Evening star., 1928-06-17
that marks the breaking up Of friend
ships, forged so strongly through the

that marks the breaking up Of friend.
ships, forged so strongly through the
year.
Il can't see why they call 1t COM
| mencement,' said Patricia mournfully
ut seems like the end of everything to
me. The only ones who will be left OF
the Nifty Nine next year are Mary
Louise, Eleanor and /. Won't 1t be
| thin!" The nine were inconclave in
their headquarters in patricia's room.
Well Mary announced, II have a
plan. think that the four Of us should
take these two adjoining rooms on the
second floor front and just plain run the
| school from our vantage point. We can
see all that goes on both outside and
in Those front windows are simply
marvellous"
oh" groaned Peggy. IT simply hate
| to think of all of you being here with
out me-"
why don't you come back, Peg?"
Dad wants me to go to Columbia
and take a secretarial course. I GER
New York now and then"
Just think of me. way over in
Florence. in a school where they speak
only French!" walled Eloise Darwin.
There was shout of laughter.
Il can picture it." said Patricia.
why, you don't even know the differ
ence between chaise and fenetre. You
will be sure to sit on the wrong one
do you know that sometimes feel
that I really have gotten very little
glory out of boarding school," It was
Lucille Marvin who spoke. "I have
been a perfect flop in athletics and, ex-
cept for you girls, no one has noticed
me to speak Of"
1aA a
Sophie Bleeckl couldn't face it,"
gasped Patricia. I'VE all love you and
we have taught you to eat meat You
have gained pounds and look perfectly
handsome. What more can you ask of
a years education? Don't be so down.
cast"
Frances Elliott had been sitting quiet
ly in the corner. listening without say
ing much Now there was a brief lull
in the conversation and she seized her
opportunity. well, girls, have sur
prise for you! am to be married
after graduation and I want you all to
be bridesmaids for me. I spent the
whole Of the Easter vacation ordering
my trousseau so that everything will
be ready"
The news was received with shouts
Of amazement and delight. why.
Franny, you little pussy cat, how did
you keep 1t all SO dark. II it had been
Louise or Pat we shouldn't have been
a bit surprised. We all know that they
have their Bob and Bunny--unless
Bunny has been recently eclipsed by the
dazzling brilliance of brass buttons?"
Mary looked interrogatively at Patricia.
who admitted nothing
'I hadn't planned to do 1t so soon"
Franny admitted, but John has been
ordered to South America by hss firm
to take charge Of some enc sering
him, you see. Mother had IT fitS when
I suggested it, but we managed to talk
her around Now that she has gotten
started she insists upon a church wed.
ding and reception and all the trim
mings."
"Oh, what funl" Patricia exclaimed.
Whatever can you do with all of us,
though. Just think of eight females
descending upon you"
That won't be any trick at all You
see I have al kinds Of relatives living
in the same town and We can park you
around I think 1t viii be lots Of fun
because several people have already
suggested entertaining for me-"
And you're going to South America!
How simply wonderful DO you think
you win lean languidly on a balcony
drened in a mantilla. waving FAM"
Hardy" laughed Franny. I'VE arc
TO be In a small town UP In the noun
tains. I doubt II I shah have much
time to play with fans"
"Oh. Franny, do tell us what kind
Of dresses we are 10 wear!" demanded
Patricia.
Il thought It would be pretty to have
you walk in pairs, each pair dressed
a1ike in shades of pink from flesh to
deep rose. Tulle, I think want you
10 carry American beauties"
But how are we ever going to have
time 10 have the dresses niade?" asked
Louise. the practical.
II have an excellent dressrnaker who
viii make them as soon as ] send your
measurements
My dear. / do believe you are an
efficiency expert TO have thought this
all oiit on such short notice"
Whatever ySn say, Lucille. do feel
that have gotten great deal out Of
boarding school," siehed Patricia. Il
never had been 10 West Point before.
nor have oIaciated at q wedding since
carried the prayer book for nv cousin
~ the rine age of 6, all done UP In
white ruffied dinitv. Seems 10 me
stumbled over my feet or tJnething,"