m and we'll have another
competition. Don't say good-by to Mrs. Clark. Give the Italian 'A
rivederci' instead, because that means not a parting greeting but 'May
we see one another again.'"

CHAPTER XV

Peachy's Birthday

Delia Watts, walking one afternoon along the lemon pergola, came across
a small group of Camellia Buds ensconced in a cozy corner at the foot of
the steps by the fountain.

"Hello! You've found a dandy place here. You look so comfy. May I join
on?" she chirped.

"Sure_lee_!" said Jess cordially, pushing Irene farther along to make
room. "Come and squat down, dearie, and add your voice to the powwow.
We're just discussing something fearfully urgent and important. Do you
know it'll be Peachy's birthday next week?"

"Of course I know. Nobody could room with Peachy and not hear about
that. She's the most excited girl on earth. She's been promised a gold
wrist-watch and a morocco hand-bag, and I can't tell you what else, and
she's just living till she gets them. I wish it was my birthday. I'm
jealous!"

"Don't be such a pig," responded Jess. "You got your fun in the
holidays. You can't have things twice over. What we were talking about
was this--the sorority ought to rally somehow and give Peachy a
surprise. Can't we get up a special stunt?"

"Rather! Put me on the committee, please! Couldn't we get leave for a
dormitory tea? I know Miss Rodgers rather frowned on them last term, but
perhaps if we wheedled Miss Morley she'd say 'yes.' We'd promise to
clear up and not make any mess, and to finish promptly before prep time.
That ought to content her. What votes?"

Every hand ascended with enthusiasm.

"Good for you, Delia!" complimented Jess. "We haven't had a dormitory
tea for just ages; not, in fact, since Aggie upset the spirit-lamp. I
think Miss Morley's forgotten that now, though. You must do the asking
yourself. You're our champion wheedler. If anybody can soften Miss
Morley's hard heart it will be you. Tell her Peachy will be homesick,
and we feel it'll be our duty to cheer her up a little."

"I'll pitch it as strong as I can," said Delia, "but of course it's no
use going too far. Peachy doesn't look a homesick subject in need of
cheering. I'm afraid Miss Morley may snort if I put it on that score.
I'd better just explain we want to have a stunt. I believe she'll catch
on. Leave it to me and I'll try my best to manage her."

"Right-o! We give you carte blanche!"

"Then I'll wad