They had brought out their best party frocks for the occasion and the closest chums had compared colors carefully so that they would be sure not to “clash.” Billie was to wear pale green net with a touch of pink, Laura light blue, Connie had chosen a lovely rose pink that went well with her fluffy fairness, and Vi had decided on golden yellow that made her look like a queen. Rose Belser was dressed in an expensive black frock that was far too old for her but that set off her dark prettiness admirably. There was Nellie Bane in white, and a number of other girls were in pretty frocks of varied hues. All were flushed and laughing and excited, and their happiness made every one of them pretty. “Oh, aren’t I beautiful?” cried Laura with engaging frankness as she pirouetted before the mirror. Then she turned to Billie and hugged her rapturously. “And you’re gorgeous, honey,” she cried. “I see where we don’t get even a boy apiece to-night.” The boys arrived early. It was lucky that Billie could dance with only one boy at a time—or there might not have been “enough to go around.” “I say, Billie,” Teddy cried once, waltzing her over into a corner and gazing at her wonderingly, “I never knew you could look like that. What is it, anyway? This green and pink thing?” lifting a piece of filmy net gingerly between his thumb and finger. Billie looked up impishly in his face while one foot kept time with the music. “Don’t ask _me_,” she said. “It’s because I’m so happy, I guess. Oh, come on, Teddy, let’s dance!” It was some time later that the three classmates happened to find themselves together and alone. “Desoited!” cried Laura dramatically. “Where’s yours, Billie?” “Gone to get me some ice-cream,” said Billie. “Wonderful,” cried Laura. “So has mine!” “And mine!” added Vi. They giggled happily for a minute and then Billie reached out and put an arm about each of her chums. She hugged them close, regardless of pretty frocks. “Girls,” she said contentedly, “I think I’m the very happiest girl in the world.” “Except me,” said Laura. “And me!” echoed Vi. “And to think——” she added, after they had contentedly watched the happy crowd for a few moments. “To think that in a few short weeks vacation will be here.” “Well,” said Laura decidedly, “if we have any more fun this summer than we’ve had this winter, we’ll have to go _some_!” “We shall indeed,” said Billie, happily. THE END. BILLIE BRADLEY SERIES By JANET D. WHEELER _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ 1. BILLIE BRADLEY AND HER INHERITANCE, _or The Queer Homestead at Cherry Corners_