Meeting one or two other freshmen who joined the group, the girls dropped the subject.
Saturday dawned clear and mild. The freshmen decided to go together, and met downstairs near the big lamp in the hall. Marjorie was the last to arrive.
The girls were all dressed simply and in good taste—in summer dresses and light sweaters. It was so warm that no one wore a hat. Marjorie alone wore a dark dress, a becoming brown crepe-de-chine, which made her look tall and slender. Her hair was arranged in a long plait—none of the freshmen wore theirs up yet—and her brown eyes looked especially soft and beautiful.
The six girls were in high spirits. Marjorie, who did not expect to be invited to join, and Anna, who did not know anything about pledge-day, each thought it was lovely to be included; Doris, Ruth, Evelyn, and Mae, were each secretly sure of being one of the lucky four, but nevertheless were nervously self-conscious.
The house where the party was held was decorated with chrysanthemums and brightly colored autumn leaves, and although the day was rather mild, a cheerful fire was burning in the fireplace to dispel any indication of dampness. Ethel Todd and Frances Wright, two of the sophomores, received the girls and introduced them to the hostess and the other members of the Alumnæ who were present.
There were tables containing miscellaneous games for a progressive “Salmigundi,” and the victrola was playing a waltz. The girls took seats together on the sofa in the corner.
“Here!” said the hostess, standing before them, “this won’t do! You freshmen are the guests of honor. Each one of you is to sit at a separate table and get acquainted.”
The freshmen scattered; the hostess rang a bell and the games began.
Marjorie sat at a table where the girls speared peanuts in a bowl with hatpins. Ruth, at the table next, was endeavoring to pick up dried beans with two skewers. The games were so ridiculous that soon everyone was laughing and feeling at ease.
After the girls had progressed all around the room, the bell was rung and the score cards collected. Marjorie was surprised to be awarded the prize—a beautiful bunch of violets.