never want for a friend as long as I live. Now run along and have a good
time. I've kept you here when you might have been dancing."

"I have loved being with you," said Grace. "I shall not tell Anne about
what was said," she added in a lower tone.

"That is right, Grace," responded Mrs. Gray. "No need of hurting the
child's feelings."

During the balance of the evening nothing occurred to discomfit either
Grace or Anne. To be sure there was a marked coolness exhibited by most of
their classmates, but David took charge of Anne and saw to it that nothing
disturbed her. Grace, who was a general favorite with the High School boys
of Oakdale, could have filled her programme three times over. She was the
embodiment of life and danced with such apparent unconcern that the mind
of more than one sophomore was divided as to whether to cleave to Miriam
or renew their former allegiance to Grace.

It was well after one o'clock when the "Home, Sweet Home" waltz sounded.
The floor was well filled with dancers, for the majority of the guests had
remained until the end of the ball. As the last strains of the music died
away the sophomores sent their class yell echoing through the gymnasium.
It was answered by the various yells of the other classes, given with true
High School fervor. Each class trying to outdo the other in the making of
noise.

Sleepy chaperons began gathering up their charges. The sophomore ball was
a thing of the past.

"These late hours and indigestible suppers are bound to break down my