“Take off that ridiculous thing,” cried Billie, jerking at the bedspread, herself weak from laughing. “And give me back my work basket, woman, before Miss Walters catches you and sends you after Amanda.” “Goodness,” said Laura, meekly handing Billie her property, “do you think she would? It may suit Amanda fine to be suspended, but I’m more comfortable the way I am.” And so the time wore on with studies and lessons and fun until the girls woke up one day to find that the summer holidays were almost upon them. Mrs. Haddon had sold the knitting machinery model to the Philadelphia concern at a price that was a fortune to her. The little white cottage had been remodeled and furnished prettily, and Polly Haddon had grown prosperous and handsome and oh, so happy. But the most remarkable thing to the girls was the change in Mary and Isabel and Peter Haddon. The children, who had been such sorry little waifs in their poverty, had grown almost beautiful in the days of their prosperity. Polly Haddon’s pride in them and their pretty clothes was almost pathetic. The North Bend girls and Connie were often visitors at the little cottage, and sometimes the boys went with them on their visits and were treated to a dinner of waffles and maple syrup that, to quote Chet, “would make an Indian’s hair curl.” And now, as the girls realized how fast the time was flying, they conceived the idea of giving a party. Not a small party, but a real one with cake and ice-cream and snappers and everything. “I wonder,” breathed Vi daringly, “if Miss Walters would mind if we should ask a few of the boys—just a very few, you know.” “There would have to be enough to go around,” interposed Billie. “I should say so!” said Connie with emphasis. “Especially as Billie is sure to have at least two of them. I want to dance with Teddy and Paul Martinson once or twice myself, my dear,” she said, eyeing the laughing Billie sternly. “And I’m quite sure dear Rose will, too—especially Teddy,” murmured Laura, maliciously. They found that Miss Walters was quite willing to let them have the party and the boys, too—provided the latter did not stay too late—and then the plans began in earnest. They sent invitations to about twenty of the boys at the Academy and the invitations were accepted promptly and eagerly. About two days before the great event, the girls decorated the two big sitting-rooms on the ground floor which Miss Walters had said they could use, and when they had finished no ballroom ever looked prettier—even the girls said so. Then at last came the morning of the great day, then the afternoon and then—the evening—and time for the girls to dress.