Polly's First Year at Boarding School Part 42

"Do let's sit down and rest a minute," said Mrs. Baird, dropping into one of the last pews and fanning herself with her handkerchief. "It's certainly a glorious day, but it's a very warm one, too."

Louise insisted that she could direct them sitting down as well as standing, so the rehearsal began. Polly and Lois were told how to manage the white satin ribbons, and the Seniors practiced the Commencement hymn.

"You see, my dears," Mrs. Baird explained to Polly, "the whole school marches in first, every one taking their place; they are followed by the faculty and visitors. When they are all seated you and Lois take the ribbons, which will be fastened to the last pews, and walk slowly up the aisle. You are followed by the Seniors, and you wait until they have received their diplomas and the service is over, then you follow them out, and the rest of the school follows you."

"It's just like a wedding, isn't it?" Lois questioned. "I think I understand."

Mrs. Baird smilingly agreed that it was, and they went through it once more to be sure.

"Isn't it solemn?" whispered Polly. "Look out, your ribbon's twisted."

"Thanks; now it's all right," Lois replied. "Doesn't Louise look sweet this morning?" she inquired as they separated to stand on either side of the aisle.

Polly could only nod in reply, which she did vigorously.

The Seniors walked up slowly and took their places, and after a few last words from Mrs. Baird, the rehearsal was over.

Louise walked back to school between Polly and Lois.

"I've been wondering," she began as they sauntered along the lazy village street, "whether you two would like to come and visit me for a while this summer. We have a big camp up in the Adirondacks, and I think you would have a good time. How about it?"

"Louise, you duck!" cried Polly and Lois in one breath. "We'd adore it.

Oh, what a lark!"

"My small cousin Frances is always with us in the summer, and I'm sure you'll get along famously together," Louise told them, smiling rather mysteriously, and she added emphatically: "Yes, I'm _sure_ you'll get along famously."

For the rest of the walk up the dusty hill she described the cabin in the heart of the woods, the funny guides, and spoke vaguely but frequently of Frances.

On discussing the invitation a little later after Louise had left them, Polly exclaimed:

"Won't it be a lark? I do hope we can go. Don't you love the idea?"

And Lois answered slowly:

"Yes, all except Frances. I suppose she's a nice enough girl, but I wish she wasn't going to be there."

"Why, we needn't pay any attention to her," Polly replied. "But let's find Bet. We haven't seen her all day."

They started off in search and presently found her playing with Vic (the team's mascot had been named Victor after the Field Day game, and called Vic for short), on the steps of the gym.

"h.e.l.lo!" she called, as she caught sight of them. "I've been wondering where you were."

"Why, we've been practicing with the ribbons in church," replied Polly, forgetting that Betty had not heard of them being chosen by the Seniors.

"You! Ribbons!" Betty was overcome with surprise. "Well, you might have told a fellow. Jove, you are in luck!"

"I entirely forgot you didn't know. Florence and Louise asked us last night. Isn't it wonderful? I know I'll laugh, though," confided Lois, "or cry."

"Do both," advised Betty. "I'm going to make a face at you as you go down the aisle. Stop that, Vic, you wicked monkey!" she commanded, as the mascot made a playful dab at her hair ribbon.

"What's to become of Vic this summer?" demanded Polly. "Somebody has to take care of him."

"He's ours; we found him," Betty declared. "Poor old Vic. What do you say about it?" she added, scratching the monkey's ear.

As they stood discussing his future, Vic noticed a familiar figure coming down the stable road. It was Tony, one of the Seddon Hall gardeners, and a special friend of his. He had taken care of him ever since Field Day.

As if to answer their question for them, the little monkey jumped from Betty's lap, ran swiftly along the ground, and bounded to Tony's shoulder.

"The problem is solved," laughed Betty. "Tony will take care of him.

Tony," she called, and the Italian came up to the steps, smiling sheepishly.

Of course he was delighted at the idea of having Vic to himself all summer, and promised to take the very best of care of him.

"You leave me your address," he said, "and I write sometime how he is."

So it was arranged. The three girls said good-by to their mascot, who was borne away on Tony's shoulder.

The rest of the day whizzed by on wings of excitement. Every one was everywhere at once. Visitors arrived in carriage loads. Those who were already there wandered through the halls trying to find the particular girl they wanted, and time was flying.

Uncle Roddy met Dr. and Mrs. Farwell in New York and brought them up in his car. They were all standing in the reception-room talking to Mrs.

Baird, as Polly and Lois came down the stairs.

"Why, there's your uncle, Polly, and he's with mother and dad,"

exclaimed Lois, catching sight of the three in the doorway.

They were soon exchanging greetings, and Polly had time to wonder why Bob hadn't come.

"We simply must leave you," Lois said, after they had talked for a few minutes. "We are awfully busy. You know, we are to carry the ribbons for the Seniors, and we have to be in church ahead of the rest."

"We'll meet you right after the service," called Polly, as they both disappeared down the corridor.

"Well, that was short and sweet," laughed Uncle Roddy, looking after them. "They're not overgenerous with their society, are they?"

"What a darling Polly is!" Mrs. Farwell returned. "And you say she has no other relatives besides you."

"Not one. Isn't that a dreadful responsibility for a bachelor?" Uncle Roddy replied.

"Perhaps I can help you," Mrs. Farwell said. "I would love to have her with Lois as much as possible."

The bell for the guests to go to church interrupted their conversation, and they went outside to find the motor.

The Commencement exercises were a great success. The Seniors all looked beautiful and made their relatives and friends very proud of them. Polly and Lois managed the Ribbons without any trouble and added greatly to the dignity of the scene.

Once during the chaplain's short address they caught Betty's eye just as he said "certainly not," and they almost laughed. It was a terrible moment, but the loud "amen" that soon followed saved the day and gave them a chance to snicker without being noticed.

"I'll kill Bet for that," whispered Polly, as they walked sedately down the aisle after the Seniors at the close of the service.

But the excitement of leaving made her forget her threat, when fifteen minutes later she and Lois and Betty met in the latter's room.