"Well, of all things!" he exclaimed, as his eyes rested on the sugared sweetmeat. Then, as he caught sight of the inscription, he added, recognizing the writing: "Buttons, I know it was your diffidence in company that prevented you giving this to Grace. So permit me to do so for you. "You see, I know both their characteristics and sentiments, Bronson," added their tormentor, as he set the candy bear, with its banner, beside Grace's plate. Merrily the others laughed, while the boy and girl most concerned blushed furiously. "Just you wait, Cotton-Top," growled Buttons. But the threat was accepted as the jest it was meant to be. Healthy young people all, the evident relish with which they ate bore eloquent testimony to the savoriness of Mrs. Markham's cooking. "Now, go into the other room and amuse yourselves," said the happy woman, when the meal was finished. But the young people refused, declaring they would wash and wipe the dishes, which they did, despite Mrs. Markham's protest. With games, singing and dancing, the evening quickly passed and, all too soon, the clock struck ten. "Oh, dear, it seems as though I'd only just come," sighed Margie. "Never mind, there'll be other nights," laughed Sandow. "Yes, indeed. I hope you'll all come around often," smiled Mrs. Markham. "Oh, wouldn't it be jolly to form a supper club," exclaimed Dorothy. "Just we eight. We can take turns meeting at each other's house, once a week." Enthusiastically the others received the idea. To Mrs. Markham, however, the suggestion was alarming, for she realized that it would tax her already straitened circumstances severely, were she obliged to provide supper for eight young people, even as often as once in two months. "I think once in two weeks would be often enough," she proposed. "Yes, I think that would be better," agreed Margie, divining the reason. "Mother said that I must give more attention to my music, if I wanted to keep on with it, and evenings are the only time to practice that I have." "Then, we'll make it every two weeks," declared Fred, with a promptness that evoked laughter from the others. "As I suggested the idea, I invite you all to my house for the next meeting," said Dorothy; and after bidding their hostess "Good-night," the young people discussed the club as they walked home. All their homes were in the center of the village, save Margie's, for which she and Fred had usually been glad. Indeed, as he walked along, the boy was anticipating the pleasure of being alone with the girl of his choice--when they were all startled to hear hurried footsteps behind them. "Look out for tricks," whispered Buttons. "This is hazing night." Quickly each boy braced himself to shield, to the best of his ability, the girl he was escorting. Suddenly, the footsteps seemed to stop. Puzzled, the boys looked at one another. "There they go, on the grass next the road!" exclaimed Buttons excitedly.