s in some such manner but the number had, heretofore, been
limited to "Peers" only. Such a wholesale invitation as this required
some explanation.

Gwendolyn's eyes fell and her cheek flushed, while the other girls
listened in wondering delight for her answer, which came after some
hesitation. But came frankly at last in the girl's own manner.

"I'm ashamed now of the silly notions I used to have. I wanted to do
something which would prove that I am; so instead of picking out a few
of what we called 'our set' I want every girl at Oak Knowe to join us.
You'll understand, of course, that there will be no expense to
anybody. It's Mamma's farewell treat to us girls, before she goes
abroad. May she and I give it?"

"Indeed, you may, Gwendolyn, if the Bishop approves. With the
understanding that no lessons are neglected. The winter is about over.
Spring exams are near, and 'Honors' or even 'Distinction' will not be
won without hard work."

"Thank you, Miss Muriel. May I go now and ask the Bishop, then tell
the girls?"

"Certainly," and there was an expression of greater pleasure on the
lady's face than on that of Gwendolyn's even.

Winifred executed what she called a "war dance" as Gwen disappeared,
crying:

"That's what I call a wholesale burying of the hatchet! That
'Honorable' young woman is distinguishing herself. Don't you think
so, Miss Muriel?"

"I am pleased. I am very pleased. Gwendolyn has surely dropped her
foolishness and I'm proud of her. It's so much safer for anyone to be
normal, without fads or fancies--"

"Oh! come now, you dear Schoolma'am! Never mind the pretty talk just
this minute, 'cause I can't wait to tell you--Father's coming--my
Father is coming and a proper good time with him! If you'll only
remember I wasn't saucy then--A girl you'd raised to hand, like me,
couldn't really be saucy, could she? And--and please just wait a
minute. Please let me talk first. Because _I_ can't ask _everybody_,
but my darling Father means just as well as Lady Jane. His invite is
only for a dozen--round baker's dozen, to take a trip in his car to
Montreal and visit the Ice Palace! Think of that! The beautiful Ice
Palace that I've never seen in all my life. If you'll say 'yes,' if
you'll be the picker out of 'em, besides yourself and Miss Hexam and
Dawkins--Oh! dear! You three grown-ups take off three from my
dozen-thirteen! But there'll be ten left, any way, and please say yes
and how many days we may be gone