They were gathered--the girls, not the events--round the table one night, discussing, with the deep interest befitting such an important topic, what they should wear on examination day. "_I_ think white silk jerseys and pink or blue skirts would be lovely; so pretty and so appropriate for the J. J. Club, and so nice for us to do our exercises in. Miss Orne wants us to show how well we go together, and of course we want to please her;" said Nelly taking the lead as usual in matters of taste. "Of course!" cried all the girls, with an alacrity which plainly showed how entirely the new friend had won their hearts. "I wouldn't have believed that six months could make such a difference in one's figure and feelings," said Maud, surveying her waist with calm satisfaction, though it was no longer slender, but in perfect proportion to the rest of her youthful shape. "I've had to let out every dress, and it's a mercy I'm going home, for I shouldn't be decent if I kept on at this rate;" and Julia took a long breath, proud of her broad chest, expanded by plenty of exercise, and loose clothing. "I take mine in, and don't have to worry about my buttons flying off, _a la_ Clara Peggotty. I'm _so_ pleased I want to be training all the time, for I'm not half thin enough yet," said Cordy, jumping up for a trot round the room, that not a moment might be lost. "Come, Sally, you ought to join in the jubilee, for you have done wonders, and will be as straight as a ramrod in a little while. Why so sober to-night? Is it because our dear Miss Orne leaves us to sit with Madame?" asked Nelly, missing the gayest voice of the six, and observing her friend's troubled face. "I'm making up my mind whether I'd better tell you something or not. Don't want to scare the servants, trouble Madame, or vex Miss Orne; for I know _she_ wouldn't believe a word of it, though I saw it with my own eyes," answered Sally, in such a mysterious tone that the girls with one voice cried,-- "Tell us, this minute!" "I will; and perhaps some of you can explain the matter." As she spoke, Sally rose and stood on the rug with her hands behind her, looking rather wild and queer; for her short hair was in a toss, her eyes shone large behind her round glasses, and her voice sank to a whisper as she made this startling announcement:-- "I've seen a ghost!" A general shiver pervaded the listeners, and Cordy poked her head under the sofa pillows with a faint cry, while the rest involuntarily drew nearer to one another. "Where?" demanded Julia, the bravest of the party. "On the top of the house." "Good gracious! When, Sally?" "What did it look like?" "Don't scare us for fun,"--cried the girls, undecided whether to take this startling story in jest or earnest. "Listen, and I'll tell you all about it," answered Sally, holding up her finger impressively.