actually looking forward to the end of the school te

look on their young faces that most graduates have, half exultation at the thought of their success,

irls some wonderful news. He was able to see only Billie, for the other gir

ad called the girls together and eagerl

boat," she told the girls. "Paul got the highest average in his class this t

d Vi, breathlessly.

at got to do with us?"

"But it has a great deal to do with the boys. Paul Martinson has asked Che

breath, and the girls lo

ute, adding a little regretfully: "But I suppose it mea

"Don't you see? Why, Teddy said that it would be the easiest thing in

rything was working just for them, and that this couldn't poss

usy excited hours that followed. Right after the graduating exercises all the girls were to

eld earlier at Boxton Military Academy than at Three Towers Hall, so that the three North Bend boys hoped to get away in time to attend-not the exercises

ld be able to go with the gir

eeks of preparation to perfect, were over at last. The graduates realized with

ly the last barrier to be crossed before they stepped out on the open road,

visitors, fathers and mothers and boys in uniform, scattered about on the campus below t

n to change their dresses for traveling clothes and say

ard the front door a hand was laid gently on her arm, and,

n returning my album to me. But I love you for it, dear. God bless you," and before Billie could thin

r through the front door, down the steps and into the waiting carryall. The carryall, by the way, was to make many trips that day, even th

them, and the carryall, having by this time all that it coul

e she felt a curious lump in her throat. She was terribly afraid she was

said Laura in, for her, a very sob

nd as slang from Vi somehow always made them l

ourselves," said Billie's brother Chet, his

e Paul Martinson," spoke up Ferd Stowing from

that there had been times when he had longed to throw Paul Martinson in

Billie-or any one else-all he liked without having any Paul Martinson tryi

didn't he come wit

to see his motor boat, and then he had to make arrangements for our

th us," said Billie. "But she said

r Lighthouse Island?" Ferd asked with

week or two I think. We'll have to have time to get acqua

dded eagerly. "And we'll all go together from the

aid Billie, with a sigh, "since w

ou doing standing in the hall just now and looking as though you had lost y

, then she remembered Miss Arbuckle and the rather peculiar

with interest while the boys looked as if they

ning when Billie suddenly caught

, our sad, faced man again. Oh, girls,

moodily by the roadside. At sight of her he straightened up and an answering smile f

a few seconds later his smile had gone

sad in all my life," murmured Vi, as a

id Billie. "And th

out them both," remarked Laura. "Maybe

all," added Vi. "Perhaps she's Mrs. Arb

was unable to explain it, but she felt very sorry for both the tea