d costumes, with
their decorations of flowers, ribbons, and bells looked well with the
green field for a setting, and when the band struck up, and the
dancers began their lively yet graceful motions, everyone felt
transported back to mediaeval days, when the world was young and
joyous, and our country merited its title of "Merrie England". The
Second Form girls, to whom had been assigned this portion of the
programme, contrived admirably to convey the original spirit of the
dance; their steps seemed so fresh and spontaneous and gay, their
actions so prompt and appropriate, and all went in such excellent time
to the music that the approving spectators accorded them an encore,
much to their satisfaction, for they were anxious not to be beaten by
their rivals the maypole plaiters.

After the dancing was finished there was an interval for refreshments
before the sports began. Tea and coffee were served on tables which
had been carried out from the school, the ices were much in demand,
and lemonade and ginger beer bottles maintained a brisk series of
pops. Gwen, whose duties had kept her by the entrance gate, had only
been able to view the festivities from a distance, and she could not
yet desert her post as late comers were still arriving.

"I've brought you a cup of tea, Gwen, if you can manage to drink it,
and a slice of cake. It's rather hard you have to act sentry all the
afternoon," said Iris Watson.

"I don't mind. It's prime fun taking the tolls. I feel like an ancient
turnpike man. Thanks immensely for the tea! I'm more thirsty than
hungry, but I shan't despise the cake. Isn't it a piece of the one
your mother sent?"

"Sweets, sixpence a box! Peppermint creams! Chocolate caramels! Almond
toffee! All home made! The best value for the money in all Stedburgh!
Perfectly delicious! Buy a box and taste them!" called a well-known
voice, and Lesbia marched up, smiling at her own eloquence.

"Why, you young Cheap Jack, I thought you were selling flowers!"
exclaimed Gwen.

"So I was, but I completely cleared out my stock, and Miss Trent set
me up in the confectionery line instead. I'm doing equally well, or
even better. By the by, can you give me change for a two-shilling
piece? Miss Douglas has just bought sixpenny-worth, and she has
nothing but a florin. I've this moment handed my money to Miss Trent
to take care of. I've no pocket in this dress, and I gave my bag to
Miss Barton with the proceeds of the flowers in i