d over again
that night to her eager listeners. Her chums hung about her adoringly.
Hippy, Reddy and David were fairly beside themselves.

"Oh, you lunatic snatcher," cried Hippy, throwing up his hat to express
his feelings.

"You never dreamed that the little key you gave me would prove my
salvation," said Grace to David, as her friends bade her good night. "It
surely must have been fate."

CHAPTER XXIV

COMMENCEMENT

Examinations had ceased to be bug-bears and kill joys to the young idea of
Oakdale. The last paper had been looked over, and the anxious hearts of
the majority of the High School pupils had been set at rest. In most cases
there was general rejoicing over the results of the final test. Marks were
compared and plans for the next year's course of study discussed.

The juniors were about to come into their own. When the present seniors
had been handed their diplomas, and Miss Thompson and Mr. Cole had wished
them god-speed, the present juniors would start on the home stretch that
ended in commencement, and a vague awakening to the real duties of life.

The senior class stood for the time being in the limelight of public
attention. It was the observed of all observers. Teas were given in honor
of its various members, and bevies of young girls in dainty summer apparel
brightened the streets of Oakdale, during the long sunny afternoons.

It was truly an eventful week. Grace Harlowe gave a tea in honor of Ethel
Post, which was a marked social success. The two girls had become
thoroughly well acquainted over their golf and had received great benefit
from each other's society. Miss Post's calm philosophical view of life had
a quieting effect on impulsive Grace, while Grace's energy and
whole-hearted way of diving into things proved a stimulus to the older
girl.

It was Tuesday afternoon and class day. High School girls in gala attire
were seen hurrying up the broad walk leading to the main door of the
school building.

It was the day of all days, to those about to graduate. Of course,
receiving one's diploma was the most important feature, but class day lay
nearest the heart.

The exercises were to be held in the gymnasium.

The junior and senior classes had brought in half the woods to beautify
the big room, and Oakdale gardens had been ruthlessly forced to give up
their wealth of bud and bloom in honor of the occasion.

It was customary for the seniors to invite the junior class, who alway