njoyed in one another's society.

"'We who are about to die salute you'" quoted Nora O'Malley, as the four
girls strolled home from school on the Friday preceding commencement.

"What a cheerful remark," laughed Grace Harlowe.

"Well, that's the way I feel, at any rate," declared Nora. "I can't bear
to think that next year we'll all be scattered to the four winds, or,
rather, the two winds, because Jessica and I will be together, and so
will you and Anne."

"Go to college with us, then," slyly tempted Grace.

"No," answered Nora decidedly. "I've set my heart on studying vocal
music. I have always said that I should go to a conservatory, and since
Eleanor's father has given me so much encouragement, I've made up my
mind to become a concert singer if possible. I'll stay a year in the
conservatory at least, and at the end of that time I'll know whether I
am justified in going on studying."

"It's fortunate that I am going to study on the piano and that we can be
at the same conservatory," said Jessica.

"And that Anne and I will be at the same college," added Grace, "if we
ever make up our minds what college we wish to enter."

"There is still plenty of time for that," said Anne. "I am glad that
scholarship doesn't stipulate as to what particular college--that is, if
I win it."

"You won't know that until a week from to-night," said Jessica. "What a
night that will be. This year there will be an extra feature, the
presentation of the gym. money."

"I am so proud of our class," exclaimed Grace, "but I do wish we had an
even two thousand dollars to give. We lack only twenty dollars. I wonder
if the class would care to make it up."

"Why couldn't the Phi Sigma Tau make it up as a parting gift to Oakdale
High School!" asked Nora. "That would be two dollars and a half apiece.
I am willing to do with that much less fuss on my graduating gown, if
the rest of you are."

"I am," said Grace.

"So am I," replied Jessica and Anne together.

"I am sure the other four girls will be of the same mind," said Grace.
"I'll see them to-morrow."

The four other members of the Phi Sigma Tau were duly interviewed and by
Monday of commencement week the twenty dollars had been added to the
fund deposited in Upton Bank.

The prophecy made by Jessica on class day at the end of their sophomore
year was about to be fulfilled to the letter, for the four chums had
been appointed to the very honors to which she had jestingly assigned