Agnes fought her way as usual to the semi-leadership of her class, Trix Severn to the contrary notwithstanding. She was not quite as good friends with Eva Larry as she had been, and had soon cooled a trifle toward Myra Stetson, but there were dozens of other girls to pick and choose from, and in rotation Agnes became interested in most of those in her grade.
Tess was the one who came home with the most adventures to tell. There always seemed to be "something doing" in Miss Andrews' room.
"We're all going to save our money toward a Christmas tree for our room," Tess announced, long before cold weather had set in "for keeps." "Miss Andrews says we can have one, but those that aren't good can have nothing to do with it. I'm afraid," added Tess, seriously, "that not many of the boys in our grade will have anything to do with that tree."
"Is Miss Andrews so dreadfully strict?" asked Dot, round-eyed.
"Yes, she is—awful!"
"I hope she'll get married, then, and leave school before I get into her grade."
"But maybe she won't ever marry," Tess declared.
"Don't all ladies marry—some time?" queried Dot, in surprise.
"Aunt Sarah never did, for one."
"Oh—well——Don't you suppose there's enough men to go 'round, Tess?" cried Dot, in some alarm. "Wouldn't it be dreadful to grow up like Aunt Sarah—or your Miss Andrews?"