Mrs. Gray, who was in the midst of a group of her intimate
friends.

After a great deal of handshaking and general greeting, the entire party
of guests, young and old, set off for Mrs. Gray's beautiful home.

The young people had elected to walk and strolled along through the
white moonlight, care free, the world before them.

The older members of the party who had ridden to the house were awaiting
them on the veranda. Soon after they all repaired to the dining room,
where a collation was served them at two long tables, at the close of
which toasts were in order, and every one was "drunk down" in the fruit
punch provided for the occasion.

When the gamut of toasting had been finally run, Mr. Harlowe arose and
said:

"I have been appointed as spokesman by a committee composed of the
fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters of the eight young women who are
the cause of all this celebration. The committee of which I speak may
not in any sense compare with that august body known as the Phi Sigma
Tau, but nevertheless it can boast of at least having held several
secret sessions, the result of those sessions being this:

"A long time ago I promised my daughter Grace that my graduation gift to
her should be a trip to Europe. Knowing what an addition to the trip the
society of her young friends would be, I interviewed those responsible
for the welfare of the Phi Sigma Tau, and it was decided that her
sorority should accompany her.

"As certain members of the aforesaid committee also feel entitled to
vacations, it is quite probable that the Phi Sigma Tau will sail with at
least a round dozen of chaperons. In fact, I have seriously considered
chartering a liner. Now I have done my duty and any one who wishes may
make remarks."

Then a perfect babble arose, and every one tried to express their
opinion at once. As for the Phi Sigma Tau, they were in the seventh
heaven of rapture.

Even Anne, who in spite of Mr. Harlowe's assurance, knew that for her
the trip was practically impossible, rejoiced for her friends' sake.

"Come here, Anne," commanded Mrs. Gray from the head of the table.

"Anne is my own dear child," said the old lady. "In the past four years
she has been not only my secretary, but a daughter as well. As her
foster mother, I claim the privilege of sending her to Europe. It shall
be my graduation gift to her."

"Three cheers for Mrs. Gray," proposed Hippy, rising, and they were
given with a will.

"And ar