Ruth looked and for the first time realized that each one was using the left hand to make the picture.  “What a stupid I am,” she said ruefully.  “To think I let all you Glenloch girls and boys get ahead of Chicago.”

“You’re a Glenloch girl yourself, now,” put in Katharine.

“So I am, and I know a trick game, too.  If Betty will come out in the hall with me I’ll have my revenge on you.”

She started toward the door as she spoke, but a loud peal of the door-bell sent her flying back into the room again.

Mr. Hamilton opened the door and took in a yellow envelope which he handed to Ruth.

She tore it open eagerly and her face flushed with pleasure as she read the message.  “It’s from father,” she cried, looking at the expectant faces around her.  “He must have guessed that we might be having a party, for he says, ‘Merry Christmas to all.’  I just wish he could know you all, for I’m sure he’d like you.”

As she stood there smiling happily, Frank had a sudden inspiration.  Seizing the hands of Charlotte and Alice, who were nearest him, he began to dance around Ruth, singing at the top of his voice: 

“For she’s a jolly good fellow, For she’s a jolly good fellow, For she’s a jolly good fellow, And we’re very glad she came.”

All joined in as Mrs. Hamilton caught it on the piano, and Ruth stood surrounded by a circle of beaming faces, and feeling that the world was a very good sort of place after all.

As the laughing crowd broke ranks, Ruth was mysteriously drawn aside by Charlotte, Betty and Dorothy.

“Allow us to crown you,” said Charlotte, placing an available holly wreath on Ruth’s head, “as the only successful member of the ’S.  F. T. R. O. A. H. T. T. W.’  The object of this society having been fulfilled, the society will now be officially dissolved.”

“Why, what do you mean?” asked Ruth much mystified.

“Don’t you remember the society we planned the first day we met in your room?” demanded Dorothy.  “Well, look there, and there, and see if you haven’t accomplished its object.”

Ruth looked and found it truly a pleasant sight.  Arthur, the central figure of a group of boys, looked happier than she had ever seen him, and was evidently making plans for future good times, while his father and mother beamed contentedly on him from a little distance.

CHAPTER XII

LOST AND FOUND

Ten days after Christmas the ice was declared quite perfect, and the Social Six were to have their first skating-party of the season on Holden’s Pond.  It was planned to invite the usual boys, to begin skating at about half-past six, and to go to Katharine French’s house at half-past eight for supper and games.  Betty’s married brother and his wife, who were great favorites with the girls and boys, were to chaperone the party.

Ruth was greatly excited over the prospect, for she had hardly done more than learn to stand up on her Christmas skates, and she longed to be able to glide off as gracefully as Dorothy did.  She looked very gay in her red suit, with a jaunty tam-o’-shanter set rakishly on the brown curls, and even Arthur smiled involuntarily at the pretty picture as she came into the library to say good-bye.