"The lass reached our door," said Sandy, "an' she was aboot faintin' when I lifted her in, and set her doon before the fire. An' noo, as I'm not necessary to ye're happiness," said Sandy with twinkling eyes, "I think I'll bid ye 'good night,' and be drivin' hame tae Margaret." "I'm so glad to be at home again," said Phoebe, when Sandy had gone. "I cannot tell you, Phoebe, how we've missed you," her mother answered. "Your father had to visit Boston yesterday and will be back to-morrow. When Sandy arrived with you, I was sitting here alone and wondering how long you would be willing to stay at boarding school." "I never wish to see or hear about one again," said Phoebe. I shall never be discontented again. "It was a hard lesson," said Mrs. Small, as she kissed Phoebe, "but perhaps it was a good one after all." CHAPTER X THE PARTY Randy had become a favorite among the girls at the school, and one and all declared that her frankness had been the trait which had first won their admiration. "She always means what she says," said Nina Irwin. "I value a compliment which Randy gives, for she never flatters. If she says a pleasant word, it comes straight from her heart, and her heart is warm and loving." Randy had made rapid progress in her studies, and it seemed as if her zeal increased as the months sped by. She had attended many concerts since the memorable one when she had given her single rose to Madame Valena, "and now the finest thing is yet to happen," she said in a letter to her mother. Miss Dayton had sent out invitations for a little party to be given in honor of Miss Randy Weston, and in consequence there was much excitement at the private school. To receive an invitation from Miss Dayton meant much, and Randy's friends talked of little else. "What shall you wear, Nina," asked Polly Lawrence. "Whatever mama suggests," replied Nina, with a laugh. "Because," continued Polly, "I think we ought to dress, well--in a very showy manner, for Miss Dayton." "Why, I do not see that," remarked another girl. "Miss Dayton dresses richly, but I should not say that 'showy' was a fitting word to apply to her refined taste." "Indeed!" said Polly, sharply. "Well, I shall wear my red gauze over satin, and I fancy Peggy will not choose a very simple frock for the occasion." "Just my blue silk, dear," Peggy remarked lazily, "and since you've all seen it you will not have to enthuse over it." "What do you suppose Randy will wear?" asked Peggy. "Something becoming, without a doubt," said Nina Irwin, "since everything becomes her." At this point Randy entered, and the subject of conversation changed from dress to the lessons for the day. "You always come with lessons prepared, Randy Weston," said Polly, "and you look decidedly cheerful, too." "Why shouldn't I look cheerful, if I am ready for the recitations?" asked Randy, in surprise.