way to the depot and when I had
bought my ticket and was in the cars riding toward home I was happier than
I had been for weeks. But the train was late and it was very dark when I
left the cars at the Centre and started to walk home."

"The lass reached our door," said Sandy, "an' she was aboot faintin' when
I lifted her in, and set her doon before the fire. An' noo, as I'm not
necessary to ye're happiness," said Sandy with twinkling eyes, "I think
I'll bid ye 'good night,' and be drivin' hame tae Margaret."

"I'm so glad to be at home again," said Phoebe, when Sandy had gone.

"I cannot tell you, Phoebe, how we've missed you," her mother answered.
"Your father had to visit Boston yesterday and will be back to-morrow.
When Sandy arrived with you, I was sitting here alone and wondering how
long you would be willing to stay at boarding school."

"I never wish to see or hear about one again," said Phoebe. I shall never
be discontented again.

"It was a hard lesson," said Mrs. Small, as she kissed Phoebe, "but
perhaps it was a good one after all."

CHAPTER X

THE PARTY

Randy had become a favorite among the girls at the school, and one and all
declared that her frankness had been the trait which had first won their
admiration.

"She always means what she says," said Nina Irwin. "I value a compliment
which Randy gives, for she never flatters. If she says a pleasant word, it
comes straight from her heart, and her heart is warm and loving."

Randy had made rapid progress in her studies, and it seemed as if her zeal
increased as the months sped by. She had attended many concerts since the
memorable one when she had given her single rose to Madame Valena, "and
now the finest thing is yet to happen," she said in a letter to her
mother.

Miss Dayton had sent out invitations for a little party to be given in
honor of Miss Randy Weston, and in consequence there was much excitement
at the private school.

To receive an invitation from Miss Dayton meant much, and Randy's friends
talked of little else.

"What shall you wear, Nina," asked Polly Lawrence.

"Whatever mama suggests," replied Nina, with a laugh.

"Because," continued Polly, "I think we ought to dress, well--in a very
showy manner, for Miss Dayton."

"Why, I do not see that," remarked another girl. "Miss Dayton dresses
richly, but I should not say that 'showy' was a fitting word to apply to
her refined taste."

"Indeed!" said Polly, sharply. "We