we thank you?"

"By being cordial and helpful with each other and holding fast to the
divine truths that shape character and will make you admirable women
capable of filling the best and highest positions in life; and,
remember, there is nothing more satisfactory in the world than true and
generous friendship."

Phillipa rescued Zay from the overwhelming kissing and hugs.

"Oh, my dear, isn't it all wonderful? Why you didn't write half of it to
me! And I laughed over your little scare of scarlet fever. Louie had a
mental attack, I think. She went almost crazy, but I fancy she won't
blow on us. It was a silly thing to do, but see here--" and she twisted
a ring around her finger. "A diamond, sure enough, but I can't be
engaged until I've graduated. It's just awful, and only a little stolen
bit in his sister's letters to me. But he thinks he'll plan a way to see
me at Easter, even if he has to come here. So the old woman didn't miss
it there! And I do wonder how you'll like a sister? You spoiled little
midget!"

"Oh, we shan't quarrel," with a gay laugh.

The carriage had come for them and there were enough farewells to send
them off to Europe.

"Zay _does_ take it beautifully," said a group of girls. "Lucky that
Miss Nevins was all bunged up with a bad toothache and swelled face.
She'd counted so much on being in at the feast."

The three elders were sitting up for them.

"We've just had a gay old time and Rita was the star of the goodly
company," exclaimed Zaidee in her merriest tone. "We drank healths
enough to sink a ship and Mrs. Barrington was sweetness itself. I'm
tired and sleepy, so you won't mind if I run off to bed. And Monday the
treadmill of school begins. Only one day of grace!"

She kissed her parents, then her sister. Was she beginning to love her?
She had been so radiantly sweet tonight.

"You _did_ enjoy it?" and the Major pulled Marguerite down on his knee.

"Oh, yes, only I didn't like being quite so much of a heroine. But my
most ardent admirer was ill in bed, and I was thankful for that."

He laughed. How different she was from Zay. Had it been her quiet
restricted sphere, her struggle with the life she had known in dreams
and the bald every day experiences? Zay laughed at the favors and
pleasures showered upon her but she would not have been the bright,
merry girl without them. Would the gravity of the one help to tone down
the mercurial temperament of the other? Oh, it was so good to h