The four girl chums had been among the fortunate recipients of invitations.  A very pretty picture they made as they followed the usher, one of the junior class, to their seats.

Grace wore a gown of pale blue organdie that was a marvel of sheer daintiness.  Jessica, a fetching little affair of white silk muslin sprinkled with tiny pink rosebuds; while Anne and Nora were resplendent in white lingerie gowns.  Anne’s frock was particularly beautiful and the girls had exclaimed with delight over it when they first caught sight of her.

It was a present from Mrs. Gray, Anne told them.  She had fully expected to wear her little white muslin, but the latter had grown rather shabby and she felt ashamed of it.  Then a boy appeared with a big box addressed to her.  Wrapped in fold after fold of tissue paper lay the exquisite new gown.  Pinned to one sleeve was a note from Mrs. Gray, asking her to accept the gift in memory of the other Anne—­Mrs. Gray’s young daughter—­who had passed away years ago.  There were tears in Anne’s eyes as she told them about it, the girls agreeing with her that there was no one in the world quite so utterly dear as Mrs. Gray.

“I’m glad we’re early,” whispered Nora.  “We can watch the classes come in.  See, that place is for the juniors.  It is roped off with their colors and the other side belongs to the seniors.”

“How fine the gym. looks,” remarked Anne.  “They certainly must have worked hard to fix it up so beautifully.”

“Julia Crosby is largely responsible for it,” answered Grace.  “She has the most original ideas about decorations and things.  You know the juniors always decorate for the seniors.  It’s a sacred duty.”

“Did you know that Julia was elected president of her class?” asked Jessica.

“Oh, yes,” said Grace, “she told me about it the other day.  Oh, girls, here they come!  Doesn’t Ethel Post look sweet?  There’s Julia at the head of her class.”

“It is certainly great to be a graduate,” sighed Nora.

“Speaking of graduation,” said Grace, “did you know that David has put off his graduation for another year!  He wished to finish school with Hippy and Reddy.  They have planned to enter the same college.  So our little crowd will be together for one more year.”

“How nice of him,” cried the girls.

“Yes, isn’t it!  I’ll be awfully sorry when my turn comes,” responded Grace.  “I’m sure I shall never care for college as I do for this dear old school.”

“You can’t tell until you’ve tried it,” said Nora wisely.

The two classes had now seated themselves, and an expectant hush fell upon those assembled.  The first number on the program was a song by the senior glee club.  This was followed by the salutatory address, given by a tall dignified senior.  The class poem came next, and was received with enthusiasm.  The other numbers followed in rapid succession, each being applauded to the echo.  The class grinds were hailed with keen relish.  Each girl solemnly rose to take her medicine in the form of mild ridicule over some past harmless folly.