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 are all of you boys going, too?” Grace asked delightedly of Tom Gray.

“Going?  Well, I rather think so,” he replied with emphasis.

“We are going all at once and with both feet foremost,” declared Hippy.  “First we shall all be sea sick.  After that we shall prowl about Westminster Abbey and ruin our eyesight reading inscriptions on tombs.  After that we shall be arrested in France for our Franco-American accent.  We shall break our collar bones and bruise our shins doing strenuous Alpine stunts, and we shall turn a disapproving eye upon Russia and incidentally expose a few Nihilists.  We shall fish in the Grand Canal at Venice and wear out our shoes prancing about Florence on a still hunt for old masters.