“I was counting on the usual time, but why didn’t I think of it? Well, it can be posted. Why wouldn’t it do to go right from the class day exercises to the society hall. It will be appropriate then. We have asked Patty to make a little speech and present the diplomas; then we’ll serve lemonade and cake and ice cream. The juniors will see to it while we are having our other exercises. They are rather short this year.”
“I think that will be a good idea, Hilary,” said Eloise. “The class day exercises will probably take only an hour and a half. We could have the society reception from four to six.”
“So we could. We’d better arrange it that way. I’ll call a meeting of the executive committee Monday.”
On Monday, as it happened, another and more important matter came up. As Cathalina sat calmly eating her cereal breakfast, a note was passed to her. “Mercy me!” she exclaimed as she read. “Listen to this, girls.”
Betty, Hilary and Lilian, who sat nearest, looked up with interest.
“‘Dear Cathalina: Edith Lane has measles! You will have to be Helena. Please let me see you right after breakfast.—P. Norris.’ Now isn’t that like Patty? Takes it for granted that I will do it because it is to be done. Lilian, you are as tall as I am, you do it.”
“No, I’m not quite as tall, but I don’t think it makes so much difference for that reason as that I already have a part and have learned my lines.”
“So have I.” Cathalina’s lips were curling in amusement, however, as she reflected on her prominent part as first fairy. “How can she expect me to learn a part in a week?”
“We haven’t any lessons,—that is one thing,” suggested Hilary. “You can do it, Cathalina. You have heard the play several times.”
“Yes, I am familiar with the play,” said Cathalina, “but Helena has a good deal to say, if I remember. I know four lines of hers: