Angela followed holding tightly to Connie, who she insisted had to come with her to back her up.

“I’ll meet you in your room, Lo,” Betty called over her shoulder as she parted from the rest under the Bridge of Sighs, on her way to Mrs. Baird’s office.

Polly and Lois left Angela and Connie waiting to learn if the permission were granted before venturing to ask the Spartan, and hurried on to Senior Alley.

They found Louise and Florence in the latter’s room, studying.

They were delighted with the idea when Polly explained it to them, said they didn’t care to include any of the other Seniors, and stopped work to go up to Lois’ room and wait for Betty. They had been there only a few minutes when she burst in upon them.

“It’s all right, we can go,” she announced delightedly. “Mrs. Baird was adorable about it, she suggested that we take a couple of the older girls, and I told her we were going to ask Louise and Florence. She said that was good, and she smiled; I know she wanted to laugh when I told her we were going to ask the Spartan to chaperone.”

This was true; Betty’s face had been so cast down when she explained that Miss Hale was the only available teacher, that Mrs. Baird, who understood

girls as few women can, had difficulty in suppressing a smile.

At that moment Angela and Connie entered the room.

“She won’t go,” they announced in unison, “says she feels a cold coming on.”