GOOD NEWS FROM HOME, MARIGOLD AND
MISS PAMELA VISIT MRS. BARKER
"ONLY one day more, and then it will be, 'Hurrah for the holidays!'" cried Muriel Wake, as she danced up to Marigold and Grace Long, who were holding an animated conversation in a corner of the playground.
"My dear Muriel," expostulated the elder girl, "how hot you will make yourself, if you persist in hopping about in that absurd fashion!"
"I positively can't keep still, Grace; I feel so excited at the thought of saying good-bye to school for six whole weeks. I'm one mass of nerves, as Mrs. Jones says when I tease her—poor old soul! Now, what were you two talking about?"
"About where we are going for the holidays," Grace explained. "You know I am to accompany Miss Hardcastle to Ilfracombe?"
"Yes. I don't envy you, Grace! I wouldn't for the world be under Miss Hardcastle's eye all the holidays!"
The others laughed, and Grace hastened to reply—
"Well, I would rather be with her than anyone else. You cannot imagine what a pleasant companion she is. Are you going by the seaside, too, Muriel?"
"Yes, I believe so; but it is not decided where I am to be sent yet."