etter than the boys."

"And gee! Ain't they?" rejoined Billy, with feeling.

They were back at the landing in time to escort the winning girls' crews
up to the athletic field and listen to the speeches. Colonel Swayne made
the best one of the day, and certainly the one that was most appreciated
by the girls of Central High when he announced that the contracts for
the building of the new gymnasium were closed and that the building was
bound to surpass anything of the kind in the State.

"And I declare you deserve it!" said Colonel Swayne, in conclusion. "You
certainly are the finest class of girls I ever did see. You are not like
what girls were when I was a boy--I must say that. But, I guess
different times breeds different folks. It must be all right for girls
now to be athletic and be able to row like boys, and play ball, and all
that.

"And I certainly was proud that I lived on the Hill to-day, and that my
neighbors' daughters were such strong and healthy young ladies. It has
been the greatest day we've seen on Lake Luna for many a year. I'm proud
of you all!"

There was a reception that evening at the chapter house of the M. O.
R.'s, Central High's very popular secret society, and the girls who had
taken part in the aquatic events were feasted and made much of by the
members of the society and the teachers and friends invited for the
occasion.

It was a very Happy time for the girls of Central High. Even Miss
Carrington was in an especially gracious mood; but Aunt Dora, who had
come with the twins, refused to speak to "that four-eyed teacher."

Bobby Hargrew was there, although she could never hope to be a member of
the M. O. R.'s herself, unless she changed her mischievous ways. "But,"
as Laura quoted, "can the leopard change his spots?"

"He most certainly can--unless he goes dead lame," cried Bobby,
grinning. "You wait till I'm a junior! I'm going to make the M. O. R.'s
and be Gee Gee's prize scholar next year."

"Better practice a little now, Bobby," advised Nellie Agnew. "Then it
won't come so hard to begin in September."

Dora and Dorothy went home early from the "party" with Aunt Dora. The
old lady was still afraid of the night air.

"And I'll come to see you--for a while--right after graduation," Dora
said to her aunt, cheerfully. "And then Dorothy will take my place----"

"No. You can both come--come together. I couldn't stand you more than a
week at a time, I'm sure," said Aunt Dora, with a s