“Oh, yes, indeed. It was nothing. I was so happy—with all the new things that I forgot to eat my breakfast. I shall be all ready when the other girls are. And I am so grieved to give trouble.” Helen was now quite herself again. The ammonia had done the work of restoring the temporarily impeded circulation. But Jane and Judith were not satisfied that all the story of her sudden illness had been told. It was decidedly strange that a girl should faint, right in her own room, and in the middle of the day. Still, both were too wise to press questions just then. The very best plan to be put in operation, they were deciding silently, was for all hands to be off to Wellington that very afternoon. There was some bustling about, but Miss Jordan helped, and in spite of the confusion the baggage was finally shipped successfully and on time. “Little old New York!” exclaimed Jane merrily, pressing her personal good bye on Miss Jordan. “You have been very good to the Wellington Refugees. And we thank you.” CHAPTER XII—WELLINGTON EN MASSE “Pray tell me, pretty maiden, are there any more at home like you?” This came from the spreading oak, while from the group of young pines, in a remote corner of the campus the answer wafted in vigorous girlish voices: “There are a few, and pretty too-to-too, to-oo-oo-oo.” It was the call to the incoming horde, on their first day at Wellington. Over in the hollow, known as the Lair, another contingent from the upper classes called out, rather than sang: “Sing a song of Freshies ready for the fray, Open arms, oh, Wellington, and carry them away!” A grand rush followed this challenge. The newcomers to Wellington, some timid, some brave, but all expectantly happy, were then borne away to the mysteries of college initiation—to the great world of advanced education. No hazing here, just the good-natured pranks dear to the heart of every college girl, and significant in the good fellowship established at the very outset of the broader school life. Came another shout: “Get together, all together, keep together—wow! Every little Freshie must make a pretty bow!” This was the signal for the real carrying off, for as the freshmen complied with the order “to bow” each was blindfolded, and carried off by a pair, or more, of strong arms, and quickly deposited in the gym. With that dexterity for which such pranks are chiefly remarkable, the stunt was accomplished, to the sophs being assigned the task. The pledge of college sorority restricts the publication of the actual happenings in the sacred confines of the gym on this Initiation Day, but facts not on the program may be honorably recounted. When Helen was ordered to sit down, she did so with such unexpected alacrity that she sat on the college cat—Minerva by name.