Many a girl has asked: “Why do they call it commencement when it is really the end?” If they have not found out why, I am not going to tell the secret. But one thing I have found out is this: Never in after life do we ever feel quite so important as we do when that day has been reached upon our life’s calendar.
It was no exception at Sunny Bank, and when the fifth of June dawned that year it found a busy, bustling household. No, I am not telling the exact truth: it was not when it dawned, but fully three hours later, and then began the hurry-scurry which continued till all were assembled in chapel to listen to the opening prayer of the good man who had for many a year opened the Sunny Bank commencement exercises.
He had grown old in faithful service in Montcliff, and was beloved and revered by all.
It is of no use for me to tell you all about those exercises; to an outsider they were exactly like many others that had taken place before; to the girls themselves they were unique, and stood out pre-eminent above all others. Everybody was there who had the smallest excuse for being, and just how happy six bodies were I will leave you to learn from what follows.
The exercises were to take place in the evening, and all day long relatives and friends of the girls arrived thick and fast. Among the first was Toinette’s father. “Couldn’t wait till evening, you see,” he cried, as he met Toinette at the railway station. “Yes, it is all settled; I got them by a lucky chance at the very last moment.”
“Did you say anything to Mr. Burgess about it?” asked Toinette.
“No, I have not seen him; daresay he has had his hands full since the first. We’ll speak to Miss Preston first, and then call at the Burgess’ and tell them.”
“How perfectly splendid! Oh, daddy, you are a perfect wonder! How do you ever manage to fetch things about so successfully?”
“Because I have found a wonderful incentive to spur me on,” he answered as he handed her into the carriage which was waiting for them, and they whirled off up the hill.
“And you will stay here till after the wedding, won’t you?” asked Toinette, snuggling close to his side and slipping her arm through his.