was a long time since the school had had a fancy ball.
There had been private carnivals in the dormitories, but not a public
official affair at which everybody could compete in the way of dresses.
Rumor spread like wild-fire round the room. It was whispered that Miss
Morley herself meant to come, disguised as Hiawatha, that Miss Rodgers
had offered a gold wrist-watch as first prize, and that there were yards
of gorgeous materials in the storeroom to be had for the asking. The
thrill of these manifold possibilities was sufficient to eclipse the
attractions of their former intentions for the evening's amusement. It
was really more interesting to evolve costumes than plan tricks. Every
true daughter of Eve loves to look her best, and womanhood, even in the
bud, cannot withstand the supreme magnet of clothes. Little Doris
Parker, South African hoyden as she was, voiced the general feeling when
she confessed:

"I'd meant to give those Australians a hot time of it. They may thank
their stars for the League. Though I'm rather glad I shan't have to
tease Natalie, because she's my chum. We're both going together as
southern hemispheres. It'll be ripping fun."

The Camellia Buds, who had been temporarily estranged by the impending
national divisions, returned to the friendly atmosphere of their
sorority, and lent one another garments for the fete.

"It's a good thing Rachel put a stopper on commandeering," commented
Delia. "Mabel was simply shameless at the Carnival. Had anybody told?"

"Sybil and Erica knew; and Rachel isn't really as blind as we thought.
At any rate, she's awake now, and a far nicer prefect than she used to
be. By the by, we're to draw lots as to who may borrow out of the
theatrical property box."

"Oh, goody. I hope I'll win. There's a little gray dress there I've set
my heart on. I'll cry oceans if I don't get it," declared Peachy.

"Cheer up, poor old sport! If the luck comes my way I'll try and grab it
for you. I don't need anything for myself, thank goodness."

"You white angel! That's what I call being a real mascot. I'll share my
last dollar with you some day--honest Injun!"

The contents of Miss Morley's theatrical property box, apportioned
strictly by lot, did not go far among fifty-six girls. Miss Rodgers
allowed two of the prefects, with a teacher, to make an expedition into
Fossato and rummage the shops for some yards of cheap, gay materials,
imitation lace, and bright ribbons, which they we