“Thanks,” Janet mumbled.
“My name is Hillory Lee, and I’m a Senior,” she went on; but a rippling laugh interrupted her.
“A Senior, just one day old. Come now, Poppy, don’t put on airs. You’re not old enough.”
“A dear little, new little, Senior, all filled up with dignity,” another voice teased.
Poppy—Hillory Lee was always called Poppy—led the laugh that followed, and then suddenly the girls gathered around the twins, introducing themselves and talking with a fine disregard of one another.
The dinner gong silenced them, and out of the confusion a double line formed down the length of the room. Phyllis and Janet were shown their places along with the rest of the new girls.
Poppy, as the president of the senior class, stood on the top of the steps that led to a small stage at the end of the room.
“You all must come to order, and please go down very quietly to the hall,” she said a little shyly; but no one attempted to tease her. She represented Hilltop as she stood on the stage, and they one and all gave her instant obedience.
The dining hall was under the ballroom of the first floor. Deer heads decorated the wall, with other trophies of the chase. A huge fireplace ran along the side of one wall. The mantel was filled with big silver loving cups.
Janet and Phyllis were to learn their importance in the life of the school as the year progressed. Just at present they could not take in details. They were too busy trying to sort their first impressions.