t floor came out of their
studies when they heard the music, and we had the
wildest, merriest, most enchanting dance for just
half an hour. Then it was hurry-scurry off, for
Miss Russell's girls were on the very edge of
their time allowance, and had to run most of the
way home (it is only a very little way, and one of
the maids had come with them, and waited for
them). And we all thanked Mrs. Tower as prettily
as we knew how, and she said pleasant things, and
then some of the girls helped me to take back the
chairs and straighten things up generally. So the
great frolic was over, and most delightful it
was; but, my dear, I had to get up at five o'clock
to finish my Greek next morning, and the ground
floor was not much better off with its philosophy.
And now there are no more gaieties, for the
examinations are 'on,' and we must buckle to our
work in good earnest. I don't expect to have much
trouble, as I have kept up pretty well; but there
is enough for any one to do, no matter how well up
she is. So this is the last letter you will have,
my dear, before the happy day that brings us all
out to the beloved Pumpkin House. Oh, what a
glorious time we shall have, all together once
more! Roger is still out West, but hopes to get
back for the last part of the holidays, at least;
and Phil's and Jerry's vacation begins two days
before Gerty's and mine. Altogether, the prospect
is enchanting, and one of the very best parts of
it is the seeing you again, dear Hilda. Only three
weeks more! Gerty paints a star on her screen for
every day that is gone. Funny little Gerty! Give
my love to your mother, please, and believe me
always, dear Hilda,

"Your affectionate
"ISABEL MERRYWEATHER."

Hildegarde gave a half-sigh, as she finished this letter, and walked on
in silence, thinking many things. Bell's life seemed very free and full
and joyous; it suited her exactly, the strong, sensible, merry girl; and
oh, how much she was learning! This letter said little about studies,
but Hildegarde knew from former ones how much faithful work