ing Tom Gray and
Arnold Evans.

In order to make an even number of boys and girls, Grace had invited
James Gardiner, an Oakdale boy, and last of all, very reluctantly, had
sent a note to Mr. Henry Hammond.

This she had done solely to appease Marian Barber's wounded pride. For a
week after the day that Marian had rushed angrily out of Grace's house,
she had refused to go near her sorority. But one afternoon the six
girls, headed by Grace, waylaid her as she was leaving the school and
after much coaxing Marian allowed herself to be brought to a more
reasonable frame of mind.

Then Grace, who honestly regretted having hurt Marian's feelings, had
made an extra effort to treat Mr. Hammond cordially when they chanced to
meet, and her friends had followed her example.

In spite of their feeling of dislike for him, they were forced to
acknowledge that he seemed well-bred, was a young man of apparently good
habits and that Oakdale people were rapidly taking him up. Grace
privately thought Marian entirely too young to receive the attentions of
a man so much older than herself, but Marian's father and mother
permitted it, therefore Grace felt that she had no right to judge or
object.

The longest journey seems brief when beguiled by gay companions, and the
time slipped by like magic. It was with genuine surprise that the little
party heard their station called. There was a great scurrying about for
their various belongings, and well laden with suit cases and traveling
bags the party hustled out of the train and were met on the platform by
the judge's chauffeur, who conducted them to two waiting automobiles.

Off they whirled and in an incredibly short time the two machines drew
up before the judge's stately home, where lights gleamed from every
window. The guests alighted with much laughter and noise, and in a
twinkling the massive front door opened and Judge Putnam appeared.

"Welcome, welcome!" he cried. "Now I am sure to have a Merry Christmas.
I don't see how your fathers and mothers could spare you, and I owe them
a debt of gratitude. Come in, come in. Here, Mary, are your children
again."

The judge's sister came forward and greeted the young people warmly,
kissing each girl in turn and shaking hands with the boys. Mr. Hammond
and James Gardiner were duly presented to the judge and his sister, and
then the boys were shown to their rooms by one of the servants, while
Miss Putnam herself conducted the girls to their