.’”</p> - -<p>The girls ran as fast as they could, and soon reached the spot. Ethel -had spread the big blanket on the ground, and the other girls had -succeeded in starting a good fire. Ruth had filled her canteen from a -spring not far distant, and offered the girls water. Frances was trying -to fasten branches into the ground from which to suspend the kettle for -hot water.</p> - -<p>“It’s pretty hard to dig a deep enough hole without a spade, Frances,” -said Miss Phillips, after she had laid down her pack. “Let your fire -die down a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> little, and put two green logs on each side of it; then we -can set the kettle across them right over the fire.”</p> - -<p>She turned to Ruth. “Now what have you for lunch?” she inquired.</p> - -<p>“Doggies, rolls, cocoa (we have that in the thermos bottle), and baked -beans; and a surprise for dessert!”</p> - -<p>“Baked beans!” exclaimed Lily, “what did Captain tell you?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, they’re not that kind,” laughingly explained Ethel; “they’re all -cooked—by Mr. Heinz; we only have to heat them!”</p> - -<p>The girls dropped the can in the hot water in the kettle, and each -proceeded to get a stick on which to toast the sausages. Soon they were -eating hungrily.</p> - -<p>“Tell us how you liked our trail,” said Ruth.</p> - -<p>“It was great!” said Miss Phillips. “By the way—who found the most -signs?”</p> - -<p>“I believe Edith did, didn’t you?” asked Dorothy.</p> - -<p>“Well, I found eight; did anybody get more than that?”</p> - -<p>No one had; and Edith was congratulated.</p> - -<p>“Now guess, girls, what we’ve got for dessert?”</p> - -<p>“Apples?”</p> - -<p>“No—better than that!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> -“Cake?”</p> - -<p>“No—still better!”</p> - -<p>“Pie?”</p> - -<p>“Yes!”</p> - -<p>“What kind?”</p> - -<p>“Hot mince pie! We covered it up, and put it among the coals. But -you’ve got to eat it with your fingers.”</p> - -<p>“That’s easy!” exclaimed Dorothy, as Ethel handed two pies to Miss -Phillips to cut with Marian’s pen-knife.</p> - -<p>“Ruth, you and Ethel are certainly dandies,” said Helen; “but do tell -us how you ever got all this wonderful feed for two dollars!”</p> - -<p>“Well, we didn’t,” replied Ruth. “Mother sent me the pies this morning.”</p> - -<p>“And that accounts for the reason they are so good!” exclaimed Lily. “I -thought you couldn’t get pies like these at the village bakery.”</p> - -<p>“Girls,” suggested Frances, “let’s write Mrs. Henry a note of thanks -when we get back to school, and all sign it.”</p> - -<p>“Now Captain,” said Marian, after they had finished eating, “do tell us -about some of your plans for the troop.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, do!” the others urged.</p> - -<p>“Well, next Friday we admit our new members.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span> From then until spring -vacation, we will practice for our play and work for the second class -test. During spring vacation, we are to go to a big party at the Boy -Scout cabin.”</p> - -<p>“How perfect!” exclaimed Ruth enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>“After vacation,” the Captain continued, “we will give our play and -study for merit badge examinations, and take some hikes—maybe one -over-night hike—learning about trees and flowers. And, if any of you -girls want to go out for the Pioneer badge, the Boy Scouts said they -would show us how to build a cabin.”</p> - -<p>“It would be wonderful to have our own cabin!” said Ethel.</p> - -<p>“And, of course, you know, after that comes vacation and our week of -camping. But nobody can go camping who is not at least a second-class -scout.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s all so exciting!” exclaimed Ruth. “I’m so glad I’m a Girl -Scout!”</p> - -<p>“I’d be perfectly happy if Marjorie were in it, too!” sighed Lily.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps she will be soon,” said Frances, encouragingly. “Let’s hope -so!”</p> - -<p>Ruth blushed self-consciously at this remark, but no one noticed her -embarrassment. She hastily changed the subject. “Tell us a story, -Captain,” she suggested.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span> -“What kind of story would you like?” asked Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“Oh, one about the out-of-doors,” answered Ruth.</p> - -<p>“Well, we mustn’t sit here long—the fire is beginning to die; but I’ll -tell you a story of Ernest Thompson Seton’s—it’s in his book called -‘Two Little Savages,’ a boy’s book, but one which I think you girls -would enjoy.</p> - -<p>“This story is about an Indian squaw, who was taken prisoner by some -tribe way up north. They marched her five hundred miles away, but one -night she escaped and set out, not on the home trail, for she knew they -would follow that way and kill her, but to one side. She didn’t know -the country and got lost. She had no weapons but a knife, and no food -but berries.</p> - -<p>“She went as fast as she could for several days till a rainstorm came, -and then she felt safe, because she knew her enemies could not trail -her now. But winter was approaching, and she could not get home before -it came. So she set to work right where she was.</p> - -<p>“Can you girls imagine yourselves in such a position? All alone in the -woods—no shelter, no food, no extra clothing, and the cold weather -coming on fast?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span> -Frances shuddered. “I guess most of us would soon give up and die!” she -said.</p> - -<p>“We probably would—though maybe not after we have learned the -principles of Scouting.</p> - -<p>“Well, anyway, she made a Wigwam of birch bark and a fire by rubbing -sticks together, as you saw two of the Boy Scouts do, only she used -the lace of her moccasin for a bow-string. She made snares of the -inner bark of the willow and of spruce roots, and deadfalls, too, for -rabbits. She was starving sometimes, at first, but she ate the buds -and inner bark of birch trees till she found a place where there were -lots of rabbits. And when she caught some she used every scrap of them. -She made a fishing-line of the sinews, and hook of the bones and teeth -lashed together with sinew and spruce gum.</p> - -<p>“She made a cloak of rabbit skins, sewed with needles of rabbit bone -and thread of rabbit sinew, and a lot of dishes of birch bark sewed -with spruce roots.</p> - -<p>“She spent the whole winter there alone, and when the spring came she -was found by Samuel Hearne, the great traveler. Her precious knife was -worn down, but she was fat, and happy, and ready to set out for her own -people.”</p> - -<p>“And is that a true story?” asked Ruth, after a silence of a minute or -two.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> -“Yes,” replied Miss Phillips, “wasn’t she wonderful?”</p> - -<p>The girls thanked their Captain for the interesting tale and Frances -led in the Scout yell.</p> - -<p>They sang one or two of their favorite songs, as they put out the -fire, and buried the tin cans and refuse they could not burn. Miss -Phillips congratulated them on the appearance of the spot. “A Scout -leaves the place in perfect order after she has camped there,” she said -approvingly.</p> - -<p>It was a happy, weary crowd that trudged into school that night. But -after they had bathed and dressed for dinner they felt better, though, -as Lily remarked, “glad that the next day was Sunday.”</p> - -<p>“And the day after is Monday,” said Marjorie, excitedly—“and we’ll -know our marks!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xvii" id="xvii"></a>CHAPTER XVII<br /> -<span>MARJORIE’S DISAPPOINTMENT</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Morning</span> exercises at Miss Allen’s always began with the singing of a -hymn, followed by reading from the Bible by one of the teachers. No -matter what events were to come after, this custom was never altered.</p> - -<p>Once in two months the students received their reports with due -formality when everyone was in the assembly room. Miss Allen’s -secretary carried the pile of white envelopes on to the platform; -and, after the religious exercises were concluded, the Principal read -the names of the girls in the order of their averages, and they came -forward to receive the reports.</p> - -<p>Up to this time, Marjorie had never been particularly interested in -the ceremony. She always wanted to pass, but she rather regarded -those girls whose marks ranged from eighty to ninety per cent as a -little “queer”; they must be abnormal if they were more interested in -mathematics and Latin than in hockey and cocoa-parties.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span> -But this Monday morning after the Latin test, she felt that she had -never cared about anything so much before as she cared for her term -average. She was so nervous that she could have cried out while the -girls droned through four stanzas of the hymn the music teacher had -selected. She glanced apprehensively at the secretary, but failed to -see the usual pile of white envelopes on the chair beside her; then -resolutely putting her doubts aside, she attempted to join in the -singing.</p> - -<p>Finally it was over; Miss Allen rose and walked to the front of the -platform. But, contrary to her usual custom, the secretary kept her -seat. Something was wrong; Marjorie sensed it even before Miss Allen -began to explain.</p> - -<p>“Girls,” she said slowly, fingering her watch-chain, “I am very sorry -to say that you will not receive your marks until to-morrow. We -received Miss White’s list of Latin test averages only to-day; so, even -though Miss Smith will work on them all day in the office, we can’t -have them ready before late this afternoon. But as soon as she has them -made up, she will give the list of girls eligible for the Scout troop -to Miss Phillips, and perhaps we can announce the new candidates at -dinner to-night. But you may come to assembly to-morrow prepared to -receive your reports.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span> -When Miss Allen stopped speaking, Marjorie discovered that she was -literally shaking all over. “Why, I never cared half so much about -making the sorority,” she said to herself. “I wonder if Ruth felt -that way over it—and Lily, too! Poor girls! I wish I had been more -sympathetic. But I didn’t understand.”</p> - -<p>No day ever seemed so long to Marjorie; but it went all too quickly for -Ruth, who was glad to have the moment postponed when Marjorie learned -of her disappointment. Once or twice she was inclined to regret her -action, and her conscience told her that she had broken the Scout’s -first law—that “her honor is to be trusted;” but she always succeeded -in justifying herself by thinking: “Marjorie was glad I didn’t make the -sorority, and probably would have done the same thing to me if it had -been necessary!” She remembered the house-party, and the dance, and -Marjorie’s indifference during the past months; and she gritted her -teeth, and said she was glad for what she had done.</p> - -<p>She tried to avoid Marjorie, but as so often happens, she met both -Lily and Marjorie in the pool. Miss Phillips was sitting on the bench, -superintending the hour.</p> - -<p>“In about a month,” said Miss Phillips to the girls at the deep end, -“after spring vacation, basket-ball<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span> season starts. And then we play -Miss Martin’s school; and if you girls don’t beat them this time—I -believe I’ll resign!”</p> - -<p>Ruth was sitting on the edge of the diving-board, dangling her feet; -and Lily and Marjorie were making attempts to tread water, but every -few minutes they reached for the side-rail. All the while they were -listening to Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>Marjorie looked frightened. “Oh, don’t do that, Miss Phillips—why, -we’d do anything to prevent that! I do believe the whole school’d turn -out every day to practice, if they thought that would prevent you from -leaving!”</p> - -<p>“Thanks for the compliment,” said Miss Phillips. “But I really do think -the girls have a different spirit now from last fall—not about me, -but athletics and lessons; and it’s all because we have substituted a -splendid, democratic, American organization for that sickly, snobbish, -thing that used to exist—I mean ΦΑΒ—to take the girls’ hearts, and -their time and their money, and give them nothing in return!”</p> - -<p>“In other words,” said Ruth, proudly, “thanks to me!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, thanks to you, Ruth, and to Miss Allen, and to Mrs. Juliette -Lowe—the founder of the Girl Scouts!”</p> - -<p>Noticing that Marjorie had seemed somewhat embarrassed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span> at her -arraignment of the sorority, and was swimming off in the opposite -direction, Miss Phillips added hastily:</p> - -<p>“And we’re all hoping, Marjorie dear, that by this time to-morrow night -you’ll be among the candidates. I’m only waiting for the list now.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie flushed with pleasure. It was something to be called “dear” by -Miss Phillips even if she never made the troop.</p> - -<p>“Marjorie’s going to make it,” said Lily. “Why, with the way she’s -studied, she couldn’t help it.”</p> - -<p>Before the teacher could say anything further, a messenger from the -office entered and handed her an envelope. Glancing hastily at its -contents, she rose, and issued the command: “All out of the pool!” and -stood until the girls had filed out; then she extinguished the light, -and went into her office.</p> - -<p>“And in five minutes she will know my fate,” whispered Marjorie to -Lily, as the girls opened their lockers.</p> - -<p>Everybody was in high spirits at dinner that evening; the girls were -happy with expectation. And this feeling was greatly increased when -Miss White entered in the middle of the meal with her coat and hat on, -and showed plainly by her happy smile that everything was right at home.</p> - -<p>It was indeed a fitting time for Miss Allen to inform<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span> the lucky -candidates of their election to the Girl Scout troop.</p> - -<p>“Before I announce the names of the new candidates,” she said, “let me -tell you that Miss Martin’s school is watching our Girl Scout troop -carefully, and from our success will decide whether or not to start -one of their own next year! It is a big responsibility, girls! I would -like every student in my school to be a scout, if she would try to live -up to the pledge and laws; but at the same time, I want to keep the -standard very high. So we are going slowly.</p> - -<p>“I am glad to announce to-night that eight girls—another whole -patrol—have qualified; and as I read the names I would like the girls -to stand.</p> - -<p>“Senior—Lucy Graham.</p> - -<p>“Juniors—Elsie Lorimer, Emily Rankin, Mary Ridgeway.</p> - -<p>“Sophomores—Vivien VanSciver, Ada Mearns.</p> - -<p>“Freshmen—Anna Cane, Doris Sands.”</p> - -<p>Everybody clapped except Marjorie. She sat perfectly still. The room -seemed to go around and around; and she thought she was going to faint.</p> - -<p>The girls all got up and pressed over to their friends to congratulate -them. Somehow Marjorie realized that she should not sit any longer, and -she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> stood up. But in a second Lily was by her side, her arm linked in -hers.</p> - -<p>“Come on out,” she said. “Don’t worry, Marj—surely there has been a -mistake! Wait till you get your report.”</p> - -<p>She literally led Marjorie to their room. When they reached it, and -Lily had closed the door, the unhappy girl threw herself on her cot, -weeping. Lily was unable to console her.</p> - -<p>“It’s no use,” sobbed Marjorie. “I have failed in my Latin. I guess -I tried too hard; I must have been nervous, and put down the wrong -things.” She hid her face in the pillow.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes, a knock sounded at the door, and Lily opened it, -preparing to say that Marjorie had a headache, and to ask the guest to -call again. But it was Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“Come in,” said Lily quietly. Approaching her room-mate’s cot, she -leaned over and said, “It’s Miss Phillips, Marjorie, to see you. Please -excuse me,” she added discreetly, “I must go to the library.”</p> - -<p>The next half-hour was one of those short but important times that -always stood out in Marjorie’s memory. Miss Phillips sat down beside -her, and taking her hand, told her it was not a mistake—that her Latin -mark was so low that she had all but failed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span> And then she related an -instance in her own life, when she had wanted so much to succeed in an -undertaking—it was the passing of a physical training exam;—she had -failed, and her money had given out; she had been forced to give up her -plans and go to work in an office.</p> - -<p>“But it was my Sunday-School teacher,” she said, “who made me hold on -to my ideal, and succeed at last; and I guess I was better equipped in -the end.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie seemed calmer now, so Miss Phillips continued in her soft -voice:</p> - -<p>“I shall never forget that poem of Edwin Markam’s—do you know his -work, Marjorie?—that my teacher read to me at the time:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"> -<div class="line outdent">“‘Defeat may serve as well as victory</div> -<div class="line">To shake the soul and let the glory out.</div> -<div class="line">When the great oak is straining in the wind,</div> -<div class="line">The boughs drink in new beauty, and the trunk</div> -<div class="line">Sends down a deeper root on the windward side.</div> -<div class="line">Only the soul that knows the mighty grief</div> -<div class="line">Can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come</div> -<div class="line">To stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.’</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>“And I believe sometimes that defeat is just the thing we need.”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips talked a long time with Marjorie,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span> and held before her a -new race to pursue; so that when Lily came back from the library and -the teacher rose to go, Marjorie seemed quite happy, and promised to -try again.</p> - -<p>The next day she received her report with sixty-six in Latin; but she -never saw her paper, for Miss White had burned it with the others after -she had copied the marks and sent them to Miss Allen.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xviii" id="xviii"></a>CHAPTER XVIII<br /> -<span>THE SECOND-CLASS TEST</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> new Scout candidates soon passed their Tenderfoot test, and -registered at National Headquarters as regular members of Pansy troop. -Lucy Graham, the senior, was elected patrol leader of the new patrol, -and Doris Sands received the office of corporal.</p> - -<p>The last meeting before spring vacation was held. After the usual -preliminary business had been concluded, Captain Phillips said that she -had several interesting announcements to make.</p> - -<p>“To-morrow,” she said, “instead of our usual outing, we are going -down in the village to Mrs. Burd’s house to cook our own supper. You -know every girl has to cook something satisfactorily as a part of -her second-class test; and I wasn’t quite sure how to give you the -opportunity, when my friend Mrs. Burd came to the rescue, and offered -us her kitchen for to-morrow night, while she and the rest of her -family are away.</p> - -<p>“Now,” she continued, after the girls had discussed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span> her proposition -for several minutes, “I have something to tell you that I know will -interest you all. I have chosen the play we are going to give after -spring vacation!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, what is it?” cried Ruth informally, forgetting the usual ceremony -of address.</p> - -<p>But Miss Phillips did not notice the departure from discipline. Perhaps -too, she was too much interested in her subject to be aware of it.</p> - -<p>“‘Everygirl,’” she replied, holding up a copy of the play. “I think you -are going to like it; and if you do well with it, it will surely bring -credit to the whole school!”</p> - -<p>She opened the pamphlet she was holding, and read off a list of -symbolic characters. “Of course the play is an allegory; ‘Everygirl’ -just represents any girl, who meets with good and evil, and who has to -choose her companions and her course through life. There are a good -many parts to the play, so I hope you will all be able to be in it. Of -course, the main part is that of Everygirl, the heroine.”</p> - -<p>“Captain,” said Frances, rising and saluting, “please tell me how you -are going to select the girls for the parts, and whether we shall be -able to study them over spring vacation.”</p> - -<p>“I am going to select the characters at a try-out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span> to-morrow afternoon; -so will everybody please come to the Gym right after lunch?”</p> - -<p>“I used to be in plays at home,” remarked Ruth. “I suppose that will -help, won’t it?”</p> - -<p>“We’ll see to-morrow,” replied Miss Phillips. “Now, one thing more -before we take our second-class tests: I want to arrange about our -cabin party with the Boy Scouts. School reopens April fifteenth, which -is on Wednesday; so all the Girl Scouts are to come back here on -Tuesday morning. Get here before twelve o’clock. The housekeeper, Mrs. -Rock, is going to give us a light lunch, and we are to change into our -scout uniforms, take a trolley to Bear’s Hill and hike to the cabin. -Each girl is to bring her own mess-kit, and wear warm clothes; the Boy -Scouts prepare the rest.”</p> - -<p>Ruth’s eyes danced. “How many Boy Scouts are there?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“I think they have a full troop—four patrols—thirty-two boys—but -they are going to take only the sixteen with the highest standing. -Their Scoutmaster, Mr. Remington, told me all the boys were crazy to -go; but he didn’t want their numbers to overwhelm us. Now, girls, -unless there are some important questions, we will not talk about these -things any longer, but will prepare to take the written part of the -second-class test. And before I forget<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span> it, will you bring your samples -of sewing, crocheting, and knitting over to the Gym to-morrow afternoon -for me to examine. Then after supper to-morrow night, I ought to be -able to announce the names of the girls who have passed the test.”</p> - -<p>Ethel arose excitedly. “Captain,” she said, “the handbook says we need -submit <em>either</em> knitting <em>or</em> crocheting; so we don’t have to bring -both, do we?”</p> - -<p>“Scout Todd,” answered Miss Phillips, “if you remember correctly, I -announced several months ago, that no girl in Pansy troop could become -a second-class scout without submitting samples of <em>both</em> knitting and -crocheting. You all know our standards are very high, and Miss Allen -and I both agreed that in all the cases where the handbook gave a -choice of two alternatives, we would require both. It is entirely fair, -because it is the same for everybody. Do you understand?”</p> - -<p>Ruth sat perfectly still; but she saw her hopes of wearing the green -clover badge home at vacation fading, for though she knit splendidly, -she had never done a stitch of crocheting in her life.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips distributed the paper, and the girls gave their attention -to the written part of the test.</p> - -<p>As they were getting ready for lunch the next day, Ethel asked Ruth -whether she could crochet.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Ruth, after a slight hesitation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span> -“And have you something ready to take this afternoon?”</p> - -<p>Ruth opened her drawer, and took out a square of filet. “I haven’t done -much of it, but I guess it’s enough to show Captain Phillips what I can -do!”</p> - -<p>“How pretty,” said Ethel admiringly. “Oh, Ruth, couldn’t you teach me; -I do so want to get that second-class badge!”</p> - -<p>“I’d love to,” replied Ruth; “but I can’t before to-night, because it’s -pretty hard to learn, and I want to practice for the play. I think I -stand <em>some</em> chance of getting the heroine’s part, if I read it over -several times. But I wouldn’t if Marj Wilkinson were in the troop. -She’s a peach at dramatics!”</p> - -<p>Ethel was disappointed, but decided to wait until spring vacation -to learn. She was not, however, the only girl to fail to win the -second-class badge for this reason. When the scouts met a few hours -later in the Gym, it transpired that Ruth and two others were the only -ones to produce samples of their work.</p> - -<p>“May I have my crocheting back as soon as you have inspected it, -Captain?” asked Ruth. “I want to work on it.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” replied Miss Phillips, “you can have it now, for that -matter.”</p> - -<p>The try-outs for the play lasted all afternoon;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span> after each girl read a -number of different parts, Miss Phillips excused them; but most of the -girls preferred to wait to hear the results of the Captain’s decisions. -Finally, a little before five o’clock, she read the characters as she -had selected them, and Ruth was disappointed to hear that Helen Stewart -was awarded the part of “Everygirl.” Her companions crowded around her -with congratulations; and Ruth, who had resolutely put her own feelings -aside, remembering that “a scout is cheerful,” was among them.</p> - -<p>In less than half an hour’s time, the girls re-assembled to accompany -Miss Phillips to Mrs. Burd’s home. They found it charming, just the -sort of house a girl dreams of having some day—with everything bright, -and shining, and new. The kitchen was small, but several of the girls -took their work into the shed or the dining-room, so that all of the -sixteen scouts were never in it at once.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips had very cleverly prepared a menu that required many -extras; there was soup, two vegetables, cream sauce and gravy, salad, -salad-dressing, muffins, cocoa, and dessert; so that all the girls had -the opportunity to show their skill in cooking. Miss Phillips directed -the work, which was fortunate for such inexperienced cooks, and -everything<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span> turned out splendidly. The dinner was a great success.</p> - -<p>As soon as the soup was on the table, the girls took off their aprons -and sat down; each course was served by the girls who had prepared it. -The appetizing smell of the food, and the excitement of the experiment, -made them all hungry; they laughed and chatted gaily as they ate, their -flushed faces testifying the joy of their success.</p> - -<p>When dessert had been served, Miss Phillips said, “I certainly want to -congratulate you all on your splendid dinner. I can see already that no -man who marries a Girl Scout of Pansy troop ever need worry about his -future happiness.”</p> - -<p>The girls laughed, and Ethel looked significantly at Doris, as if to -indicate that she would probably be the first to have the chance to -prove this fact.</p> - -<p>“I wish I could pass you all on <em>every</em> part of your second-class -test,” continued Miss Phillips, “as easily as I can on your cooking. -But unfortunately, I can award only three green clovers to-night: to -Helen Stewart, Ruth Henry, and Doris Sands!”</p> - -<p>She paused while the girls clapped. Producing three badges from the -pocket of her uniform, she requested the three girls to stand up.</p> - -<p>“We will have the formal ceremony the first Friday after spring -vacation; but I know that you girls<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> are anxious to wear your badges -at the cabin party, so I am going to give them to you now. Sew them on -your left sleeve,” she concluded.</p> - -<p>After the dishes had been cleared away, and the dining-room and kitchen -made spotless, the girls sang some songs around the piano in the -living-room, and then proceeded to get ready to go back to the school.</p> - -<p>“The plays will be here by Monday,” said Miss Phillips, as she bade the -girls good night. “Be sure to get your copies to take home with you.”</p> - -<p>The next morning Ruth told Ethel that she had a headache, and intended -to ask for permission to stay away from church.</p> - -<p>“Too much party, I guess,” said Ethel, as she put on her hat. “You -better lie down till noon!”</p> - -<p>But it was not the result of the party that was keeping Ruth at home; -she had an important errand to perform, for which she needed the -desertion of Sunday morning.</p> - -<p>She waited until all was quiet in the hall; then taking a small article -out of her bureau drawer, she walked quickly over to Marjorie’s room. -She was so sure that the latter would be at church, that she opened the -door without knocking. To her great surprise, Marjorie suddenly sat up -in bed.</p> - -<p>“Hullo, Ruth!” she exclaimed. “What time is it?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> I guess I must have -overslept! Lily went over to stay all night with Helen Stewart, so I -hadn’t anybody to waken me.”</p> - -<p>Ruth was extremely taken back by Marjorie’s presence, but concealed -her embarrassment, and took advantage of the other girl’s sleepiness -to drop, unnoticed, the article she held in her hand behind one of the -pillows on Lily’s cot.</p> - -<p>“It’s after eleven o’clock! You’ll never make church now!” she said.</p> - -<p>“Eleven o’clock!” cried Marjorie, jumping out of bed. “Oh, my goodness, -another unexcused absence!”</p> - -<p>“Marj,” said Ruth slowly, “can I borrow your ‘Tales from Shakespeare’? -I got permission to stay home for a headache; but I’m better now, and I -want to look up something.”</p> - -<p>“Surely—it’s down on the bottom shelf. You don’t mind if I hurry?”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed; I have to go anyhow. Good luck to you! Good-bye!”</p> - -<p>When Marjorie and Lily returned together from church at noon, the -first thing that struck Lily’s eye after she sat down on her cot was -Marjorie’s lost crocheting.</p> - -<p>“Here’s your square of filet, Marj!” she exclaimed, picking up the -piece. “It was behind the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> pillow! I wonder how long it’s been -there—and we never saw it!”</p> - -<p>“But I did look there, before,” protested Marjorie. “Anyway,” she -added, putting it into her work bag, “I’m glad to have it to take home -with me.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xix" id="xix"></a>CHAPTER XIX<br /> -<span>THE BOY SCOUTS ENTERTAIN</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the girls were ready to take the train which was to carry them -home for the spring holidays, it was Ruth who desired to avoid -Marjorie’s company. But she was not so successful as the latter had -been on their last journey; probably this was due to the fact that she -was not foresighted enough to secure an early dismissal.</p> - -<p>The girls boarded the train together; but Marjorie sat with Lily as far -as the Junction. When, however, the time to change trains arrived, Ruth -found herself alone on the station platform with Marjorie. There was -nothing to do but be sociable; besides, Marjorie must not suspect that -anything had happened in their relationship to alter their friendliness.</p> - -<p>The coach they entered was comparatively empty; Marjorie chose a seat -by the window, and Ruth sat down beside her.</p> - -<p>“I believe I’ll do my crocheting,” said Marjorie, opening her velvet -hand-bag, and taking out a square<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span> of filet that was all too familiar -to Ruth. “I lost it last week behind Lily’s cot, and I haven’t done -nearly so much as I wanted to. I’m making a camisole top for Miss -Phillips for her birthday; do you think she’ll like it?”</p> - -<p>Ruth’s face became scarlet. Fortunately for her, the other girl was too -busy with her work to notice. She leaned over, and pretended to button -her spat.</p> - -<p>“Yes, it’s lovely, Marj,” she replied. “When is her birthday?”</p> - -<p>“It’s the sixteenth of April; I want to give it to her the day we get -back. Would you buy the silk and make it up, or give it to her just as -it is?”</p> - -<p>The girls discussed the matter, and Ruth suggested a way of making it.</p> - -<p>“If I come over next week,” asked Ruth, “will you show me that pattern? -I’d like to make it for mother.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly; I never knew you could crochet till Lily told me you -and Helen and Doris were the only ones in the troop who won their -second-class badges on that account.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Ruth, quite composed by now, “I learned the last time I -was home. You see I didn’t have any house-party to keep me busy, so I -thought I might as well do something useful!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> -The conversation drifted to swimming, and basket-ball, and finally to -the Girl Scout troop. Ruth could not refrain from telling Marjorie all -about the good times that were in store for her.</p> - -<p>“But maybe you’ll be a scout before the play comes off, Marj,” she -suggested.</p> - -<p>“How many more times do you think the troop will take in new members -this year?”</p> - -<p>“Only once, I guess—but then I’m not sure. But of course nobody can go -camping who isn’t at least a second-class scout.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t worry about that! If I ever get in, I won’t stop till I’m a -<em>first</em>-class scout!” said Marjorie emphatically.</p> - -<p>“It would be fun to race to see who won it first, if you were only in -the troop,” observed Ruth.</p> - -<p>Marjorie folded up her crocheting and looked dismally out of the -window. “Sometimes I think I’ll never make it; I don’t know how to work -any harder than I did for that last Latin test.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I guess you must have been nervous. I’ll bet you know as much as I -do now about prose composition. But you simply lost your head.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe I did.”</p> - -<p>“Be a sport, and try again—get Jack to help you; he ought to be able -to, he’s a year ahead of you.”</p> - -<p>“Here we are at last!” cried Marjorie, jumping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> up and reaching for her -bag. “And here are our families to meet us!”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Wilkinson was obviously glad to see the girls together again; and -Mrs. Henry tried to conceal the feeling of pride she experienced at the -thought of her own daughter’s success compared with the other girl’s -failure.</p> - -<p>“A good deal has happened since Christmas, hasn’t it, Marjorie?” said -Mrs. Wilkinson, after they were comfortably seated in the machine.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Marjorie, “I’m no longer a sorority girl.”</p> - -<p>“So I understand—but are you a Girl Scout?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet; my Latin——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I know; you’ll surely be able to pull that up soon if——”</p> - -<p>“Did Ruth make the troop?” interrupted Jack.</p> - -<p>“Yes; she’s a second-class scout already.”</p> - -<p>“Good for her!” said Jack. “I got my pin on Friday night,” he added -proudly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Jack, I’m so glad! Did Roger make it, too?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—we’re both in the troop now.”</p> - -<p>“So is Doris,” laughed Marjorie.</p> - -<p>The holidays passed rather quietly for Marjorie; she studied from a -Latin book she had brought home with her, and worked on her crochet. -True to her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> promise, Ruth came over to copy her pattern, and proved -her ability in the new accomplishment.</p> - -<p>Ruth and Jack discussed the party at the cabin; but Jack regretted -that both he and Roger were too new to be included among the lucky -participants.</p> - -<p>It was with a very heavy heart that Marjorie watched Ruth pass her -house the Tuesday before school re-opened, bound for the cabin party of -the scouts. Jack rushed out to carry her suitcase to the station; and -Marjorie wiped away a tear as she turned again to her Latin grammar.</p> - -<p>The Girl Scouts met in the dining-room, and made a pretence at eating -the lunch Mrs. Rock had provided. But they were all too impatient to -get started to care to waste any unnecessary time; so after fifteen -minutes had elapsed, Miss Phillips announced her intention of starting.</p> - -<p>When the girls got off the trolley at the foot of Bear’s Hill, they -found two of the Boy Scouts waiting for them. As they came forward, the -girls of the first patrol identified them as David Conner and Russell -Henderson.</p> - -<p>After the usual ceremony of greeting, David said:</p> - -<p>“Our boys have laid a trail for you to follow; if you don’t miss any of -the signals, we ought to reach the cabin in fifteen minutes’ time!”</p> - -<p>The girls were glad of their former experience in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span> following a trail, -and succeeded in discovering all the signs and keeping on the path -indicated. Once or twice they found little notes of direction; but -aside from these, the signals were identical with those Miss Phillips -had taught them.</p> - -<p>Part of the way, David walked with Ethel. “Isn’t Miss Wilkinson a scout -yet?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Ethel; “she lost out again!”</p> - -<p>“Somebody’s going to be disappointed,” remarked David, beginning to -whistle.</p> - -<p>“Somebody else I know never gets left when there’s a girl around!” -exclaimed a voice behind them, which David identified as Russell’s -without looking around.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes, the party came in sight of the cabin. Before they -could distinguish it from the trees that surrounded it, they saw two -red and white flags sending a message of “Welcome Girl Scouts!”</p> - -<p>“Hadley’s on the job, as usual,” muttered Russell, as the girls who -knew the code interpreted the message to the others.</p> - -<p>The cabin was built of logs, and surrounded by tall trees. The brush -had been cleared away, leaving an open space in front large enough for -the scouts to build an oven, and to arrange an out-door eating place. -The spring ran below the cabin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span> -The other boys who had visited Miss Allen’s came forward and greeted -the girls, and introduced the rest of the scouts and Mr. Remington, the -Scoutmaster. Several of the boys conducted their guests to the inside -of the cabin, where they removed their heavier wraps.</p> - -<p>The interior of the cabin, which had a stone fireplace and a wooden -floor, was fixed up attractively with box furniture made by the boys -themselves. Several shelves in one corner held the supplies.</p> - -<p>“It’s lovely!” exclaimed Ethel enthusiastically, as she sat down on the -bench in front of the fireplace.</p> - -<p>“Where do you sleep?” asked Lily, with a puzzled look. “Surely sixteen -boys couldn’t all find room on the floor!”</p> - -<p>“We sleep in tents, when we stay here all night,” said John. “Except, -of course, when a candidate is sent out here on probation; then he -sleeps on that cot!”</p> - -<p>Mr. Remington appeared at the doorway. “As soon as you get rested, we -want to play some scout games,” he said.</p> - -<p>All the scouts, except the squad who were preparing the dinner, played -games until almost dusk; then a whistle signal sounded which John -interpreted as “get ready for mess,” and the girls followed Miss<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span> -Phillips to the stream to wash and make themselves presentable for -supper.</p> - -<p>The supper was a splendid one—much more pretentious than that which -represented the girls’ usual idea of a camp mess. There was broiled -steak, baked potatoes, baked beans, cocoa, rolls, and chocolate cake.</p> - -<p>“I never knew boys could cook like this!” said Frances. “Why, it’s -wonderful!”</p> - -<p>The girls wanted to help clear things away, but their offer was -refused. Two or three of the boys built up the fire, and in a few -minutes everyone was grouped around it, singing and talking.</p> - -<p>John Hadley came over and sat beside Doris.</p> - -<p>“It’s too bad Roger couldn’t be here to-night,” he said, “but you see -he’s one of the newer members of the troop. I daresay you’ll see him at -the next party.”</p> - -<p>Doris laughed gaily. “Don’t worry about me, Mr. Hadley,” she said. “I’m -having a wonderful time.”</p> - -<p>But with her naturally sympathetic disposition, she was quick to -realize that John was not so happy, and she tactfully turned the -conversation in the direction in which he was interested—namely, to -Marjorie. She explained as well as she could about Marjorie’s failure; -but as she never had been able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span> to understand it herself, she was not -very successful in convincing John of the cause.</p> - -<p>About eight o’clock, Mr. Remington called for “stunts,” and started by -telling a funny story himself; Miss Phillips followed with a negro song -in dialect; Ruth and Ethel gave a dialogue; and several of the boys -performed gymnastic feats.</p> - -<p>At nine o’clock, Miss Phillips reluctantly rose to go. She thanked the -boys and invited them to the play. “And some day,” she added, “we want -to entertain you.”</p> - -<p>“Our boys wish to offer the Girl Scouts of Pansy troop the use of our -cabin and its equipment for a week this summer,” said Mr. Remington, -after he had acknowledged Miss Phillips’s invitations.</p> - -<p>The girls all clapped; it seemed too wonderful to be true.</p> - -<p>“The nicest time I ever had in my life!” said Lily, as they were riding -home on the trolley. But she added the phrase which Ruth had come to -hate: “If only Marjorie could have come along!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xx" id="xx"></a>CHAPTER XX<br /> -<span>MARJORIE’S SUSPICIONS</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the scouts reached the school, they found a number of the other -girls back from their holidays. But the halls seemed strangely quiet -and deserted; and when Lily reached her room, she was overcome by a -feeling of loneliness.</p> - -<p>“I wish Marjorie were here,” she thought. “I’d love to tell her all -about the party, and John’s disappointment at not seeing her.”</p> - -<p>And then she began to wonder how it would feel to have a boy really -crazy about her; she had always been too fat and unattractive to make -many friends among the opposite sex; and being an only child, without -any brothers to introduce other boys to her, she always spent much of -her holidays alone. And, for the first time in her life, she realized -what she had missed; she felt that other girls were enjoying privileges -that she had never known. She had scarcely spoken more than six words -to any boy at the party, and yet she noticed Doris and Ruth chatting -and laughing with almost all the boys as if they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span> had known them -all their lives. What was the secret? Marjorie must know; she had a -brother—she would be able to tell her what interested them.</p> - -<p>Marjorie did not return to the school until the next morning, just in -time for opening assembly. Lily did not, therefore, have a chance to -talk with her until lunch, and then she suddenly discovered that she -was too shy, or perhaps too proud, to ask such a question.</p> - -<p>“I thought you’d be back yesterday,” she said, as she was getting ready -for lunch.</p> - -<p>“I would have, only I knew all my friends would be away at the party,” -said Marjorie. “Besides, I wanted to finish Miss Phillips’s camisole.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, let me see it,” cried Lily. “When will you give it to her?”</p> - -<p>“To-morrow morning, I guess, before breakfast, if I can catch her in -time. I would like to wish her a happy birthday the very first thing!”</p> - -<p>The girls linked arms, and went into the dining-room together, glad of -the opportunity to talk with each other again. Ethel Todd, who sat at -the same table with them, leaned towards Marjorie. Lowering her voice, -and glancing in the direction of Miss Phillips’s table, she said:</p> - -<p>“The scouts are going to give Miss Phillips a surprise party to-morrow -night, in honor of her birthday;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span> and, Marj, we want you in it, too. -We got permission from Miss Allen. Meet at half-past eight in our -room. You can bring a birthday present if you want, but you don’t have -to. Then we’re all going over and sing a little song Frances wrote in -her honor—a parody on ‘Perfect Day’—and go into her room with our -presents and refreshments. Ruth and Doris are buying everything; the -tax will be about a quarter apiece. You’re both in for it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed!” answered Lily.</p> - -<p>Marjorie hesitated. “I’d love to,” she said, “but it doesn’t seem -exactly right. I’m not a Girl Scout!”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed Ethel. “If there is anything that isn’t right -about it, it’s that you aren’t a Girl Scout. I’d like to have seen that -Latin paper! I’ll bet Miss White was all fussed about her mother being -sick, and marked it wrong, or else got it mixed up with some other -girl’s paper!”</p> - -<p>“You know I have sometimes wondered about that myself,” said Marjorie. -“And especially since I went over the past lessons during spring -vacation. I can’t remember putting the wrong things down. But it is too -late now, of course, even if there had been a mistake.”</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you ask for another test?” asked Ethel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> -“Oh, I couldn’t do that! I’ll just have to wait till the end of the -year now.”</p> - -<p>“And lose out on the camping trip!” exclaimed Lily resentfully. “It -just doesn’t seem fair!”</p> - -<p>“Well, go to the party anyway,” pleaded Ethel; “thank goodness, Latin -can’t keep you away from that!”</p> - -<p>The girls had difficulty in keeping their secret from Miss Phillips, -but with a great deal of effort, they managed to do it. It was -fortunate, however, that there was no scout meeting before the event, -or somebody would have been sure to give the plan away. But, as it was, -she was completely surprised.</p> - -<p>She was sitting alone at her desk writing a letter, when, as the scouts -had arranged, one of the maids knocked at her door and handed her a -box. Miss Phillips wrinkled her brows. “Who sent it?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“Some friends who would like to come in to see you,” she answered. -“What shall I tell them?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be delighted, of course. Are they some of my girls?”</p> - -<p>At this moment, the girls jumped out from around the corridor and -rushed up to Miss Phillips, congratulating her and wishing her many -happy returns of the day. While she untied the box, Ethel closed the -door, and Frances led in the parody of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> the song, which the girls sang -softly, but distinctly.</p> - -<p>“Roses!” exclaimed Miss Phillips, lifting them out of the box. “My -favorite flowers!”</p> - -<p>After the girls had seated themselves, Miss Phillips was handed her -presents. She received candy, gloves, handkerchiefs, and fancy collars. -Noticing the particular package which Marjorie had given her, she left -it till last to open.</p> - -<p>“Just what I wanted!” she said, delighted, as she examined the camisole -closely. “Did you do all that for me?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie nodded, and Ruth began to look after the refreshments, in -order to hide her embarrassment.</p> - -<p>“That certainly is a pretty pattern,” continued Miss Phillips. “Why, I -believe it is the same one Ruth has been making, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p>Ruth flushed, but answered unconcernedly, “Yes, I am making a -night-gown yoke for mother. Marjorie let me copy it.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I remember, that was the piece I examined for your second-class -test.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie opened her mouth in speechless amazement. What did all this -mean? Ruth had only begun this pattern while she was at home for the -holidays—and yet she had passed the test several days before she -left! She glanced at Ruth, who was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> handing around the cake in a most -indifferent manner. There must be some mistake—Miss Phillips must have -forgotten.</p> - -<p>After the girls had eaten, they sang once more the song to Miss -Phillips, and went out quietly.</p> - -<p>When Marjorie reached her room, she asked as casually as she could, “Do -you remember when I first missed my crocheting, Lily?”</p> - -<p>Lily tried to think. “It must have been Saturday before we went home, -Marj; for you were doing it Friday night while we were at scout -meeting. Why?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, nothing—I just wondered. And you found it Sunday, didn’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, when we came home from church. Aren’t you glad, though? I think -Miss Phillips liked your present best of all, Marj!”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Lily,” said Marjorie absently. But over and over in her -mind she repeated:</p> - -<p>“And a Girl Scout’s honor is to be trusted!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxi" id="xxi"></a>CHAPTER XXI<br /> -<span>THE BASKET-BALL GAME</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is natural for the younger girls of a school to look up to those -in the upper classes—for the freshmen to make one of the juniors or -seniors her ideal; and it is likewise usual to find the younger girl -admiring the older boys she happens to meet. Partly for this reason, -perhaps, and partly because he was both genial and attractive, Ruth -conceived a violent admiration for John Hadley. She had considered him -the best-looking scout at the demonstration in January; now, after -the party at the cabin, she admitted to herself that she was really -“crazy about him.” True, she had not seen much of him at the party, -for he sat beside Doris after the games were over; but she knew that -Doris was pretty well smitten with Roger Harris, and did not allow -the possibility of her interference to worry her. She had never heard -Marjorie speak of him, and she had no idea that his interest lay in -that direction.</p> - -<p>She knew that this year was John’s last at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> academy, so she planned -to see more of him before it was too late.</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you ask Jack to go over to Miss Martin’s to our basket-ball -game with them, and take some of his friends?” asked Ruth of Marjorie, -a week before the date for which the event was scheduled. “Miss Allen -said the boys would be allowed to attend.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I don’t know; I’ve been too busy to think about it!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie, because she was both tall and quick, had been chosen for the -position of jumping-center on the school team. She had been going out -regularly to the practices in the field (the girls at Miss Allen’s -played out-door basket-ball), and she was in splendid trim for the -game. Her cheeks glowed and her eyes sparkled while she played; had -she been a vain girl, she would have realized that under no other -circumstance could she appear so attractive.</p> - -<p>“Go on—write to Jack!” pleaded Ruth. “Why, he’d love to see you play. -Ask him to bring some of the other scouts!”</p> - -<p>“But I wouldn’t be able to look after them! I’m in the game!”</p> - -<p>“Of course—that’s why he ought to be allowed to come. I’ll entertain -them, and ask Doris to help.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span> -“All right,” agreed Marjorie. “Who else shall I suggest?”</p> - -<p>“Roger Harris, of course, for Doris, and anybody else. How about the -senior patrol leader—what was his name?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie blushed. “John Hadley?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; why not?”</p> - -<p>“All right; but I guess I’ll tell Jack to take whoever he wants.”</p> - -<p>The game was scheduled for the second Saturday in May. All of the girls -on the team, except Marjorie, were Girl Scouts—Ethel Todd and Edith -Evans played forward, Ada Mearns and Dorothy Maxwell were the guards, -and Frances Wright acted as side center. Incidentally, Marjorie was the -only freshman on the team, although one other girl of her own class -served as a substitute.</p> - -<p>Jack accepted his sister’s suggestion gladly; he wrote that he would -arrive at Miss Martin’s school with John and Roger immediately after -lunch.</p> - -<p>Marjorie took the letter to Ruth. “It’s your party,” she said. “I won’t -even be able to meet them. Miss Phillips is going to take us over early -to get a chance to try the field; and then Miss Martin’s team is giving -us a special lunch in their gym.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” agreed Ruth; “I’ll look after them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> By the way, is there -any girl Jack specially likes, so I could invite her to go with Doris -and me?”</p> - -<p>Marjorie laughed. “I think he always ‘specially liked’ you, Ruth!”</p> - -<p>“No, I mean somebody else. He met some of the girls at your dance.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie tried to think. Finally she shook her head.</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid there isn’t, Ruth; ask whoever else you please to sit with -you. All I know is, I can’t!”</p> - -<p>Ruth decided to ask Evelyn Hopkins. The latter had not made the Girl -Scout troop; and in fact she had been left out of almost everything -lately. Ruth felt sorry for her, and hoped by this invitation to make -up for neglecting her during the past month or two.</p> - -<p>Miss Martin sent over the request that the Girl Scouts wear their -uniforms. Ruth was somewhat annoyed at the idea. “Who wants to dress -up in a hot khaki suit this time of year?” she complained. But Miss -Phillips had issued the order, and all the scouts had to obey.</p> - -<p>Ruth, Doris, and Evelyn got permission to leave the rest of the -students while they went in search of the boys. They met them at the -gate, and Ruth introduced Evelyn.</p> - -<p>Ruth had tried to arrange matters so that Jack<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> would walk with Evelyn, -and Roger with Doris, so that John Hadley would be left to accompany -her. But her plans went wrong. John immediately attached himself to -Doris, who had started on with Roger, so Evelyn and Ruth were both -forced to walk with Jack.</p> - -<p>When the party reached the basket-ball field, Ruth decided to take -matters in her own hands.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hadley,” she said, laughing, “I am afraid I shall have to scold -you. Can’t you see that Roger and Doris want to be together?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I beg their pardon!” said John apologetically. “I really forgot.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed Doris. “Please don’t be silly!”</p> - -<p>But they discovered that they could not all sit together, and Ruth saw -to it that Doris and Roger took the seats ahead, and she and Evelyn sat -between Jack and John. She smiled happily. At last she was with <em>him</em>.</p> - -<p>All the Girl Scouts except Ruth and Doris, and those taking part in -the game, occupied a bench together; in their neat, trim uniforms they -presented an attractive appearance. John remarked about it, and Ruth -saw him looking closely at the girls.</p> - -<p>“Is Marjorie Wilkinson a member of the troop now?” he asked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> -Ruth laughed. “No, poor girl, she isn’t! It’s a shame, too, for she -tries so hard. But she’s hopeless in Latin!”</p> - -<p>John sighed, thinking of his remaining month at Episcopal. “I’ll never -see her again,” he kept thinking to himself, “unless I suddenly develop -a violent friendship with Jack!”</p> - -<p>The referee blew the whistle and the contestants appeared. The forwards -grouped themselves around the baskets, and practiced throwing for -goals; the rest of the girls gathered in separate spots to go over a -few last points.</p> - -<p>Marjorie realized that she was a different girl from the one who had -played forward on the hockey-team last fall. She came to this game with -Miss Martin’s in perfect physical condition, and with the consciousness -of good practices behind her. And, added to this, she felt a new love -for Miss Phillips; she knew how much her teacher cared for the victory, -and she meant to do all in her power to win it.</p> - -<p>John regarded her all the while intently; he scarcely listened to the -conversation Ruth and Evelyn were holding with Jack.</p> - -<p>In a few moments the game started. Marjorie had the advantage of being -taller than the opposing center; besides this, she had arranged for -signals with Frances and her forwards, so that her efforts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> in getting -the ball to her team immediately after the toss-up were almost always -successful.</p> - -<p>With this advantage, the audience thought the game was going to prove -to be a walk-over for Miss Allen’s team. But such was not the case. The -guards who played against Ethel and Edith were splendid; they succeeded -in keeping the forwards from scoring for nearly five minutes, at the -end of which time they finally sent the ball to the other end of the -field.</p> - -<p>But if the guards on Miss Martin’s team had been good, those on Miss -Allen’s proved equally efficient. Again, these forwards were powerless. -The only real chance that was given to Miss Martin’s side to score -was when Dorothy Maxwell made a foul, and gave the forward a free -throw; but the girl missed the basket, the whistle blew, and the score -remained 0–0.</p> - -<p>During the intermission, the spectators cheered loudly for both sides, -and the Gym teachers encouraged and coached their girls. Each team went -back to the field with the grim determination to win.</p> - -<p>The forwards put even more energy into their playing; but the guards -on both sides opposed them the more zealously. During the first ten -minutes each side threw a successful foul, so that the score now stood -at one all.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> -When Marjorie realized that the time was almost up, she grew desperate. -Giving Frances a new signal, which she had agreed to use only in -case of the greatest necessity, she made a quick dodge away from the -opposing center, and, at the very edge of the line, made a wild throw -at the goal. But she missed it, and stepped slightly over the line; the -referee called a foul, and Miss Martin’s girls scored a point on the -ensuing free throw. The home team was ahead. A wild shout arose from -the enthusiastic spectators.</p> - -<p>But Marjorie was not to be daunted by one failure; her forwards had -proved themselves unable to dodge their guards and score; she would try -a second time. Accordingly, she gave the same signal to Frances again, -and, quick as a flash, leapt away from her opponent. Keeping her eye on -the line that she might not overstep it, she made another flying shot. -The ball sped high over the heads <a name="of" id="of"></a><ins title="Original has 'of of'">of</ins> the girls who rushed -to defend the basket; for an instant a hush came over the field as -<a name="perfect-shot" id="perfect-shot"></a>all eyes watched it describe a graceful arc and fall straight through -the goal,—a perfect shot. Then the silence was broken—not only Miss -Allen’s girls; everyone on the benches clapped; it was a spectacular -play, and it brought victory. In less than a minute, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> whistle blew; -and the score-board registered 3–2, in favor of Miss Allen’s team.</p> - -<p>Ruth breathed a long sigh, and John wiped the perspiration from his -forehead. “By George!” he exclaimed, “that was the most exciting game I -ever saw! Wasn’t Marjorie wonderful?”</p> - -<p>At this moment a yell arose for Marjorie, and it was then that Ruth -realized her mistake in having John Hadley asked to attend the game. -But it was too late now to regret her action. Instead, she discreetly -joined in the other girl’s praises.</p> - -<p>Her party followed the crowd across the campus to the gym where tea was -being served. John looked anxiously for Marjorie, but she had been too -much exhausted to appear. Everyone was clamoring for her—the heroine -of the day.</p> - -<p>“And they say she isn’t even a Girl Scout!” Ruth heard one of Miss -Martin’s girls remark to her companions. “She’s such a peach, too! I -wonder why!”</p> - -<p>Ruth frowned. “Yes, everybody else wonders why, too!” she thought. “Oh, -I’m sick of hearing the praises of Marjorie Wilkinson. But I’m even -with her!”</p> - -<p>Ruth was relieved to hear Miss Martin ask the Girl Scouts to give a -demonstration; she stepped forward proudly, glad of the chance to -assume again the center of attraction.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span> -But Ruth was not happy as she rode home that evening. Outwardly, her -plans had all succeeded; but she was not at peace. She knew that she -was as much of a thief as the common burglar who breaks into the -house at night and steals the silverware; she had stolen Marjorie’s -happiness, and she was paying for her act—she had lost her own.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxii" id="xxii"></a>CHAPTER XXII<br /> -<span>THE GHOST AT THE CABIN</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Miss Phillips</span> had promised to take the first eight girls who qualified -as second-class scouts on an overnight hike. She had decided to limit -the number for two reasons—first, because the ground was still too -damp to risk sleeping out of doors, and she had accepted the use of -the boys’ cabin; and second, because she wanted to reward the more -energetic scouts.</p> - -<p>It was not until the last Friday in May that the required number -finally qualified, and the Captain read the names and announced the -hike for the first week end in June, which was only two weeks before -school closed for the term. Besides Ruth, Doris, and Helen, who had all -passed their test before the Spring holidays, Dorothy Maxwell, Lucy -Graham, Ethel Todd, Edith Evans, and Ada Mearns were finally added to -the number.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips dismissed the other scouts and dictated a list of -articles for the girls to take with them. Then she divided the group -into pairs, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span> assigned them their especial duties. Ruth was glad to -be coupled with Doris, for whom she possessed a great admiration.</p> - -<p>“Will we be allowed to go in swimming?” asked Ruth, after most of the -arrangements had been concluded.</p> - -<p>“If it is warm enough,” replied the Captain. “There is a creek just -beyond the cabin, and the swimming is good all the way down to the -dam—where Episcopal Academy is located, you know. So you can take -your suits if you care to, and then we will test the water and see. If -it’s as warm as it has been this week, I don’t see any reason why you -shouldn’t—unless, of course, your parents would object to your going -in on Sunday.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose,” asked Doris a little timidly, “that we will see the -ghost the boys talk about?”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips laughed. “Hardly!” she answered. “I thought of the -possibility of the boys playing some sort of trick on you to scare you, -so I mentioned the matter to Mr. Remington, and he promptly offered to -take the whole troop over to visit another troop of scouts who have the -use of a barn in a little town just outside of New York.”</p> - -<p>“No, Captain, I meant a <em>real</em> ghost! Of course I don’t believe in -them, but——”</p> - -<p>“But if you saw anything at night in the woods,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span> interrupted Ethel, -“you wouldn’t just care about being alone?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” admitted Doris, “you know there <em>might</em> be something spooky!”</p> - -<p>“I wish something would happen!” exclaimed Ruth. “But I guess Captain -Phillips killed any chance we had of that!”</p> - -<p>Immediately after lunch the following Saturday, the girls met with -their packs strapped in blanket-rolls and swung over their shoulders.</p> - -<p>“Has anybody ever camped out before?” asked Miss Phillips as they -started on their long hike.</p> - -<p>“About eight of my Sunday School class crowded into one little cottage -at the seashore,” said Ethel, “but that was the nearest I ever came to -it.”</p> - -<p>“Of course this won’t exactly be camping, for we shall not use tents. -But everything else will be the same,” said the Captain, after some of -the others had related experiences similar to Ethel’s.</p> - -<p>Instead of first taking a train and then hiking the rest of the -distance, the girls decided to hike the entire way. If they had been -obliged to construct a lean-to, or even put up tents to sleep under, -Miss Phillips would not have allowed it; but since the cabin was all -ready for them, and there was even a fireplace to use for cooking, -she thought that by this time they should be able to do it. And -although they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> were somewhat tired when they finally arrived at their -destination, no one considered the distance too far.</p> - -<p>After each girl had unfastened her pack, and deposited her equipment -in the section or corner to which she was assigned, Dorothy and Edith -began to get supper.</p> - -<p>“Who’ll go for water?” asked the latter, holding up two pails.</p> - -<p>The girls groaned; everybody was too tired. But in a moment Ruth jumped -up. “I will,” she said pleasantly.</p> - -<p>“Thanks awfully,” said Edith, gratefully. “Do you want anybody to go -with you?”</p> - -<p>“No; it’s still light; and even if it weren’t, I wouldn’t mind meeting -Doris’s ghost!”</p> - -<p>Ruth ran out lightly, humming a song as she went. It was already -twilight, and the gradual deepening of the shadows made the trees seem -taller, and the absolute stillness increased the loneliness of the -spot. “It <em>is</em> a spooky place,” she thought as she looked about her. “I -wonder who’ll come down to the spring to-night for water?”</p> - -<p>The girls, who in accordance with scout principles, had refrained from -eating while they were hiking, felt that they were almost starved; -nothing ever tasted quite so good as the meal their cooks prepared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> for -them. They ate hungrily, talking little at first; gradually, as their -appetites were appeased, and their bodies became rested, they became -more talkative. It was dark when they had finished.</p> - -<p>After the mess-kits had been washed and put away, and the food stored -in the closet, the girls stepped out of the cabin to take a look at -their surroundings. But, unlike the night of the boys’ party, there was -no moon, and the trees cut off so much of the sky that very few stars -were in view. Everything looked black and forbidding.</p> - -<p>Doris shuddered. “I’m glad I’m not here alone!” she whispered, afraid -to break the deep silence of the woods. “Those Boy Scouts must be -pretty brave.”</p> - -<p>Suddenly a screech sounded from a distant tree. The girls started -fearfully. “What was it?” asked Doris.</p> - -<p>“Only an owl,” replied Miss Phillips, laughing.</p> - -<p>They turned and entered the cabin, feeling that the light of the -lanterns, though somewhat dim and ghostlike, was more reassuring than -the darkness.</p> - -<p>“Somebody will have to go for more water,” remarked Edith as the girls -were sitting around the fire again, toasting marshmallows. “We used -what we had for the dishes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> -“I’d rather go without a drink all night,” said Doris, “than go down to -that spring!”</p> - -<p>“How about getting washed?” asked Ruth.</p> - -<p>“I’d rather go dirty!”</p> - -<p>The girls discussed the proposition for several minutes until Miss -Phillips interrupted them by saying:</p> - -<p>“It is my fault, girls, for not appointing water-carriers; but I -thought that since the spring is so near, it wouldn’t be necessary. So -I’ll go myself!”</p> - -<p>“Indeed, you won’t,” declared Ruth; “I’m not afraid a bit; I’ll go.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think you ought to go again, Ruth,” said Edith. “It doesn’t -seem fair! But so long as you have offered, I’ll go with you. Only, I -won’t pretend I’m not afraid. I am!”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll go alone!”</p> - -<p>“I dare you to!” said Ethel.</p> - -<p>“All right—I’ll take you up! I’ll go down with two pails, and when I -get back, you do the same!”</p> - -<p>“What is that queer noise?” asked Dorothy suddenly. “Listen!”</p> - -<p>The girls sat perfectly silent, and a low singing and sighing, which at -times sank almost to a moan, could be heard in the woods close by.</p> - -<p>“Could it be two boughs rubbing each other?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span> asked Ruth. “I read about -that happening once, and scaring some boys out of their wits.”</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Miss Phillips, “there would have to be wind for that, -and it’s perfectly still to-night. It sounds to me like some animal in -distress.”</p> - -<p>“A <em>wild</em> animal?” asked Doris, fearfully. “Oh, let’s bolt the door, -Captain!”</p> - -<p>“No, no; probably a cat or a dog, whining. Let’s forget all about it. -Suppose we sing a while.”</p> - -<p>The girls did try to put aside all their fears, but Ruth and Ethel, -although they would not admit it, dreaded for the time to come when the -party should break up.</p> - -<p>But the moment came all too soon. “Nine o’clock,” announced Miss -Phillips, rising from her pillow on the floor. “Time for taps!”</p> - -<p>The girls got up reluctantly and Edith brought Ruth her pails. The -latter laughed gaily. “And now for the great adventure,” she said, as -she opened the cabin door and stepped out into the darkness.</p> - -<p>She took half a dozen steps, when she suddenly heard that weird sound -from the direction toward which she was approaching. She stopped, -breathless, and looked all around her. But, seeing nothing, she walked -on, trying bravely to whistle.</p> - -<p>Just as she was out of sight of the cabin, she saw a tall figure glide -from one tree to another, and in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span> an instant she heard the sound again. -Her heart stood still. No mortal being had ever produced a sound like -that. The boys were right: the spot <em>was</em> haunted.</p> - -<p>Ruth felt that, although she could now plainly see the spring, she -could not go a step farther. She looked around again. The figure had -vanished, and except for the occasional hoot of an owl or the croak of -a frog, absolute silence prevailed. “It must have been my imagination,” -she thought. She was naturally a brave girl, and added to this fact, -she longed for the admiration of her companions; so she forced herself -to press on and fill her buckets at the spring.</p> - -<p>But she had hardly taken another step, before she heard the weird sound -and saw the figure again. This time she saw it distinctly: it was -perfectly white; even its face had the deathly pallor of the ghost. It -did not seem to possess eyes, only hollow sockets; and by this Ruth was -convinced that it was no earthly being.</p> - -<p>By this time the girl was thoroughly frightened; she cared no longer -for her water, or the approval of the other girls; she thought only of -her safe return to the cabin. Seeing the figure approach noiselessly in -her direction, she dropped her pails and ran as fast as she could to -the cabin. She reached the door and flung it open.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> -The girls started forward in alarm.</p> - -<p>“What is it, Ruth?” asked Doris, trembling.</p> - -<p>As soon as Ruth could get her breath, she described her adventure. -Suddenly she stopped. “Listen—there!” The sounds became fainter and -fainter, and finally died in the distance.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips would not permit Ethel to go to the spring by herself; -she and Dorothy both accompanied her. But when they got back, Doris and -Edith testified that through the one window of the cabin, they had seen -the figure flit by.</p> - -<p>“The only thing we can do,” said Ruth, the last thing before she fell -asleep, “is to compare notes with the boys who have seen the ghost—or -whatever it is!” she added.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxiii" id="xxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXIII<br /> -<span>RUTH’S ADVENTURE</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the sun poured into the cabin the following morning, and Ruth was -awakened by the happy laughter of her companions, the incident of the -night before seemed like a dream. If she had been a nervous or timid -girl the others would have had occasion to attribute her story to an -over-wrought imagination; but Ruth was the last girl in the world to be -frightened without a cause. Besides, Doris and Edith had testified to -the presence of the ghost, and everybody—even Miss Phillips had heard -the unearthly sound.</p> - -<p>The girls breakfasted out of doors; the day was lovely and warm, and -they all felt rested and happy.</p> - -<p>“After everything has been put in order,” said Miss Phillips, as she -finished her coffee, “we are going to have a simple little service over -in that spot under the trees. Then, after that, all of you who want to, -can go in swimming.”</p> - -<p>The girls prepared to go about their duties.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span> “How shall we know when -it is time for service?” asked Ethel.</p> - -<p>“I do so wish we had a bugler to blow church-call, and all the other -calls for that matter, too,” said Miss Phillips. “But maybe Pansy troop -will have one by next year! In the meanwhile, I’ll have to use the -whistle signals. So listen for a succession of short whistles.”</p> - -<p>The religious service held on that Sunday in June by the little band -of Girl Scouts in the silence of the woods was simple in form, but -probably out-ranked many a more pretentious one in sincerity and -earnestness. Miss Phillips, with her clear voice, led in the singing of -several familiar hymns, and the girls recited the first Psalm together. -With the exception of the Lord’s Prayer, the prayers were silent ones, -but the girls felt deeply moved; and after it was all over, several of -them told the Captain that it was the most impressive service they had -ever attended.</p> - -<p>Everybody except the Captain, and Ethel and Ada, who were cooks, -decided to go swimming. It was almost noon when they gathered in front -of the cabin, dressed in their swimming suits, covered by sweaters or -raincoats.</p> - -<p>“It’s rather late,” said Miss Phillips. “Don’t go too far.”</p> - -<p>“What time is dinner?” asked Doris.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> -“Half-past one,” replied Ethel; “and if anybody is more than five -minutes late, she doesn’t get any!”</p> - -<p>The girls ran off in high spirits. Ruth was the first to plunge into -the creek. “It <em>is</em> cold,” she admitted to Doris, who was sitting on -the bank dipping one toe in at a time.</p> - -<p>Ruth began to swim rapidly in order to get warm. “I’m going around the -bend,” she called as she disappeared from view.</p> - -<p>The other girls turned their attention to “getting wet all over,” and -dismissed Ruth from their minds. She was undoubtedly the best swimmer -of the party, so even when she failed to appear after many minutes had -passed, no one expressed concern.</p> - -<p>After Ruth had passed the bend, and felt thoroughly warmed by the -exercise, she decided to swim farther. It would be such fun to go all -the way to the dam. Of course there was no chance of seeing John Hadley -or any other of the scouts, since Mr. Remington had taken them all on -the excursion; but she would have the satisfaction of telling them -later of her feat. She began to wonder how far the dam was. She did -not feel in the least tired, for she was swimming downstream. It would -be an easy matter to run along the shore back to the cabin—and if she -should be late for dinner, Ethel’s admiration<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span> for her act would surely -cause her to pardon the delay.</p> - -<p>As she neared the dam, she distinguished two figures walking side by -side, and she wondered whether they would see her; she dipped her head -into the water, using the crawl stroke, which was the most spectacular -one she knew. When she brought her head out a second time, one of the -figures had vanished; the other person was alone: it was a girl. Yes, -and she was watching her!</p> - -<p>The persons that Ruth saw, but did not recognize because of the -distance, were Jack and Marjorie Wilkinson. Jack had not gone on -the Boy Scout outing, for his father and mother, who were visiting -relatives living not far from the Academy, telegraphed to him on Friday -that they would get Marjorie and drive over to his school to spend -Sunday with him; so he had obtained permission to remain there for the -week-end, instead of accompanying the rest of the scouts.</p> - -<p>Marjorie was delighted at the prospect of the visit. She had been -looking forward to a dull Sunday; Lily had gone home with Lucy Graham, -and most of her other friends were at the cabin. She was glad to see -her parents again, and the day was so lovely that she enjoyed every -minute of the ride.</p> - -<p>When they arrived at the Academy, Mr. Wilkinson<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span> announced his -intention of looking up one of the teachers who was an old friend of -the family. “You can do whatever you like for an hour,” he said to -Jack and Marjorie; “either come with your mother and me, or go off by -yourselves.”</p> - -<p>Jack looked at Marjorie doubtfully, as if he had no desire to spend -a whole hour cooped up with his English teacher when it was not -necessary. So he suggested an alternative to his sister.</p> - -<p>“How would you like to see our swimming-hole?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Fine!” answered Marjorie. “It’s too nice a day to be inside. Besides, -I’m tired of sitting still.”</p> - -<p>They took the path back of the school which led down to the creek, and -in less than five minutes they reached the dam.</p> - -<p>It was on the upper side of the dam that the stream was widest, both -banks sweeping out and almost meeting again at the waterfall in a -horseshoe curve, which gave it the appearance of a lake. Trees grew -to the water’s edge, their branches mirrored with a gentle shimmering -reflection in the quiet water along the shore. Farther out, toward the -middle, the current was swift; it seemed to gather force as it rushed -foaming over the dam to the rocks below. Marjorie went into ecstacies, -impressed by the beauty of the spot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> -“I wish I could paint it,” she said. “Wouldn’t it be lovely?”</p> - -<p>“I tell you what I will do,” said her brother, after he had thought for -a minute or two; “I’ll take a picture of it!”</p> - -<p>“What with?”</p> - -<p>“My camera’s up in my room, and I’ve got two exposures left on the -film. If you’ll wait here, I’ll run back and get it.”</p> - -<p>As soon as he was gone, Marjorie sat down on a stone, and gazed idly -into the water. She watched the water-bugs gliding over the smooth -surface, and wondered how deep it was at this spot, and whether it was -still cold. Jack had told her that the boys had already gone swimming -here; but then, boys would try anything!</p> - -<p>For a minute she watched the water falling over the dam, and noted the -swiftness of the current; she turned her head in the other direction, -and caught a glimpse of the swimmer, rapidly approaching her. As the -latter came nearer, Marjorie identified her as a girl by the blue -rubber cap she wore on her head. When she was only a dozen yards away, -but still unrecognizable from the fact that her face was usually under -the water, Marjorie saw her suddenly raise an arm and wave in her -direction, choke, and finally go under. She came up, and went down a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span> -second time before Marjorie saw that it was Ruth, and realized that she -must have been seized with a cramp, and was unable to resist the force -of the current.</p> - -<p>The frightened girl cast a wild glance back toward the school. “Jack, -oh, Jack!” she shrieked, as loud as she could; but she got no answer.</p> - -<p>In a panic she turned again toward the water. Ruth had come up again, -but Marjorie could see by her face that she was unconscious. Already, -the current had carried her several yards further down towards the dam.</p> - -<p>There was not a moment to be lost; if Ruth went down the third time, it -would be too late. Kicking off her pumps, she plunged into the water, -and struck out for her friend.</p> - -<p>Although Marjorie had been swimming in the pool almost every day for -the past three months, the water gave her a shock. It was still much -colder than that to which she had been accustomed, and the weight -of her clothes dragged her down. Nevertheless, with only a few bold -strokes, she reached the unconscious girl.</p> - -<p>Breathing a sigh of thankfulness for Miss Phillips’s efficient -instruction in life-saving, she took hold of Ruth and made for the -shore. Her burden seemed heavy, but she did not have far to go; in -another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> minute she reached the shallow water, and carried Ruth to the -shore.</p> - -<p>But her battle was only half over; she had only a vague idea of what to -do to revive her. She had heard Lily talk about learning the measures -of resuscitation at one of the scout meetings, but she had not gone -into detail. “Oh, if I were only a Girl Scout,” she groaned, “I’d know -what to do!”</p> - -<p>She began to work Ruth’s arms back and forth in an aimless fashion, -which did not produce results. She looked around desperately for her -brother, and to her great relief, saw him coming along the path.</p> - -<p>“Jack, Jack, hurry!” she screamed wildly. “Help!”</p> - -<p>Jack ran as fast as he could, and in a moment stood beside her. He did -not ask for an explanation, but knelt over the prostrate girl and set -to work at once.</p> - -<p>“Hold her tongue out,” he commanded, “to keep her from choking while I -get the water out of her! Now, then, young lady,” he said, addressing -the unconscious girl, “we’ll fix you up in no time.”</p> - -<p>He worked tirelessly for ten minutes before he was rewarded by seeing -Ruth open her eyes. Consciousness slowly returned, but it was several -minutes before she realized where she was.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span> -“Ruth!” said Marjorie tremulously, “are you all right?”</p> - -<p>Ruth blinked two or three times, and looked from one to the other of -her companions.</p> - -<p>“Speak, Ruth!” urged Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“Marj!” said Ruth, with a puzzled air. “Yes, I’m all right, but——”</p> - -<p>“Do you think you can sit up, Ruth?” asked Jack. “Then we’ll carry you -up to the school.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I guess so,” she answered; “but what has happened?”</p> - -<p>Jack and Marjorie made a seat with their hands, and raised her from the -ground. Marjorie explained what had just taken place.</p> - -<p>Ruth’s eyes suddenly lighted up. “I remember,” she said. “Oh, maybe I -wasn’t scared! I guess I got a cramp in my leg! I surely thought I was -going to die!”</p> - -<p>“It must have been awful!” said Marjorie, with feeling. “I was scared -to death myself.”</p> - -<p>They carried her to the matron of the infirmary who promised to get her -dry clothes and give her something hot to drink. Jack volunteered to -get the machine and take the news to the cabin, while Marjorie went in -search of her parents.</p> - -<p>While Ruth was dressing, she reviewed the whole situation in her mind. -The experience had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span> ghastly—if dying was like that, she shuddered -at the prospect. And yet, she realized that one thing only had made it -terrible: in that short space of time, when she had seemed on the verge -of eternity, she thought only of her dishonest act toward Marjorie. -Everything else faded from her consciousness; that alone assumed -gigantic proportions: it seemed black, and terrifying. Even at this -moment, when safety was assured, she almost cried out at the terror of -her memory. “I will confess it all,” she exclaimed, “before I am a day -older!”</p> - -<p>In a few moments Marjorie joined her, and invited her to go with the -family to the hotel for dinner.</p> - -<p>“I will if you promise I can have a few minutes alone with you -afterwards, Marjorie,” she said. “I’ve got something I must confess!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie smiled, thinking of the crocheting. “All right, Ruth, if you -like. But come now.”</p> - -<p>When they were all seated in the machine, Ruth thanked both of her -rescuers profusely. “It certainly was brave of you,” she said.</p> - -<p>“Brave of Marj—but not me,” protested Jack. “I was scared to death for -fear something would happen to you, after I played that awful trick on -you last night!”</p> - -<p>“What trick?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span> -“The ghost at the cabin!”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” gasped Ruth, in a tone that expressed volumes. “So it was you!”</p> - -<p>Jack explained why he had remained home from the excursion. “And I was -sort of lonely last night—all the other scouts were away, you know; so -I decided to give you girls a scare. And I did especially want to get -<em>you</em>, because I knew you never were nervous and it wouldn’t upset you -like it would some girls.”</p> - -<p>“I was scared, all right. But how did you ever make that awful noise? I -suppose a sheet was fixed up for the disguise?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; and the noise was a violin. I heard Bill Mackintosh practicing -on his new violin on Saturday night, making the most unearthly sounds -you ever heard. That put the idea into my head. I went over and asked -him to go out with me to give the Girl Scouts a scare. Of course he was -tickled to death to go.</p> - -<p>“We slipped away right after supper, and watched you through the -cabin-window. Maybe I wasn’t glad when I saw you were the one to go -after the water!”</p> - -<p>“You horrid, mean thing!” said Ruth.</p> - -<p>“I admit it. Punish me any way you like!”</p> - -<p>But Ruth could not think of any return for his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span> act. During the -rest of the ride, and all through dinner, her mind was on her own -affairs. Absently, she answered the questions that were put to her, -and entered but occasionally into the conversation. The rest of the -party attributed her mood to the experience through which she had just -passed, and left her alone with her thoughts.</p> - -<p>They rode all afternoon, so that she had no opportunity to be alone -with Marjorie; but when the latter said that Lily would be away until -the next morning, she asked to be allowed to visit her right after -supper. “I have something I must tell you before I go to bed to-night!” -she added.</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Marjorie. “But I wish you would forget it!”</p> - -<p>“I wish I could,” said Ruth, as she left Marjorie to go to her room.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxiv" id="xxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXIV<br /> -<span>RESTITUTION</span></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Ruth reached her own room, she found Ethel already there untying -her pack and putting away her scout equipment. Ruth explained that she -had been with the Wilkinsons—that they had brought her and Marjorie -both back to the school.</p> - -<p>“Now tell me all about the accident,” said Ethel. “Of course we got the -story from Jack, but he wasn’t there the whole time so he couldn’t tell -us everything.”</p> - -<p>Ruth went into detail about the adventure, but she omitted to describe -her own feelings when she thought she was drowning. That was too -personal, and too humiliating; it was bad enough to have to tell -Marjorie, but she could not bear the thought of a public acknowledgment.</p> - -<p>And then, for the first time, she realized something of what the -consequences of her confession would be. It would be only fair to allow -Marjorie to tell Miss White, Miss Allen, and Miss Phillips, so that -she might be given another opportunity to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> join the troop. This would -necessitate an explanation to the other scouts, and they, in turn, -would undoubtedly tell all the girls in the school. A confession would -doom her to the lasting contempt of her companions and her teachers; -she would probably be put out of the troop and be shunned by her former -friends.</p> - -<p>Even now it was not too late to change her mind; no one was suspicious. -It was true that she had hinted of a confession to Marjorie; but she -could tell her about the crochet, and she would probably laugh and -forgive her.</p> - -<p>While these thoughts were going through her mind, Ethel was talking -about the ghost incident, and laughing at Jack’s cleverness. “It was -funny,” she said, “to think that he put one over on you, Ruth; for -you’re not easily scared. But you were scared when you thought you were -drowning?”</p> - -<p>“Was I!” exclaimed Ruth. “Dying is a good deal worse than I ever -thought it would be!”</p> - -<p>“Maybe you had a guilty conscience,” suggested Ethel.</p> - -<p>“I guess most people have,” answered Ruth, “unless they’re nuns or -ministers, or something like that.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe they have, too,” said Ethel, as she left the room.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span> -The conversation brought Ruth back to her dilemma. It recalled to her -again, vividly, that dreadful sensation of terror that had overwhelmed -her in the water. Ethel had said she was never afraid of anything! -She smiled bitterly. Probably no girl in the school had ever been so -frightened, so terrified to the very depths of her soul as she had -been. But she would not risk a second experience. She dreaded the -consequences of her confession; but she dreaded to a much greater -degree, the consequences of the omission of that confession. She had -made up her mind—she would not change it; she would tell Marjorie that -night!</p> - -<p>As they were dressing for dinner, she announced to Ethel her -intention of spending the night with Marjorie. “I’ll get Miss Allen’s -permission,” she added.</p> - -<p>Ethel looked at Ruth suspiciously. “There must be some reason,” she -thought, “for this sudden desire for Marjorie’s company.” But her -suppositions were far from the truth: she attributed the attraction to -the other girl’s brother.</p> - -<p>After supper Ruth gathered her books and her toilet articles and -started for Marjorie’s room. She found two or three other girls -visiting her friend, and for some time had no chance to talk with her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span> -alone. Finally they all left. Ruth opened her book; but she could not -study.</p> - -<p>“You know I said I had something to tell you, Marj,” she said slowly, -with her eyes fastened to the pattern of the rug. “It’s a confession!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie drew down the corners of her mouth, in her effort to keep from -smiling. The incident of the crochet had seemed big at the time, but -now it appeared as only a trifle. “Maybe I know already,” she suggested.</p> - -<p>“About your filet, you mean?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—Miss Phillips gave it away at that surprise party.”</p> - -<p>“I thought so; she never guessed, of course. But I knew you’d put two -and two together, Marj.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I don’t mind, Ruth. I was mad at the time, but after all it -didn’t hurt me. And you’d have been a second-class scout soon anyhow.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps,” said Ruth. “You’ve been too good to me, Marj. But wait till -you hear the rest!”</p> - -<p>“The rest?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; that isn’t nearly all. I’m a real criminal. Oh, Marj, if you -hadn’t saved me to-day, and I’d died, what would have become of me?”</p> - -<p>Ruth suddenly burst into tears. She had been under too great a strain -in the last twenty-four hours, and she lost control of herself -completely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span> After all, she was only fifteen—and the rôle of criminal -was new to her. Aside from the little white lies that most of us tell -sometimes, she had up to this time been upright in character.</p> - -<p>Marjorie jumped up and put her arms around her. She forgot about the -Ruth she had known during the past year; she saw only her old playmate, -as she used to cry when she was hurt.</p> - -<p>“What is it, Ruth?” she asked with concern. “Is there anything I can do -to help you?”</p> - -<p>But Ruth pushed her aside, and wiped her eyes. “Sit down, Marj,” she -said, as calmly as she could, “I don’t deserve your sympathy. Listen!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie sat opposite her, and Ruth told her story. She told it exactly -as it had happened, omitting none of the details, and making no effort -to excuse her motive. She called herself names—she was a traitor, a -thief, and a liar. She deserved no mercy; she wanted none. Marjorie -could do whatever she wanted with her; but now she could die with a -clear conscience.</p> - -<p>Marjorie listened in amazement. The story seemed too dreadful to be -true; and yet, the facts linked together and explained all her former -doubts. Suddenly the realization of what she had missed came over -her—the party at the cabin, the overnight hike, the play rehearsals, -and all the good times;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span> the fellowship with Miss Phillips, and -Doris, and the rest of her friends, and the opportunity to be with -John Hadley—four months of happiness that she had lost. She had been -cheated out of her rights; she felt bitter; she could not forgive Ruth. -She turned to her sharply.</p> - -<p>But before she could utter a word, a knock sounded at the door. It was -Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“Come in,” said Marjorie, as naturally as she could. Ruth stood up as -the teacher entered, but she could not bear to salute.</p> - -<p>“I just wanted to see whether Lily is back yet,” said Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry; but she isn’t, Miss Phillips. But won’t you sit down?”</p> - -<p>“Only for a minute. I wanted to tell Lily—and I’ll take this chance -to tell you, Ruth—that the scouts decided to-day to give up next -Saturday to doing a good turn for somebody else. So I have Miss Allen’s -permission to invite the twenty-four little orphans from the Mynfield -Home for an outing.”</p> - -<p>“How lovely,” said Marjorie, absently.</p> - -<p>“Poor children; they don’t have much pleasure in their lives,” -continued Miss Phillips, not noticing the girls’ preoccupation. “So -when Frances suggested giving them a party next Saturday, I jumped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span> at -the idea. It’s our last Saturday together—except for the one of the -play—but the girls want to use it for their troop good turn.”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips stayed for a few minutes and told the girls more about -the little orphans. And when she rose to go, they had almost forgotten, -for the time, their own tragedy.</p> - -<p>Neither girl said anything for several minutes after Miss Phillips had -gone. Marjorie sat down at her desk and started to write; Ruth turned -the pages of her book, but she did not look at the contents.</p> - -<p>“What are you going to do about it, Marj?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“Nothing,” replied Marjorie, indifferently.</p> - -<p>Ruth’s hopes rose, but she shook her head. “I can’t allow that,” she -said. “You ought to be a Girl Scout.”</p> - -<p>“But most of the good times are over now.”</p> - -<p>“Not this summer’s camping trip. And if we tell Miss Phillips the -reason, she’ll probably let you take the second-class test with the -others next Friday night.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie’s face brightened. It was the dream of her heart to become a -Girl Scout! But then she thought of the disgrace this would necessitate -bringing upon Ruth. Miss White and Miss Phillips would both have to -know the story—and perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span> even Miss Allen and some of the scouts. -Ruth had not treated her as a scout should treat anyone, let alone a -former friend; but that would not excuse Marjorie, if she disregarded -the other girl’s feelings. She thought of the scout slogan that Miss -Phillips had just been speaking about—“Do a good turn daily.” “And if -I start my career as a Girl Scout by disregarding that law, it would -be to begin all wrong. Better stay out of the troop forever,” she -reflected.</p> - -<p>“I’m not going to do a thing, Ruth,” she said aloud. “It would be too -hard on you!”</p> - -<p>Ruth jumped up with characteristic impulsiveness. “I’m going straight -to Miss White this very minute,” she said, “and lay the whole thing -before her. Then I’ll do whatever she advises.”</p> - -<p>Before she could protest, Ruth was gone. Marjorie turned to her -writing, but she could think of nothing but the present complication. -She felt sorry for Ruth, but she could not help hoping that Miss White -would insist upon a confession.</p> - -<p>She pictured herself in the Girl Scout uniform, marching along with -the other girls, helping them with the play, and accompanying them on -their camping trip; she thought of the pleasure of telling her father -and mother and Jack,—yes, and John<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span> Hadley—of her final triumph. Miss -Phillips, too, would be genuinely glad of her good fortune.</p> - -<p>She waited impatiently for Ruth to return. She got up and straightened -the room, took out some crocheting, put it down, and finally sat down -on the couch to dream of the fulfillment of her cherished hope.</p> - -<p>In about fifteen minutes, Ruth came back, accompanied by Miss White. -The older woman looked sad as she took Marjorie’s hand, and spoke -softly.</p> - -<p>“I am so sorry, my dear, that this had to happen: that Ruth was tempted -and fell, and you had to suffer. But she has done right to confess.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Miss White, I didn’t want her to tell any body else.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I know; she told me how noble you have been about it. But you -have some rights, Marjorie. I shall tell Miss Allen to-morrow that -there has been a mistake, and ask her permission to give you a special -examination.”</p> - -<p>“Tell her the truth!” exclaimed Ruth. “It isn’t fair for you to take -the blame, Miss White.”</p> - -<p>“I will tell her if she asks. Marjorie, can you come to my room at -three to-morrow afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” replied Marjorie.</p> - -<p>Miss White opened the door. “Leave the matter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span> in my hands, girls, and -don’t worry about it any more.”</p> - -<p>After she had gone, the girls went to bed, but said nothing more about -the thing that was uppermost in their thoughts. It was Miss Allen and -her attitude toward the matter that caused the most conjecture in the -minds of both girls as they laid their heads upon their pillows that -night.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxv" id="xxv"></a>CHAPTER XXV<br /> -<span>THE VERDICT</span></h2> - - -<p>“<span class="smcap">And</span> what makes you think you made a mistake in Marjorie Wilkinson’s -paper?” asked Miss Allen, after Miss White had requested for permission -to give the girl a second test. “You aren’t in the habit of doing your -work carelessly.”</p> - -<p>“Well—mother was ill, you know; and Marjorie’s subsequent work has -been so good, that I felt there must be some explanation.”</p> - -<p>Miss Allen shut her lips tightly. “I am sorry to refuse to grant your -request, Miss White,” she said, “but if I allowed a second test for no -more reason than you suggest, it would establish a precedent: every -girl who fails in any examination will demand another opportunity. The -final examinations are less than two weeks off; Marjorie will have the -chance to show her ability in them.”</p> - -<p>“I see your point of view, Miss Allen,” said Miss White. “I had hoped -you would grant my request without further explanation; but, as you -say, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span> would not be right, for such an insignificant reason. So I -will tell you the whole story.”</p> - -<p>She repeated to the Principal the facts of Ruth’s confession; she told -how cleverly the girl had spoiled the paper; she recalled the fact that -the papers had been marked at home, destroyed, and the averages mailed -to the school. Everything, indeed, had seemed to play into Ruth’s hands -in order to help her to escape detection.</p> - -<p>Miss Allen listened with increasing anger as the narrative progressed. -The whole thing was inconceivable—a disgrace to her school. “Ruth -Henry must be expelled at once!” she declared emphatically.</p> - -<p>“No, no,” pleaded Miss White. “Remember that she confessed it herself; -if someone had told on her, it would be different. Suppose we send -for her—and for Miss Phillips, too, since it is a matter which so -intimately concerns the scouts.”</p> - -<p>Ruth and her Captain entered the office together. In a few words, -Miss Allen reviewed the situation to Miss Phillips, while Ruth sat -motionless, with downcast eyes.</p> - -<p>“I am of the opinion,” said Miss Allen coldly, “that a girl who would -do such a contemptible trick as that should be expelled from the -school.”</p> - -<p>Ruth started; that was one calamity she had not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span> thought of. Then her -mother and father would know—yes, and all the people at home.</p> - -<p>But Miss White and Miss Phillips both pleaded in her behalf. She had -done wrong, they said; but it was her first offense, and she had -confessed. Such a punishment would be too severe.</p> - -<p>“Then at least she must be put out of the troop! She has not acted like -a Girl Scout; she should not be permitted to wear the uniform.”</p> - -<p>Ruth rose, white to the lips. “I am ready to resign, Captain Phillips,” -she said unsteadily. “I did not expect to be allowed to remain.”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips put her hand on the girl’s shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Wait, Ruth,” she said quietly; “we must think everything over -carefully.” Then turning to Miss Allen, she said, “It isn’t fair to -torture Ruth in this fashion; suppose we let her go out, and talk the -matter over, and then give her our decision.”</p> - -<p>Tears came to Ruth’s eyes, but she looked gratefully at Miss Phillips. -“Oh, thank you,” she stammered; “I’ll do whatever you say.”</p> - -<p>“You may go, Ruth,” said Miss Allen.</p> - -<p>The teachers talked for a long time over the affair, but finally Miss -Phillips triumphed. Ruth’s case was to be put up to the Girl Scouts, -while she remained away from the meeting; they were to decide whether -or not she was to stay in the troop.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span> And each scout was to pledge “on -her honor as a Girl Scout” never to mention the matter outside.</p> - -<p>That afternoon Marjorie took her Latin test, and passed with flying -colors; as soon as she learned of her success, she went straight to -Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“I will give you the Tenderfoot test to-night, if you wish,” said the -Captain. “Then, if you are prepared, I will waive the usual custom, and -you may take the second-class test on Friday with the eight girls who -have not yet passed it.”</p> - -<p>Lily was wild over the good news. Of course, Marjorie said nothing -about the cause of her incorrect mark; she simply stated that Miss -White had given her a second chance, and that Miss Phillips had -arranged a special scout test.</p> - -<p>“And I am to be taken in on Friday,” she said, hugging her room-mate -joyfully. “Think of it, Lil, a Girl Scout at last!”</p> - -<p>Every girl in the troop was genuinely glad to welcome Marjorie into -their ranks. She had waited so long for her happiness; she trembled now -lest something should happen to destroy it. She made a supreme effort -to calm herself sufficiently to take the second-class test.</p> - -<p>But before the candidates were given their papers, Miss Phillips -announced that she had a matter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span> of serious importance to bring to -their consideration.</p> - -<p>“It concerns one of your sister scouts,” she said.</p> - -<p>The girls looked questioningly from one to another. Ruth, only, was -missing; but no one had thought anything of that after her adventure on -Sunday; they all attributed her absence to the cold she had contracted. -Several of the girls thought of Marjorie; her entrance into the troop -had been out of the usual order of things; perhaps Miss Phillips meant -her.</p> - -<p>The Captain, however, hastened to tell the story as impersonally as she -could. Consternation seized the group; they listened breathlessly.</p> - -<p>“And now it is for you, Girl Scouts of Pansy Troop, to decide what must -be done with Ruth Henry. Shall we expel her from the troop? I would -like to hear some arguments on both sides of the question.”</p> - -<p>Ethel, who probably disliked Ruth more intensely than any other girl in -the troop, and who had originally been the cause of her failing to make -the sorority, spoke against her. The girl had broken the first law of -the scouts; she was a menace to the welfare of the troop; the sooner -they got rid of her, the better.</p> - -<p>Before the speech was finished, Marjorie rose to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span> her defense. “I have -known Ruth a long time,” she said, “and I think I understand her. She -is dreadfully ambitious—always has been—but girls, I think she has -learned her lesson. And I have forgiven her—so can’t you do it, too? -Oh, please let her stay in the troop! Honestly, she’s suffered an awful -lot already!”</p> - -<p>Frances also spoke in her behalf. When the vote was finally taken, the -Ayes carried it, twelve to four. Miss Phillips promised to take the -news to Ruth; the scouts pledged on their honor to drop the incident -from their minds.</p> - -<p>All the candidates who took the second-class test that night passed -with honor, but Marjorie’s mark was highest of them all.</p> - -<p>“Be up early to-morrow morning to get ready for our orphans,” said Miss -Phillips, as the troop separated; “we want to make them the happiest -girls in the world.”</p> - -<p>“We couldn’t do that,” said Marjorie to Lily; “because I’m the very -happiest! Oh, Lil, I’m really going camping this summer!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxvi" id="xxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXVI<br /> -<span>THE PLAY</span></h2> - - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Good-bye!</span> good-bye!” shouted the twenty-four happy little girls, -leaning out of the windows and waving their handkerchiefs, as the train -pulled out of the station the following afternoon. The scouts watched -it until it was out of sight; then they turned towards the school.</p> - -<p>Marjorie took Doris’s arm. “I never had such a good time in my life -before,” she said. “Oh, didn’t they enjoy themselves, though! And -wasn’t that tiny little one cute?”</p> - -<p>Before they had taken many steps, they met Dorothy Maxwell, coming from -the school.</p> - -<p>“Where is Miss Phillips?” she asked, with concern.</p> - -<p>“Back with Lily, I think,” answered Marjorie. “But what is the matter, -Dot? You look as if something dreadful has happened!”</p> - -<p>“Well, it has! Helen’s pretty badly hurt!”</p> - -<p>“Helen Stewart? When she fell off the swing?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span> -“Yes; I guess her ankle’s sprained, at least; maybe it’s something even -worse!”</p> - -<p>By this time Miss Phillips and the rest of the scouts had reached the -spot where the girls had stopped, and they all crowded around, asking -questions.</p> - -<p>“I will go to her at once,” said Miss Phillips, hurrying off with -Dorothy.</p> - -<p>The girls resumed walking. “Suppose she can’t take part in the play,” -suggested Ethel. “She’s leading lady, you know!”</p> - -<p>“I think that is what Miss Phillips thought of first, but of course she -wouldn’t say anything,” said Ruth.</p> - -<p>“Nobody else could ever take her place at this late date,” said Doris; -“besides, we all have our own parts. What would we do?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, maybe she’ll be all right by then,” said Marjorie. “Don’t let’s -worry till we hear what the doctor says.”</p> - -<p>But the doctor’s diagnosis proved worse than any of their fears. Helen -was suffering from a complicated fracture; it would be necessary for -her to be taken home on a stretcher and kept flat on her back for -several weeks; any participation in the play was, of course, out of the -question.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips called a special meeting of the scouts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span> that night. She -was more disturbed than the girls had ever seen her.</p> - -<p>“It’s all my fault,” she said, “for not having appointed an understudy. -Why was I so thoughtless?”</p> - -<p>“Couldn’t you take the part yourself, Captain?” suggested Ethel. “You -must pretty nearly know it already!”</p> - -<p>“I do; but I’m too tall. And I wouldn’t mind that if it were to be -given just for our own school. But think of the outsiders who will be -here! With commencement in the morning, Miss Allen says almost all the -visitors are planning to stay over for the play. And Miss Martin’s -whole school are coming especially to see it!” She covered her eyes -with her hands, and uttered a long sigh.</p> - -<p>“Captain,” said Ruth, suddenly, “I have the solution! Let Marjorie take -it! She’s splendid at dramatics.”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips raised her head quickly. Marjorie blushed as all eyes -were turned upon her.</p> - -<p>“Will you do it?” asked Miss Phillips.</p> - -<p>“I can try.”</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips’s face expressed blissful relief: she could rely upon -Marjorie, who always did things well; she need worry no longer.</p> - -<p>All that week, Marjorie studied and rehearsed. When the dress-rehearsal -came, on Friday evening,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span> the girls praised her performance; but she -herself was not satisfied: she realized that her acting was stilted, -and Miss Phillips was forced to agree with her when she asked for her -opinion.</p> - -<p>“But it’s all right, Marjorie,” the Captain added; “you can’t expect to -do as well as Helen could, after she had practiced it for weeks.”</p> - -<p>But Marjorie did expect to do as well as Helen, and she made up her -mind to surpass her. She put the play aside from her thoughts, played a -game of cribbage with Lily, and went to bed early.</p> - -<p>Miss Phillips had planned to give the play in the outdoor theater if -the day were fine. When Marjorie opened her eyes that morning and saw -the bright sunlight, it was naturally the first thing she thought of. -It would be so much prettier to have a background of real trees; and -she felt that with such perfect surroundings she could do greater -justice to the part.</p> - -<p>Soon after breakfast, visitors began to arrive. The Wilkinsons did not -especially care to attend the commencement exercises, but promised to -get Jack, and drive over in the machine in time to see the play. Ruth’s -father and mother were coming by train.</p> - -<p>The programs had already been printed with Helen Stewart’s name as -leading lady, and Marjorie had not told her family of her part in the -play. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span> was enough for them to know that she was at last a Girl -Scout; and she did not wish to have them disappointed if her acting did -not equal their expectations.</p> - -<p>Marjorie accompanied Ruth to meet the train on which her father and -mother would arrive. They passed groups of visitors at frequent -intervals on the path, and they saw the seniors, in their white -dresses, many of them carrying American Beauty roses, here and there -on the campus. Off under the trees, near the library, was the out-door -auditorium; they distinguished Miss Phillips, directing the workmen in -the final decoration of the stage.</p> - -<p>Marjorie was not nearly so nervous as she had been the day before. -Everything had turned out so well that she felt that she must succeed -now; the weather, the gayety of the occasion, and her own calmness -reassured her.</p> - -<p>“So you’re a Girl Scout at last!” said Mrs. Henry to Marjorie, as they -walked from the train. Her tone was a trifle condescending, as if to -call attention to the fact that she had just attained a distinction -which her own daughter had long since gained. Ruth noticed it and -hastened to dispel her feeling.</p> - -<p>“You might say Marj is <em>the</em> Girl Scout!” she exclaimed. “She’s leading -lady in the play this afternoon!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span> -“Really! Your father and mother didn’t tell me.”</p> - -<p>“They don’t know it yet,” said Marjorie. “It’s to be a surprise!”</p> - -<p>“They have a surprise for you, too, if I’m not mistaken,” said Mrs. -Henry mysteriously.</p> - -<p>Marjorie’s curiosity was aroused, but she did not have long to wait. -In less than an hour, the Wilkinsons’ machine drove up to the school. -Marjorie rushed down the stairs to meet it. And she had not one, but -two surprises. John Hadley sat on the front seat beside Jack; in his -arms he held a huge box which he handed shyly to Marjorie.</p> - -<p>“I may not be on hand when you graduate,” he said, “so I brought you -some roses to wear to-day.”</p> - -<p>Blushingly, she thanked him, and opened the box. “I will wear one this -afternoon,” she thought, but said nothing about the play; she wanted to -reserve <em>her</em> surprise till later. She hunted Ruth, and Mr. and Mrs. -Henry, and the party went in to luncheon together.</p> - -<p>Both girls excused themselves soon afterwards to see whether they could -help Miss Phillips. Jack and John hunted seats for the older people, -and they watched the crowd gather.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Wilkinson glanced at the names on the program.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span> “I see Ruth is in -the play,” she said, addressing Mrs. Henry.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the latter, remembering Marjorie’s desire to keep the -knowledge of her participation from her parents.</p> - -<p>Jack was impatient for the play to begin; but he did not conceal the -fact that his interest was centered in Ruth. His enthusiasm, however, -failed to find a response in John, who hoped that since Marjorie was -not in the play, she might come and sit with them. For some minutes -he tried to save a seat beside him, but as the theater became more -crowded, he abandoned the idea.</p> - -<p>Finally, the school orchestra began to play, and soon after that the -play commenced. There was no curtain; the characters entered from -behind the platform.</p> - -<p>When Mrs. Wilkinson saw Marjorie, she exclaimed aloud, “Look, Sam! Can -that be our Marjorie?”</p> - -<p>John also leaned forward intently. Mrs. Henry watched him, smiling.</p> - -<p>“By George, it is!” cried Jack. “And she looks ripping, too!”</p> - -<p>Marjorie did more than look “ripping,” as her brother expressed it. The -culmination of events, the recent successes, the gratification of her -dearest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span> wishes, and the excitement of the moment, so inspired her that -she entered, for the time, into the peculiar state of mental detachment -which actors sometimes experience. From the instant she came upon -the stage until the end, she ceased to exist as Marjorie Wilkinson, -so completely did she enter into the spirit of Everygirl; and yet, -subconsciously, she seemed to realize that this was to be the final, -crowning achievement. Strangers exclaimed at her ability, and the whole -audience again and again applauded the talent she displayed in her -acting. Once more Marjorie was the heroine of the day; but, unlike the -time of the basket-ball game, Ruth was not jealous. It was she who had -suggested her for the part, and she rejoiced in her triumph. The old -friendship was revived with a new meaning; Ruth had profited by her -experiences.</p> - -<p>After the play was over, and everyone had congratulated Marjorie, Jack -turned to Mrs. Henry and asked whether Ruth might not be allowed to -ride home in their machine.</p> - -<p>“If she wants to,” agreed Mrs. Henry. And it was plain to be seen from -the girl’s expression that she needed no second invitation.</p> - -<p>The girls changed into their suits, and came out again. The baggage had -been sent by train. Miss<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span> Phillips, Doris, and Lily accompanied them to -the machine.</p> - -<p>“A month from to-day!” said Miss Phillips, as she kissed the girls -good-bye. “I’ll write you the details.”</p> - -<p>Marjorie leaned back in the machine and smiled dreamily; she was very -happy. She had been made a Girl Scout; she was now going home for -vacation—with Jack, and John Hadley, and Ruth to help her to enjoy it; -and the week of camping during the following month loomed bright in -anticipation.</p> - -<p>“Remember going away last fall, Marj?” asked Ruth, interrupting her -reverie. “It has all turned out different from what we expected, hasn’t -it?”</p> - -<p>“Different, and better!” said Marjorie, with a deep sigh of contentment.</p> - -<p>How the Troop spent their vacation will be told in the next volume of -this series, “<span class="smcap">The Girl Scouts at Camp</span>.”</p> - - -<p class="center mt3">THE END</p> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_i" id="Page_i"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> -<p class="center p140"><i>SAVE THE WRAPPER!</i></p> - -<p class="noi"><em><span class="dropcap">I</span>f</em> you have enjoyed reading about the adventures of the new friends -you have made in this book and would like to read more clean, wholesome -stories of their entertaining experiences, turn to the book jacket—on -the inside of it, a comprehensive list of Burt’s fine series of -carefully selected books for young people has been placed for your -convenience.</p> - -<p><i>Orders for these books, placed with your bookstore or sent to the -Publishers, will receive prompt attention.</i></p> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii"></a> -</div> - -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book03.png" width="180" height="253" alt="The Girl Scouts' Motor Trip Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">The Girl Scouts Series</p> - -<p class="center">BY EDITH LAVELL</p> - -<p>A new copyright series of Girl Scouts stories by an author of wide -experience in Scouts’ craft, as Director of Girl Scouts of Philadelphia.</p> - -<p class="center p120">Clothbound, with Attractive Color Designs.</p> - -<p class="center p140">PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center p120">POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS AT MISS ALLEN’S SCHOOL</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS’ GOOD TURN</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CANOE TRIP</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS’ RIVALS</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS ON THE RANCH</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS’ VACATION ADVENTURES</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS’ MOTOR TRIP</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS’ CAPTAIN</li> -<li> THE GIRL SCOUTS’ DIRECTOR</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book04.png" width="180" height="250" -alt="The Campfire Girls in the Main Woods Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180 mb0">The Camp Fire Girls Series</p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">By HILDEGARD G. FREY</p> - -<p class="center faux-hr"> </p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">A Series of Outdoor Stories for Girls 12 to 16 Years.</p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">All Cloth <span class="word-spacing">Bound Copyright</span> -Titles</p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">PRICE 50 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">Postage 10c. Extra.</p> - -<p class="center faux-hr"> </p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The -Winnebagos go Camping.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo Weavers.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic -Garden.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road -That Leads the Way.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS’ LARKS AND PRANKS; or, The House of -the Open Door.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON ELLEN’S ISLE; or, The Trail of -the Seven Cedars.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS ON THE OPEN ROAD; or, Glorify Work.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS DO THEIR BIT; or, Over the Top with -the Winnebagos.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS SOLVE A MYSTERY; or, The Christmas -Adventure at Carver House.</p> - -<p class="hang">THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT CAMP KEEWAYDIN; or, Down Paddles.</p> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book01.png" width="180" height="241" -alt="Marjorie Dean High-School Freshman Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">Marjorie Dean High School Series</p> - -<p class="center">BY PAULINE LESTER</p> - -<p class="center">Author of the Famous Marjorie Dean College Series</p> - -<p>These are clean, wholesome stories that will be of great interest to -all girls of high school age.</p> - -<p class="center">All Cloth <span class="word-spacing">Bound Copyright</span> Titles</p> - -<p class="center mb0">PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0">Postage 10c. Extra.</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center">For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_v" id="Page_v"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book02.png" width="180" height="251" -alt="Marjorie Dean, College Sophomore Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">Marjorie Dean College Series</p> - -<p class="center">BY PAULINE LESTER.</p> - -<p class="center">Author of the Famous Marjorie Dean High School Series</p> - -<p>Those who have read the Marjorie Dean High School Series will be eager -to read this new series, as Marjorie Dean continues to be the heroine -in these stories.</p> - -<p class="center">All <span class="word-spacing">Clothbound. Copyright</span> -Titles.</p> - -<p class="center p120 mb0">PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0">POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE FRESHMAN</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE SOPHOMORE</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE JUNIOR</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, COLLEGE SENIOR</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY. 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book12.png" width="180" height="257" -alt="Marjorie Dean Macy Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">MARJORIE DEAN<br />POST-GRADUATE SERIES</p> - -<p class="center">By PAULINE LESTER</p> - -<p class="center">Author of the Famous Marjorie Dean High School and College Series.</p> - -<p class="center">All Cloth <span class="word-spacing">Bound. Copyright</span> -Titles.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>With Individual Jackets in Colors.</i></p> - -<p class="center p120 mb0">PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0">POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, POST GRADUATE</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN, MARVELOUS MANAGER</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN AT HAMILTON ARMS</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN’S ROMANCE</li> -<li>MARJORIE DEAN MACY</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> -<p class="center p180">THE MERRY LYNN SERIES</p> - -<p class="center">By HARRIET PYNE GROVE</p> - -<p class="center">Cloth <span class="word-spacing">Bound. Jackets</span> -in Colors.</p> - -<p>The charm of school and camp life, out-door sports and European travel -is found in these winning tales of Merilyn and her friends at boarding -school and college. These realistic stories of the everyday life, the -fun, frolic and special adventures of the Beechwood girls will be -enjoyed by all girls of high school age.</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>MERILYN ENTERS BEECHWOLD</li> -<li>MERILYN AT CAMP MEENAHGA</li> -<li>MERILYN TESTS LOYALTY</li> -<li>MERILYN’S NEW ADVENTURE</li> -<li>MERILYN FORRESTER, CO-ED.</li> -<li>THE “MERRY LYNN” MINE</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center p120">A. L. BURT COMPANY, <i>Publishers</i></p> - -<p class="center">114–120 EAST 23rd <span class="word-spacing">STREET NEW</span> -YORK</p> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book05.png" width="180" height="256" -alt="Princess Polly Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">Princess Polly Series</p> - -<p class="center">By AMY BROOKS</p> - -<p class="center">Author of “Dorothy Dainty” series, Etc.<br /> -Stories of Sweet-Tempered, Sunny,<br /> -Lovable Little “Princess Polly.”</p> - -<p class="center mb0">For girls 12 to 16 years.</p> - -<p class="center mt0">Each Volume Illustrated.</p> - -<p class="center">Cloth Bound</p> - -<p class="center"><i>With Individual Jackets in Colors.</i></p> - -<p class="center p120 mb0">PRICE, 75 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0">POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>PRINCESS POLLY</li> -<li>PRINCESS POLLY’S PLAYMATES</li> -<li>PRINCESS POLLY AT SCHOOL</li> -<li>PRINCESS POLLY BY THE SEA</li> -<li>PRINCESS POLLY’S GAY WINTER</li> -<li>PRINCESS POLLY AT PLAY</li> -<li>PRINCESS POLLY AT CLIFFMORE</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book06.png" width="180" height="255" -alt="Ann Sterling Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">THE Ann Sterling Series</p> - -<p class="center">By HARRIET PYNE GROVE</p> - -<p class="center mb0">Stories of Ranch and College Life</p> - -<p class="center mt0">For Girls 12 to 16 Years</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Handsome Cloth Binding with Attractive Jackets in Color</i></p> - -<p class="hang2"> ANN STERLING<br /> -The strange gift of Old Never-Run, an Indian whom she -has befriended, brings exciting events into Ann’s life.</p> - -<p class="hang2"> THE COURAGE OF ANN<br /> -Ann makes many new, worthwhile friends during her first -year at Forest Hill College.</p> - -<p class="hang2">ANN AND THE JOLLY SIX<br /> -At the close of their Freshman year Ann and the Jolly -Six enjoy a house party at the Sterling’s mountain -ranch.</p> - -<p class="hang2">ANN CROSSES A SECRET TRAIL<br /> -The Sterling family, with a group of friends, and a -thrilling vacation under the southern Pines of Florida.</p> - -<p class="hang2">ANN’S SEARCH REWARDED<br /> -In solving the disappearance of her father, Ann finds -exciting adventures, Indians and bandits in the West.</p> - -<p class="hang2">ANN’S AMBITIONS<br /> -The end of her Senior year at Forest Hill brings a -whirl of new events into the career of “Ann of the -Singing Fingers.”</p> - -<p class="hang2">ANN’S STERLING HEART<br /> -Ann returns home, after completing a busy year of -musical study abroad.</p> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers,<br /> -114–120 EAST 23d <span class="word-spacing">STREET NEW</span> YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_x" id="Page_x"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book07.png" width="180" height="258" -alt="Meg of Mystery Mountain Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">Books for Girls</p> - -<p class="center">By GRACE MAY NORTH</p> - -<p class="center">Author of<br /> -THE VIRGINIA DAVIS SERIES</p> - -<p class="center">All <span class="word-spacing">Clothbound. Copyright</span> Titles.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>With Individual Jackets in Colors</i></p> - -<p class="hang2"> MEG OF MYSTERY MOUNTAIN<br /> -This story tells of the summer vacation some young -people spent in the mountains and how they cleared up -the mystery of the lost cabin at Crazy Creek Mine.</p> - -<p class="hang2"> RILLA OF THE LIGHTHOUSE<br /> -“Rilla” had lived all her life with only her -grandfather and “Uncle Barney” as companions, but -finally, at High Cliff Seminary, her great test came -and the lovable girl from Windy Island Lighthouse met -it brilliantly.</p> - -<p class="hang2">NAN OF THE GYPSIES<br /> -In this tale of a wandering gypsy band, Nan, who has -spent her childhood with the gypsies, is adopted by a -woman of wealth, and by her love and loyalty to her, -she proves her fine character and true worth.</p> - -<p class="hang2">SISTERS<br /> -The personal characteristics and incidents in the lives -of two girls—one thoughtless and proud, the other -devoted and self-sacrificing—are vividly described -in this story, told as it is with sympathy and -understanding for both.</p> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, Publishers,<br /> -114–120 EAST 23rd <span class="word-spacing">STREET NEW</span> YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book08.png" width="180" height="254" -alt="Cathalina at Greycliff Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">The Greycliff Girls Series</p> - -<p class="center">By HARRIET PYNE GROVE</p> - -<p>Stories of Adventure, Fun, Study and Personalities of girls attending -Greycliff School.</p> - -<p class="center mb0">For Girls 10 to 15 Years</p> - -<p class="center p120 mt0 mb0">PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">Cloth bound, with Individual Jackets in Color.</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>CATHALINA AT GREYCLIFF</li> -<li>THE GIRLS OF GREYCLIFF</li> -<li>GREYCLIFF WINGS</li> -<li>GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN CAMP</li> -<li>GREYCLIFF HEROINES</li> -<li>GREYCLIFF GIRLS IN GEORGIA</li> -<li>GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ RANCHING</li> -<li>GREYCLIFF GIRLS’ GREAT ADVENTURE</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book09.png" width="180" height="253" -alt="Virginia of VM Ranch Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">The Virginia Davis Series</p> - -<p class="center">By GRACE MAY NORTH</p> - -<p class="center mb0">Clean, Wholesome Stories of Ranch Life.</p> - -<p class="center mt0 mb0">For Girls 12 to 16 Years.</p> - -<p class="center mt0">All Clothbound.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>With Individual Jackets in Colors.</i></p> - -<p class="center p120 mb0">PRICE, 75 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0">POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li>VIRGINIA OF V. M. RANCH</li> -<li>VIRGINIA AT VINE HAVEN</li> -<li>VIRGINIA’S ADVENTURE CLUB</li> -<li>VIRGINIA’S RANCH NEIGHBORS</li> -<li>VIRGINIA’S ROMANCE</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book10.png" width="180" height="254" -alt="The Radio Boys Soldiers of Fortune Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">The Radio Boys Series</p> - -<p class="center">BY GERALD BRECKENRIDGE</p> - -<p class="center">A new series of copyright titles for boys of all ages.</p> - -<p class="center p120">Cloth Bound, with Attractive Cover Designs</p> - -<p class="center p120 mb0">PRICE, 50 CENTS EACH</p> - -<p class="center mt0">POSTAGE 10c EXTRA</p> - -<hr class="small4" /> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS ON THE MEXICAN BORDER</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS ON SECRET SERVICE DUTY</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE REVENUE GUARDS</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS’ SEARCH FOR THE INCA’S TREASURE</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS RESCUE THE LOST ALASKA EXPEDITION</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS IN DARKEST AFRICA</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS SEEK THE LOST ATLANTIS</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE BORDER PATROL</li> -<li class="hang">THE RADIO BOYS AS SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><small>For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</small></p> - -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114–120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv"></a> -</div> -<div class="book-container"> - -<div class="float-left width180"> -<img src="images/book11.png" width="180" height="255" -alt="The Boy Allies in Great Peril Cover" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180"><cite>The Boy Allies</cite></p> - -<p class="center"><small>(Registered in the United States Patent Office)</small></p> - -<p class="center p180"><cite>With the Army</cite></p> - -<p class="center">BY CLAIR W. HAYES</p> - -<p class="center faux-hr"> </p> - -<p class="center">For Boys 12 to 16 Years.</p> - -<p class="center">All Cloth <span class="word-spacing">Bound Copyright</span> -Titles</p> - -<p>In this series we follow the fortunes of two American lads unable to -leave Europe after war is declared. They meet the soldiers of the -Allies, and decide to cast their lot with them. Their experiences and -escapes are many, and furnish plenty of good, healthy action that every -boy loves.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES AT LIEGE; or, Through Lines of Steel.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE; or, Twelve Days’ -Battle Along the Marne.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE COSSACKS; or, A Wild Dash Over -the Carpathians.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES IN THE TRENCHES; or, Midst Shot and -Shell Along the Aisne.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL; or, With the Italian -Army In the Alps.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN; or, The Struggle -to Save a Nation.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES ON THE SOMME; or, Courage and Bravery -Rewarded.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES AT VERDUN; or, Saving France from the -Enemy.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES; or, Leading -the American Troops to the Firing Line.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES WITH HAIG IN FLANDERS; or, The Fighting -Canadians of Vimy Ridge.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES WITH PERSHING IN FRANCE: or, Over the -Top at Chateau Thierry.</p> - -<p class="hang2">THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH; or, The Closing Days -of the Great World War.</p> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center">For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the -Publishers</p> - -<p class="center p140 mb0">A. L. BURT COMPANY</p> - -<p class="center mt0">114–120 EAST 23d <span class="word-spacing">STREET NEW</span> YORK</p> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> -<div class="tn"> -<p class="center p120">Transcriber’s Note:</p> - -<p class="noi">The <a href="#Contents">table of contents</a> was added by the transcriber.</p> - -<p class="noi">Punctuation has been standardised; spelling retained as in the original -except as follows:</p> - -<ul class="nobullet"> -<li><ul><li>Page 19<br /> -four most elegible freshmen <i>changed to</i><br /> -four most <a href="#eligible">eligible</a> freshmen</li></ul></li> - -<li><ul><li>Page 39<br /> -“Helloa!” greeted Ruth <i>changed to</i><br /> -“<a href="#Hulloa">Hulloa</a>!” greeted Ruth</li></ul></li> - -<li><ul><li>Page 72<br /> -That evening the freshman pledged became <i>changed to</i><br /> -That evening the <a href="#freshmen">freshmen</a> pledged became</li></ul></li> - -<li><ul><li>Page 89<br /> -Lavendar, green, yellow, pink, <i>changed to</i><br /> -<a href="#Lavender">Lavender</a>, green, yellow, pink,</li></ul></li> - -<li><ul><li>Page 129<br /> -“Now,” said Miss Philips, “we will adjourn <i>changed to</i><br /> -“Now,” said Miss <a href="#Phillips">Phillips</a>, “we will adjourn</li></ul></li> - -<li><ul><li>Page 193<br /> -the heads of of the girls <i>changed to</i><br /> -the heads <a href="#of">of</a> the girls</li></ul></li> -</ul> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl Scouts at Miss Allen's School, by -Edith Lavell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS *** - -***** This file should be named 55213-h.htm or 55213-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/2/1/55213/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -http://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at http://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit http://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book01.png b/old/55213-h/images/book01.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 57bd6f9..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book01.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book02.png b/old/55213-h/images/book02.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 81835e2..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book02.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book03.png b/old/55213-h/images/book03.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 65e715a..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book03.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book04.png b/old/55213-h/images/book04.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 42f0cc4..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book04.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book05.png b/old/55213-h/images/book05.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e31e84a..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book05.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book06.png b/old/55213-h/images/book06.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f10a258..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book06.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book07.png b/old/55213-h/images/book07.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 67716cf..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book07.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book08.png b/old/55213-h/images/book08.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 43a723a..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book08.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book09.png b/old/55213-h/images/book09.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6cef0bd..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book09.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book10.png b/old/55213-h/images/book10.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 12965c7..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book10.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book11.png b/old/55213-h/images/book11.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0c679ed..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book11.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/book12.png b/old/55213-h/images/book12.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 2835a30..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/book12.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/55213-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4ec9d50..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/cover2.jpg b/old/55213-h/images/cover2.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fc272cb..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/cover2.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/frontis.jpg b/old/55213-h/images/frontis.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 42a5c7e..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/frontis.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55213-h/images/title-illus.jpg b/old/55213-h/images/title-illus.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f2c9cf1..0000000 --- a/old/55213-h/images/title-illus.jpg +++ /dev/null |
