The sun was just peeping over the red-tiled roof of the gym, as Polly and Lois stole softly out of the house and walked slowly in the direction of the woods. The day was warm and clear with the wonderful freshness of early morning. The ground was covered with millions of cobwebs and sparkling dewdrops that danced in the sunshine.

“Commencement Day at last,” Polly began, speaking in a subdued whisper, for they were still near the school windows.

“It couldn’t have been more glorious,” replied Lois. “I think I would have died if it had dared to rain.”

They walked on a little way in silence, and then Polly said very seriously:

“It’s our last day together. I’m glad you thought of this walk. We probably won’t have another chance to be alone.”

“I know,” returned Lois. “Polly, I can’t bear to think of this summer without you.”

“Oh, don’t remind me of it!” Polly pleaded. “Think how I’ll miss you. We can write, of course, but let’s cheer up. We mustn’t spoil this beautiful morning by getting the blues.”

They linked arms and continued their walk. The seriousness of their talk had caused them to halt in the middle of the path.

“Where will we go?” questioned Lois.

“We’ve time to walk as far as the brook before breakfast,” Polly suggested, “and we can say good-by to all the dear old spots on the way.”

The brook was visited, as were all the other places, the crow’s-nest, the old wall, the ruin, and the rest of the landmarks that were dear to the heart of every Seddon Hall girl.

On the whole it was not a very cheerful walk, and when the girls returned to school in time to join the line for breakfast, they were rather sad and quiet. It was not long, however, before they caught the general spirit of excitement that prevailed and were as jolly as the rest.

“What time do you want us to practice, Louise?” Polly called as she caught sight of the busy Senior president in the corridor after breakfast.

“We are going to leave here for church at ten o’clock sharp. Be ready and wait outside Mrs. Baird’s office for us,” Louise answered as she hurried past.

Polly and Lois were ready and waiting many minutes before it was time to go, and it seemed hours to them before the Seniors assembled and Mrs. Baird gave the word to start. They walked hurriedly down the steep hill which leads to the village and then on to the little old church covered with ivy, located at the farthest end of the main street.

“Do let’s sit down and rest a minute,” said Mrs. Baird, dropping into one of the last pews and fanning herself with her handkerchief. “It’s certainly a glorious day, but it’s a very warm one, too.”

Louise insisted that she could direct them sitting down as well as standing, so the rehearsal began. Polly and Lois were told how to manage the white satin ribbons, and the Seniors practiced the Commencement hymn.

“You see, my dears,” Mrs. Baird explained to Polly, “the whole school marches in first, every one taking their place; they are followed by the faculty and visitors. When they are all seated you and Lois take the ribbons, which will be fastened to the last pews, and walk slowly up the aisle. You are followed by the Seniors, and you wait until they have received their diplomas and the service is over, then you follow them out, and the rest of the school follows you.”

“It’s just like a wedding, isn’t it?” Lois questioned. “I think I understand.”

Mrs. Baird smilingly agreed that it was, and they went through it once more to be sure.

“Isn’t it solemn?” whispered Polly. “Look out, your ribbon’s twisted.”

“Thanks; now it’s all right,” Lois replied. “Doesn’t Louise look sweet this morning?” she inquired as they separated to stand on either side of the aisle.

Polly could only nod in reply, which she did vigorously.

The Seniors walked up slowly and took their places, and after a few last words from Mrs. Baird, the rehearsal was over.

Louise walked back to school between Polly and Lois.

“I’ve been wondering,” she began as they sauntered along the lazy village street, “whether you two would like to come and visit me for a while this summer. We have a big camp up in the Adirondacks, and I think you would have a good time. How about it?”

“Louise, you duck!” cried Polly and Lois in one breath. “We’d adore it. Oh, what a lark!”

“My small cousin Frances is always with us in the summer, and I’m sure you’ll get along famously together,” Louise told them, smiling rather mysteriously, and she added emphatically: “Yes, I’m sure you’ll get along famously.”

For the rest of the walk up the dusty hill she described the cabin in the heart of the woods, the funny guides, and spoke vaguely but frequently of Frances.

On discussing the invitation a little later after Louise had left them, Polly exclaimed:

“Won’t it be a lark? I do hope we can go. Don’t you love the idea?”

And Lois answered slowly:

“Yes, all except Frances. I suppose she’s a nice enough girl, but I wish she wasn’t going to be there.”

“Why, we needn’t pay any attention to her,” Polly replied. “But let’s find Bet. We haven’t seen her all day.”

They started off in search and presently found her playing with Vic (the team’s mascot had been named Victor after the Field Day game, and called Vic for short), on the steps of the gym.

“Hello!” she called, as she caught sight of them. “I’ve been wondering where you were.”

“Why, we’ve been practicing with the ribbons in church,” replied Polly, forgetting that Betty had not heard of them being chosen by the Seniors.

“You! Ribbons!” Betty was overcome with surprise. “Well, you might have told a fellow. Jove, you are in luck!”

“I entirely forgot you didn’t know. Florence and Louise asked us last night. Isn’t it wonderful? I know I’ll laugh, though,” confided Lois, “or cry.”

“Do both,” advised Betty. “I’m going to make a face at you as you go down the aisle. Stop that, Vic, you wicked monkey!” she commanded, as the mascot made a playful dab at her hair ribbon.

“What’s to become of Vic this summer?” demanded Polly. “Somebody has to take care of him.”

“He’s ours; we found him,” Betty declared. “Poor old Vic. What do you say about it?” she added, scratching the monkey’s ear.

As they stood discussing his future, Vic noticed a familiar figure coming down the stable road. It was Tony, one of the Seddon Hall gardeners, and a special friend of his. He had taken care of him ever since Field Day.

As if to answer their question for them, the little monkey jumped from Betty’s lap, ran swiftly along the ground, and bounded to Tony’s shoulder.

“The problem is solved,” laughed Betty. “Tony will take care of him. Tony,” she called, and the Italian came up to the steps, smiling sheepishly.

Of course he was delighted at the idea of having Vic to himself all summer, and promised to take the very best of care of him.

“You leave me your address,” he said, “and I write sometime how he is.”

So it was arranged. The three girls said good-by to their mascot, who was borne away on Tony’s shoulder.

The rest of the day whizzed by on wings of excitement. Every one was everywhere at once. Visitors arrived in carriage loads. Those who were already there wandered through the halls trying to find the particular girl they wanted, and time was flying.

Uncle Roddy met Dr. and Mrs. Farwell in New York and brought them up in his car. They were all standing in the reception-room talking to Mrs. Baird, as Polly and Lois came down the stairs.

“Why, there’s your uncle, Polly, and he’s with mother and dad,” exclaimed Lois, catching sight of the three in the doorway.

They were soon exchanging greetings, and Polly had time to wonder why Bob hadn’t come.

“We simply must leave you,” Lois said, after they had talked for a few minutes. “We are awfully busy. You know, we are to carry the ribbons for the Seniors, and we have to be in church ahead of the rest.”

“We’ll meet you right after the service,” called Polly, as they both disappeared down the corridor.

“Well, that was short and sweet,” laughed Uncle Roddy, looking after them. “They’re not overgenerous with their society, are they?”

“What a darling Polly is!” Mrs. Farwell returned. “And you say she has no other relatives besides you.”

“Not one. Isn’t that a dreadful responsibility for a bachelor?” Uncle Roddy replied.

“Perhaps I can help you,” Mrs. Farwell said. “I would love to have her with Lois as much as possible.”

The bell for the guests to go to church interrupted their conversation, and they went outside to find the motor.

The Commencement exercises were a great success. The Seniors all looked beautiful and made their relatives and friends very proud of them. Polly and Lois managed the Ribbons without any trouble and added greatly to the dignity of the scene.

Once during the chaplain’s short address they caught Betty’s eye just as he said “certainly not,” and they almost laughed. It was a terrible moment, but the loud “amen” that soon followed saved the day and gave them a chance to snicker without being noticed.

“I’ll kill Bet for that,” whispered Polly, as they walked sedately down the aisle after the Seniors at the close of the service.

But the excitement of leaving made her forget her threat, when fifteen minutes later she and Lois and Betty met in the latter’s room.

“There, I think I’ve packed everything,” sighed Betty. “Jemima, how I hate to leave!”

“‘When shall we three meet again?’” quoted Lois. “Sometime this summer, I hope.”

“It would be a lark if we could be together some of the time, wouldn’t it?” mused Polly. “Perhaps we can. Who knows?”

“I am going down, now,” announced Betty. “I want to say hello to Mr. Pendleton. If I don’t see you two again, why good-by and don’t forget to write.” And she was gone. Not for worlds would she have displayed the emotion she felt.

Polly and Lois stole down to Senior Alley for a last good-by to Louise and dragged her down to meet their families. Then after much kissing, giving of addresses, shouted last messages and promises to come back, they finally found themselves in Uncle Roddy’s motor.

They were both silent for a few minutes and their eyes were misty as they watched the towers of Seddon Hall grow fainter and fainter, until they entirely disappeared.

“We’ll have to say good-by to each other next,” whispered Lois.

“Don’t!” answered Polly, with just a little catch in her voice. “I can’t bear to think of it, Lo.”

Then it was that they realized that Uncle Roddy was talking.

“So,” he was saying, “if Mrs. Farwell will be contented in that sleepy old town, there’s the big house at her service and the children will be together.”

“Of course I’ll be contented. It will be a wonderful summer,” answered Mrs. Farwell.

“Capital!” spoke up the Doctor. “Roddy and I can come up for the week ends and have some fishing.”

The two girls looked at each other in astonishment.

“We will be together after all,” exclaimed Polly excitedly.

“But where?” Lois demanded.

“At my old home,” Polly explained. “Just to think I’ll see my precious dogs again!”

They parted hours later, after a very happy drive spent in discussing plans for the summer. It was parting, of course, but as Lois reminded every one delightedly: “It was only until next week.”

That night Uncle Roddy noticed that Polly was looking very thoughtful as she sat on the arm of his chair.

“What’s the matter, Tiddle-dy-winks?” he inquired, pulling her down on his knee and patting her shoulder. “What are you thinking about?”

“I’m thinking,” replied Polly slowly, “how sorry I am it’s all over. It’s been the happiest year of my life.”

“But that’s only so far,” laughed Uncle Roddy. “You’ve still a number of years to come, I hope.”

“But can they ever be as happy as this one?” Polly asked.

“If I have anything to say about it, each year will be happier than the last, dear child, and now, good night.” And Uncle Roddy gave her a hearty kiss.

So Polly, with Uncle Roddy’s promise still ringing in her ears, fell asleep at the close of that eventful year, not thinking regretfully of the past, but dreaming happily of the joys to come.

THE END

THE “POLLY” SERIES

By Dorothy Whitehill

Polly Pendleton is a resourceful, wide-awake American girl who goes to a boarding school on the Hudson River some miles above New York. By her pluck and resourcefulness, she soon makes a place for herself and this she holds right through the course. The account of boarding school life is faithful and pleasing and will attract every girl in her teens.

Cloth, large 12 mo. Illustrated

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

Charming Stories for Girls

THE CORNER HOUSE GIRLS SERIES

By Grace Brooks Hill

Four girls from eight to fourteen years of age receive word that a rich bachelor uncle has died, leaving them the old Corner House he occupied. They move into it and then the fun begins. What they find and do will provoke many a hearty laugh. Later, they enter school and make many friends. One of these invites the girls to spend a few weeks at a bungalow owned by her parents, and the adventures they meet with make very interesting reading. Clean, wholesome stories of humor and adventure, sure to appeal to all young girls.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

CHICKEN LITTLE JANE SERIES

By Lily Munsell Ritchie

Chicken Little Jane is a Western prairie girl who lives a happy, outdoor life in a country where there is plenty of room to turn around. She is a wide-awake, resourceful girl who will instantly win her way into the hearts of other girls. And what good times she has!—with her pets, her friends, and her many interests. “Chicken Little” is the affectionate nickname given to her when she is very, very good, but when she misbehaves it is “Jane”—just Jane!

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

ELIZABETH ANN SERIES

By Josephine Lawrence

For Girls from 7 to 12

Elizabeth Ann is a little girl whom we first meet on a big train, traveling all alone. Her father and mother have sailed for Japan, and she is sent back East to visit at first one relative’s home, and then another. Of course, she meets many new friends, some of whom she is quite happy with, while others—but you must read the stories for yourself. Every other girl who reads the first of these charming books will want all the rest; for Elizabeth Ann is certainly worth the cultivating.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

LINDA LANE SERIES

By Josephine Lawrence

For Girls from 12 to 15

Cloth, Large 12 Mo., Illustrated

“The trouble with Linda Lane,” said Mrs. Quincy, “was that she ‘couldn’t get along with folks.’” As everyone knows, a girl needs friends to love her and believe in her. It isn’t to be wondered at that Linda wasn’t happy. Then little Miss Gilly came to the rooms of the Society, the only home Linda knew, and took the girl home with her. A new life begins for Linda, and she finds, to her surprise and delight, how to get along with people, how to make friends, and slowly and surely how to be happy.

Linda admires independence above all other traits of character. She has plenty of that quality herself and she is the kind of girl who not only cheerfully fights her own battles, but those of the weaker who cannot defend themselves. She is “bossy,” lovable, impatient and loyal, a born manager, whose plans invariably work out to satisfactory conclusions, and Linda has a definite plan which gradually unfolds in these books written about her—the sort of plan only a girl without a home and parents of her own could think of and carry to completion. Linda Lane knows what she wants and she is willing to work and trust to her own efforts to make her wishes come true.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

THE “TWINS” SERIES

By Dorothy Whitehall

Cloth, 12 mo., Illustrated.

Here is a sparkling new series of stories for girls—just what they will like, and ask for more of the same kind. It is all about twin sisters, who for the first few years in their lives grow up in ignorance of each other’s existence. Then they are at last brought together and things begin to happen. Janet is an independent go-ahead sort of girl; while her sister Phyllis is—but meet the twins for yourself and be entertained.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

THE JOYCE PAYTON SERIES

By

Dorothy Whitehill

For girls from 8 to 14

Between the covers of these new books will be found the most intensely interesting cast of characters, whose adventures in school and at home keep one guessing continually. Joyce Payton, known as “Joy” with her knowledge of gypsy ways, is bound to become a universal favorite; there is also Pam, her running mate, and her best chum; Gypsy Joe, the little Romany genius, and his magical “fiddle,” with which he talks to the birds, squirrels, and in fact all of Animated Nature. Then there is among the host of others Gloria, the city-bred cousin, a spoiled darling; who feels like a “cat in a strange garret” when in the company of Joy and her friends.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

JUDITH AND JANE

By Eleanore Myers Jewett

Author of “Wonder Tales from Tibet” and “Egyptian Tales of Magic”

Cloth, Large 12 Mo., Illustrated

This is the story of two very different girls who became friends. They began by being anything but friendly and Jane who was “new” found life in school rather unpleasant. Then came the play and the mystery of the flowers and things cleared up a bit, only to grow darker with the affair of Alys’ book. Strange that Judy, who apparently had so much to make her happy, should be envious of Jane, who had so little! Judy, however, was not so happy as might have been expected. As for Jane, troubles came her way thick and fast, and with the accident as a dreadful climax to the misunderstanding in school, it seemed as if there was nothing left for her to cling to. But Jane found that trouble, met by a brave heart, wins friends, and friends mean more than anything else.

All sorts of wonderful things happened after Judith and Jane became friends. And then the thrilling adventure that might have ended so tragically! It was a friend again who saved the day; a stranger, a borrowed nickel and—but that would be telling the tale.

“Judith and Jane,” to repeat, is a story of friendship, adventures, mischief, happy play and a surprising ending, all these things, but underneath and through them all is the story of how Judith and Jane became friends and what came of it.

The book contains four colored illustrations, is handsomely bound in special cloth, with headbands. Wrapper in three colors.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

FEODORA

By

Eleanore Myers Jewett

For girls from 12 to 16

Net $1.50

Judith and Jane again figure as leading characters in this story, though the chief center of intense interest clusters about the mysterious yet lovable Feodora.

Feodora has a secret, in fact many secrets, around which revolve many of the exciting happenings narrated in this story.

The three girls are spending the summer at a girls’ camp in northern Vermont. The competitive games with a neighboring camp and the adventures attending life in the open will hold your interest to the end.

Bound in extra cloth with cover stamped in gold and colored inlay.

Four illustrations printed in two colors, wrapper in four colors.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

VIRGINIA LEE

By

Clara Ingram Judson

Author of “Mary Jane Series,” “Junior Cook Book,” etc.

Fourteen young pupils of the Junior High School form a Travel Club. Not the least factor in the success of the Club is the cleverness of its secretary, Virginia Lee. She it is whose plans and suggestions enable the various “committees” to function properly and lead the Club to triumphant climaxes.

As it is quite necessary that Club have funds, the members decide to hold a rummage sale. From the proceeds of this sale the Club purchases a bicycle for a boy member, whose folks had met with financial reverses.

The Club also plans a Thanksgiving dinner for the poorer element of the town who live “down near the track.” For this they use the balance of their funds. Virginia helps to buy the turkey with ten dollars which she wins in a contest by her efforts as an amateur photographer.

Virginia Lee’s sweet disposition, sense of fair play and gift of real leadership are such as may be chosen as models by any girl.

Bound in extra cloth with colored inlay on cover.

Four illustrations. Wrapper in four colors.

Size 5-3/8 x 7-5/8 inches. Net $1.50

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

ALICE ANN

By

Clara Ingram Judson

Author of “Virginia Lee,” “Mary Jane Series,” “The Junior Cook Book,” etc.

Cloth, Large 12 mo., Illustrated

The many readers who have found endless delight in Mrs. Hudson’s books about charming little Mary Jane will find “Alice Ann” equally entertaining, wholesome and amusing. You who are as yet unacquainted with the author’s lively characters will thoroughly enjoy the adventures of this girl and her many friends in the neighborhood.

Alice Ann, Nancy, Jimmie, and Margaret have many happy times, and work like Trojans to accomplish the tasks they have set before them. Between picnics and school sports, their days are well filled. Then, too, they have many plans which must be completed.

There is not a dull moment in this book, and such is its charm that we feel sure that Alice Ann will soon become a fast friend.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

WELCOME BARBARA

By

Kathleen Cooney

For Girls from 7 to 10

Her name “Welcome Barbara” is explained better by Barbara herself:

“My name’s ‘Welcome Barbara’ but I’m called ‘Welcome’ most. Barbara is for my Mamma, but my Papa says he just tacked the Welcome on front ’cause that is how I was after six boys.”

“Welcome Barbara” has the faculty of making people happy and bringing sunshine into their hearts. She is full of cute expressions and the intrigue in which she involves the older folks and helps them to attain happiness is told in an admirable way in this story. It is a book that can be read by Mothers and Fathers to the younger children and we know that they in turn will derive as much enjoyment out of it as the younger folks.

“Welcome Barbara” says: “When you love folks lots you sort of want to be hurt when you have hurted them.”

Price Net $1.00

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

HAT MAY

AN ENCHANTED PRINCESS

By

Lucy Thurston Abbott

For girls from 8 to 14

NET $1.00

This charming story is concerned with the fortunes of a little girl whom a whim of Fate has placed in charge of a woman and her lame husband living on the New England coast—the Winkiepaw pair—and the woman, whom Hat May always looks upon as a cruel ogress of her imaginary fairy world, treats her very badly indeed.

The story covering Hat May’s doings is everything that a book for girls between the ages of eight and fourteen should be. The characters are skillfully drawn and true to nature; also while there is considerable pathos connected with the ill-treatment of Hat May; so too there is discovered in the telling an abundance of childish and delightful humor.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

The Rusty-Cats

A story of Hat May and her friends.

BY

Lucy Thurston Abbott

Author of “Hat May.”

(For Girls from 8 to 14)

Summer has come again to Carey Hill bringing with it the “rusticators,” or, as the Carey children are called, the “rusty-cats.” With them comes happiness to Hat May the little enchanted princess, and hope of recovery to her little crippled friend, Hank. The mystic rites of The Seven Bloody Bones baffle prying Mrs. Winkiepaw who is forced to grant more freedom to her slave, Hat May. The success of Ariel’s wonderful play, written especially for the Seven, buys a wheel-chair for Hank, and then when the summer is over, and life with the ogress becomes too hard to bear, Phin cleverly rescues Hat May and defeats the ill-tempered ogress. Can anyone guess the beautiful word which disenchants Hat May and takes her from her dreary and sordid existence to one of beauty and happiness?

Price Net $1.00

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.

PEGGY’S PRIZE CRUISE

By Kate Dickinson Sweetser

Author of “Mickey of the Alley,” “Ten Boys from Dickens,” “Ten Girls from Dickens,” etc., etc.

The Orrville News offered as a prize a Mediterranean trip to the student in the senior class of the Orrville High School who would write a synopsis of a play, with a historical theme, best suited for a five reel screen play. Paul Day wins the prize and his play has a try-out with an all-star amateur cast, and Peggy Emmons is chosen to play the lead.

Great preparations are made for the cruise and at last the day of sailing arrives. Then ensue some exciting experiences for Peggy and Paul, for Peggy’s family had also decided to take the trip, to Peggy’s great joy. The cruisers visit Madeira, Algiers, Constantinople, Cairo, Monte Carlo, etc. A good lively plot runs throughout the book, the travel information being always linked up with the action of the story.

There is a certain appealing heart interest in the book, for as you read you realize that the sights have all been seen by a real person. The author actually made the cruise, and so the story is authoritative in every detail. Miss Sweetser’s reputation as a writer of boys’ and girls’ books not only assures a worth-while story but the human touch which adds great value to her work.

Publishers: BARSE & CO. New York, N. Y., Newark, N. J.